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.
Enlightened Equipment Uprising Underquilt
Enlightened Equipment is back with its newest creation — a lightweight underquilt for insulation when hammocking. Designed for more experienced hammock users, the Uprising (from $275) is tapered, narrower at the head and foot, and has your choice of 850- or 950-fill down in the torso to provide warmth in the places you need it most. The Uprising is a custom product (you can customize color, temperature rating, and add-ons) made to order.
Luminox’s Bear Grylls Survival Watch, Made From Recycled Ocean Material
The Bear Grylls Survival Eco Series 3703 watch ($445) features a case, bezel, and strap made from #tide ocean material, a high-performance compound made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic. A portion of each sale will be donated directly to Project Aware, which works with scuba divers around the globe to protect underwater environments.
This selection is sponsored by Luminox.
LaCrosse x First Lite Alphaburly Pro Boot
LaCrosse partnered with First Lite to introduce a cold- and wet-weather hunting boot. The Alphaburly Pro boots ($169-199) are made with scent-free rubber, neoprene, and a thick EVA midsole for cushion. The boots also have an embossed liner for better air circulation and an adjustable gusset for a tailored fit. Choose from two patterns for ultimate concealment, whether hunting on the ground or above.
Garmin GPSMAP 65 and 66 Handheld Series
The Garmin GPSMAP 65 ($350), 65s, and 66sr are the brand’s three newest handheld trackers on market — with more accurate GPS position and expanded GNSS support for increased accuracy outdoors. The Garmin GPSMAP 65s ($400) and GPSMAP 66sr ($500) each have an electric compass, barometer, pre-loaded TopoActive maps, and expanded GNSS support with the addition of L5 frequency (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, IRNSS).
The Manuva Board
The Manuva board is a fixture-free hangboard that uses a clever clamp system to attach to door jambs of any size and width. The Manuva (now starting at $128) has a range of hang hold sizes and sloper holds too. It’s made from recyclable aluminum and poplar wood, with cork pads for wall protection. The project reached its fundraising goal in under 48 hours. Preorder now on Kickstarter.
Merrell Undyed Vapor Glove Shoes
Merrell’s Undyed Collection features three shoe models made with a more sustainable production process. Compared to dyed shoes, the Undyed Collection uses recycled materials, reduces water use by 80%, and saves 50% overall energy in production. The Vapor Glove Undyed ($90) has a Vibram rubber sole and recycled upper and laces, and it’s available in men’s and women’s sizing.
ROKA x Machines for Freedom GP-1 Sunglasses
ROKA partnered with women’s cycling apparel brand Machines for Freedom for its limited-edition GP-1 Series ($250). The shades are engineered for on-the-bike efforts, with a frame design featuring Machine for Freedom’s Palmera print, titanium core wires, no-slip GEKO nose and temple pads, and anti-scratch and sweat-resistant lens coatings. This collab is definitely pushing standout style and performance.
Hudski Doggler Builds
Designed by Will Hudson and Brian Syzkowny, new brand Hudski just launched its Doggler builds ($1,999). The Doggler is a lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork platform with an XC-inspired frame geometry available in city, gravel, or mountain bike models. As with all Hudski bikes (including city commuters), it sports a dropper post. And all builds have internal dropper post cable routing; an SLX rear derailleur, shifter, chain, and flat-mount brakes; Shimano hubs; and WTB saddles.
Sony Alpha a7C Mirrorless Camera
Sony’s new a7C mirrorless camera ($1,798) is designed to be compact yet capable, equipped for photo and video. It has a 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor, 4K30p video, an angled touchscreen, and an electronic viewfinder. Compared to previous models, the Sony a7C has a sleeker profile as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. You can purchase the camera body only or the body with a 28-60mm lens.
Royal Robbins Venture Hemp Socks
The Royal Robbins Venture Crew Sock ($22) is part of the brand’s new line of sustainable hemp socks. The Venture Crew has hemp for comfort as well as odor and temperature control, blended with recycled polyester and nylon for durability. Royal Robbins landed on hemp for the collection because of its natural performance qualities and lighter footprint. For every pair sold, Royal Robbins will donate 1% of sales to the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF).
Season Three Ansel Boot
Part hiker, part town shoe, the Season Three Ansel Boot ($345) is high-end and pricey, but the materials list reflects that. The boots are made with 100% waterproof Italian calfskin uppers, liners made from New Zealand-raised merino wool, unbreakable paracord laces, recycled OrthoLite insoles, and a Vibram wedge outsole.
Revo Drive Lens Sunglasses
Revo’s new Drive Lens collection includes the Cusp S Style ($139-199), with a lightweight frame made for cyclists and runners. The Cusp S have high-contrast, polarized panoramic Drive lenses with venting on the side and a curved profile. The new Drive lenses also reduce glare. Some frame styles are on sale.
Freestone Equipment Skill Board
Alice and Whittles The Weekend Boots
The Weekend Boots are really pushing the sustainable front in footwear. The Alice and Whittles The Weekend Boots ($200) are 100% vegan and completely virgin plastic-free, made from plastic collected from the ocean by fishers. It has a 45% recycled lugged rubber outsole, a recycled synthetic wool lining, and a water-resistant coating on the upper. And while they don’t look technical, the luggy soles can still handle rocky terrain.
