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.
66North Kria Collection
66North’s new Kria Collection isn’t extensive, but still, we’re excited. Of the six new products, we’ve got our eye on the unisex Kria Polartec Fleece Jacket ($250), with stretchy Polartec fleece, Polartec shell on the shoulders, a patch pocket, and an adjustable hem. The entire new collection is crafted out of leftover Polartec shell and fleece fabrics from last year’s products, ensuring less materials end up in the trash.
Granite Gear x Enwild Crown 2 Pack
Granite Gear and Enwild have partnered to create this limited-edition Crown 2 60L pack. The Crown 2 ($200) has Granite Gear’s lightweight VC Mark 2 frame, lightweight suspension, a dual-density shoulder strap and removable sternum strap, a roll-top main compartment, 210-denier ripstop nylon fabric, DWR-treated zippers, and more. Simply put by Enwild, it’s the ultralight (2-pound 2-ounce) pack you love, just in new retro-inspired colors.
Matador Pocket Blanket and Pocket Blanket Mini 3.0
Matador gave its ultralight pocket blankets a major update for 2021. The new Pocket Blanket ($30) — and Pocket Blanket mini ($20) — have upgraded materials, enhanced waterproofing, and, of course, new styles. The Pocket Blanket is made with water-resistant nylon, with weighted corners and built-in stakes, seats two to four people, and weighs under 4 ounces.
Altra Lone Peak 5
Altra’s Lone Peak has come a long way since its first model 10 years ago. The Lone Peak 5 ($130) has increased durability and fit for an “overall better ride.” The new model has an Altra EGO midsole, quick-dry upper, updated StoneGuard protection, and laser-cut drainage holes. Altra also added a bit more room in the toebox for better comfort, not to mention 12 snazzy new colors. It’s available in men’s and women’s sizes.
This placement is sponsored by Altra.
Pivot Cycles x Wild Rye MTB Collection
With this collab, Wild Rye and Pivot Cycles are celebrating female riders. The collab collection includes three pieces: shorts, a tank, and a five-panel cap. In our opinion, the shorts are the star of the show. Wild Rye’s flagship Freel Short ($119) now comes in a desert-inspired roadrunner print. In making more MTB apparel for women, Wild Rye and Pivot hope to reach (and outfit) a broader scope of female-identifying riders. The full collection drops March 16.
Life Time and Rudy Project Helmets
Life Time and Rudy Project are partnering to offer their fans a new “curated selection” of cycling helmets that represent four major off-road cycling races. The limited-edition Rudy Project helmets ($200) will showcase designs inspired by the Garmin UNBOUND Gravel Race, Leadville 100 Trail Series, Lutsen 99er, and Chequamegon MTB Festival. Each race-inspired helmet design is offered in two sizes.
Honey Stinger Short Stack Waffles
Like all the other varieties in the Honey Stinger’s waffle lineup, Short Stacks ($17 per 12-pack) are made with non-GMO, organic ingredients and True Source Certified honey. But the difference lies in the flavor: The new Short Stack Waffles provide the energy you need, with the delicious taste of a weekend pancake brunch you might want. And who could say no to a maple syrup and honey-flavored boost?
Nori Backpack
The hallmark feature of the built-for-travel Nori Backpack ($59-65) is its sushi-inspired butterfly straps that wrap around the semi-hardshell bag. The straps lend anti-theft protection to the commuter bag, made with RFID-safe fabric. The straps also have a hidden magnet to safely hold your earbuds and a hidden pocket on the shoulder straps. The Nori opens 180 degrees, has two inner zipped compartments, and will come in two sizes.
Dragon’s Milk x Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots
This iconic pairing between two Michigan brands combined the craftsmanship of quality footwear with the appearance of Dragon’s Milk’s rich, heady signature stout. That’s right: beer boots. The Dragon’s Milk x Wolverine 1000 Mile boots ($400) are made in the USA with a roughout leather upper, a leather outsole with Vibram traction, and a choice of flat waxed cotton or rawhide laces. Wolverine is giving 10% of all sales to the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program.
G-SHOCK MR-G Kachi-Iro Watches
G-SHOCK’s latest MR-G timepieces ($3,000) are inspired by Kachi-Iro, the Japanese color for winning. (The dark navy color is symbolic of the traditional samurai warriors.) The MR-GB2000R Watch has a strap with a shell finish of Japanese Bishamonten armor, a dial with a Japanese scale pattern, and hour markers cut to resemble the curve of a samurai sword. It’s even equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. But it costs a pretty penny.
Advanced Shelter Skis and Splitboard
Mission-based brand Advanced Shelter’s most recent artist collaboration is all about protecting our winters. The new Advanced Shelter Meru Skis and Splitboard (from $750) were designed with artist and mountaineer Renan Ozturk. The skis have a poplar core with carbon fiber layers, and the splitboard is made with an aspen core and sintered IS 7500 base. The skis come in 172cm and 179cm lengths, and the splitboard comes in 155cm, 159cm, and 163cm lengths. All proceeds go to Protect Our Winters.
KASK Wasabi Helmet
An adjustable airflow port allows the wearer to easily increase or decrease ventilation in KASK’s new Wasabi Cycling Helmet. Its goal is to provide the best thermoregulation and venting possible. Combined with a merino wool lining and aerodynamic profile, the Wasabi is designed to be worn in all seasons by road, gravel, and cyclocross riders. It weighs just 290 g. The Wasabi will be available later this spring online.
