A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
3-In-1 Hammock
Lay it flat, pull it taught, or let it sag, the TREEO Hammock does triple duty. Use it as a ground cloth, suspend it as a rain cover, or lounge in it like a hammock. A patented “Quick Draw Cord” system converts the TREEO between functions. It’s live on Kickstarter.
Modular Cocoon Tent
Whether you want peace and quiet or a communal camp hangout, the Crua modular tent system accommodates. Set it up in tent mode as a two-person campout. Pop up the sound-insulated, temperature-regulating cocoon for a snug sleeper. Or, launch the 7.5-foot-high hub that connects them all.
Chameleon Swiss Army Knife
Never the same knife twice, the Swiss Army Spartan PS changes color and look depending on how you look at it. The chameleon effect results from a special finish, calledPolispectral or Inox-Spectra. The same Victorinox craftsmanship applies to the $85 12-function multi-tool.
Intelligent Suspension
Polaris launches “the world’s first and only intelligent suspension system,” Dynamix. It monitors speed, vehicle orientation, pedal and steering wheel position, and more. It calculates data 200 times per second and adjusts suspension on the fly. It’s available exclusively on the $26,000 2018 RZR XP Turbo EPS Dynamix Edition.
Titanium Commuter
Don’t flaunt it, just ride this unassuming bike to work knowing it’ll be the nicest ride on the rack. Mosaic Cycles offers the CT-1, a handmade titanium commuter with Chris King headset, front and rear rack mounts, disc brake mounts, and thru-axle dropouts. Save up, though, for the rust-free, strong, and light CT-1 frameset alone costs $4,450.
Forest Service Gear
Honor and represent rangers, smokejumpers, scientists, and other dedicated employees of the U.S. Forest Service with Filson’s line of USFS branded gear. From timepieces, to duffles, to camp mugs, to the Tin Cruiser jacket (pictured). The $385 coat is made in the USA, and wax-coated for weather and abrasion resistance. Read more about the USFS Filson line here.
Stackable BBQ
Store your cookware, keep some cold ones on ice, and fire up the grill with the side-by-side or vertically stacked BBQ system, STCKBLS. Dubbed “a tailgater’s dream,” STCKBLS comprises an 18″x19″x16.5″ gas grill, 30L cooler, 22L storage bin, and a handcart that doubles as a grill table. The full system will retail for $480, but is available for $325 online.
Interchangeable Packs
Switch from hiking day pack to commuter backpack knowing both will feel the same on your back. The Quiver modular pack system uses a swappable mesh frame with padded straps that connects to both a 25L daypack and 26L commuter pack. The full system will retail for $299, but has discounts available on its Indiegogo page.
Cooloir 24
Store your lunch, lash your gear, and carry it all down the hillside. The brand’s soft-side cooler has waterproof zippers, double daisy chains, internal storage pockets, and a removable EVA cooler box that the brand says will keep ice cold for up to three days. Available for 12-packs ($120) and 24-packs ($140).
Electric Three Wheeler
Not quite a scooter, not quite a longboard, the CycleBoard has three wheels, an electric motor, and a suspension system that allows you to lean through turns. The CycleBoard starts at $1,299 and runs up to five hours, 25 miles, and can reach 20 mph.
Reclining Hammock
It’s not likely anyone would spend a full 24 hours in a hammock, but the Treble Hammock 2.0 claims it’s comfortable enough to do just that. We’ve lounged in it briefly and agree that it’s very comfy. The $379 system converts from lie-down hammock to upright recliner. Plus, it has a bug net and rain fly to combat the elements. Live on Kickstarter with discounts.
Strapless Roof Rack
Go strapless, stay secure. Water sports enthusiasts have a simpler, safer way to haul their gear, at least that’s what LOCKRACK has to say. The roof-mounted racks do away with straps in favor of sliding and locking rubberized bars. LOCKRACKs start at $220 and accommodate surfboards, kayaks, and SUPs.
Hideaway Bike Multi
Hidden bike toolkits aren’t new, but OneUp Components’ $59 EDC Tool System is one of the most comprehensive we’ve seen. Mainstays like tire levers, CO2 cartridges, hex and torx wrenches are there. But it also includes specialized tools like a chain breaker, spare quick links, Presta valve core tool, spoke keys, and more. And it all fits in the steerer tube.
Tent + Air Mattress
Sleep better at the campsite with Rokum‘s air mattress-equipped two-person Newen tent. The 7-inch-thick air mattress is removable, so you can save weight if you don’t need a plush sleeper. The Newen debuted last month for $179.
Girl Power MTB
Specialized wants to get more young girls biking, so it partnered with Little Bellas, a non-profit designed to empower girls through bikes. The partnership launched the $450 custom Women’s Pitch MTB, specially designed for riders under 5’2″. Each Little Bellas Pitch comes with decals that offer “words of inspiration to the young women who are riding it.”
Electronics Protected Backpack
Keep your electronics dry and protected. The thermoformed Mjölnir backpack has padded laptop and iPad sleeves, foam dividers for camera equipment, fleece lined media pockets, and a water repellent exterior. Live on Kickstarter.
Women's Bib Short
Stretchier and easier to put on and take off, 7Mesh claims it made “the first women’s short which truly combines the comfort and security of a bib short and the easy convenience of a pull-on.” A yoga-style waistband, more elastic straps, and a pit-stop friendly design are the call-outs to female riders in search of a better bib. The WK2 Bib Short launches spring 2018.
Durable Dog Beacon
Keep tabs on fido, even in the water. Ruffwear’s Beacon gets a waterproofing upgrade—down to one meter for 30 minutes—comes in three colors, three modes, and clips to collars and harnesses. Available for $25.
