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.
Peak Design Mobile Ecosystem
Peak Design’s Mobile (from $40) launched in conjunction with the iPhone 13. Peak Design’s mobile cases, mounts, and accessories “simplify mobile carry throughout everyday life.” The basis of the Peak Design Mobile is an ultra-slim case that works with both mechanical and magnetic mounts and accessories. And the complementary Mobile universal adapter is meant to work with third-party phone cases (if you’re married to yours). Peak Design Mobile is available for iPhone 11, 12, 13, and Samsung Galaxy.
Olight Splint Folding Knives
Highly regarded lighting brand Olight just launched its second knife. The cleverly nicknamed “Oknives” are a great choice for EDC. The Splint Folding Knife ($70) has an N690 stainless steel blade and a contoured G10 handle. And the Splint Folding Knife Titanium ($170) is made with a CPM-S35VN stainless steel blade and a contoured titanium handle. Both have flipper tabs, thumb holes, pocket clips, and measure 3.96 inches when folded.
Liv Relay MIPS Helmet
Liv’s new Relay MIPS Helmet ($50) is its most affordable helmet yet. The Liv Relay MIPS was designed for road riders and bike commuters, with MIPS technology “direct flow” cooling vents, ponytail-friendly design, one-handed dial adjustment, an antimicrobial inner padding technology, and Liv’s proprietary taillight docking station for greater vis at night. The helmet also has a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech, whose helmet ratings are conducted in collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It’s available in two sizes.
PACT Outdoors Bathroom Kit
Moosejaw Accelerator-startup winner PACT Outdoors’ first product is coming to market! We’ve been testing its all-in-one bathroom kit for about a month, and (TMI) it has made our outdoor bathroom breaks eons better. This Kit ($50) includes an aluminum trowel, compact wipes (9 x 9-inch squares, just add water to expand), and botanical hand sanitizer locally sourced and made in Colorado. The coolest feature? This kit comes with tablets of mycelium (a native, noninvasive, broad-temperature fungus that helps break down waste) that you can use in almost any landscape.
Saucony Endorphin Pro+
According to Saucony, fast just got faster. Saucony’s Endorphin Pro+ ($250) is a carbon-plated shoe tailored for speed for elite runners. The Endorphin Pro+ is similar to the Endorphin Pro 2, but with enhanced breathability, a lighter upper, anti-slip laces, and an 8mm offset. The Endorphin Pro+ was unveiled at a 10K in Germany last week and are available in men’s and women’s.
Kitsbow 3/4 Sleeve Merino Tee
Kitsbow’s latest product is a small update to one of our favorite merino T-shirts — a three-quarter-sleeve design. The Mullinax 3/4 and Laurel Mountain 3/4 Sleeve Tees ($79) are made with a moisture- and odor-wicking blend of 75% merino wool and 25% synthetic material. They have drop-tail hems and, of course, three-quarter sleeves. Like everything at Kitsbow, these shirts are made in the USA.
Pale Blue Earth Rechargeable Batteries
This little battery brand started just a year ago in Park City, Utah. Pale Blue Earth’s rechargeable “smart” batteries ($30 per four-pack) offer a sustainable, rechargeable solution for all your battery-powered gear needs. The smart batteries are able to titrate the right charge from an outlet and not overheat (unlike others on the market). They’re also up to 40% lighter than standard alkaline batteries — ultralight gearheads rejoice! Pale Blue Earth is also a 1% for the Planet brand.
Zerofit Heatrub Base Layer & Hoodie
Japanese brand Zerofit has now arrived in North America, just in time for fall 2021. Zerofit prides itself in making technical, and some of the warmest, unisex base layers. Its Heatrub Move base layer ($76) and Heatrub Move Hoodie ($80) have been independently tested and proven to be twice as warm as the brand’s closest competitor. How? Zerofit’s Move base layers have a 45% polypropylene construction on the inside and a hollow polyester shell. Both layers are built for temps between 23 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
Timberland GreenStride Solar Ridge Hiking Boots
This Timberland GreenStride Solar Ridge Boots ($170) are now made with eco-friendly materials in the soles — 75% renewable materials (sugar cane and natural rubber). The GreenStride Solar Ridge boot also has foam midsoles, waterproof linings made with recycled materials, and silver-tannery-rated leather on the upper. It also comes in an outdoor sneaker version ($150).
GrillLight LED Spatula
This is not a gimmick — this fancy LED-backlit grilling spatula is actually a great gadget for those who grill and cook outdoors often. Did your camp lantern just die? Don’t have a headlamp? That’s OK. The GrillLight Spatula ($25) can help, with its restaurant-grade stainless steel body and waterproof, 20,000-hour LED light. Use it to illuminate your meat so you can get that perfect flip, or shed some light (ha!) on whether those grilled veggies are evenly cooked.
Grip Mask Gaiter
We all love BUFFs. But let’s be honest, they don’t exactly stay on your face all the time. For those looking for a nonslip neck gaiter for the outdoors, Grip Mask has you (and your face) covered. The Grip Mask Gaiter ($25) is designed for comfort, function, and to stay put on your face. The UPF 50-rated mask is made with REPREVE recycled fibers and has an antimicrobial finish. It’s also made in the USA.
National Park Bucket List Journal
My Bucket Journals has a new journal in its lineup — a U.S. national park tick list edition. With the National Park Bucket List Journal ($40, currently 10% off) you can plan and record your adventures in its pages, organized into seven regions and featuring pages for all 64 U.S. national parks, including the newest: New River Gorge National Park! Plus, digital online park maps and resources come with it.
