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.
Chubbies Everywear Pants
Chubbies is synonymous with 5-inch inseams and exposed thighs. For the first time, the beloved shorts brand is going long. Yep, Chubbies makes pants now. Today marks the drop of the Everywear Pants ($95), a “hybrid casual pant” designed to double as casual office attire and comfy leisurewear. Just like Chubbies shorts, the Everywear pants are made from water-resistant four-way stretch material. They’re available in six colors.
YETI Tan Panga Dry Bag
YETI is a major player in the world of fully submersible backpacks. The 50L Panga ($300) has been a mainstay in the brand’s lineup for a while, but the all-new tan color is sure to turn some heads. From fishing to kayaking, reliable dry storage is invaluable for water sports enthusiasts. YETI’s HydroLok zipper is well regarded for its effectiveness, and the thick nylon outer shell is seriously puncture-resistant.
Twist Stick Bag Balm Moisturizer
Many at GearJunkie are fans of Vermont’s Original Bag Balm. This month, the company unveiled a new product, a twist-up stick that’s made with petrolatum to moisturize and lanolin “to soothe and soften skin.” We tested it on dry skin and were happy with the easy-on application and the stick’s soothing results. Bonus: The brand touts the fragrance-free formula as safe for people and pets, making it usable on paws and dry dog noses.
G-SHOCK Full Metal GMB2100
With an all-metal construction and a unique octagonal casing, the new GMB2100 ($550-600) is much more refined than your average G-SHOCK. Despite the classic analog look, this watch can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth for “enhanced timekeeping accuracy.” According to the brand, resin buffering components between the bezel and case protect the inner module from shock and impact.
Swiftwick National Park Socks
National Parks may be America’s best idea, but the beauty of good socks transcends all national boundaries. If you have pride in public lands and also love to rock a fun sock, these new Swiftwick Visions ($20) are for you. The seamless toebox aims to eliminate friction and blisters, and the y-shaped heel is designed to prevent bunching. Every good hike requires happy feet — don’t neglect your dogs.
Lowepro Trekker Lite Hip Pack
No matter how much camera gear you own, certain shoots call for a basic kit. Lowepro’s Trekker Lite Hip Pack ($63) is built for the moments when you’re deep in the backcountry or venturing abroad. It’s just big enough for the essentials. According to the brand, the hip pack can fit an ultracompact point-and-shoot camera, a mid-range lens, and a compact tripod. It carries as a fanny pack or over-the-shoulder sling.
On Footwear Cloudnova Form Sneaker
Swiss sportswear brand On drops the Cloudnova Form ($150), a sleek running shoe with a wide, cushy outsole. If you’re seeking better absorption with each foot strike, these shoes are worth a look. Like most On shoes, the Cloudnova Form comes with the brand’s signature CloudTec — a collection of cushioning elements that many runners appreciate on hard surfaces. Aside from the beefy outsole, these are low-profile and stylish shoes that wouldn’t be out of place at the bar.
ENGO 2 'Smart Glasses'
Go for a run in these glasses, and you’ll never need to glance at your phone or watch to check your heart rate on the fly. The ENGO 2 glasses ($330) display performance metrics directly on top of your field of view. According to ENGO, a fully charged battery lasts 12 hours, and the screen can be controlled via touch-free hand gestures. The “sweat-proof tech package” is hidden behind the nose bridge. From the front, these look like any other running glasses. They’re available to preorder now.
Erem Gila Sandal
While designing the Gila, Erem aimed to create the “ultimate adventure sandal.” River guides and the whitewater-inclined will be intrigued by the sandal’s “water cinching” technology — TENCEL strapping that “naturally tightens around your feet when wet.” Other noteworthy features include a textured footbed and zinc buckles. The Gila can be preordered via Kickstarter for $89.
BINANA Inflatable Kayak
The BINANA Kayak is a catamaran-style inflatable watercraft that prioritizes safety above all else. Both the port and starboard floats are lined with grab handles for easy boarding, and the 12-foot hull offers “unrivaled stability.” When packed and rolled, the BINANA weighs 22 pounds and fits inside of a backpack — great news for folks with minimal storage space. For a Kickstarter pledge of $500, the BINANA can be preordered with a pump, paddle, and backpack included.
Altra Mont Blanc BOA Trail Runner
We’re big fans of Altra’s trail running shoes. Today, the brand releases the Mont Blanc BOA ($210) — the first Altra shoe with a BOA Fit System. The Mont Blanc weighs around 11.2 ounces per shoe and has a 30mm stack height. Altra calls this shoe its “premium trail product,” and the list of features is extensive. A Vibram LiteBase outsole protects the mega plush EGO MAX foam midsole. The Maroon Bells color scheme is an homage to the mountains of western Colorado.
