A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
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Garmin Forerunner 935
Garmin’s latest addition to the Forerunner line, the 935 looks like a powerful tool for athletes. It couples wrist-based, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, a long list of training modes from indoor cycling to running to gym, and connectivity for external monitors such as a “running pod” to bring in a ton of data. A quick video highlights the vast uses of the new watch, which is certainly worth investigating for anyone in the market for a new training watch. It starts at $500.
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Zenbivy Sleeping System
Launching on Kickstarter next month, this outdoors sleep system raised our eyebrows. The Zenbivy combines a fitted sheet baselayer, hood, and down comforter. Used with a sleeping pad, the brand claims this combination provides the warmth of a mummy bag with the freedom of movement of a bed. We’re excited by any developments in camp sleeping, and this one looks promising. Look for a review coming soon.
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Full-Suspension eMTB
Crush downhill and breeze uphill. The iZip E3 Peak DS is a full-suspension MTB with a Bosch drive that tops out at 20 mph. The $4,200 Peak DS’s 27.5-inch wheels, Rock Shox 120mm fork, and SRAM hydraulic brakes make it a legit mountain ride with an electric boost. Purists need not apply.
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Great Outdoors User’s Guide
The result of a decade of “dabbling and fumbling around doing everything from ice climbing to canoeing” by outdoors author Brendan Leonard, The Great Outdoors: A User’s Guide teaches the fundamentals. That means things like what percentage of rattlesnake bite victims are legally drunk, why you don’t need to carefully fold your tent back up after each use, and how to have sex in a tent. Told by this comically gifted writer, we can’t wait to dive into what’s likely a hilarious, informative book.
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No-Hands Grill
Set it and forget it. Traeger Grills claims its Timberline 850 and 1300 are its most advanced cookers to date. The $1,699 and $1,999 grills are the first equipped with patented WiFIRE technology, which allows grillers to program recipes and cook cycles. Using the free app, users can change temperature, increase smoke, set a timer, or view cooking progress on graphs through Bluetooth connected devices.
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Sweet Protection Bike Helmets
Keep your dome protected and cool. Sweet Protection launches the Bushwacker II enduro/trail helmet. It offers varying degrees of protection, each with special ventilation channels. The 320g Standard (pictured), 360g MIPS, and 375g Carbon MIPS offer increasing levels of impact and rotation protection, but each claims to allow airflow over the temporal artery for more efficient cooling. Available from $224-$318.
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Performance Laundry Detergent
Wash your outdoor-performance clothing in confidence with Sports Detergent, from APTA. With an enzyme-based plant formula, Sports Detergent is designed to combat odors and keep clothing’s moisture-wicking properties, thus extending the life of your beloved adventure garments.
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Wiivv 3D-Printed Sandals
Touted as the world’s first custom-fit sandals, a wearer digitally maps his or her foot with a smartphone app before ordering from Wiivv. The result is a “biomechanically enhanced,” 3D-printed sandal assembled in the USA.
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Convertible Load Backpack
Switch from 70L multi-day pack to a 25L daypack, with one bag. Created by the founders of GoLite, the BPL 70 by My Trail Co. is designed to meet backpackers’ needs, with numerous straps, tie-downs, and compartments. The 3-lb. 2.3-oz. pack compresses down to 1/3 its original size for shorter trips.
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(Toe) Sock Layering System
Hike longer in comfort by layering! Injinji introduces its own toe-sock layering system with its trademark stretchy liner and a toe-fitted, merino wool-blend crew sock. The $27 system is available in men’s and women’s kits this fall.
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Baseball Mitt Flip-Flop
Nothing fits like an old mitt. So sandal-maker Hari Mari decided to bring the baseball standard to your feet. The footwear manufacturer partnered with baseball glove-maker Nokona to produce a $110 pair of flip-flops designed to be “the softest leather flip flop ever.”
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Gear Market App
Buy, sell, even rent your used outdoor gear with other enthusiasts. The Gearoe app-based marketplace works like other merchant platforms like Craigslist or Airbnb. Post pics, search by categories, and complete transactions to give old gear a new home.
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Adventure Pants
Coalatree claims the Trailhead Adventure Pant will be your favorite for climbing, hiking, and getting outdoors. The stretchy ripstop nylon, water resistant garment is meant to move with you on rock faces or gliding along the trail. It’s made in the USA and sells now for $85.
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Classic Clothing Brand Makes Bikewear
Bike in blue jeans and a button down? Heritage clothing brand Gant says “yes.” The brand’s latest line of commuter clothes is built for bikes, but styled for the office or casual lunch.
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