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.
Filson x Buck 104 Compadre Knife
Filson and Buck partnered for this new camp knife collection, starring the 104 Compadre Knife ($150). The 104 Compadre has a hollow-ground, full-tang, drop-point blade made from 5160 spring steel. Buck and Filson call this a “do-everything knife” for the outdoorsman or woman. The knife is wrapped with Filson’s Tin Cloth handle scales and a ceramic coating to protect from rust. Check out its big brother, the Compadre Axe, here.
Someone Somewhere Sunshine Lightpack
Someone Somewhere just launched in the U.S. this week. The brand is a certified B-corp and Net Zero 2030 company working to make sustainable products, like the Sunshine Lightpack ($55). The Lightpack backpack is made with sturdy pedal-loom fabric (cotton, polyester, and viscose) and rolls down to save space. Someone Somewhere works will rural artisans in Mexico to help provide income to the artists’ communities.
Specialized Commuter Helmet
Specialized’s new weekender/beginner/commuter helmet, the Align II, is finally here. The Align II helmet ($50) has MIPS technology, a clean and fresh design, and, best of all, it’s only $50. That isn’t to say it lacks features: The Align II also has Specialized’s 4th Dimension ventilation system, a dial fit system, and reflective details for low-light or nighttime riding. It comes in seven colors.
Zuno Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Doppler Sound designers have made the first set of active noise-canceling earbuds ($89 on preorder) that are 100% recycled (both the plastic and aluminum components). The Zuno earbuds have both passive and active noise-canceling modes with up to 30 dB of cancellation. The Zuno Earbuds packaging is also recyclable. Doppler wants the product to have as low a footprint as possible.
HitchFire Grills
HitchFire Grills just launched with its first product, a hitch-mounted outdoor grill. The HitchFire ($449) has a mount, a pivoting system, and an 18 x 22-inch grill for all your overlanding and outdoor adventures. You can either mount it and drive (saving trunk space for other gear) or detach it to cook with the grill on any other surface. The HitchFire also has an anti-theft padlock and hood latch for security.
Fox Racing Defend Gloves
A highlight in Fox’s fall 2020 MTB collection, the Defend Gloves ($40) are built to be extremely durable yet minimal for technical riders. The gloves (for men and women) are made with nylon CORDURA with four-way stretch, mesh finger gussets, a compression-molded cuff, an internal textured liner, and TPU plating for durability on the exterior.
High West x Coaltree Blanket
High West, Utah’s first whiskey distillery, has partnered with eco-brand Coalatree to create a 100% recycled blanket. The High West x Coalatree Kachula Adventure Blanket ($83) is made with a brushed nylon flannel with a DWR coating and can be used as a blanket, poncho, and even travel pillow thanks to the stuff sack. Best of all, $30 from each blanket sale will be donated to the American Prairie Reserve, the largest nature reserve in the continental U.S.
Pealock Electronic Lock
The Pealock ($215) is an alarm-equipped bike, ski, and gear lock. It weighs just 4.4 ounces and can be stashed almost anywhere, even a jacket pocket. For that high price tag, you get a packable lock build with an elastic- and cable-reinforced band and RFID, a motion sensor, and a Bluetooth panel. The band has steel wires connected to the electronic panel that will trigger an alarm, and the entire system connects to an app. The Pealock raised over $30,000 on Kickstarter.
Salsa Cycles Anything Cradle Kit
Salsa Cycles’ new Anything Cradle Kit should make bikepackers excited — it’s now compatible with more handlebar sizes. The Anything Cradle Kits ($220) also feature new side- and top-load dry bags and a redesigned front pouch and straps. The cradle arms are now compatible with 35mm bars (and includes shims for 31.8mm bars). You can get a top- or side-load kit, or the cradle only ($120), online now.
Rumpl National Parks Collection Blankets
So far, Rumpl has released six national park printed puffy blankets. The special-edition National Parks Collection Rumpls ($129) are made of the brand’s standard recycled 30-denier ripstop polyester with a DWR coating and artwork and patches from parks like Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and more. Rumpl donates a portion of each blanket purchased in this collection to the National Park Foundation to help preserve parks for future generations.
Chargeasap Omega Charger
Chargeasap claims its new charger is the smallest on the market. The Omega Charger (from $45) is a 200W charger with USB-C and USB-A ports that can power four devices (including a laptop) at the same time. The charger uses a gallium nitride semiconductor material and has over-voltage and short-circuit protection as well as folding prongs. It also comes in a 100W version (a slightly smaller size).
Article One x Ciele GTGlass
Article One and Ciele’s new GTGlass collection shades ($275) are designed with a retro look but tailored to the sport of running. The GTGlass shades are made in Italy and have a TR90 polymer plastic frame, polarized lenses with an anti-reflective coating, spring hinges, and silicone nose pads. Article One also added optional silicone pads on the temple tips to add grip behind the ear, a leash strap, and a silicone insert on the frame for that extra-classy aviator style.
CRKT Razelcliffe EDC knife
One of CRKT’s new bestsellers, the Razelcliffe Compact Frame Stainless Steel Knife ($40) has a 2.125-inch-long 8Cr13MoV blade with a flat grind and a stainless steel lock handle. Add in a stonewash finish over the entire blade, and we can see why this little tool is so popular.
Decathlon Evolutiv by Night Glove
Decathlon is out with a glove-and-mitten convertible hand layer. The Evolutiv costs just $13 and is made of a polyester fabric designed to reflect body heat for warmth, with tactile fingertips for smartphone usage and a mitten cover stored in the wrist. These five-finger gloves also have reflective accents on the wristbands for those who run or exercise at night.
