Modern technology and outdoor adventure are a better match than many of us might think. From GPS locators to lightweight flashlights to mobile trail cameras, there are many reasons to be grateful for how technological advances can improve time spent in nature.
This week’s batch of new gear focuses on that dynamic, highlighting releases that push the boundaries of human ingenuity in the oldest pursuit of all: exploration. Hunters will find innovative hauling strategies and upgraded trail cameras. Watch junkies have cool new takes on wearables to consider. Birders and campers have binoculars and flashlights to peruse, while cyclists get new locks and new bikes.
Find all that and more right here in Emerging Gear.
Backcountry Hauling
Hunters know a thing or two about hauling weight through the backcountry. Bringing a deer or even elk carcass back home isn’t easy, which is why some modern solutions, like e-bikes, have become more popular.
RuckTruck is another interesting approach for hauling heavy loads across rugged terrain. It’s an offshoot of the Cascade Cart, a hiking chair for disabled people that has a moving family story behind its invention. The RuckTruck is essentially a one-wheeled gear hauler that attaches to a frame you wear like a backpack. It has a 220-pound weight capacity, and includes an upgrade option for electronic assist.
Outside of hunting, it may also find uses for trail maintenance, search-and-rescue teams, or outdoor explorers with specific needs. It currently sells for $1,800.
3-in-1 Bike Lock
One of the best new offerings on Kickstarter is a new take on bike locks. The Cordalock offers “3 locks in one” by protecting the frame, both wheels, and even the saddle with a single design.
It’s constructed of two independent, steel loops connected through a central lock. “Each loop operates independently, so compromising one does not automatically release the other,” lock inventor Mariano Lasala said. Though new to Kickstarter, the campaign has already soared past its funding goal, but you still have 43 days (from July 17) to snag this interesting bike lock. Early-bird buy-ins are currently priced at about $180.
Cellular Trail Cameras
Modern trail cameras have changed the game for hunters, and the REVEAL series from Tactacam is one of the best. Though we don’t have a full review yet, GearJunkie Contributing Writer Morgan Nowels gave an early report of his testing of the brand’s newest models: the Tactacam REVEAL 4.0 ($140) and Tactacam REVEAL Pro 4.0 ($160).
The cameras sport improved battery life (supposedly the brand’s best yet) and upgraded image quality. “If heading out to the farm to set up tree stands or hiking into the mountains in search of wallows is on your to-do list for July and August, these are some cameras you should have your eyes on,” Nowels said.
Pebble 2 Smartwatch
We’ve been writing about this outside-the-box take on smartwatches since 2012, when Pebble launched the most successful Kickstarter campaign to that point. The brand relaunched last year and has dropped new models in its “less is more” take on smartwatches.
Instead of packing every possible feature onto your wrist, Pebble opts for a stripped-down approach, offering fewer features in a user interface that’s simple, fun, and feels kinda analog. It calls its latest model, the Pebble Round 2, its “most stylish option,” with a 1.3″ 64-color e-paper screen in a stainless steel frame.
Unlike many more robust smartwatches, Pebble’s models have longer battery life (up to 2 weeks), along with expected features like health tracking, AI-based speech interactions, and more. Best of all, it only costs $200. Find the Pebble Round 2 on the brand’s website.
Audio-Recording Earbuds
The London-based audio brand Nothing (yes, it’s just called Nothing) is a bit fashion-forward, but nonetheless offers some cool features. I’ve previously written about the super-impressive battery life of their over-ear headphones, and now the brand has some rad earbuds as well.
The Nothing Ear (3a) has many of the expected features from earbuds, along with some attractive new ones. I’ve just started testing these, and the phone call quality is way better than most earbuds I’ve tried. Moreover, they have internal hard drive space that allows you to record up to 2 hours of a phone conversation.
That audio will appear in the accompanying app, which also lets you transcribe it into text. That’s a pretty nifty feature for working professionals. They have an IP54 protection rating, so they’re great for the gym or other sunny activities, but they’re not waterproof, so don’t take them into the rain.
Luminox Adventure Watch
Okay, I’m not usually a watch guy, but the latest release from Luminox is seriously cool-looking. The Swiss brand launched the Adventure Watch, which is “inspired by timepieces of pioneering expeditions,” and the result feels like a steampunk masterpiece.
Its aesthetics draw from early exploration watches, but it still meets Luminox’s military-grade standards and includes modern features that most of us wouldn’t want to leave behind on any actual expedition. Specifics: The watch has a stainless steel bezel, a stainless-steel strap clasp, and a choice of either black or brown leather straps.
The Swiss-made quartz movement is housed within a 43mm stainless steel case. It has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass, water resistance up to 20 ATM, and the light tech that will keep the dial illuminated for 25 years. It costs $795.
Olight ArkPro Special Editions
The bright, sturdy flashlights from Olight are quite popular here at GearJunkie, and the brand’s flagship, the ArkPro, received a glowing review from GJ Editorial Director Sean McCoy, scoring 9.3/10.
The brand dropped two special-edition colors of these super-powerful flashlights this month. Check out the gorgeous royal purple of the ArkPro Nebula Violet ($110) or show off your patriotism with the ArkPro Stars & Stripes Edition. They’re not just good-looking — they’re quality flashlights with 1,500 lumens and several light modes, including a floodlight, UV light, and even a laser pointer.
3-in-1 Charging Pad
If you’re a technophile who’s endlessly charging your devices (and honestly, aren’t we all?), you might want a closer look at this one. Instead of lugging around multiple chargers, cables, etc., the NOCO XGrid 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad offers separate chargers for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in one compact setup.
It’s MagSafe-compatible, with a slim, flat design that slips easily into a pack. It also includes interchangeable plug adapters for the U.S., Europe, the U.K., Australia, and Japan. A single dedicated charging station can simplify your device charging. It costs $130 on Amazon.
Waterproof Monocular
According to binocular brand NOCS Provisions, last year’s launch of its Zero Tube monocular became a best-seller. Now the brand has returned with the Zero Tube 8×25 Waterproof Monocular, made to withstand the weather on backcountry hikes or day-long kayak trips.
In addition to its waterproofing (IPX7 rating), the new Zero Tube weighs just 7.2 ounces and comes in an impact-resistant housing that “slips easily into a jacket pocket, daypack, or glove compartment,” the brand said. It also comes with a built-in Carry Clip that attaches to belts, bags, and other gear. Thanks to nitrogen-filled internal chambers, it’s also supposedly fogproof. It’s available now for $180.
Canyon’s Reimagined Mountain Bike
If you’re a serious cyclist, then you know that bike technology is complex and ever-evolving. That’s certainly the case with Canyon’s new mountain bike update, a refreshed version of its Lux Trail.
This redesign of its full-suspension 29er is “built to climb quickly without sacrificing confidence on more technical descents,” the brand said. The new platform sheds 200 g, increases travel to 140 mm up front and 125 mm at the rear. It also gets a slacker 64.8-degree head angle, longer wheelbase, size-specific chainstays, updated suspension kinematics, and a 1,850g carbon frame.
Four models, ranging from the Lux Trail CF 6 to CF 9, have price tags from $4,000 to $7,000. Get more details on the release from BikeRumor.
