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.
Hobie Mike Iaconelli Fishing Kayak
Hobie’s special-edition Mike Iaconelli Fishing Kayak ($5,299) is a version of Hobie’s Mirage Pro Angler 14 360 pedal kayak in loud red camouflage with custom EVA and custom add-on features. It has BOA lumbar support, storage for six rods, and two molded-in rod holders. With this fully equipped pedal kayak, you’ll stand out on the water just like professional bass angler Mike Iaconelli. Limited stock is available.
Costa Untangled Sunglasses
Launched this week, Costa’s Untangled Collection (starting at $199) is a line of sunglasses made from its NetPlus material, 97% recycled fishing nets, and 3% performance additive. Not only that, they are tailored specifically to anglers and those who spend long hours on the water. The collection dropped with a whopping nine styles to choose from, including shades with side shields for extra protection and women’s-specific fits. Prescription options are available too!
BioLite AlpenGlow Lantern
A long-awaited product release for BioLite (and a staff favorite in testing) is the BioLite AlpenGlow lantern (from $60). This USB-rechargeable camp light has lots of built-in tech, including a built-in accelerometer that allows you to shake the light to change colors, access the epically romantic “candle flicker” mode, and its ChromaReal tech that allows the LEDs (cool, warm, color, or multicolored) to reflect different tones at night. The BioLite AlpenGlow comes in 250 or 500 lumen options.
SPY Optics Monolith and 50/50
Gear up for summer — the intricately designed SPY Monolith shades are here. The SPY Monolith and Monolith 50/50 ($150) rock a mono-lens design with SPY’s first five-base cylindrical lens, oleophobic and hydrophobic lens coatings, vented and grooved rubber nose pads, and a Grilamid frame that all embody “audacious style.” We’ve been rocking these in a special-edition orange — but there’s bronze, neon pink, platinum, and more 50/50 colors from which to choose.
prAna Econyl Swimsuits
prAna has dropped a few new swimwear styles for spring 2021. The Lurisa Top and Datum Short (from $55) are made with 78% recycled nylon Econyl fabric, and a UPF 50+ rating. The top’s closure is adjustable, while the Datum short offers full coverage for high-output water activities. All of prAna’s 2021 swimwear is made in a 100% Fair Trade Certified factory. If these styles aren’t for you, there are three other Econyl tops and two Econyl bottom styles added this season.
TILI Utility Knife
The TILI Utility pocket knife (preorder for $84) is a fixed-blade utility tool designed to fit in your pocket. It’s well-made (from a single piece of 1095 high-carbon steel), and minimalist — two perfect qualities for an EDC. The TILI is made by a Canadian bladesmithing company and comes in a steel-only skeletal style, hemp-wrapped handle style, or oak style — yes, with a whiskey barrel oak handle. The TILI Kickstarter campaign launched in June. (There’s one week left to get yours!)
C4 Smart Energy
C4 just launched its C4 Smart Energy Natural Zero ($26/12-pack) — a plant-based energy drink designed to “take your workout to the next level.” The energy drink is derived from green tea extract, has zero artificial sweeteners and sugar, and no artificial colors or dyes. Basically, it’s as-natural-as-possible (carbonated and caffeinated) energy in a can.
MAAP Emblem Pro Hex Jersey
MAAP has updated its Emblem Pro Hex jersey ($170) with more sustainable materials and new colors for this season. The jersey is made with 90% recycled materials, Bluesign-approved fabrics, breathable fabric for the back, side panels and collar, larger pockets, and new colors like Fern and Guava that instill snazzy summer vibes. This jersey is available in men’s and women’s sizing.
Tifosi Glasses with Clear Lens
This year, Tifosi Optics launched new clear lens options for some of its frames (with prescription and custom options). We tested the Swick glasses ($150) and have been impressed with their clarity, protection, and fit. They work as daily-wear optics, or for activities like biking and running. Unique specs include Tifosi’s shatterproof, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens and tough Grilamid TR frame. These are all-around, high-quality glasses at a fair price.
TB12 x Under Armour Sleepwear Collection
Sure, we all know about massage guns, foam rollers, supplements, and cupping as recovery tools, but what about recovery … clothing? Under Armour is attempting to make apparel specific for recovery with its TB12 Recovery Sleepwear. The collection includes tees, joggers, and shorts made with mineral-infused fabric that the brand says “increases localized blood flow to your muscles and tissues” and “returns infrared energy” — all while you sleep.
