A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid below or click through for a slideshow.
Boosted Rev Scooter
Boosted, a brand that creates high-quality electric skateboards, sets its sights on the booming scooter scene with the Rev. A dual-wheel-drive scooter, the Rev, $1,599, can travel 22 miles on a single charge and reach 24 mph. And don’t expect it to compare to those Bird and Lime scooters across the U.S. — Boosted calls the Rev “vehicle-grade.” The Rev uses wide custom wheels for a variety of terrain, has three riding modes, and can climb a 25-percent-grade hill with ease. Is the Boosted Rev the solution to the rising public scooter trend? Check out the complete specs and reserve one now on Boosted’s site.
Rubicon Expedition Products 'Hitch Tent'
Pull up to the campsite and unfold your tent from the hitch of your car with the Rubicon Hitch Tent. The Hitch Tent from Rubicon Expedition Products fits rooftop tents onto your hitch. This innovation reduces wind interference and enables motorists to still access the roof of their car for hauling bikes or storing more gear. Rubicon Expedition Products crafts the Hitch Tent in the USA with hot-rolled A36 steel and CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum. It fits onto 2-inch hitches and accommodates most two- and three-person canvas-style RTTs.
DJI Osmo Action Camera
Drop into your next mountain bike run and record it all with the latest competitor to GoPro, the Osmo. Drone giant DJI enters the action sports market with a first-person action cam that has two screens: one in the back and one in front beside the lens. This makes selfie videos easier. Yet it still has the touchscreen technology commonly found on the backs of action cams. DJI aims to compete with GoPro’s Hypersmooth with what it calls RockSteady. Read the whole scoop in our article about the $349 Osmo, available May 22.
G7 POD Inflatable Portaledge
Imagine this: You climb all day and get ready for bed on the side of the mountain. You pull out your portaledge from your backpack and begin to inflate it. Yes, there will soon be an inflatable portaledge on the market — the G7 POD. This wacky piece of climbing gear has been tested by experienced big-wall climbers, has ballistic reinforcements in high-abrasion zones, and weighs only 3.3 pounds. That’s crazy light. The G7 POD is on Kickstarter now for $285 early bird.
Sonic X RV
Spend Memorial Day, and then the week after, and then maybe the entire year in the Sonic X from KZ Recreational Vehicles, an RV that runs indefinitely. With 1,000W solar panels and nine lithium-ion batteries, the Sonic X would be able to run endlessly, according to the brand. While the Sonic X is just a concept, this solar-powered RV makes some big claims. Further, the Sonic X is carbon fiber and carries a secondary “infinite” water system that filters from any source, be it rivers, lakes, or ponds. The Sonic X made its debut at RVX. Learn more on the product page.
Turbowheel Lightning
Would you go 40 mph on an electric scooter? The Turbowheel Lightning lets riders hit the throttle and fly — talk about fast! But it’s not just a motor that lets the Turbowheel Lightning zip. With front and rear swingarm suspension, the Lightning bounces over bumps and off-roads with ease. Rounding out the build is a 52V lithium-ion battery that can propel scootists for 44 miles. It charges in 4 hours with a rapid charger and operates with three power modes. The Turbowheel Lightning costs $1,690.
New Balance FuelCell 5280
Increased speed via a new shoe design is the goal with the New Balance FuelCell 5280. The elite running shoe, announced today, has a carbon-fiber plate “designed to flex and accept the runner at initial contact and stiffen for superior propulsion at toe-off.” Further, its midsole foam has the highest rebound properties yet released by the brand. It’s made race-ready with a lightweight knit upper and a price tag pegged at $200 when the FuelCell comes to market later this year.
Climbalytics
Train smarter, and harder, with the Climbalytics data-tracking wristband. With a design much like the Fitbit, Climbalytics straps onto a climber’s wrist. While you climb, the Climbalytics wristband tells you your grade, height climbed, attempts, sends, flashes, climbing history, and more route information. It detaches automatically if snagged on the plastic. Climbalitycs integrates directly with a specific gym and the setters that put up the routes. It seems Climbalytics is still undergoing some testing, but climbers are using it in a select number of gyms.
Chaco x Landmark Project
Only you can explore Smokey the Bear’s 75-year anniversary collaboration with Chaco. The Landmark Project teamed up with Chaco to release a collection of sandals, shirts, and hats. The gear highlights the mascot of The Landmark Project, Smokey the Bear. Included is the iconic slogan, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” Chaco intends to increase awareness of wildfire prevention with the collection. You can shop for products in the collab here and learn about campfire safety here.
State Bicycle Co. 4130 Road
State Bicycle Co., maker of affordable steel single-speed bikes, releases its first geared option. Dubbed the 4130 Road, it uses a steel frame, 1×8 shifting, mid-reach brakes, and clearance for tires up to 32c. The 4130 Road weighs 22 pounds 10 ounces and, the best part, costs only $550. Check out State’s first road bike here, available in “Americana” and Black & Metallic.
Rainbow Mountain Merrells
Inspired by the beautiful Montaña de Siete Colores (Rainbow Mountain) of Peru, Merrell goes all out in color for its Rainbow Mountain collection. The men’s Nova and women’s Antora trail runners have flashy colors and established Merrell shoe tech. With QForm 2 stability and Vibram outsoles, these shoes are made for varying trails. Merrell worked with Peruvian artist Ilustronauta to create the wild shoes.
Buck Knives 842 Sprint Ops Pro
Buck Knives releases a flashy blade with the 842 Sprint Ops Pro. Made with Cerakote Graphite Black-coated S30V steel and a tie-dye blue and black G10 handle, this knife is sure to turn heads. It uses Buck’s new ball bearing tech found in its Sprint Series for smooth and efficient opening with a reduction in friction. The knife retails for $150, but it’s discounted to $125 at Blade HQ right now.
