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.
Kammok Crosswing Car Awning
When car camping in the summer, shade is a cherished resource. Kammok, the Texas-based brand that got its start making lightweight hammocks, introduces the Crosswing legless car awning ($599-749 preorder depending on size and availability on Kickstarter). According to the brand, the “X-Frame” design requires less than 3 seconds to set up. The Crosswing fits onto a wide range of vehicle crossbars and comes in a powder-coated aluminum case. It’s hard to imagine a legless awning holding up in a windstorm, but Kammok says it can withstand gusts up to 25 mph. Two sizes of the Crosswing are now available to preorder on Kickstarter: a 5-foot version and a 7-foot version.
Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 2
This whiskey ($70) combines Wyoming-grown grains and water sourced from a limestone aquifer that “has not seen the light of day in over 6,000 years.” Wyoming Whiskey produced this limited-edition batch to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park. For every bottle sold, “up to” $5 will be donated to Yellowstone Forever, a nonprofit that supports the park through trail maintenance and impact reduction. If you choose to partake and support the cause, expect an “ethereal” mouthfeel and notes of “carrot cake” and “lingering oak.”
Superfeet ADAPT Hike Max Insoles
For many hopeful hikers, achy feet are their own arch-nemesis. These hiking-focused insoles ($50) from Superfeet are designed for “ultimate comfort and efficient heel-to-toe turnover.” Two layers of foam add cushioning, and the built-in forefoot rebound pad is designed to maximize energy return and propulsion. Another bonus: a “special material” has been integrated to cut down on odor.
RapidPure Purifier + Stainless Steel Bottle
A single experience with Giardia will make a person permanently wary of drinking unfiltered water. RapidPure’s new Purifier+ Insulated stainless steel water bottle ($100) comes with an activated carbon filter that removes viruses, bacteria, dirt, and sediment as you drink in real time. According to the brand, no pressing, squeezing, or tipping of the bottle is necessary. Just fill it, sip it, and enjoy the peace of mind that clean water provides.
Coros Pace 2 in Blue Steel
The Coros Pace 2 is a favorite of the GearJunkie team. For just $200, we think this fitness watch is an absolute steal. And now, the Pace 2 is available in a sleek new color: Blue Steel. Whether you’re preparing for your next triathlon or your next strut on the runway, the Blue Steel Coros is feature-packed and low-profile. The Pace 2 offers an impressive 30 hours of runtime in GPS mode, 60 in UltraMax mode, and 20 days of watch life.
Tailfin V-Mount Packs
These modular bags turn just about any cycle into a bikepacking rig. Tailfin created the V-Mount Packs specifically for riders who don’t have dedicated bag mounts on their bikes. Tailfin claims that the included cargo straps can be attached to various points on most bikes without slippage or frame damage. The roll-top opening is designed to keep your cargo dry in wet and muddy conditions. Two sizes of the V-Mount Pack are available: 1.7L ($75) and 3L ($85).
Pearl Izumi Grateful Dead Collection
The race is on. Pearl Izumi’s new Grateful Dead Bike Classic Jersey ($85) is built to last. A relaxed athletic fit and breathable mesh fabric are designed to keep you truckin’ along like the pride of Cucamonga. The cosmic floral print on the exterior pays homage to the Dead’s first-ever European tour, and the interior liner sports a touch of gray. If you’ve been sitting in limbo with an unbroken chain of ratty old bike jerseys, it may be high time to say goodnight, Irene. I know you, rider — you’re ready to upgrade your cycling kit. This time forever.
MODL Infinity Tool
Today, MODL launches the Infinity Tool ($25 per four-pack) — a do-it-all utility strap with endless potential applications. According to the product’s Kickstarter campaign, the Infinity Tool can attach small bags to a bike frame, clip gear to a backpack, organize charging cables, and more. When the tool isn’t in use, it can be stored wrapped around the wrist as a subtle bracelet. Made from silicone with a steel closure, the Infinity Tool just might turn out to be an invaluable piece of EDC.
ECCO BIOM 2.1
ECCO launched a striking isosceles of a shoe this summer with its BIOM 2.1 ($150). Made for hiking, trail running, and everyday use, the shoe gives significant traction via a grid of toothy lugs. But the upper is lightweight, including a “soft-stretch sock construction” that cradles the foot. Semi-transparent mesh over the front of the shoe gives the footwear a breathable and airy feel. Take these on the trail or into town for dinner. The BIOM 2.1 will turn heads regardless.
SPY+ Happy Boost Lenses
This week, SPY+ launches its latest lens technology: Happy Boost. The brand used “artificial intelligence” on its quest to develop a lens that enhances color evenly while also maintaining natural white balance. These lenses won’t cast a tinted hue over your entire field of view. Instead, they’re designed to pleasantly intensify the colors that are already there. Twelve sunglass models ($180-210) are available with Happy Boost — some old and some new.
