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Emerging Gear: Satellite Hotspot, Marathon Sneaker, and More

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.

Hiker wearing a Somewear Satellite Hotspot Device and App
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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.

Somewear Satellite Communicator

somewear satellite hotspot and app

There’s a new brand in the satellite device market: Somewear Labs. Its 4-ounce Somewear Global Hotspot ($350) pairs with a mobile app (for iOS and Android) to provide off-grid and emergency global connectivity through the Iridium satellite network. The newest Somewear has public tracking (so friends and family can check in without the Somewear app) and an upgraded smart routing feature that defaults to Wi-Fi when in range.

Blackburn Design Core Pro Floor Pump

Blackburn core pro floor pump

The Core Pro floor pump ($100, or free during this giveaway) combines the needs and demands of a bike shop pump with a design for home use. Standing at nearly 29 inches tall with an oversized inner diameter pump shaft, the Core Pro is the most efficient pump in Blackburn’s lineup. It’s designed to work well with both high and low pressure and is compatible with any valve on the market thanks to the Airtap pump head.


This selection is sponsored by Blackburn Design.

Limited-Edition Stanley and Wild Olympics Bottle

Stanley Olympic National Park river design bottle

Stanley partnered with artist Gretchen Leggit to create the Stanley x Wild Olympics limited-edition GO Ceramivac Bottle ($35.) The limited-edition bottle is double-wall vacuum-insulated, with a nonslip bottom and artwork of the stunning Olympic Mountains. Proceeds from the bottle will benefit the Conservation Alliance’s Wild Olympics Campaign, dedicated to protecting the rivers and land on the Olympic Peninsula.

Thule Rail Hip Pack 4L

Thule rail 4L hip pack

Thule’s new hip pack lineup includes the Thule Rail Hip Pack ($100), with a neat ReTrakt system that allows you to drink from a hydration hose while riding hands-free. The Rail 4L hip pack is made of nylon and has quick-access side pockets, a back phone pocket, a front flap pocket, magnetic hose retention, and a hydration reservoir (included). It’s also got an attachment loop for a safety light.

BruTrek OVRLNDR Coffee Press

BruTrek OVRLANDR Coffee Press

BruTrek’s OVRLNDR Press ($50) is a 28-fluid-ounce French press designed for the outdoors. Its coolest feature is a removable base for easy cleanup — a truly “no-mess” press. The OVRLNDR press also has a design that stops coffee grounds from brewing further when fully pressed down, a brushed stainless steel body, and a spillproof lid. The first press will be available in July 2020. Or check out the original steel-toe press model ($30).

WANDRD FERNWEH Pack

side view of WANDRD Fernweh pack

WANDRD’s newest pack is designed for travelers and photographers alike, prioritizing comfort and versatility. The 50L FERNWEH (starting at $279) meets carry-on size requirements and has a slew of cool compartments. It has pass-through access to a camera compartment, front and back access points, compatibility with WANDRD’s camera and chest packs, and, of course, a laptop sleeve that doubles as a hydration bladder compartment. The pack is made of 420- and 630-denier nylon on the exterior.

Pearl Izumi Interval Cargo Bib Shorts

Pearl Izumi cargo bib shorts

The Pearl Izumi Interval Cargo Bib Shorts ($165) are new for 2020. The shorts have streamlined storage, with two pockets on the thighs to increase carrying capacity and provide an alternative to a jersey. The shorts also have open mesh side panels for breathability, leg-grippers on the hems, and a drop-tail design. We’re looking forward to testing these out on some longer rides this summer. They’re available for men and women.

Canfield Bikes Oil Slick Pedals

canfield oil slick color pedals

Canfield Bikes’ limited-edition pedals are on the pricier side but are a must-have if you’re a fan of the brand’s best-selling MTB flat pedal, the Crampon Mountain. The limited-edition Crampon Mountain Oil Slick Pedals ($175) have the same ultrathin profile, 6mm leading edges, double-sided pins, Chromoly axle, and hybrid sealed bearings. But, of course, they come in a hot new color.

Deuter UP Sydney Daypack

two-tone blue Deuter UP Sydney pack

The UP Sydney ($125) is the hallmark pack of Deuter’s new daypack collection, with a 22L volume, back support, contoured shoulder straps, magnetic fasteners, a detachable hip belt, a laptop compartment, and plenty of pockets. Each pack is PFC-free, Bluesign-approved, and made with 100% recycled materials. The pack weighs under 2 pounds.

Expanded SRAM Eagle Ecosystem

sram eagle ecosystem drivetrain

SRAM’s Eagle ecosystems just got a whole bunch of updates. The three Eagle drivetrain choices (starting at $545) — the GX, X01, and XX1 — provide lightweight aluminum or carbon derailleurs, cassettes, and cranksets for all types of riding. The XX1 is the most expansive system, offering more gear range and racing-level performance. For all models, both the chain and cassette colors are now customizable (with new colors like gold, rainbow, and copper).

DZR Turin Boot

DZR turin bike shoe boots

The DZR Turin Boot ($189) emphasizes the point that cycling shoes can be both functional and stylish, although it comes with a higher price tag. The Turin blends the styles of high-tops and moto boots with the functionality of a clipless cycling shoe. The shoe has reflective accents on the heels and is made with full-grain leather, a natural gum rubber sole, and a full-length shank. They can work with clipless cleats or flat pedals.

 

Snow Peak Yamai Hand-Woven Silk Shirt

Snow Peak cotton silk shirt

Snow Peak’s Hand-Woven Cotton Silk Shirt ($410) is part of the brand’s new Yamai series, focusing on ancient craftsmanship techniques. The half-button-down Cotton Silk Shirt is made with 47% silk fibers and has double breast pockets and a straight hem. It’s finished using an ancient Japanese ink-dyeing process. For apparel, the dye is unique: It’s calligraphy ink, a blend of soot and glue adjusted to a certain density to produce lighter or darker colors.

School Footwear Marathon I Sneaker

school footwear retro marathon sneaker

These Kickstarted kicks are the first product of School, a Black-owned sneaker startup founded by three brothers looking to disrupt the sneaker industry. The School Marathon I Sneaker ($85) focuses on design, durability, and, of course, delivering that “golden age” sneaker aesthetic for an affordable price tag. School hasn’t released all the details yet, but the shoes will be made with TPU materials, mesh paneling on the bold-colored uppers, and rubber soles.

Supreme Products Pocket ChainSaw

pocket chainsaw tool

Weighing just 5 ounces, the Pocket ChainSaw ($30) uses a high-strength-treated steel chain with bidirectional teeth and manual pull handles to allow you to cut firewood, tree limbs for shelter, and more in seconds. We can think of a few useful scenarios for this tool off the bat, whether it’s going in your bugout bag or backpack.

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