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.
POC Fabio Wibmer Edition MTB Helmet
This Fabio Wibmer edition POC Tectal helmet ($190) has a unibody shell, 360-degree size and strap adjustment thanks to its design, an aramid bridge system, a reinforced EPS liner, and lots of venting. The Tectal Fabio Wibmer-signed helmet comes in three size ranges. The enduro and MTB helmet also has a unique feature — an embedded RECCO reflector for safety wherever you ride.
Garmin Heart-Rate Strap
Garmin is finally bringing a heart-rate monitor strap to market. Like most of its other wearables, the HRM-Pro ($120) will be made with a comfortable, washable strap and is water-resistant down to 50 m. The strap length is adjustable from 23.5 to 52 inches, and the HRM weighs just 1.7 ounces. Garmin built its battery life to last up to 3.5 years and withstand temps up to 122 degrees F. Works for run and swim.
State Bicycle Co. Recycled Kit
State Bicycle Co. has introduced a sustainable collection of jerseys made from 100% post-consumer recycled fabric (called REPREVE). The jersey and bib collection (from $80) includes orange, red, tie-dye, and gradient color styles made with tightly woven circular mesh knit recycled fabric. (Note: The grippers and zippers are not recycled.)
Gordini Synthetic Leather Gloves
The Cache Gauntlet ($90) is Gordini’s latest winter glove, made with Clutch synthetic leather. The brand claims the material is four to six times more abrasion-resistant than most natural leathers, and it’s even washable. The material is 40% more breathable than cowhides of the same thickness and uses up to 60% less water than the traditional tanning process. The gloves are waterproof and insulated. (While the Clutch synthetic leather is washable, the Cache gloves have a waterproof insert that are not.) They also come in a mitt style.
Bolle Phantom Lenses
Bolle has expanded its Phantom Lens technology into new styles. The Chronoshield Phantom Sunglasses ($240) are made with a lightweight material called NXT, polarized to block UV rays, and photochromic so they actually adapt to light conditions. The shades are 14% lighter than polycarbonate but still resistant to high impact. You can get the lenses in a clear green or brown-red color.
Limited-Edition WTB Saddle
The WTB TDS saddle ($50) is a limited-edition run of the WTB Deva Medium Steel, with the Deva shape in a medium width (145 mm) with durable steel rails. Originally meant for the TDS Enduro event, 100% of the proceeds from this saddle will be donated to the Sonoma County Resilience Fund to support those affected by wildfires.
Topo Designs x Nanga x Natal Designs Down Tee
Topo Designs partnered with Japanese brands Nanga and Natal Designs to create this Down Tee ($229). The puffy down shirt is made with 650-loft UltraDry down fill and ripstop nylon and has a color-popping, eye-catching design. The tee has a snap front with two chest pockets, packs down small, and is made in Japan.
Goal Zero Torch 500
The Torch 500 ($50) is “even more rugged than the original.” Goal Zero’s Torch 500 has 500 lumens of bright LED light dispersed across spotlight and floodlight options and has an IP67 rating. It also has a built-in solar panel so you can recharge in the sun. The Torch 500 is also a great EDC or multiuse light option at just 12.8 ounces.
RMU MTB Cargo Collection and Tailgate Locker
Rocky Mountain Underground’s (RMU) new MTB collection aims to be a big improvement on some of its earlier products, including the Tailgate Locker. The MTB Cargo collection (from $25), which launched today on Indiegogo, includes the Tailgate Locker 2.0, a slim belt pack, a 5L enduro pack, and more.
Big Agnes Shovelhead & Luna Jackets
Big Agnes’ new Shovelhead (men’s) and Luna (women’s) Jackets ($270) are the brand’s foray into even warmer winter gear. Both jackets were newly redesigned with recycled materials and have mapped vertical and horizontal quilting, hood visors and drawcords to seal in heat, and a 20-denier ripstop shell with a water-repellent finish.
Airblaster x Lucas Beaufort Ninja Suit
The ultimate base layer is a ninja suit. Airblaster’s latest Ninja Suit ($120) is made with four-way-stretch Air-Tech fabric with ninja star embroidery, a waistband with YKK zipper, a front fly, thumb loops on the sleeves, and a seven-panel hood to make sure you get the fit and comfort you need — from head to toe. Plus, the brand partnered with artist Lucas Beaufort for all-new designs. The suit (although a base layer) also has a UPF 50-plus rating. Find the women’s suit here.
Matador Waterproof Containers
Packable gear brand Matador’s new product might not roll or fold, but it’s still ultra-packable. The Travel Canisters (from $8) are made with recyclable aluminum, a silicone lid, and come in a 40mL size (pictured) and a wider-base 100mL size.
Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket
Western Rise’s latest product is not pants but a jacket. The AirLoft Jacket ($258, preorder now) has hollow-core fibers, four-way stretch, a water-resistant exterior, and zippered pockets. It’s temperature-regulating and breathable but designed to also maximize heat retention. The jacket also has a hidden back pocket you can pack it down into.
KONG Cruiser Wheeled Cooler
The new 50-quart KONG Cruiser is KONG’s first wheeled model. The Cruiser ($379) holds up to 40 12-ounce cans and 30 pounds of ice. Although it’s massive, it’s still fairly portable thanks to the padded pull handle and rugged wheels. It also has an insulated seal, snap hinges, and storage dividers. The KONG Cruiser joins the brand’s existing 25-, 50-, 70-, and 110-quart non-wheeled models. It’s made in the USA.
