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Emerging Gear: Power-Generating Luggage, Upcycled Wool, Adventure Kit

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.

woman camping under Ultimate Direction Bike Tarp adjacent to her bike
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A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid below or click through for a slideshow.

Hydro Flask Wonder Collection

Bright blue HydroFlask Wonder water bottle against white background

Hydro Flask is back with the limited-time Wonder Collection honoring the world’s colorful landscapes. The new thermo-shielding coffee flasks are made from 18/8 stainless steel, and the double-wall insulation will keep your 20-ounce drink of choice hot or cold. Choose from Dawn, Dusk, Alpenglow, and Snowcap color schemes.

Viathon XXI Eagle AXS Bike

Viathon AXS bike with bronze gold and black frame

Owned by Walmart, the Viathon brand continues to turn heads. This week, the upstart unveiled its highest-end MTB to date, the M.1 XX1 Eagle AXS. The cross-country 29er is based on a svelte carbon frame and adds a SRAM AXS wireless drivetrain for touch-button shift control. At $6,498, the new ride is made for racers and anyone demanding best-in-class components and build. Viathon is taking preorders now through October 31.

Anian 'Upcycled' Wool Shirt

Man in gray Anian Wool Shirt and black beanie standing in front of snowy waterfall

Made in Canada out of “textile waste” procured from around the world, the Modern Melton shirt ($142) from Anian has a unique origin story. Its base material comes from discarded wool suits, sweaters, socks, and more. The fibers are washed and upcycled into a button-up shirt designed to be worn indoors and out. Anian cites benefits of recycled wool, ranging from reduced land required for sheep to less air, water, and soil pollution from a process that takes an available material and makes it like new again.

Ignik Gas Growler

The Gas Growler Deluxe ($150) is a refillable solution to the ubiquitous green propane canister. An insulated carrying case contains a 5-pound propane tank. This packs the heating power of five single-use green propane bottles and connects to existing propane-fueled devices. Each tank will last 12 years and can replace hundreds of disposable bottles. Plus, you can refill it at any propane service station. That’s five times the cooking or heat for about the cost of one disposable bottle. The Growler’s carrying case is molded to cradle and insulate the tank, which maximizes fuel efficiency and protects the tank from impact. The Deluxe includes a 5-pound tank, zip-top case, and 4-foot hose/adapter.

Cotton Carrier Sling and Bucket

man in green shirt with hair in bun wearing the Cotton Carrier Camera Sling

This camera-carrying equipment from Cotton Carrier will make your day of photography and adventure easier. Whether you’re on a shoot for work or exploring a new town, this carrier is meant for you. No more hassle with extra equipment or your camera bumping around on your chest or hip — this product has a patented twist-and-lock feature that allows a camera to be easily deployed but securely stored. The Kickstarter also has accessories like a lens bucket, brackets, and dry bags.

Bear OPS Knife

Bear & Son Cutlery’s tactical brand, Bear OPS, is just out with a new drop-point blade. The Rancor II has S30V steel, black G10 scales, and a handy pocket clip for everyday carry. The sleek, ergonomic blade ($80) weighs in at only 4.5 ounces and combines precision with durability. You can also get the same Rancor II blade with a stainless steel handle instead of G10 material.

ROLLOGO ESCAPE S Luggage

Rollgo Luggage with open panel against white background

Travel brand ROLLOGO has set out to make the world’s first luggage with power-generating wheels. The 35L carry-on-size bag ($399) will have wheels that can generate electricity equivalent to a 1A wall adapter. ROLLOGO is also equipping the ESCAPE S luggage with two USB charging ports, a removable laptop compartment, detachable power bank, and spring suspension — so those power wheels can smoothly get you where you want to go.

SCOTT Addict RC Bike

SCOTT Addict RC bike with red frame

SCOTT Sports’ new ride is one of the newest high-performance road bikes on the market. The SCOTT Addict RC has completely integrated cable routing, and an integrated magnetic stem cap means bolts are invisible too. SCOTT boasts that the Addict RC has better stiffness and shock absorption than its previous models. And from the look of the lightweight, ergonomic carbon frame, we’re inclined to agree. For pricing, find a dealer here.

Nite Ize Life's Adventure Kits

Nite Ize assorted gear kit against white background

Finally, a gift box idea for every kind of adventurer. The Nite Ize Life’s Adventure Kits provide an assortment of Nite Ize gear based on the type of activities the recipient enjoys. Its kits range from gear for the do-it-yourselfers to tech fans to sports enthusiasts. This specific kit features an S-Biner, a travel drink holder, and an assortment of gear ties. Kits range from $88 to $268.

Sensi Graves Sustainable Swimsuit

Revive your summer wardrobe with a new sustainable suit from Sensi Graves, made from recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles. The environmental- and fashion-forward company hopes to make all its 2020 swimsuits entirely with recycled materials. But it’s not just eco-friendly. The brand was founded by pro kiteboarder Sensi Graves, who always keeps comfort and practicality in mind.

Ampere Wireless Charging Fanny Pack

Ampere Wireless Charging Fanny Pack

In this day and age, cord-free travel sounds really nice — and almost impossible. But Ampere is working to make it happen with its Side Pocket smart fanny pack ($99 MSRP), made with a built-in wireless power bank. The pack itself has an RFID-blocking pocket for passport and wallet items, the charging pocket, and a main pocket for other travel items. You can even remove the wireless power bank from the pack to use on a desk or a plane.

Oru Inlet Kayak

white origami folding Oru Kayak

This month, Oru is out with a new folding design in its lightest and most portable kayak: the Oru Inlet ($899 MSRP). Whether you live in a big city or up in the mountains, the Inlet is a perfect piece of gear if you like to paddle. The 10-foot-long boat folds down to the size of a guitar case and can be set up in under 3 minutes. And just because it folds doesn’t mean the Inlet isn’t a real kayak. It has all the perks, like an adjustable footrest, integrated floorboard, and carrying handles. Preorder now for $749 before prices go up on October 17.

Defender Guard Wi-Fi Security Camera

Defender Security Camera mounted to concrete wall

If you’re like most of us, you’ve got a stockpile of gear. And gear is expensive — I’m looking at you, new mountain bike or ultralight tent. Protect your gear stash (and family) with this new audio- and video-recording security camera from Defender. Its 2K resolution means you can actually see what’s going on, and you can even set a recording schedule or configure the motion detection settings to your personal needs. The camera gives you a 123-degree viewing angle and has an infrared cut filter for nighttime defense. $99 MSRP.

Astral Green Jacket PFD

Astral PFD with artist design on front panel against white background

This U.S. Geological Survey Type V-rated, pullover-style PFD is perfect for whatever whitewater kayak or SUP adventure you’re planning. The limited-edition Astral Cobra Green Jacket ($300) was co-designed by artist Eliza Carver and World Champion kayaker Aniol Serrasolses. The PFD is durable, comfortable, and weighs less than 3 pounds. It’s perfect for both amateur whitewater rafters and serious paddlers.

Bertucci A-11T Americana Watch

close up of Bertucci A-11T Americana watchface

This WWII-era inspired watch from Bertucci is its first titanium-cased timepiece with all-metal jeweled, U.S.-assembled quartz movement. The Americana watch ($245-255) comes with a second hand or sub-dial to keep time down to the second. And it has your choice of durable military-grade nylon or waterproof leather band.

BUBBA Bahura Long-Sleeve

BUBBA long sleeve shirt against white background

It may already be October, but BUBBA’s new fall fishing apparel line is in full swing. We like the BUBBA Bahura women’s long-sleeve ($45) and the Bahura Hoody for men ($70) and women ($60). The performance long-sleeve has a relaxed fit, and the fabric has UPF protection and is moisture-wicking and quick-drying for those of us still out on the water.

Ultimate Direction Bike Tarp Conversion Kit

Ultimate direction bike tarp and pink trek bike against white background

This inventive shelter from Ultimate Direction uses your bike for stabilization instead of trekking poles. Turn any camping trip into a bikepacking adventure with the Bike Tarp Conversion Kit ($40). The kit contains the tarp attachment (made of EVA closed-cell foam with polyester binding), made to rest on any bike’s handlebars. It’s intended for use with the two-person FK Tarp ($200).

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