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.
Merrell x Unlikely Hikers Collab Hiking Shoe
Merrell’s latest collab isn’t with another brand, but with Jenny Bruso’s Unlikely Hikers, a diverse community of underrepresented outdoorspeople. The Unlikely Hikers x Zion Mid Waterproof Shoe ($160) has a Vibram Megagrip outsole, a waterproof membrane, and a removable insole. Plus, Merrell said it will release the hikers in wide widths and hard-to-fit sizes (sizes 5-16) “because one size doesn’t fit all.”
EVO Gym
This “gym in a bag” just launched on Kickstarter. The EVO Gym ($157) lets you lift, pull, push, and extend in all sorts of exercises you’d commonly need a full gym to perform. The heart of the EVO is its baseplate with a rubber deck and aluminum support arms. Simply stand on the base, attach the resistance bands and the bar or handles, and you’re set. The bars even store inside the unit.
Simms Classic Guide Waders
Simms’ 2021 Guide Classic Collection includes these spiffy new waders. The Guide Classic Waders ($450) are made with GORE-TEX three-layer waterproof-breathable fabrics and anatomically engineered neoprene “stockingfeet.” The waders also have a reach-through handwarmer chest pocket, reinforced lower legs, and built-in gravel guards. They’re made in the USA.
BOTE Zeppelin Inflatable Kayak
Launched this week, BOTE’s Zeppelin ($1,099) is its most versatile inflatable kayak to date. It boasts a self-draining hull, a removable floor chamber, and an optional tandem configuration. The BOTE Zeppelin also has a 600-pound weight capacity, integrated tie-down points, and an accessory mounting point. For a limited time, buy the Zeppelin, and you’ll also get an additional Aero Paddle Seat for free so you can go tandem.
NordicTrack Vault
Fitness equipment-maker NordicTrack expands its strength training offerings with a futuristic new platform. The Vault ($2,999) may just look like a heavy mirror, but it’s much more. It’s an interactive home gym complete with an arsenal of weights, workout accessories, the iFit interactive platform, and “state-of-the-art reflective training” (think: smart mirror). The Vault’s iFit offers strength training, HIIT, yoga exercises, and more. Learn more here.
Scosche Rhythm+2.0 HR Armband
Debuted at this year’s virtual CES, Scosche’s Rhythm+2.0 optical HR sensor armband has some major updates. The Rhythm+2.0 ($80, available soon) is a dual ANT+/ Bluetooth Smart optical HR sensor with a 24-hour battery life. And Scosche added an IP68 rating and improved the accelerometer for accuracy. There’s also a charging case in addition to the standard charging clip. The Rhythm+2.0 comes in five colors.
Eureka Kohana Camping Tent
New for 2021, Eureka’s Kohana camping tent ($250-350) is a comfortably designed three-season car camping tent. The Kohana has a mesh canopy, a durable rainfly, aluminum poles, double doors and vestibules, and a peak height of 4 feet 8 inches. And it’s relatively lightweight (for a family car camping tent), with a minimum trail weight around 9 pounds. This tent is available in four- and six-person models.
Gripedo Training Tool
Grip it, twist it, pull it, even hang from it — the Gripedo is one of the most versatile workout accessories we’ve seen. A unique grip strength tool, the Gripedo ($90 on sale) can be slid onto a barbell, plunged into a bucket of sand, or hung from a rack. It allows the user to add weight/resistance and build hand and forearm strength through a variety of different workouts.
Kershaw Taskmaster 2
Kershaw’s newest rendition of its Taskmaster Saw arrives for 2021. The Taskmaster Saw 2 ($50) is a portable, packable, manual folding saw with a 7-inch serrated high-carbon stainless steel blade, nickel plating, and an improved glass-reinforced nylon handle with rubber inserts for better grip. Another update to the pocket saw is a push-button lock that folds the blade within the handle. The Taskmaster 2 will be available soon.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Running Shoe
Mizuno is out with the 17th edition of its Wave Inspire series. The brand updated the Wave Inspire 17 ($135) with a TPU fan-shaped wave plate, Mizuno’s ENERZY foam, a wider outsole gauge for medial midfoot stability, and a new Micro Blown Rubber and X10 Rubber outsole. The latest upgrade should give the Wave more cushioning and make it a more responsive ride.
PWR Dually AWD Bike
A unique player coming to market, the PWR Dually ($2,999) is an all-wheel-drive, fat tire e-bike. The Dually uses dual 500W hub drive motors for AWD performance with the benefits of traction control. It’s got an aluminum-alloy frame, a grip throttle, Shimano components, and a digital speed/battery display. The Dually can go up to 28 mph with a range up to 45 miles.
Nordica Speedmachine Ski Boots
Nordica’s Speedmachine Elite Boots ($900) have a 115-130 flex and 100mm last, Nordica’s Tri-Force shell construction, infrared technology, and a spiffy new customizable natural cork liner. We’ve been testing them and are really impressed with the fit and feel of the narrower 100mm last. The boots have a comfortable yet rigid fit and perform great on the downhill.
