A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid below or click through for a slideshow.
Pas Normal Systems
Rapha-esqe Danish cycling brand Pas Normal Studios launches in North America this month. The brand specializes in high-end, skin-tight roadware that’s easy on the eyes. Hallmark of the brand is its Mechanism Jersey. It uses a perforated fabric for breathability, elastic arm grippers, and a unique dyeing process that fully dyes the yarn. This results in a softer and more visually striking jersey. The Mechanism Jersey retails for $196.
Baja Designs XL
Step aside, LED and HID lighting — Baja Designs just launched the first aftermarket light that uses laser-chip technology only. The Baja Designs XL Laser, High Speed Spot is a long-distance auxiliary light for trucks, 4x4s, and UTVs. It uses four laser chips and high-speed spot optics to project the light in a tight pattern. This results in a piercing 2,000 lumens up to a half mile in distance. The brand claims the laser-chip tech results in a more compact light that can also shine very bright. The XL Laser, High Speed Spot retails for $1,000.
LUBRI DISC
Lube up your chain without dirtying your hands or wasting oil. LUBRI DISC is a bike tool designed to reduce chain oil usage and simplify the process. With a spinnable wheel, LUBRI DISC lets oil penetrate between the plates and over the rollers to the pins of your chain. The LUBRI DISC has enough oil capacity to lube your chain up to 10 times. The LUBRI DISC is available on Kickstarter for $21.
POC Sports VPD System Torso
POC capitalizes on ventilation and comfort with its VPD System Torso, a mountain biking chest and back pad. With a minimal design, the VPD System Torso mods to the rider’s body as they ride thanks to body heat. So you’re left with a pad that fits you perfectly when you ride. And the level 1 certified pads harden on impact thanks to 3D-molded VPD materials. The VPD System Torso is available now for $240.
Hedgehog Umbrella 2.0
The next time you’re caught in a wind storm, don’t worry about your umbrella collapsing with the Hedgehog Umbrella 2.0. Designed to withstand winds up to 70 mph, this umbrella is super overbuilt. It uses a carbon fiber frame and a patent-pending WindFlex suspension system that diverts winds and prevents the umbrella from flipping inside out. Plus, the removable canopy is also sold separately in several different colors. The Hedgehog Umbrella 2.0 is available now for $99.
Halfbike 3
It’s a scooter. No, It’s a bike. Or is it both? Meet the Halfbike 3, which just launched on Kickstarter. With pedals, a big wheel, and a large stand for your arms, the Halfbike is a folding transportation device. The bars fold down, so the Halfbike fits conveniently in your apartment or car. New with the Halfbike is improved maneuverability, more gears, a drum brake, and an easy-to-use quick-release system to fold. The Halfbike 3 is on Kickstarter for $499.
Duluth Pack Deluxe Market Tote
Duluth Pack partnered with Sunbrella Fabrics for its summer collection. A standout, the Deluxe Market Tote is resistant to fading and sunlight degradation thanks to its Sunbrella Fabrics. And the brand engineered it to last longer. Durability meets beauty in the collection, and it doesn’t come cheap. The Deluxe Market Tote with Sunbrella Fabrics retails for $180.
If the Deluxe Market Tote performs as well as it says, maybe it will earn a spot in our ‘Best Tote Bags‘ article.
Cairn 'E-Adventure' Bike
Cairn launches its first bike at Sea Otter this year with the Fazua Drive System for extra cycling power. A gravel e-bike, the E-Adventure 1.0 is designed for road and trail. Fazua operates as a removable motor and battery, so you can go electric or ride the E-Adventure like a normal bike. It has four power modes, the highest of which is Rocket mode at 400 watts. Beyond the tech specs, the Fazua system paired with Cairn makes for a dialed cycling package and a less-intrusive electric option. The E-Adventure 1.0 is available for preorder for $4,558.72. Bikes ship in June.
Canada Goose Nomad Jacket
Canada Goose teams up with GORE-TEX for the Nomad Collection, the brand’s first partnership. The collection includes the Nomad Jacket and Nomad HyBridge Lite Jacket. The Nomad Jacket is a waterproof-breathable rain shell with venting panels. The HyBridge Lite Jacket is a water-resistant, insulated option made with GORE-TEX INFINIUM fabric, the brand’s soft-shell and lifestyle fabric. The shell and insulated option are available now for $850 and $750, respectively.
Otso Waheela S
Building off the success of the versatile Waheela S, Otso releases the Waheela C. The main upgrade from the S is a carbon build. Featuring the same suspension-corrected geometry with Tuning Chip dropout system, the carbon Waheela excels on long, 100-mile gravel rides. But the light, snappy, and responsive carbon frame allows you to break free from the pack when the group ride turns into a sprint finish. The Tuning Chip dropout system allows for 20 mm of wheelbase length adjustment, meaning you can run 29 x 2.1, 650 x 53, or 700 x 28, all while maintaining similar riding characteristics. The Waheela C costs $3,499.
Ghosts Ski Outerwear
The founder of Faction Skis steps away from his hard-good roots to launch an eco-minded skiing apparel brand. Ghosts outerwear is a brand focused on creating sustainable skiing products. It launches with a three-layer hardshell, down jacket, and pant. In its products, the brand uses a waterless dyeing method, recycled yarn, recycled down, a localized supply chain, and a life-cycle program. This results in a brand with 95 percent recycled yarn content as well as 90 percent fewer chemical emissions, 75 percent less water consumption, 60 percent lower carbon emissions, and 50 percent less energy use compared to traditional manufacturing. Ghosts is on Kickstarter now.
Zero Tolerance 0022
This knife may be small, but it packs a serious punch. The smallest Zero Tolerance knife ever, it brings home engineering worthy of its $250 price tag. Start with a 1.8-inch blade made from superior CPM 20CV steel. Add a carbon fiber and titanium handle, titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert, and KVT ball-bearing opening system, and you’re looking at a very slick little EDC knife that should disappear into your pocket until needed. The Zero Tolerance 0022 knife is available now.
