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.
Sitka Dew Point Layer System
Originally developed for backcountry big-game hunting, Sitka launched its Dew Point Jacket and Pant system ($329 and $299, respectively) for the adventurer that understands how quickly weather conditions can deteriorate. Sitka designed these layers for extended trips where staying dry matters just as much as your pack’s weight. Made with three-layer GORE-TEX 20-denier nylon ripstop fabric, this system is packable and can be at the ready when you need it most. The Dew Point System set weighs a scant 23 ounces.
1UP Cargo Bike Rack Add-On
This simple but ingenious add-on allows you to easily bolt a cargo area to your bike rack. The anodized aluminum 1UP Cargo Add-On ($229) is compatible with 1UP’s Quik Rack, Heavy Duty, and Super Duty model racks, and it fastens with just two security bolts. It’s also pitched upward at a 15-degree angle to increase ground clearance. The rack works with one-, two-, or three-bike setups. What are you waiting for? Bolt a cargo tray to your bike rack!
4FRNT 4-LOCK Skin System
4FRNT’s 4-Lock System is built to make skinning the most efficient it can be. The 4-Lock Skis and Skin System ($799) consists of a 12 x 9mm hole on the tail of the ski and a self-locking skin strap. But these aren’t your typical Pomoca skins. Created by Eric “Hoji” Hjorleifson, the design reduces skin length and weight (by up to 12%). The brand claims it improves uphill efficiency without affecting downhill performance. The system is currently compatible with 4FRNT Raven skis (skins come free).
Chris Burkard x Billabong Desert Trip Fleece
Surfwear and fleeces may not be synonymous, but luckily Billabong is bridging the gap. The brand partnered with Chris Burkard for its latest surfwear and outerwear collection featuring the Billabong Desert Trip Furnace Fleece ($90). The fleece is 100% polyester synthetic polar fleece, with a half-zip front, a zippered chest pocket, and handwarmer pockets. The fleece also cinches at the waist.
Kokatat Five Decades Collection
Celebrating 50 years in business, Kokatat launched the limited-edition Five Decades collection. The Dew and Mantis (teal and yellow) HustleR Rescue PFD ($249) pays homage to Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara and celebrates Kokatat’s 5 decades of business with an anniversary-edition design. The type V PFD is low-profile, with a quick-release chest harness, adjustable buckles, a zippered clamshell front pocket, and more.
YETI 2021 Drinkware Colors
Remember when YETI’s Sagebrush green came out in August 2020 and everyone flipped out? Well, YETI’s two new 2021 colors top it. Now, you can get a Rambler, a tumbler, or a bottle (from $20) in Aquifer Blue (maybe for those who never liked the glare of Seafoam) or, our personal favorite, the hottest magenta we’ve seen on drinkware.
Kane Revive Bio-Based Recovery Footwear
New brand Kane is here to make sustainable, comfortable recovery footwear. Its Revive Footwear (from $55) has a “regenerative” design with arch support, breathability, and more. Kane’s shoes are composed of over 70% BounceBack, a sugarcane-based alternative to fossil-fuel-based EVA foam. Foot and ankle surgeon (and veteran Crocs designer) Dr. Daniel Geller helped bring the footwear to life. Kane’s Active Recovery Footwear is live on Kickstarter now.
Someone Somewhere Magic Loom Windbreaker
Someone Somewhere has incorporated its new Magic Loom Fabric into a windbreaker. The Magic Loom Windbreaker ($99) has reflective, glow-in-the-dark threads to increase visibility when walking or riding at night. It provides visibility up to 50 feet away, and the windbreaker packs down small. More coolness? The fabric is hand-woven on a pedal loom, a traditional way of sewing that uses less energy to produce than more conventional methods.
Janji Running Zephyr Jacket
Janji’s spring 2021 collection is here, and we’re stoked on the new styles. The brand’s Everyday Essentials collection includes the ultralight Zephyr Runner Jacket (from $114), made with PFC-free water-repellent nylon, lots of back venting, a chest pocket, and a chest snap to keep the jacket in place when unzipped. It’s also packable and weighs “almost nothing” — 2.9 ounces in a men’s medium and 2.7 ounces in a women’s small.
Breeo Smokeless Fire Pit
Breeo’s Smokeless Fire Pit (from $499) now comes in a fully customizable model. The Breeo Custom Fire Pit includes options like stainless steel or patina finishes, grill or cook plates, various fire ring inserts, kettle hook accessories, new sizes, and more. The Breeo Fire Pit uses a built-in combustion system to create less smoke. One of our editors is currently testing out all its functions. The new Breeo X Series custom options will be available March 3.
Rapha All-Day Leggings
Rapha is expanding its women’s apparel offerings with the All-Day Leggings ($110) and Shorts ($80). Made for both on and off the bike, these layers are made with technical fabrics but designed for everyday use. They’re are high-waisted with no padding and added reflective detailing; the leggings even have roll-up reflective pant cuffs. Both also feature two side-slip pockets for stashing nutrition or a phone.
Klean Kanteen Food Boxes
Launched this month, drinkware brand Klean Kanteen is making its way into a new category. It’s Food Boxes ($25-60) are made to be a quality alternative to plastics, with lightweight, food-grade stainless steel boxes and silicone locking lids. The boxes come in a 20- and 34-ounce sizes or in a set with an added 7-ounce snack box. We especially love the mini snack box, which is great for fruit, crackers, and more.
