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.
Tecovas Vibram-Soled Knox Boots
Tecovas’ Knox is designed for form and function (and comfort) wherever your work takes you. The Knox Boot ($215) has a modern style, dual footbed, sealed seams, water-resistant bovine leather, and the star of the show — a high-traction, one-inch Vibram wedge outsole. Also new for the brand, this “ruggedly handsome” boot comes in three colors.
Sea to Summit Stretch-Loc Straps
Sea to Summit’s new Stretch-Loc Straps ($9-16/2-pack) aren’t a huge innovation, but they are handy. These new straps have co-molded acetal buckles to lock items in place, and a more streamlined “Keeper Strap” design to prevent slipping and improve grip. The Stretch-Loc straps come in a variety of lengths, and like ski straps, are super versatile for securing backpacking, ski, or bike gear.
La Sportiva Cyklon
New this spring is the La Sportiva Cyklon with a BOA Fit System. The Cyklon ($160) “represents years of collaboration between La Sportiva and BOA,” said the brand. It’s designed with a fit that locks in the heel and creates a wraparound feel. The shoe also has La Sportiva’s Dynamic Cage, designed to reduce landing impact and improve efficiency. The shoe has an 8mm drop and comes in men’s and women’s versions.
Guerrilla Gravity MX Rally
The MX Rally ($5,595) is Guerilla Gravity’s latest mixed-wheel build. The MX Rally bike has a 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheel combo, RockShox fork, aggressive geometry, comes with capability for Trail mode or Gravity mode, and comes in three frame sizes. Models available include the ShredDogg and Megatrail. Orders placed for the MX rally have a lead time about a month out.
Noso x KUIU Patches
Noso (“no sew”) Patches have proudly partnered with KUIU to bring a collection of hunting-oriented outdoor gear patches. Nosos are a simple patch solution that doesn’t require needle and thread. The KUIU patches ($9 each) are waterproof, ultralight, come in three camouflage patterns and a gunmetal gray, and can be applied to jackets, pants, packs, and more.
Reebok x Rich Froning Nano X1 Shoe
The Nano X1 Froning is Reebok’s latest collaboration with CrossFit fitness icon Rich Froning Jr. The Nano X1 ($150) follows the design of the original Nano launched earlier this year, but with unique design and inspiration from Froning himself. The training shoe has a sock-like upper, Energy Foam cushioning, an EVA midsole, and a bungee lace closure for quick on and off. It’s available in one color so far, and comes in sizes 6-14.
CURAD Performance Series IRONMAN Far Infrared Kinesiology Tape
CURAD’s new Performance Series recovery collection includes its IRONMAN Far Infrared Kinesiology Tape ($25/12-count pack). CURAD’s kinesiology tape helps with pain management by relieving pressure due to muscle tension and strain. The Far Infrared technology is designed to absorb energy and redirect that energy back as a gentle radiant heat to help soothe muscles. Like other tapes, it’s water- and sweat-resistant.
Maven Team USA Edition Scope and Binoculars
Maven is the official optics provider of the USA Archery Team for the Tokyo 2020 Games. In celebration, Maven worked with athletes to design a custom USA S1.A Spotting Scope ($2,100) and B.2 Binoculars ($1,050), available with 9x or 11x magnification. These custom optics are available to customers (not just athletes) for the original MSRPs, but only until August 8! Maven’s Custom Optics Builder typically adds $100-120 in cost.
USA Olympic Surf Team x Wyland Foundation Surf Hat
To commemorate USA Surfing’s first event at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, marine life artist Wyland created a commemorative USA Surf collection to raise funds for the first surf competitors at the international games. The pieces have Wyland’s signature octopus in a beautiful Japanese-influenced Gyotaku style. See the full commemorative USA Surf collection. Proceeds will support the ocean conservation partnership between USA Surfing and the Wyland Foundation.
Article One x Mission Workshop Sunglasses
Article One and Mission Workshop teamed up to produce a both classic and unique navigator shade. The AO x Mission Workshop Sunglasses ($255) have a versatile and durable TR90 polymer lightweight frame, silicone nose pads, silicone pads to grip behind the ears, and Italian Divel lenses with CR-39 polarization that blocks 100% of UVA/UVB rays (and prevents glare). Each made-in-Italy pair comes with a cleaning cloth, EVA case, and 2-year warranty.
Craft Sports Core Charge Sports Top
Craft Sports’ Core Charge Sports Bra ($55) really hits the spot in terms of lightweight and breathable feel, but high coverage. This bra is perfect for low- to medium-impact sports like yoga, hiking, and backpacking. Plus, we love the flat straps and color pattern. Pair with Craft’s new PRO Hypervent running apparel collection (men’s and women’s styles).
Vollebak Race to Zero Ultralight Running
Forget futuristic puffies — Vollebak is here with a new category of gear: ultralight. The Vollebak Race to Zero collection (from $110) was designed by the brand’s founders and is built to be ultralight and packable. The collection includes a T-shirt, shorts, jacket, and yes, puffy (coming soon). In total, all four items weigh just 600 grams (that’s under 2 pounds!).
Diamond Brand Gear LMNL Tent
The LMNL Tent system is the “coolest” thing to maybe hit the outdoor market. The LMNL Tent (from $850) is designed to be a sustainable but fully decked-out glamping tent, with built in “air-conditioning,” skylight windows and moonroof, and more. The tent system consists of a frame, canopy roof (that can be raised for ventilation), walls, gear loft, and more. Each tent is hand-sewn by the brand in Asheville, NC. Units should be available to backers by October or November of 2021.
Tego Organizer 2.0
Also launching on Kickstarter (on August 10), the Tego aims to be a multipurpose, multi-activity, multifaceted rollup organizer. The Tego Organizer (from $39) has a combination of mesh drop-in pockets, zipper pockets, and snap pouch pockets, plus a roll style that can accommodate everything from bike tools to toiletries. Each corner has two reinforced dual metal grommets for hanging on a hook or stringing up at camp. The brand is Climate Neutral certified.
