A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
360 4K Social Camera
Get more likes from your adventures with Kodak’s social-minded Orbit360 4K camera. As the name suggests, the Orbit shoots 4K vid in all directions. Plus, it stitches images and shares them to your social networks. The full kit is available now for $550, but a slimmed-down basic setup is coming soon for $500.
Handmade 'Forever' Knife
Unless you buy one, you’ll probably never see this knife again. Mission Workshop collaborated with jedi knife-maker Dave Rydbom to create the extremely limited Unagi. Only 200 of the $390 CPM154 steel blades exist. Each is made in America and guaranteed for life.
Monster Hammock
Meet the largest hammock on the market. That is according to the 21′ x 15′ BaseCamp hammock’s makers, Flying Squirrel Outfitters. Designed with group hangouts at music festivals in mind, the BaseCamp holds up to 550 lbs. and supports a living-wage job for the women who hand-make it in Thailand.
Smart(er) Fitbit
Pay on the go, listen to music, monitor email, and — oh yeah, track your fitness. The Fitbit Ionic is the brand’s official launch into the smartwatch market. The $300 watch is water-resistant and does all the things a Fitbit should, with a slew of productivity and organization apps.
2018 Snow/Splitboards
Winter is dead ahead and the season’s latest boards are launching now, including Weston Snowboards. The 2018 line has new graphics and, notably, a women’s-specific splitboard. The $549 Riva (far right) is the brand’s first splitboard designed for female riders.
Sick Commuter
Get to work, school, or the grocery store, and look good on the way. Raleigh launches the gorgeous $600 Preston single-speed disc brake commuter. Copper handlebars, steel frame, and a coil-sprung leather saddle make this one pretty rig.
Buffalo Leather Duffel
Tougher, more breathable, and (according to some) better-looking, those are the reasons behind Kodiak Leather using Buffalo hide instead of cow. The 60L Weekender Duffel sports two magnetic-closure pockets, a zip-shut phone compartment, and five brass feet. The $400 duffel has discounts available on its Kickstarter.
Civilian Body Camera
Capture the good, the bad, and the ugly. Wolfcom, maker of body cameras for law enforcement, launches an Indiegogo campaign to fund its first civilian device. The $359, 2.2-ounce Venture camera records in 1080p, has four LED lights for night recording, and can live-stream whatever it captures. Available with early bird discounts.
Global Bike Security
Find your stolen bike, anywhere on earth. Hidden bike security maker Sherlock partnered with global tech firm Orange Business Services to create a GPS tracking network that can trace your device (and bike) anywhere on the planet. The worldwide tracking is available now on Sherlock’s $147 handlebar security insert.
Trekking Pole Chair
Don’t pack more than you have to. Throw the ripstop nylon Mühl into your pack, adding 1.1 lbs., and use your trekking poles to pitch it when the hike’s over. The $149 camp chair uses trekking poles to suspend you 13.5 inches off the ground. And it adapts to uneven terrain with pole adjustment.
USA-Made L.L. Bean
Part backpack, part tote, all American. L.L. Bean partners with Flowfold (both based in Maine) to create the only made-in-USA product in L.L. Bean’s lineup. The Flowfold Denizen Limited Tote Backpack converts from back- to hand-carry, resists abrasion and moisture with ripstop construction, weighs just over a pound, and has 18L capacity. Available at L.L. Bean for $119.
American Workwear
It’s what your grandad would have worn. And, like his, it’s made in the USA. American Giant launches its fall workwear collection with the headlining Men’s Mechanic Jacket for $228. Water-resistant canvas shell with cotton lining — It’s a fit for autumn nights and garage projects.
Trail Running Poles
Fold, pack, then deploy for maximum purchase on tough terrain. Leki’s latest Micro Trail Vario collapsible, foldable trail running poles are compact and light, perfect for trail runners. The $220 carbon Micro Trail Varios come in two lengths (105-120cm; 115-130cm).
$100 Camera Bag
Protect the gear that cost an arm and a leg, without spending the limbs you have left. The Spectral 8 Camera Bag has a shoulder strap, secures your camera setup, and room for a DSLR, standard lens, and two smaller lenses. It has magnetic clasps for one-hand access and easy closure and retails for under $100.
