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.
Kanga Running Shirt
According to founder Brandon Gardner, the Kanga shirt ($45) is designed to help you focus on the run, not the stuff. Like a cycling jersey, it’s made of lightweight materials and features three pouch-like stash pockets on the back. But the difference is in the details: The Kanga has panels of stretch material and strategically placed pockets (specifically for soft flasks, layers, a headlamp, and more). The Kanga hybrid shirt-vest launched on Kickstarter this week.
Titanium Hotplate Grill
Septem’s Titanium Hotplate Grill (now $37) is one of the sleekest cooktops we’ve seen yet. The grill-hotplate combo is meant to be an ultralight solution for those who cook outside. The hotplate is made of pure, non-corrosive titanium, with one side for heating and boiling and a slotted grill side for open-flame cooking. It’s completely flat — just 2 mm thick — and comes in small and large sizes. It launched on Kickstarter this week and has already hit its goal. Preorder yours now.
Rumpl Fleece Blanket
Rumpl’s new Fleece Blanket is lightweight, machine-washable, and as cozy as you’d expect. Rather than use insulation, Rumpl broke out a single-layer, high-pile fleece fabric for this blanket. Like other Rumpls, it has a cape clip on the rim — making it easier to wear for warmth whether camping or waiting out a winter storm at home. Best of all, for a Rumpl, it’s a bargain at $59.
Chaco Chillos 'Sport'
If anything saw a comeback in 2020, it was the humble Croc. Building on its Chaco Chillos last year, Chaco is running with the rubber shoe craze with its Chillos Sport ($55). With a heel strap, the Chillos Sport offers more support than a regular sandal. The upper has a Z-strap configuration like the regular Chacos we all know and love. Chaco also made sure to give this sandal extra sportiness with its high-abrasion traction outsole. More colors will hit shelves on Feb. 22.
Simms SolarFlex Hoody
Simms is catering to female anglers with its latest fishing layer. The Women’s SolarFlex Hoody ($70) is made with a lightweight, airy fabric that Simms says “promotes casting mobility and comfort.” The SolarFlex Hoody is quick-drying, fast-wicking, and has an anti-odor treatment and a UPF 50 rating.
Benchmade Bugout 535-3
The newest iteration of the beloved Benchmade Bugout is here. The Bugout 535-3 Carbon Fiber ($300) has an all-new combo of S90V super stainless steel, a milled carbon fiber handle, and blue anodized hardware. The knife has a drop-point blade, an ambidextrous AXIS locking mechanism, and a lightweight carry clip. The knife weighs 2 ounces.
ENO SuperNest Backyard Hammock
ENO’s spring collection includes the SuperNest Hammock and an accompanying SoloPod XL stand. The SuperNest ($300) — yes, it’s as fun as it sounds — measures 8 x 4 feet, which is big enough for a 6-foot-plus man to lie down and siesta in. The SuperNest hammock contours to the body in two directions and has a UV-resistant fabric with a breathable mesh lining as well as marine-grade hardware to protect it from weather.
BioLite Charge PD Series
Biolite’s Charge PD series (from $30) is a portable powerbank series designed to deliver fast and efficient charging to devices. The Charge PD has one USB-C port and two USB-A ports, plus a quick-charge mode. The design’s USB-C port allows for charging up to 18 W, more than three times faster than a traditional USB port. It comes in the following sizes: Charge 20 PD (6,000 mAh), Charge 40 PD (10,000 mAh), and Charge 80 PD (20,000 mAh). The Charge PDs are compliant with FAA carry-on standards.
Trango Rock Prodigy Pivot
In honor of its 30th anniversary, Trango has completely redesigned its popular Rock Prodigy Pivot training tool ($120). The Pivot has three components: a left-hand board, a right-hand board, and a “Quad Cleat” mounting bracket. (See the old Rock Prodigy Pivot here.) The Pivot has 27 distinct training grips: 11 types of pockets, 10 edges/slopers, and a gaston grip. A new Pivot training app will also be dropping next week for both iPhone and Android.
Headsweats Apparel Line
Headsweats, as you can expect, sells hats, headbands, and other head-focused accessories. But now the brand is moving into outfitting the rest of our bodies with its first full apparel line. The Active Line (from $20) includes sweat-wicking tees, tank tops, workout tights, shorts, and, of course, sweat-wicking hats. The apparel items are made with REPREVE recycled fabric made from plastic bottles. We’re testing the apparel right now, so look out for our review.
PowderOut Gloves
A new company to market, PowderOut makes some stylish accessories. Its signature PowderOut Glove ($35) prevents snow from getting inside your glove with its attached sleeve. The gloves are water-resistant, with 40 g of Thinsulate insulation, touchscreen capability, a zippered pocket for handwarmers, and an adjustable cord. Through the social micro-loan platform Kiva, PowderOut uses 10% of each sale to fund individuals in regions of Africa, Polynesia, and South America — places where the brand gets its design patterns from.
Snow Peak x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio
Snow Peak collaborated with New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio to create the New Balance R C4 Mid ($140). It has a minimalist, fashion-forward design yet is packed with outdoor tech. The shoe has a CORDURA ripstop upper, a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane, a magnetic FIDLOCK buckle closure, ABZORB cushioning, and a luggy Vibram outsole. The shoe is finished with webbing, reflective laces, and a neoprene tongue and collar. The shoe will release online tomorrow.
