A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid below or click through for a slideshow.
Rumpl Goes Recycled
Blanket-maker Rumpl is shifting its materials to post-consumer recycled products. The newly thought-out Original Puffy is 100 percent post-consumer recycled, from fill to fabric. And the brand has been able to cut the price by a killer $30. You can now grab the Original Puffy for $99 (previously $129) — and prints don’t cost any more than solids. That’s exciting stuff, and it’s available now.
Xero Prio: A Barefoot Shoe for Kids
Kids are on their feet a lot more than we are, and yet they’re often left out of the technical footwear occasion. Enter Xero’s new Prio ($70). The shoe is designed to let kids’ feet splay and grow, and the adjustable heel allows for increased ability to grow with your kiddo. The shoe has a 5,000-mile sole warranty, so have as many kids as you want. This is a hand-me-down that ought to last. This shoe is new to shelves and available now.
Cold Case Gear Aerogel Pouch
Just launched on Kickstarter, the Cold Case Gear Aerogel Pouch is a nifty option for those of us playing in extreme climes. It’s ultralight at 80 g, and the NASA-developed aerogel keeps whatever you stash inside at a reasonable temp no matter what’s going on outside. No more cold phone, frozen battery, melted bars, or soaked wallet. The base deal for the bag is $25, and it’s live now. Check it out.
HED Raptor Rim for Cross-Country Racers
HED’s jump into the mountain bike world delighted mountain bikers, and the brand’s latest rim aims to please the cross-country racer. The new HED Raptor 29 ($1,070) is designed to perform under a variety of circumstances. Using its patent-pending Dual-axis Nipple Alignment (DNA) rim profile, HED has built a stronger, lighter, more stable rim.
Ruffwear Climate Changer Pullover Jacket
Ruffwear always has our best four-legged friends’ wellness at heart. Its newest Climate Changer pullover adds a sleek and fun fleece design to the current puptastic lineup. The pullover option allows more flexibility for hard-to-fit doggos, with flex panels that allow for easy movement though the chest and barrel. And at just $50, it’s a great option for keeping those slick-coated kids warm on crisp days.
5.11 Tactical Bravo Pant
5.11 Tactical is a cool brand. If you haven’t heard of these guys, get ’em on your radar. The brand mixes military tech with the needs of recreators and the fashion sensibility of the office. The Bravo Pant ($80) speaks to this effort perfectly. As sleek as a nice chino but as technical as your favorite trail pants, they come in a plethora of colors, sizes, and lengths. And, dudes, you’ll look good in these. Like, impress your partner/snag a number good. Get into them asap.
Hyperlite Junction 2400 Backpack
Weighing in at just under 2 pounds, the Hyperlite Junction 2400 Pack ($310) isn’t kidding when it comes to ultralight packing. Its 40L capacity makes it the perfect companion for the weekend or section hiker, or, you know, for the intensely ultralight thru-hiker. With external stash pockets, a solid compression system, a framework designed for a comfortable carry, and a killer lineup of durable materials, this pack is in it for the long haul. Available now.
Forsake Wilson Boot
We’ve got another killer crossover item in the mix with Forsake’s new Wilson Boot for men. It’s a slick-looking choice for a boot that can accompany you and your office pup on a lunchtime hike. It’s waterproof, breathable, sleek, and available now in three different color combos. Noice.
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster
The new Casio G-Shock Mudmaster (starting at $300) is, you guessed it, a shock-resistant, badass, burly mofo of a working guy’s watch. It’s got a special cylindrical, mud-resistant guard structure, a textured watchband, and large nonslip buttons for finger traction. I mean, I get kind of nervous just looking at it. This thing is ask-no-questions, tell-no-lies kind of tough. And you can get it for your wrist now — if you dare.
Merrell Bare Access XTR Sweeper
Can I get a “heck yes” for all this good news from the sustainability camp? Because Merrell just introduced its new Bare Access XTR Sweeper ($110) shoe for both women and men. It’s the brand’s most sustainable trail runner to date. And if you ignore the somewhat “that’s what she said”-worthy Bare Access moniker, the Sweeper side of its name celebrates the volunteers at trail races working hard to keep runners motivated and trails clean. Learn more about this trash-to-trail shoe here.
Klymit Bug Net Hammock Systems
If you’re a hammock camper, rejoice. Thou shalt itch less and sleep more thanks to Klymit’s new Traverse Bug Net ($80), designed just for you. It features a magnetic closure system to keep bugs out — or in, I guess, if that’s your thing — and four guy lines allow you to create ample space for bite-free hang time. The tight mesh even kicks out those darned no-see-ums, making comfortable, sandy camping a thing of now. Hang ten, y’all.
Hydro Flask Lunch Cooler
Do you want to be as cute and breezy as this extremely happy couple toting Hydro Flask’s new 35L Lunch Tote ($75)? Well, you can be. But only if you choose that exact yellow bag. OK, just playing — the other three colors will work just as well. And not only that, but this tote also comes in a few size options and utilizes Hydro Flask’s killer lightweight insulation. Pack your lunch in the 8L option ($45) in the morning, and it’ll still be fresh and cool at lunchtime.
Altra Grafton Hiker
The grippy Grafton ($140) from Altra is the brand’s latest take on a hiker. It’s got a name that celebrates Utah’s Grafton Mesa and a design that reflects canyoneering spirit. The Vibram Megagrip sole works on all sorts of wet and dry surfaces, and a climbing-style rubber toe cap gives the shoe an approach feel. It’s available now for both men and women.
