It’s that time of week when we once again comb through the world of outdoor gear and “game-changing” product pitches to round up the latest and greatest standouts.
Velocio MTB Trail Pants
Premium road and gravel cycling outfitter Velocio says “heck it!” and goes full send into mountain biking apparel. The new “Off-Road Equipment” collection includes tops, bottoms, shells, belts, and more. Among the standouts, though, are the rugged-looking TRAIL ACCESS pants (women’s and men’s).
These duds are made of tough CORDURA fabric with two-way stretch, and double-weave ripstop in high-wear areas. They’re compatible with knee pads, have PFC-free DWR treatment, and come with their very own Arcade belt! Available now for $199.
adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
Adidas Terrex’s latest trail shoe — the Agravic Ultra Speed — hasn’t hit shelves yet, but it’s already proven to be an elite-level champion. Launching spring 2024, an early prototype of the Agravic Speed Ultra helped carry Ruth Croft across the finish line first at Western States in 2022, and brought Pablo Villa victory in the Transgrancanaria.
A dynamic rocker underpins the design, which Hendrik Enders, senior product manager at adidas TERREX, says accommodates “dynamic forefoot running … to help runners break their boundaries and find their summit on ultra distance races.”
The shoe boasts snug midfoot support, speedy energy return, and lightweight stiffness. These performance shoes will retail for $230.
Taylor Stitch x GORUCK Hard Road Loadout Collection
Tactical fitness experts GORUCK partner up with classy men’s wear aficionados Taylor Stitch for the limited “Hard Road Loadout” collection. If ruggedly handsome is the look you’re going for, this is for you!
The collection includes the Challenge cargo short, Deploy packable shell, Sharkskin merino base layer, half-zip merino midlayer, Tac Hat cap, and an extremely limited Waxed Rain Drop Camp GR1 pack. The pieces target travelers with an eye for “the rougher road.” At a glance, the construction and designs offer up some technical chops without giving up too much in the way of comfort.
Soul Holds
When you’re a hammer, all you see are nails. And when you’re a climber, all you see are holds. Imagine if you were both a carpenter and climber. James Edwards is just such a man, and he’s put his work and passion together to found Soul Holds — manufacturer of more eco- and social-conscious climbing wall holds.
Edwards sources FCS and PEFC-registered timbers (Forest Stewardship Council and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, respectively), which are produced in the Netherlands using local labor. The holds offer an alternative to PU, fiberglass, and PE climbing holds with a wood alternative, coated in polyamide epoxy and sand. Altogether, these holds can be can be recycled as bio-mass (composted or incinerated for city heating).
Nitecore MH12 Pro
The Nitecore MH12 Pro isn’t exactly micro, and it isn’t exactly a light canon. But for a smallish (5.45-inch-long, 2.89-ounce) flashlight, it’s a heck of a powerhouse, delivering 3,300 lumens to a distance of 505 m.
The rechargeable flashlight comes with some slick user interface, too — power output and remaining battery display next to the side-switch, which controls output. Our team will be putting it to the test soon to see if it measures up against the best flashlights on the market.
Cannondale Cargowagon Neo
Carry your groceries, gear, extra clothes, kids, and more on the latest e-bike from Cannondale, the Cargowagon Neo. This aluminum-frame cargo bike has a 441-pound carrying capacity, Bosch motor, and nimble 20-inch wheels. Like Cannondale’s other Neo line e-bikes, the Cargowagon boasts integrated 260-lumen lights, fenders, and built-in rear rack.
At full tilt, the Cargowagon can muscle up to 28 mph and accommodates a whole suite of add-on accessories, like pannier boxes, rear deck cushions for backseaters, and front rack attachment. The Cargowagon will be available in the U.S. this winter.
Chrome Artist Series
Add a little style to your commute with Chrome’s latest launch, the Artist Series featuring French skater (and artist) Lucas Beaufort. These limited-run designs look like part street art, part homage to the bustling, byzantine roads and avenues that make up “messenger life.” Find the novel color schemes on Chrome’s Kadet Sling Bag, Ziptop Waistpack, Doubletrack Handlebar Sling, and Cheapskate Card Wallet.
Kavu ‘Throw Shirt’
If Kavu’s Throw Shirt looks like a blast from the past, that’s because it kind of is. Back from a U.S. hiatus, the Throw Shirt triumphantly returns after a successful run in Japan and across Europe. Since it first launched in 1995, the Throw Shirt has undergone some evolution, specifically and oversized silhouette that is (I’m told) the current fashion trend.
But fashion isn’t the only trick this pony has, the Throw Shirt has won over foreign markets as an anything-outer layer to “throw” on over a puffy, T-shirt, or anything else. The cuffs Velcro down to defend against bugs and the canvas cotton adds durability and defense against less-than-tranquil elements.
Thunder-Titanium Utility Knife
We’re always jazzed to see a new iteration of the classic utility knife. Because let’s face it, the old-school box cutter isn’t the pinnacle of design. Enter the Thunder Knife. Cue gravely voiced announcer. “Are you tired of using ordinary craft knives that lack style and functionality? Unleash Your Creativity!”
The Thunder comes equipped with a replaceable CKB-2 utility blade on a titanium and carbon fiber handle. It has a thumb-stud opening design, deep-carry pocket clip, and built-in tritium tube slot to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. It looks like a nice design and worth checking out if you dig replaceable blade knives.
