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 G.O.A.T Tote
Hyperlite’s G.O.A.T Tote ($99) seems like a pretty good addition to any ultralight hiker’s kit. The tote weighs just 6.8 ounces, and is made of 100% waterproof Dyneema fabric. With two long grab handles and a wide-open top, it may be the perfect haul bag. You can choose from a 23L or 30L size.
UAG Outback Bio Phone Case
This phone case is 100% compostable and has 100% recyclable packaging. And we haven’t even gotten to the actual case. Urban Armor Gear’s Outback Biocase ($15 and up) is biodegradable, rated to military drop test standards, is shockproof. And it’s still as tough as nails (with a raised bevel for extra protection). It’s available right now for Apple and Android smartphones.
GIRO Roust MTB Jerseys
Giro’s latest apparel drop for spring/summer includes the snazzy new Roust Jerseys ($75). The jerseys are made with a lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking polyester fabric and combined with mesh back and side panels to keep you cool. The shirt even has an interior lens wipe built in. Available in full and ¾-length, and in men’s and women’s sizing.
Urban EDC Supply Nessie
Urban EDC Supply’s Nessie (from $239) is the brand’s first collaboration with knife designer Chris Taylor on a frame lock blade. As the brand teased, “This beast is rarely seen but extremely formidable. Unlike the elusive lake creature though, it’s substantial in hand and perfect in the pocket.” The Nessie has a 3.25-inch M390 blade, added finger choil, and total weight of 5 ounces. Preorder now.
Norrona falketind Zip Fleece
Norrona’s newest fleece — the falketind Alpha120 ($189) — is one of our new favorite layers. We’re nearing the end of May, and I’ve managed to wear this Polartec Alpha power grid and Bluesign-approved layer walking, hiking, skiing, backpacking, and traveling. (And hope to wear it climbing soon.) It’s light but warm, and has a lightweight but full coverage hood. Zip up when the temps drop, and you won’t be disappointed — this layer warms, wicks, and stays cozy. See the men’s falketind too.
Gainful Protein Powders
Protein powders are still all the rage. But how do you choose between concentrate and isolate, whey, soy, mass gainer, or zero sugar? Enter Gainful. Take a quick survey on your taste, activity, diet preferences (and more), and Gainful recommends the recovery protein mix best suited for you (from $39). The brand has hydration mixes as well. We’ve tried it and appreciate the more custom-tailored approach to nutritional supplements.
Fjallraven Abisko Zip-Off Trousers
Zip-off pants are officially back in style. Fjallraven’s new women’s Abisko Midsummer Zip-Off Trousers ($165) are durable, hold up great in rainy and wet environments (water-resistant, light, and quick-drying), and are covered in pockets. The zip-off system transforms the full coverage pants into mid-thigh length shorts in under a minute. If you are a fan of Fjallraven’s Keb trousers for hiking, these are definitely worth trying as well. Shop men’s sizes.
Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen
Dine with Hydro Flask, and dine wherever. That’s the slogan for the outdoor hydration brand’s new kitchen collection. The Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen ($20 and up) features products like tumblers, cooking utensils, but also serving bowls, plates, flatware, and more. Glamp up your next outdoor trip with kitchen items made for the outdoors. Plus, new colors!
Chrome Industries BLCKCHRM 22X
Chrome’s most popular bags are now being built with a lighter and more durable fabric. The new BLCKCHRM 22X collection (from $95) will reflect the technical fabric update, as well as a color update (stone grey). The BLCKCHRM 22X packs are made with tear-resistant nylon laminate sailcloth and CORDURA fabric, have internal wet/dry compartments, laptop sleeves, and 1,000-denier tarp liners. The packs run from 17L to 26L sizes.
AirFly Floating Sunglasses
The AirFly Floating Sunglasses (starting at $89) are “sports sunglasses” made with a nosepad-free structure. Instead, the glasses use side pads that support and wrap the head. AirFly says they’re the world’s first floating sunglasses for athletes, and while they may not be the first (we know of others that float), they could be the first with this patented nosepad-free design. AirFly launched on Kickstarter today.
SmrT Hydration Cargo Water Bottle
Always looking for new ways to carry belongings on your bike? Enter SmrT Hydration’s Cargo Water Bottle ($20). It can carry 16 ounces of liquids up top, with an incorporated compartment for stashing, say, keys, a spare tube, or small bike tool at the bottom — it all fits in the bottle cage, no bags needed. However, our tester felt it added weight to the bike, and things like keys bounced around and made noise. It’s a creative design… but may not be a good solution for everything you want to carry.
Seaview Kradan Mask and Snorkel
The Seaview Kradan Mask and Snorkel set ($40) is made to be as packable as possible. The snorkel features a split-lock collapsible system, and the mask has a wide-view design with an adjustable, auto-locking strap. And then, of course, it has other, more standard snorkel features, like a strap clip and silicone bite valve.
GiantMouse Knives ACE Sonoma V2
New in the Giant Mouse ACE line is its folding blades made with canvas and micarta handles. The ACE Sonoma V2 ($175-195), an improved version of the brand’s original Sonoma locking blade. The new V2, in addition to the canvas micarta handle, has a 3.4-inch steel blade, a lightweight titanium backspacer, and a wire pocket clip.
REEF x Life is Good Sandals
Life is Good, the positive lifestyle brand, has partnered with REEF for some fun and positive beach footwear. The two brands want to “spread good vibes through inspirational art and comfortable, accessible styles,” specifically eight new REEF x Life is Good collab styles ($35). Available in men’s and women’s sizes, from 5-13.
