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.
Samsung T7 Shield
Not so long ago, a 2TB hard drive was the size of a cinder block. Now, Samsung announces the T7 Shield ($240), a 2TB portable solid-state drive that’s no larger than a business card. In addition to PC compatibility, Samsung claims the T7 can interface with mobile devices, game consoles, and broadcast cameras. The T7 Shield also comes in a touch-enabled version with a built-in fingerprint sensor.
Farm to Feet Blaze Unity Sock
Everyone needs good socks. Sock-maker Farm to Feet is collaborating with Black Folks Camp Too (BFCT) on the new Unity Blaze Sock ($25) — a three-quarter-length technical hiking sock with targeted foot cushioning. In the words of BFCT founder Earl B. Hunter Jr., “Our socks are helping folks signal to the world that they treat everyone, everywhere, equally.” A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the sock will benefit BFCT.
The James Brand Redstone Climber's Knife
A compact knife is a standard part of any well-prepared climber’s kit. In partnership with climber and photographer Savannah Cummins, The James Brand drops the Redstone ($89) — a purpose-built blade for climbers and outdoorsfolk. Features of the Redstone include a Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade, an “easy-grip” handle, a belt clip, and a harness attachment point.
Marmot x Pendleton Soft Cooler
Warm beer can really put a damper on an otherwise awesome day out. This new soft cooler ($60) from Marmot and Pendleton has retro flair and pastel-colored pop. Most importantly, it fits a full 12-pack with room to spare. The cooler arrives as part of a larger collaboration between the two brands. To “celebrate the partnership,” Marmot and Pendleton are donating funds to the Yosemite Conservancy.
LOWA Axos GTX Lo
The first American to summit Everest was rocking a pair of LOWA boots. Though the German brand is still known for mountaineering footwear, its new lineup features the modern and lightweight Axos GTX Lo ($230). This shoe is designed for “everyday outdoor pursuits,” and it appears to be somewhere between a sneaker and an approach shoe. The Axos GTX is also available in a mid-top version for $250.
Snow Peak Teppanyaki Burner
Snow Peak is well-known for its innovative and durable camp cooking product line. Keeping with this trend, the new Teppanyaki Burner ($250) is a modular stove that comes with a removable iron cook surface. Grill up some meat and veggies hibachi-style or remove the iron plate and throw on a standard pot or pan. All told, this kit weighs 11 pounds.
REPREVE Recycled Chaco Straps
In the whitewater community, Chacos are almost as ubiquitous as the river itself. Now, the brand’s iconic straps are receiving an Earth-friendly upgrade. As of April 2022, all Chacos in the Z, Chillos, and Lowdown collections have straps made from 100% recycled materials. To accomplish this, Chaco works with REPREVE, a producer of fabrics and textiles made from recycled plastic bottles.
Suunto x Hammerhead Partnership
In a perfect storm of cycling tech innovation, industry giants Suunto and Hammerhead have joined forces. While Suunto is known for GPS multisport watches and training tools, Hammerhead is renowned for its Karoo 2 cycling computer ($399). The new partnership allows users of the Karoo 2 to connect to the Suunto app. By interfacing these respective technologies, the brands expect that athletes will be able to improve their performance tracking, training efforts, and route finding.
Retrospec Coaster Inflatable Kayak
Warm weather is just downstream — hang up those skis and bust out the paddling gear. Retrospec’s new one-person inflatable kayak ($500) is simple, portable, and relatively inexpensive. This nifty package comes with a pump, paddle, fins, and seats. The kayak itself weighs 31 pounds and stows away in just about any vehicle when deflated.
Garmin quatix 7 Series
Hear ye, boat captains and all ye anglers. Today, Garmin drops its latest line of smartwatches for marine and watersports. The quatix 7 Series ($700-1,200) has several unique models, and they all come with a host of built-in activity profiles for fishing, sailing, kayaking, surfing, and more. For boaters, the quatix 7 watches pair with compatible onboard equipment. The watch streams information including water depth and engine rpm right to your wrist. The solar-enabled model has an extended battery life of up to 90 days.
Bogs Kids' Shoe
Bogs, a company best known for its rubber boots, this spring launches a slip-on kids’ shoe. The Kicker II ($48) is a flexible, wear-anywhere shoe made with an eco-friendly, algae-based EVA footbed. A flexible outsole “promotes healthy foot development,” the company states, while rubber traction “pods” add grip for the varying types of terrain a kid might put underfoot.
Oakley Sub Zero
Oakley originally released the Sub Zero in the early ’90s. Thirty years later, this lightweight style receives a technological upgrade. Outfitted with a shield lens design and no-slip nose pads, the Sub Zero ($268) has a modern look backed by high-performance features. According to Oakley VP Brian Takumi, “this release sets the stage for what’s to come [from Oakley] in the future.” The release of the Sub Zero marks the first installment in the brand’s newest collection, with more to come on May 12.
