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.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shell Jacket
When Hyperlite’s Dyneema Shell jacket ($549) first dropped as a limited release in 2019, it sold like hotcakes to thru-hikers seeking lightweight durability. Now, the Shell is back for round two. Made from waterproof breathable Dyneema composite fabrics, it weighs just 5.2 ounces in a men’s size medium. Dyneema is having a moment in the world of outerwear — its abrasion resistance and feathery weightlessness are unmatched. In its undyed raw state, Dyneema’s stark white wrinkled look is unlike any other textile.
Aniiu Viinson Ice Climbing Gloves
As fair-weather rock climbers like to say, ice climbing would be fun if it weren’t for all that ice. The fun quotient of ice climbing is wholly dependent on staying warm. Aniiu’s new Viinson NeoCuff gloves ($125) have an extra-long neoprene gauntlet cuff that’s designed to promote circulation to the fingertips. The 100% recycled fleece liner in the palm aims to improve dexterity and the waterproof YKK zipper keeps drips from your ice tools from seeping into your sleeves. Aniiu is a third-generation family-owned business based in Japan.
Freshy Pow Stomps Snow Boots
These snowboard boots are guaranteed to attract a few hollers of “What are those?!” in the lift line. Freshy’s Pow Stomps Snow Boots ($350) are absurdly vibrant, and the pictured “Flavor” color is the brightest of the bunch. Beyond the looks, these boots are outfitted with waterproof synthetic uppers, heat moldable liners, and a soft snow-resistant hydrophobic lining. To match the bold and unapologetic aesthetic, all three color options proudly display the California state outline.
Smith x Crayola Goggles
To a first grader, a 64-pack of Crayolas is the holy grail of craft supplies. We’ve all been there — cracking open that paper lid, caressing the untouched pointed ends, swooning over the metallic colors. Now, Smith honors our universal nostalgia with these striking goggles. The Red Orange Squad goggle ($120) is sized for teens and adults, and it comes with official Crayola branding. Smith’s Everyday Green Mirror Lens is designed for most light conditions, and a clear low-light lens is included too.
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wine Set
Barring a picnic in the park, outdoor activities and 750mL wine bottles don’t mix. Hydro Flask’s Wine Set ($90) is a solution to this problem. Complete with an insulated “leakproof” full-size bottle and two matching cups with sipping lids, the Wine Set can boldly venture where no syrah has gone before. Toss this bottle in your pack and go for a hike without fear of broken glass and permanent stains. All three vessels are lined with stainless steel, which resists rust and won’t ruin the tasting notes of your finest chardonnay.
Granite Gear Voz Primavera Hiker Satchel
This Hiker Satchel ($28) is the product of a collaboration between Granite Gear and Latino Outdoors founder José González. Latino Outdoors exists to “inspire, connect, and engage Latino communities in the outdoors.” As part of the Voz Primavera (roughly translated as “Springtime Voice”) collection, the satchel’s colorful pattern is packed with design motifs from indigenous communities in Mexico. It’s made from 70-denier polyester ripstop. Half of the proceeds from this satchel will benefit Latino Outdoors.
Montana Knife Company Speedgoat Blade
This lightweight knife was designed by Josh Smith — the youngest person ever to achieve Master Bladesmith status when he was 19. Several decades have passed, and Smith claims he has only gotten better at his craft. The Speedgoat ($225) is made by Montana Knife Company — Smith’s brand — and it’s now available as a full-time release. It weighs just 1.7 ounces, yet it’s quite long at 7.75 inches and the brand claims it’s large enough for standard hunting applications. The handle is made from tightly wound paracord, and every Speedgoat comes with a Kydex sheath.
Festka Franz Kafka Bike
Festka is known for its high-end carbon bike frames, and Franz Kafka is known for sterile settings and surrealist humor. Together, these two forces form the unlikely team behind this eye-catching road bike. Beneath the Kafka influence, this sleek ride is a Festka Scalatore frame with a wireless SRAM Red eTap groupset, ENVE cockpit, and ENVE SES wheels. Illustrator Michael Bačák channeled several of Kafka’s stories into a series of line drawings that adorn the bike’s frame.
A basic Festka Scalatore starts at an MSRP of $6,307 for the frame and $9,781 for a complete bike. Want something custom-made, like this Kafka bike? You’ll have to shoot Festka an email.
