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.
Saucony Jazz Court RFG
Saucony’s latest release is its “most eco-friendly shoe ever.” The Jazz Court RFG ($130) is made with all renewable materials — cotton, jute, wool, rubber, wood, and, yes, beet — meaning it contains zero virgin plastics. Saucony is using this shoe as inspiration to create more plastic-free shoes in the future. Read more about the Jazz Court shoe’s sustainable design.
James Brand The Wayland Folding Blade
This knife is James Brand’s interpretation of the Barlow, which has become “the epitome of the American folding knife.” Modeled after that classic English folding blade, the Wayland ($179-199) has a 3-inch stainless steel sheepsfoot blade, bronze washers, a non-locking slip-joint opening, and your choice of a rosewood, G10, or Micarta handle.
Helinox Tie Dye Collection
Helinox partnered with product designer Tae-Hun Kim for its latest camp furniture venture. Kim, who has a collection of vintage ’60s- and ’70s-era tie-dye, used those pieces to inspire the design for this collection. It’s all about fun pops and splashes of color that scream group-campsite-party vibes. Helinox’s Chair One, Bench One, Table One, and Incline Festival Chair (from $100) are all available in the new tie-dye print.
Igloo ECOCOOL Recycled Coolers
Igloo’s new coolers are equally durable, affordable, and eco-minded. The ECOCOOL coolers (from $25) are constructed with Igloo’s new recycled resin, made from post-consumer plastic. In fact, the brand calls them “the world’s first hardside coolers made with recycled plastic.” The recycled resin is used in the outside body, liner, and lid. The coolers — from a lunch-pail 7-quart to a crowd-pleasing 60-quart — will still keep contents cool for hours thanks to Igloo’s Cool Riser technology. It just comes in a slightly greener (literally) version.
Coalatree Baseline Midlayer
Made from recycled coffee grounds, the Baseline Midlayer (now $68) is odor-resistant, UV-protective, and moisture-wicking and has a hood, zippered pockets, and reinforced seams. To create the fibers for the layer, Coalatree mixes spent coffee grounds with melted down, recycled plastic bottles. Coalatree has done it again: raising over 10 times its crowd fundraising goal. The midlayers will ship in September.
Forsake Thatcher Low WP
Day hikers, rejoice: There’s a new Forsake style in town. The Thatcher Low WP ($140) is the brand’s take on a lightweight and durable “sneakerboot.” The Thatcher Low is a low-profile hiker with an internal waterproof-breathable membrane and waterproof full-grain leather. Forsake added breathable mesh on the tongue and collar as well as aggressive lugs to the outsole.
Kitsbow Mullinax and Laurel Merino Tees
Just in time for spring riding, Kitsbow added two new merino tees to its cycling apparel. The Mullinax (men’s) and Laurel (women’s) Merino Tees ($79) are crew-style tees made with a 75% merino, 25% synthetic blend for multiday performance. Kitsbow made sure to give this tee improved stretch recovery, abrasion resistance, and moisture control too.
Six Moon Designs Trekking Umbrella
Say goodbye to miserable rainy days on the trail when you invest in this trekking umbrella. At just 5.5 ounces, the Rain Walker SUL Umbrella ($60) weighs less than most rain jackets. It’s made with durable carbon fiber and a 10-denier nylon canopy to protect you on the trail. In addition to rain, it’s also great at shielding against the sun on hot days.
Somewear Labs Updated Global Hotspot
For 2021, Somewear Labs made a pretty impressive upgrade to its Somewear Global Hotspot. First, the brand changed the design and color (from blue to black), and it also dropped the price from $350 down to a cool $280. The Somewear Global Hotspot offers monthly or annual subscriptions and has 100% global coverage, an SOS button, an antenna, and a charging port.
TrailCaster Fishing Rod Adaptor
Only a true gearhead would think of this. The TrailCaster is a 3D-printed ultralight adapter that turns your trekking pole into a fishing rod. (No, it’s not magic.) The adapter consists of a fly cast attachment and cleat to secure your fly line (you can even attach a reel). All in all, the kit weighs less than an ounce. The TrailCaster is designed and printed in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S.
Rapha Recycled Classic Jerseys
Rapha’s Classic Jersey ($150) and Classic Long Sleeve ($175) are now made with recycled materials. The new jerseys “retain the refined fit and rider-inspired details of the original” but have been updated with Rapha’s own recycled polyester and merino blend. The majority of the blend is recycled content, with Global Recycled Standard polyester from plastic bottles.
Tifosi Sledge Lite Sunglasses
Tifosi’s popular Sledge shades are now available in a new version: the Sledge Lite ($80). These sunglasses have all the performance of Tifosi’s Sledge “packed it into a streamlined, lighter design.” The shades have Grimalid TR-90 frames and an oversized, ergonomic face fit for maximum coverage. They also have three vented lens options, adjustable temples and nose pieces, and bright and low-light lens options. We’re excited to test these out soon on the trails.
Troy Lee Designs A3 Helmet
The A3 helmet ($220) is Troy Lee’s deepest-coverage half-shell MTB helmet. The helmet is made with co-molded EPP and EPS plastic, MIPS technology, and an EVA foam wicking liner. It has a removable visor, 16 vents, a magnetic buckle, and comes in three sizes. Troy Lee is beefing up its A3 helmet release with campaign videos, featuring pro athletes who discover its comfort and “never take the helmet off.” It’s funny, it’s clever, and it’s a pretty sweet helmet.
CAT Footwear CAT EDGE Boot
CAT Footwear just released the CAT EDGE ($180), its newest workwear boot. But it’s more than that — the CAT EDGE “specifically reduces injuries and alleviates chronic pain and fatigue,” says the brand. They are waterproof, with an ergonomic design, cushioned insole, and shock-absorbing heel. And with less fatigue, CAT is partnering with Skillshare so you can have “somewhere to channel this newfound energy.” Buy a pair of CAT EDGE boots and get a free Skillshare 3-month membership.
