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Emerging Gear: Filson Knife, Micro Massage, Scrap Socks, and More

Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.

cyclist in Kate Zessel artist jersey in BC, Canada
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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.

100% 'The Rideley'

army green square frame sunglasses

100% the brand’s newest active performance sunglasses, the Rideley ($150) model is built to provide protection, shade, and on-road style. We tested previous models from 100% and love the soft, sturdy, rubbery, and flexible Tr90 frames. The Rideley has these same frames, too, plus a 6 base, square-frame design, nose and temple grips, and color options like Soft Tact Army Green or Black.

Filson x Buck Knives Camp Knife

army green and tan Filson x Buck Knives camp knife

The Filson x Buck Knives Compadre Camp Knife ($155) is an American-made, limited-edition classic. The Compadre has a 4.5-inch drop-point blade made of 5160 spring steel, an ergonomic resin Micarta handle, a finger guard, and a thumb jimping, and it comes with a leather sheath. Built by names like Buck Knives and Filson, this blade shouldn’t disappoint.

 

Ibex Merino 24-Hour Tank and Tee

Wear this shirt for 24 hours, and ensure that you stay fresh. Ibex makes natural merino wool clothing, and utilizes one of merino’s most important properties (read: odor wicking) for this all-day tee. The 24-Hour Tank and Tee (for men and women, $70 and up) are made with 18.5 micron wool, curved hems, flat seams, and no tags for comfort all day.

HOKA Zinal Trail Runner

HOKA Zinal trail shoe with teal upper and orange laces

The Zinal from HOKA ($160) is a “slimmed-down,” lightweight trail runner designed for running enthusiasts. It’s got all the hallmark features of traditional HOKAs, but with an extra ‘gecko-like’ grip (and 4mm lugs). The Zinal is also one of HOKA’s newest shoes made from recycled yarn and minimal materials in the uppers to keep the weight low.

Life Is Good x iROCKER SUP

two blue and white deck designs of the Life is Good iRocker paddleboard

iRocker started making paddleboards in 2016 and is already working on collaborations to bring more style to the water. Its Life Is Good x iRocker Cruiser ($845) is a 10’6″ length paddleboard made with a triple-layer composite military-grade PVC, and three removable fins. It also includes a three-piece carbon paddle with nylon blade. It comes in two limited-edition colors.

Nixon Solar Light-Wave Watch

yellow solar powered watch with analog dial

Nixon’s Solar-Powered Light-Wave Watch ($150) is designed to eliminate the need for manufactured, disposable batteries. It has a solar-powered battery that can last for up to 4 months on a single charge. And, this solar watch can be charged by solar or artificial light. The Light-Wave’s injection-molded case and band is made from #tide plastics, making it “the first analog solar-powered watch made from reclaimed ocean plastics,” Nixon told us. The Light-Wave has a 100m water rating.

7mesh x Kate Zessel Horizon Jersey and Bib

male cyclist modeling the Kate Zessel artist designed jersey

7mesh partnered with Canadian artist Kate Zessel for its capsule collection, which features prints inspired by the wilderness of British Columbia. “I liked the idea of having a full story behind the kit,” explained Zessel. You might even notice Squamish spaces like the Armchair Glacier and Sea to Sky Corridor. Shop the Horizon Jersey ($140) or MK3 Cargo Bib Short ($230) for men and women. See the original MK3 bib.

Morakniv Integrated Knife Survival Kit

morakniv survival kit with blade sharpener and flint holder

Morakniv’s Survival Kit ($30) is a clip-on accessory for your choice of outdoor blade. The survival kit, which clips to a blade sheath, has everything you might need in the wild — a blade sharpener, flint stick, and short length of paracord, all within reach. Currently, it’s compatible with Morakniv’s Garberg or Kansbol blades, though we hope they expand to more knives soon.

Outdoor Afro x ENO Print Hammock

woman with curly hair holding up Outdoor Afro print ENO double hammock

ENO recently announced an ongoing partnership with national nonprofit Outdoor Afro. Kicking off the partnership is a tag-teamed Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest hammock ($80), with a print designed by Outdoor Afro volunteer leader Leandra Taylor, inspired by her trip to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. “I want people to feel warmth and joy when they lay in this hammock,” Taylor noted. Specs: it weighs 19 ounces and supports up to 400 pounds.

Giro Renew Series Halter Bib Short

woman modeling giro halter bib short with mesh upper

We’ve been testing the new Giro Renew Series Expert Halter Bib Shorts ($165) since the temps started climbing, and love how it’s performed so far. This bib — which comes in styles for men and women — is made from Bluesign-approved 78% recycled nylon fabric. It’s comfy in the saddle (whether on your bike or indoor trainer), breathes, stays put thanks to leg grippers, and has an easy-to-drop design (no need to take off your jersey when you need to go).

Snow Peak x Rapha Collection

Snow Peak and Rapha have teamed up for their first collaboration. The collection consists of some lightweight bikepacking essentials, like the 375mL Kanpai Bottle ($135), made with vacuum-insulated, double-wall stainless steel. It features a special Rapha and Snow Peak design, and it sports three lids for different uses. Also in the collection: an ultralight spork and mug.

Bajio Sunglasses

bajio calda sunglasses with polarized lenses

The Bajio brand is, well, brand new. Launched this spring, Bajio makes shades geared toward paddlers and anglers — those who spend long hours in the sun. The brand’s first collection features lightweight bio-based nylon frames with six lens options at different price points. The Calda Sunglasses ($249) have a classic, square frame, with glass lenses and a polarized lens technology that also reduces blue light transmission.

Arvin Goods Plant-Dyed Crew Socks

arvin goods plant dyed socks pale pink

Arvin Goods makes socks — we know, not glamorous, but still a crucial piece of gear — but do so using scrap materials off factory floors (Arvin partners with a factory in Spain). We tested the Plant-Dyed Mini Crew Socks ($12) and love them for day-to-day active wear. If you’ve got reservations about their “scrappy” nature, here’s some context: the brand’s yarn is approximately 52% scraps and 48% recycled polyester content. In order to make sure the socks hold up, Arvin then adds a bit of elastane for stretch.

Four Fifths a Grizzly Book

four fifths grizzly book cover

Looking for a fun, outdoor summer read? Check out Four Fifths a Grizzly ($25), written by Douglas Chadwick. Chadwick, located in Whitefish, Montana, is a wildlife biologist who has studied mountain goats, harlequin ducks, wolverines, grizzly bears, and whales. “I think Chadwick’s book addresses one of the central misconceptions we have about our relationship to nature — we humans are a part of the circle of life, not found in the center but rather part of the whole,” praised Kris Tompkins, former CEO of Patagonia.

Rawlogy Micro Cork Massage Balls

small cork massage balls between climber's hand and thumb

Work it out after working out! Rawlogy specializes in therapeutic massage balls for relieving tension, addressing sore muscles, and breaking up scar tissue — in an eco-friendly way. Rawlogy offers a range of renewable cork massage balls and the latest offering from the brand is its Micro line. We’ve tried the tiny pain fighters after workouts or bouldering sessions, and they’re great for loosening up tense palms and fingers. Get a set of 3 for $17.

Dynaplug Road Tubeless Repair Tool

dynaplug racer repair tool and three plugs

Launched this week is Dynaplug’s cool new repair tech: the Air Racer and Carbon Racer Tools ($48). Noticing that tubeless setups have gotten more popular, Dynaplug wanted to make sure it had tool options for those riders. Optimized for tires from 700 x 23-32, Dynaplug’s “road-length” insertion tubes allow easy plugging, and the smaller size means the excess plug will not rub against the fork or frame.

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