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.
Arto Inflatable Camp Pillow
Erik Robertson founded Arto Pillow after multiple field excursions in the Army deepened his appreciation of a good pillow. The brand kicked off in 2019 with a memory foam model ($30) and now it adds a 3.9-ounce inflatable version ($25, pictured). Geared toward campers and backpackers, the inflatable Arto has a teardrop profile, which aims to support the natural contours of the shoulders, head, and cervical spine. A series of grooves along the pillow’s sleeping surface aim to cradle the head and prevent the need for constant readjustment. When deflated, the Arto packs down to the size of a soda can.
Rapha Merino MTB Collection
Across the activewear spectrum, merino is generally considered the gold standard for its breathable, sweat-wicking, thermoregulation qualities. Rapha’s new MTB collection is built to meet the needs of mountain bikers who require comfortable appeal that can also take a beating. The collection includes an assortment of tops for men and women, including the women’s 3/4 Sleeve Top (pictured, $130). This shirt in particular is designed to sit just off the body for optimized freedom of movement and airflow.
Matador Refillable Toothpaste Tubes
According to the TSA, toothpaste counts as a liquid. Under these strange parameters, tubes over 3.4 ounces are a no-go for carry-on. At 4 ounces, a standard tube makes the no-fly list, plus it’s far too bulky for a brief tropical getaway. To solve this issue, most folks resort to tiny disposable tubes, which get tossed in the trash once they’re quickly depleted. Matador’s Refillable Toothpaste Tubes ($10) offer a more sustainable solution. This TSA-approved kit comes with two easily reloadable tubes. Simply choose the one-week or 2-week volume, fill the tube from your at-home stash, and board the plane scot-free.
Wolverine 1000 Mile x Rawlings Cap-Toe Boot
Sports equipment brand Rawlings has been around longer than the Major League Baseball American League. Meanwhile, footwear giant Wolverine has been based in Michigan since the 1880s. Together, these American heritage brands announce a collaborative Cap-Toe Boot ($450). The boot honors the 65th anniversary of MLB’s coveted Gold Glove defensive award, which has long been sponsored by Rawlings. Made from “Heart of the Hide” baseball glove leather, the Cap-Toe boot is decked out with a leather outsole and a Vibram rubber heel.
Quiksilver 'Ocean Made' Scallop Boardshort
Two key materials make up the new Quiksilver Ocean Made Boardshorts: Printed fabric made from “ocean-bound plastics,” and solid fabric made from old recycled buoys. The spent buoys were sourced from fisheries in Taiwan, near where the shorts are manufactured. A swirly blue-green pattern inspired by algae blooms seen from space adorns the outer fabric.
adidas Adizero SL Running Shoes
Today, adidas launches the latest addition to its Adizero running shoe lineup. The Adizero SL ($120) utilizes a “Lightstrike” EVA midsole, which is designed to propel runners into their next stride and also provide maximum cushioning around the arch and forefoot. A mesh and padded tongue is contoured to keep the foot locked in through every ground strike. Two colors are available, Pulse Mint for women and Lucid Blue for men.
Railblaza Kayak Caddy
The weightless joy of slicing through glassy water in a kayak can harshly contrast the misery of hand-carrying it to and from your car. Railblaza’s kayak cart lightens the load during the hauling process. The latest version of the cart is the C-Tug R ($170), which the brand designed to work with a broad range of hull profiles. A pair of 20-inch hull rails simplify loading and unloading and may help you get on the water faster. The wide tires are made for paved and unpaved surfaces, and the whole rig weighs just 8.8 pounds.
Exped Queen Size MegaMat Duo
I’ve personally spent around 100 nights sleeping on a MegaMat Duo sleeping pad, and I’m wholly convinced that it’s the best camping mattress in the game. For the first time ever, Exped expands the beloved Duo into a queen-size version ($450). The secret sauce behind the Duo’s cloud-like comfort is the combination of open-cell polyurethane foam and airy channeled foam insulation. The queen-size option is an ideal sleeping solution for a couple hitting the road in a Sprinter. In a more traditional domestic situation, it makes an excellent guest bed.
Snow Peak Tabiki Mountain Jacket
Snow Peak was founded in the 1950s after a Japanese climber found himself dissatisfied with available gear and decided to craft his own. Today, the brand is known for its minimalistic, yet style-minded, utilitarian camp and cookware. Less than a decade old, its apparel line maintains that ethos. A prime example, the Tabiki Mountain Jacket ($600), is a hardy cotton and amarid piece that’s designed to hold up to harsh conditions. Unlike nylon outerwear, the fire-resistant amarid is immune to campfire sparks. All Snow Peak apparel is sold as gender-neutral.
Arc'teryx Toques
Not only is toque French for “small hat,” but you’re also pronouncing it wrong in your head — it rhymes with “duke.” Now that we’ve covered all that, it’s time to cover your noggin; it’s getting cold out there! Arc’teryx unveils three styles of knit toques. The Bird Patch Toque ($39) pictured is made of 100% recycled polyester with a fleece headband for ski days. You can also check out the burlier Lemae ($75) and wool-poly blend Arcyda ($40) to find the perfect tuke — er, toque — for you!
