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.
Tracksmith Eliot Running Shoe
Tracksmith debuts its first-ever running shoe: the handsome and streamlined Eliot ($198). Inspired by the delight that runners find on “pine needle-covered trails and woodchip paths,” the Eliot is “soft, resilient, and responsive.” The Eliot fits right in with Tracksmith’s classic monochrome designs, with subtle golden thread accents and a thin rear racing strip. A limited run of the Eliot will be available in November, but stoked runners can reserve them today.
Vollebak Off Grid Shirt
Inspired by Egyptian mummies, this shirt uses natural fibers that are, “naturally resistant to bacteria and mildew.” Vollebak’s $345 long sleeve is partly made from the stalks of a nettle plant, and the pale purple color comes from blueberry-based dye. Based on the concept of “in situ resource utilization,” the Off Grid Shirt represents the human capacity for practical and simplified engineering. After the shirt has been dyed, the folks at Vollebak implement an ancient Japanese technique called Ōmi sarashi, which involves “kneading it like dough, to create a soft, strong and rugged texture with natural wrinkles.” Fun!
Janji Neon Runterra Bio Long Sleeve
Neon green is the brightest shade of green on the color wheel, and it’s also the basis of Janji’s latest running gear collection. In collaboration with Chile-based artist Yaikel, the all-neon Super H20 collection includes a lightweight cap, a sports bra, shorts, socks, and a bold graphic Runterra long sleeve ($72, pictured). Made from biodegradable synthetic materials, the Runterra shirt aims to combine the moisture and odor control of polyester with the comfort and versatility of cotton. It’s available in men’s and women’s versions.
RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler
What weighs 13.4 pounds and dramatically improves a camping trip? If you answered the new 32L QT Cooler from RTIC ($160), you are correct — though we also would have accepted “large watermelon.” Unlike a melon, however, the QT cooler can hold up to 48 12-ounce cans. We’ve done the research; 13.4 pounds is exceptionally light for a cooler of this size. For a limited time, every purchase of the RTIC 32 QT Cooler comes with an internal basket and divider.
Pearl Izumi x Looptworks Upcycle Handlebar Bag
Not long ago, cyclists had to create their own storage systems if they wanted to hit the road for multiple days. Now, we’re living in a golden age of ready-made bikepacking gear. Pearl Izumi’s new collaboration with Looptworks delivers the Upcycle Handlebar Bag ($60), a compact and detachable 1.7L unit. The bag’s zippered main compartment opens up to four interior drop pockets. When it comes time to park the bike and continue on foot, the Upcycle converts to a fanny pack.
Costa Sunglasses Jose PRO
These sunglasses are named in honor of the late Jose Wejebe, a legendary fisherman known for his ESPN show Spanish Fly. Costa launches the Jose Pro to “promote inclusivity in the fishing community.” The Jose Pro frames come with adjustable nose pads, sweat management channels, and a rubber side shield that keep light from leaking in. Two frame colors and five polarized lens tones are available.
Kitsbow Women's Fit Icon Shirt
Flannel season is here. North-Carolina-made brand Kitsbow has created a new women’s fit for its bomber Icon Shirt ($233). The new Ample Athletic Fit for women (sizes XS-2XL) won’t leave the chest gaping open, or the waist too baggy, or the hem too long, Kitsbow promises. It’s everything from the OG Icon but with a fit that it considers “ample and athletic.” If this new fit (one of four Kitsbow offers) solves problems in women’s flannels, you can bet we’ll be wearing the Icon this fall, in one of Kitsbow’s seven plaids and colors.
Obscure Gear Chalk Bags
Support independent artists, and get rad gear at the same time. Handmade by climber enthusiast Chris Phelps in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Obscure Gear is all about making chalk bags and buckets from upcycled materials. He makes all the bags with scrap, thrifted, or synthetic materials (vegan-friendly!). Each bag has belt loops, an inner compartment with a cinch cord, grommet, and patch logo. Find them on Instagram or locally in Oklahoma.
