Specialized x Fjällräven Sleep Poncho
The Swedes at Fjällräven team up with the Californians at Specialized to drop a fresh batch of bike packing accessories. It’s a natural marriage — Fjalraven has been making camping gear for 70-plus years, and Specialized is the west-coast authority on all things cycling. The partnership claims a noble purpose: Allow people to “discover new trails and perspectives, where the air is fresh, and the mind is clear.”
In a collection of fairly traditional apparel and storage bags, the Sleep Poncho ($250) stands out as unique. Designed to “eliminate the need to bring an insulating jacket,” this poncho has a draft collar and a hand-warming kangaroo pocket. Presumably, it’d be a great layer to ease the transition in and out of a sleeping bag on frigid mornings.
Chrome Industries x Gay’s Okay Doubletrack Handlebar Bag
By some estimates, there are over 2 billion bikes in use around the world. If the biking masses were a sovereign nation, it’d be the largest in history. Gay’s Okay is a small cycling brand with a big message: All sexual and gender identities are welcome in the global cycling community.
Now, in collaboration with Chrome Industries, Gay’s Okay releases a six-piece collection of reflective cycling accessories. The Doubletrack Handlebar Bag (pictured) mounts directly onto handlebars and doubles as a crossbody or hip-mounted sling. From tools and tubes to EDC items, the Doubletrack is built to store an everyday bike commuter’s essentials.
A portion of the proceeds from the entire Gay’s Okay collection will benefit Outright International, international advocates for LGBTIQ inclusion and equality.
Axwell Battle Axe Bottle Opener
Axwell specializes in wallets and other everyday carry accessories. If your keychain is feeling a little light these days, the brand’s Battle Axe Bottle Opener ($35) will certainly add some flair — especially when it’s time to crack a beer. Made from aerospace-grade aluminum, this opener should last long enough to serve as a multigenerational heirloom. Four different prying methods will keep the peanut gallery guessing — never let them know your next move.
Of the two upcoming parental holidays, we’d guess that a battle axe-shaped beer opener will be a more popular gift for the fathers. But hey, you know your mom better than we do.
Sklar x The Radavist SuperSomething Gravel Bike
Sklar and the Radavist join forces for a limited edition of just 25 hand-built gravel bikes ($2,499-5,699). Five unique builds make up the lot, including the single-speed Coaster Cruiser (pictured).
Each of the five builds comes with a unique set of components and strengths, but all sport shreddy aesthetics and a steel SuperSomething frame. My personal preference is the single-speed with its classy simple lines and capable knobby tires. All configurations are designed to be fully customizable — the SuperSomething frame can adapt as your riding style changes over time. If you’re feeling lucky, Radavist and Sklar will be giving one away in a few weeks’ time. Submit your email now for a chance to win.
Topo Designs Mountain Utility Tote
Topo Designs’ Spring Mountain Collection is imbued with retro styling and outdoor utility. The pictured Mountain Utility Tote ($99) is a versatile grab-and-go 33L bag for grocery runs, picnics, and general weekend warrior use.
Built from 200D recycled ripstop nylon, this gear hauler should withstand the throw-around demands of a true all-purpose tote. According to the brand, it’s “fully abrasion-resistant and fully waterproof.”
Oru Origami Camp Furniture
For years, Oru has made waves with its collapsible kayaks that pack down to fit in the back of a sedan. Now, the brand makes its first major departure away from the world of paddling. “Oru Camp” is a set of portable, lightweight origami furniture.
Oru Camp includes three products: the 11.25-pound SwitchTable ($200), the Adirondak-style PopLounge ($150), and the step stool FlipCube ($75). All pieces are built from the same materials and design principles as Oru’s award-winning kayaks. Origami folds serve as “living hinges,” providing structural integrity without rivets or stretched fabric. When folded down, the SwitchTable, PopLounge, and FlipCube are light, nearly flat, and easy to carry.
Though long-term durability remains to be seen, Oru’s latest creation may be the biggest innovation in camp furniture since the tree stump.
North St. Bags Vancouver Day Pack
North St. Bags’ Vancouver Daypack ($135) is named for North Vancouver Ave, the Portland, Oregon street that leads to the brand’s recently acquired new location. It’s fitting that this pack draws inspiration from Biketown, USA — its sleek lines and city commuter aesthetic are 100% Portland.
At 13L, the Vancouver is just big enough for a single day in the life. Still, it’s got all the accouterments a working urban cyclist needs: laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket, valuables pocket with key clip, the list goes on. The outer fabric is 100% recycled polyester, or “ultra-durable,” the brand claims.
Ultimate Direction Blazek Hydration Pack
Runners today think of the modern hydration pack as a given, a fundamental force of the universe, like gravity or Marvel movies. Like all things, the hydration pack does indeed have an origin story — it was invented by Ultimate Direction, or so the brand claims.
Now, as Ultimate Direction approaches its 40th year, the brand expands its lineup of hydration packs to include three new sizes of the Blazek ($80-100) — its first “vest-inspired” daypack.
Hydration packs have come a long way since UD designed its first in a garage in the ’80s, and the Blazek proves it. All three new sizes (10, 15, and 18L) offer trekking pole connections, a side-contouring harness, and a three-layer chest pocketry.
