A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
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Sensor-Equipped Suunto
A next-generation exercise and outdoors watch, Suunto’s Spartan Sport Wrist HR has requisite workout tools plus a 24/7 activity tracker. Its sensors (on the back of the watch face) measure heart rate, no chest strap required. We tested the Spartan this week and were impressed; watch for a full review soon. It’s available for pre-order starting today for $499.
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3-In-1 Folding Boat
Unpack a hull and fold it into a kayak, sailboat, or canoe. The Hypar Kayak takes foldable vessels to a next level by making the hull modular. Hypar goes live on Kickstarter April 11.
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Hammock Cocoon
Envelop your camping hammock in a warm cocoon. The INFERNO is two-piece sleeping bag that wraps around you and your hammock. The down-insulted kit consists secures to a hammock’s suspension. The top and bottom pieces are available separately, or sold as full system for $452.
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Anti-Theft Helmet
A unique, retro design that hides an innovative anti-theft feature… that’s what Thousands Helmet offers with the Stay Gold. This $95 bicycle helmet has a removable cap that exposes a hole big enough for a U-lock.
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Lightest Portaledge
Climbers can stop to rest (and sleep) in the D4, the “lightest and most compact full-size portaledge.” The whole system weighs 14 pounds and measures 46.5″ x 80″ when deployed. The brand claims its patented folding design is the most compact on the market, at 10.5″ x 32″. The $1,200 portaledge is available on Kickstarter with early-bird discounts.
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Device ‘Measures Motion’ For Cyclists
Years in the making, a startup company sees ‘wearable motion measurement tools’ as the next big thing for biking. The TYPE-R product from LEOMO assesses body movements to build and display data in realtime as you ride. (See our full coverage of the LEOMO Type-R product launch.)
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Hybrid Victorinox Case
Roll or carry one the lightest travel cases in Victorinox’s lineup. The $320 Vx Touring 2-in-1 Carry-On weighs about 6 lbs. and has all the features of a standard carry-on: compression straps, zip-open expansion, and laptop sleeve.
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Women’s Multi-Sport Pant
Transition from the saddle to the yoga mat with these transformable pants. The $132 Pixi athletic pants are designed by women, for women. Available in 3/4 or full length, these stretchy synthetic leggings sport a removable chamois for added comfort while biking. Find it on Kickstarter now for discounts.
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Mace Trainer
The mace was originally used as a weapon by Hindu and Persian warriors. Today, fitness brand Set For Set has repurposed it for training. The Steel Mace ($49.95) holds almost the entirety of its weight in the ball head, making an uneven distribution the brand notes “engages smaller stabilizing muscles around joints.” It’s used for a variety of core exercises, detailed on Setforset.
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Therapeutic Yoga Mat
Enjoy trigger-point massage while perfecting downward-dog and happy-baby. Grippz Mats have hundreds of knobs along the surface that provide dual benefits: extra grip and acupressure massage. The $119 mats are live on Indiegogo now.
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Art-Inspired Tevas
Teva partnered with streetwear designer Benny Gold to produce its latest artist-series sandal. The $60 Benny Gold Teva sandal has the artist’s trademark paper airplane logo on the sandal straps. Ten percent of this sandals’ sales go to supporting the arts. Available exclusively on Huckberry.
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Everyday Duluth Pack
A canoe-country aesthetic comes through with the $145 City Portfolio. Duluth Pack designed the briefcase-like piece for travel and office use. It’s made in America with the company’s 15 oz. green canvas fabric.
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PAUL Quick-Release
A simple, effective piece, PAUL components’ quick-release bike collar uses the brand’s patented cam function that’s touted as “impossible to mis-align.” The $53 seat collar is available for pre-order now.
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Ultra-Fat Bike
Crush rough trails or sandy switchbacks with the XStrada bike. It employs beastly 7.5″-wide tires, packed down into 23.5″ wheels. The “ultra fat bike” will be available March 20th in single- or 11-speed options, or as an e-bike upgrade.
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