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.
HERO Portable Charcoal Grill
The HERO Grill system ($140) brings a lot to the table: It packs down to the size of a laptop, has a nonstick surface, and uses low-emission charcoal pods to cook. The pods are even compostable and come in a recycled cardboard container. The single-use pods are $10 each, though, so if you grill a lot, this might not be the most sustainable grill. That said, the portability and easy-clean setup are lovely perks. The HERO Grill system comes with the grill, a case, a charcoal pod tray, a cutting board, and a spatula.
Osprey Kamber & Kresta Ski/Snowboard Packs
Ready to head to the hills but don’t need a full avi kit while riding inbounds? Osprey’s new Kamber 16 and Kresta 14 Packs ($100) feature a snowshed back panel, insulated hydration sleeve, and goggle pocket all wrapped up in a low-profile bag. The pack also has horizontal snowboard carry and diagonal ski carry capabilities. Wear it on the lifts and inbounds to keep your snacks and hydration handy. Best of all, the pack won’t break the bank at $100.
Nike ACG Air Terra Antarktik Winter Boot
Nike is hoping to ring in on not only fashion but warmth with its latest boot. The ACG Air Terra Antarktik ($220) is marketed as a “jacket for your foot,” with a GORE-TEX lining and waterproof ripstop nylon upper to keep your feet warm and dry in all conditions. As expected, the shoe comes in a heap of awesome color combos. But you may have to get in line for this shoe, which will start shipping this week.
Polaris 2020 Slingshot Pro Star 2.0L
Polaris’ newest road vehicle will make motorheads drool. The Slingshot Pro Star 2.0L is a big upgrade on previous trike models: the new Slingshot has AutoDrive transmission, a four-cylinder engine with up to 203 horsepower, two drive modes, a fully redesigned interior, and upgraded suspension. Plus, you can customize your build almost any way you want. The Slingshot retails for $26,499 and up — a cool motor vehicle with a crazy price tag.
Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra
Under Armour is hoping to make big strides in women’s apparel with its latest bra technology. The Infinity Sports Bra ($40) has a unique, injection-molded figure-8 pattern that is supposedly better for support and more aerodynamic during movement. UA developed the sports bra after applying motion sensors to female athletes and recording movement data, and tailored it for medium-support activities. Other than the new tech, the bra has zoned cooling panels within the fast-wicking fabric. UA also offers the bra in low ($35) and high ($60) styles.
BenQ Waterproof-Breathable Fabric
BenQ is known for its technology products, including projectors. But BenQ Materials this month goes up against GORE-TEX with its new Xpore textile. It touts a better waterproof-breathable product made with a polyolefin membrane that sets “a new standard for eco-friendliness.” That includes a nontoxic, PFC-free membrane produced in a solvent-free process. It has billions of pores per square inch for breathability, and a 20K water column stat to rival competitors in the space. Look for it in outerwear this year and next.
Sage Powerline Trail Bike
There are plenty of race and trail bikes out there, but what about a successful crossover? The Sage Powerline bike is a hybrid for both race and trail. These bikes usually differ in wheelbase, fork length, and head tube. The Sage Powerline has an oversized head tube, clearance for 29 x 2.5-inch tires, and is dropper-post ready. Sage Powerline builds — starting with a 3/2.5 titanium-alloy frame and Shimano hardware — are available from $3,100.
prAna Zogger Pant
PrAna’s latest jogger is for active men looking for simple, easy-care apparel. The prAna Zogger ($79) is made with prAna’s popular Zion pant fabric, but with extra anti-wrinkle powers. The pants feature ventilated inseam gussets, mesh pockets, cargo pockets with button closures, and a UPF 50+ rating. We aren’t sure about the pant’s compatibility for climbing and mountain biking, but we love it as an option for general outdoor travel.
Gerber Doubledown Folding Machete
One of Gerber’s latest tools that premiered at the SHOT Show this past week is the Doubledown Machete ($120). It combines the functionality of a knife, machete, and hatchet into a chassis the size of a flashlight. The Doubledown has a full 6.75-inch blade made with 420HC steel and can be quickly resharpened in the field. The Doubledown Machete will be available online in June 2020.
Yuba Bicycles Pop Top Cover
Yuba Bicycles’ 2020 products are very exciting for bikers across the nation. Along with a newly designed cargo bike, Yuba launched the Pop Top Cover ($200), a longtail cargo bike rain and snow cover for kids. The Pop Top Cover shields tiny passengers from rain, snow, and wind with its aluminum pole and weather-resistant fabric construction. The cover also has front and rear windows and easy-open side panels.
Knog Bilby Headlamp
Melbourne-based Knog is the latest player in the headlamp industry. Its Bilby headlamp ($39 early bird) aims to offer the most power output for the least weight. The headlamp has a max output of 400 lumens and an array of light settings including a wide beam, spot beam, red light, reading light, and more. It’s also got a very different look from other headlamps on the market, with a silicone headband strap. The Knog Bilby is waterproof and USB-rechargeable.
Front Runner Outfitters Defender Roof Rack
Front Runner’s latest roof tech includes the 2020 Defender Rack, which will come out later this month. The Defender Rack is modeled after the brand’s Slimline II rack, a sturdy powder-coated aluminum and stainless steel rack and legs with a mounting kit and dimensions specific to the 2020 Land Rover Defender. The price for the new rack hasn’t been announced yet, but we’re guessing it will run you $1,200-1,600.
