Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket and Pants
OR adds to its Helium shell collection with the Helium Rain Jacket ($159) and Pants ($119). These have Outdoor Research’s new Diamond Fuse technology and 30-denier nylon, which together make the Helium Rain five times more tear-resistant than the Helium II. The jacket has fully taped seams and weighs 6.3 ounces. The pants also have sealed seams, reflective logos, and weigh just 5.4 ounces.
Hobie El Matador Polarized Sunglasses
Hobie’s new 2020 shades are built specifically for better performance while fishing. The El Matador sunglasses ($100) are polarized and have retracting side shields that help reduce unwanted peripheral light. The El Matadors also have co-molded rubber temple tips, a hydrophobic coating, and are prescription lens-compatible. The Hobie El Matadors have a TR-90 frame (with a medium-to-large fit) and come in five colors.
Post Carry Co. Frame Pack
Slim, purposeful, and water-resistant, Post Carry Co’.s new Frame Pack ($80) provides an option to carry just what you need on long-distance rides and light touring. The Bay Area brand designed the pack with minimal straps and a rigid construction — tapered from wide to narrow — that the brand says provides a stable, sway-free fit. It has a zippered stash pocket, reflective graphics, and more.
Wolf Tooth ToolCash Wallet
Wolf Tooth’s new ToolCash Wallet is a great one-stop storage accessory for small bike gear. The ToolCash ($45) is a combination tool “cache” and wallet that can hold two cards, pliers, a bike tool, patch kit, and whatever else you want to carry — as long as it will fit in the sleek, 1.9-ounce, tri-fold design. It’s made with abrasion-resistant poly and poly mesh, with an aluminum hook closure.
QAOU Beluga Tent
The QAOU Beluga tent (from $173) has the ability to work as a tent, tarp, hammock, shelter, and more to adapt to any outdoor adventure. What’s particularly unique is the materials: The tent is made from recycled plastic (125 plastic bottles on average) and uses no dyes. The QAOU Beluga tent was made by a French startup focused on eco-friendly camp gear and is already 300% funded on Kickstarter.
Under Armour HOVR Phantom 2 Trainer
The HOVR Phantom 2 ($150) is Under Armour’s latest foray into performance shoes — the Phantom 2s are built to provide a better feel and performance for those pursuing longer-mileage runs. The Phantom 2s have an engineered upper, compression mesh, more cushioning, and a 9mm offset. They also have connected footwear benefits like training plans via MapMyRun.
Junipers Quick-Dry Bikini
The Juniper Bikini (from $119) is made from RecoTex, a quick-drying fabric made of a blend of 91% post-consumer recycled bottles and 9% spandex with a DWR finish. The Juniper was designed for women who want a technical swimsuit that stays put when recreating and dries faster than others on the market (drying in 15 mins or less). The bottoms also have a hidden key loop and snap back pocket. Junipers are made at a female-owned factory in the U.S.
Airpower Wearbuds Pro Watch
The Wearbuds Pro offers a handy tech solution for those who want to charge their wireless earbuds on the go without carrying extra accessories. The Wearbuds Pro (from $89 on Indiegogo) is a set of true wireless earbuds and a fitness band with integrated charging. The Wearbuds Pro earbuds have a Graphene dynamic driver, Bluetooth, a color HD display, and a metal case. These will be available starting August 4 for $89.
NOBO Dog Leash
This dog leash has a lot of features to help make your life and your pets’ lives easier. The NOBO leash ($50) is made with a durable climbing rope material and has a quick release, a screw-lock carabiner, and a dog bag dispenser integrated into the handle. The components are made from anodized aluminum.
LifeStraw Go Bottle 1L
LifeStraw’s Go bottle is now finally available in a larger 1L size! The Life Straw Go 1L ($45) is a BPA-free water filter bottle convenient for day hiking, camping, travel, and more. Simply fill the bottle — no pumping required. The LifeStraw Go uses a membrane filter to remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, and organic chemical matter.
Injinji x Bedrock Performance Split-Toe Socks
Stay warm even when rocking the socks and sandals look with the Injinji x Bedrock Performance Split-Toe Socks ($19). Injinji collaborated with Bedrock Sandals to make this performance, midweight, split-toe sock with a padded heel and midweight cushioning. The socks are made with 33% Coolmax, 65% nylon, and 2% Lycra.
Converse x Rokit Footwear
The Converse x Rokit Pro Leather Ox shoe ($110) combines influences of the L.A. skate scene with basketball culture and iconic ’90s style. The Pro Leather model is an updated take on the classic court-to-street sneaker and has a leather upper with a clear egret outsole, foam drop-in sock liner, and Rokit and Converse branding.
