A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Canon EOS R
What some call Canon’s most important camera of the last 10 years, the EOS R is the brand’s latest full-frame mirrorless option. The biggest update is the high-speed and wide lens mount, which Canon developed to accomodate a new era of full-frame RF lenses. With a unique 12-pin connection, the lens and body can communicate faster. The EOS R boasts 30.3 megapixels, can autofocus in 0.05 seconds, has 5,655 autofocus positions, and shoots 4K video. Learn more about the EOS R here. Canon will begin taking preorders on September 12.
Sawyer 'Micro Squeeze' Filter
Filter up to 100,000 gallons of water from the tiny Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter. Rated to filter 99.999 percent of bacteria and protozoa found in fresh water, the Micro Squeeze is the brand’s smallest and lightest filter. It fits onto standard 28mm bottles and will be available in late September for $28.
JBL Touch Control
Tap gently to turn these earphones on, or adjust sound with a subtle fingertip slide. It’s this no-buttons-necessary sensitivity that sets the Endurance SPRINT earphones apart. The $50 product from JBL allows you to control for play, pause, skip, and volume with the touch of a finger. In tests, we found the setup solid for sports, with a secure over-ear fit and good sound. The touch control is sensitive and precise, requiring some practice at home before use in sweaty workout situations outdoors.
Handmade Gravel Bike
Argonaut Cycles builds the carbon fiber GR2 by hand in Bend, Oregon. It weighs 16 pounds and has rider-specific layup pattern and geometry. Argonaut intends for the GR2 to excel on a variety of surfaces and jump forward when you pound on the pedals. But it doesn’t come cheap: The GR2 costs $6,500 for the frameset and $13,000 for the bike as pictured.
Sierra Designs 'High Side' Tent
Not exactly a bivy, the High Side tent is a one-person model from Sierra Designs that aims for the weight-to-space ratio sweet spot. The High Side prioritizes internal room but is tapered from head to toe for weathering storms and cutting weight. In our first look, our 6’3” editor found the shelter provided a pleasant night’s rest. The High Side just hit the market for $280.
Outdoor Apron
Fix your bike, whip up a meal, or work on your car with the Topo Designs x Hedly & Bennett apron. The outdoor lifestyle brand Topo Designs teamed up with culinary brand Hedly & Bennett for a versatile and colorful apron. Dubbed the Outdoor Apron, this piece is made from duck canvas and has plenty of pockets and straps for tools as well as buckle closures for easy on and off. The Outdoor Apron is available now and costs $94.
Book-Size Pullup Bars
Affix CrossGrips to any door frame and get your burn on. CrossGrips are versatile fitness handles that fold down when not in use and work as a pullup bar, pushup stand, and leg holders for situps. And if you pair them with straps, you add plenty more exercises to the mix. CrossGrips are on Kickstarter now for $95.
Air Pocket Apparel
Vertical and horizontal fibers within Under Armour’s Unstoppable /MOVE collection creates a distinct look with air pockets inside. The collection comprises breathable outerwear that dries quick, wicks sweat, and stretches, according to the brand. The fiber composition is supposed to be comfortable and functional. Unstoppable /MOVE is available now for $60 to $120, with hoodies, jackets, and joggers in the collection.
Photo Backpack
Carry your photo gear and the day’s necessities in style with The Backpack. From Douchebags (Db) comes a new line made in association with thrill-seeker Jay Alvarrez. The bags are functional but also sleek with an all-black coloration. To promote the new series, Db threw Jay Alvarrez out of a helicopter inside a Db roller bag.
Touch-Activated Bottle
Bring your lips to the Lyd and drink your water, no unscrewing needed. The Lyd is a touch-activated water bottle that lets you drink from any part of the top, meaning it won’t spill if you tip it over. With an automated lid that detects your lips, the Lyd then lets the drink flow. Lyd is on Kickstarter now for $39 Early Bird.
Peppermint Underwear
You read that right. JUMPER Threads is using peppermint fiber in their newest underwear, called Peppermint Underwear. The fiber is naturally anti-microbial, so it doesn’t get stinky. And it’s blended with a ProModal fabric that’s super soft. Our editor has been wearing a pair for a week straight and can attest that they feel great and don’t stink. And as for the scent, the undies don’t smell like peppermint. Men’s and women’s pairs are selling now on Kickstarter until September 21 for $16.
Hybrid Kid Shoe
A budget buy at $40 (on sale this week for just $19.99!), the Big Kid’s Hydro 2.0 Sneaker Sandal offers slip-on, water-friendly performance for little explorers. The hybrid design from Merrell includes a soft EVA footbed, cutouts for breathability and water draining, and a recycled rubber outsole for traction on trails. A bonus is the shoe’s zero-millimeter heel-to-toe drop for a “barefoot feel” kids love.
