A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Jones Bikepacking Rides
Built from the signature handlebars down, Jones Bikes debuts its latest workhorse builds for bikepacking. A lot of fender, rack, and bottle cage mounts, clearance for four-inch tires, and a new aluminum loop H-bar equip the Spaceframe (pictured) and Diamond Frame Plus SWB for any terrain in any season. The frames are identical save the Diamond’s straight top tube and lighter weight. Available now for $1,374-$1,450.
Land & Water Blades
–Sponsored Listing
Gear Aid introduces the Buri, a versatile full-tang, 3″ drop-point blade. It has a center point glass-breaker on the shaft for emergencies. It also launches a dive and paddle knife; Akua’s blunt-point keeps inflatables safe. The serrated blade helps free you from underwater snags quickly. Both are $30 and coated in titanium to resist corrosion.
–Sponsored Listing
Smart Motorcycle Helmet
See more, hear more, and stay connected: That’s the claim of the CrossHelmet X1 for motorcyclists. A rear-facing camera creates a 360-degree field of vision, according to the brand. Plus, an app connects to a heads-up display to show you maps, battery life, and more. And the helmet features ambient-noise control. This pilot-worthy helmet retails for $1,799, but has early-bird buy-ins starting at $1,399.
Solar Lantern for Charity
One-hundred percent of profits for the HELIO solar-charged lantern and power bank go to provide solar energy and light to communities in need around the world. What you get: A solar-charged, 150-lumen red/white lantern and flashlight with three power modes, USB charging ports, and up to 700 hours of runtime. What you give: $99 that will go to your choice of one of three non-profits—dedicated to bringing light to Africa, Central America, and South America.
Action Jacket
Keep your tech handy, protected, and stable in almost any scenario with a jacket designed around your phone. Jumper, a collaborative effort between an ex-Army Ranger and a professional skiwear designer, launches the Action Jacket with a removable padded cinch strap to keep your phone secure during activity. It’s also water repellent, reflective, vented, and, according to Jumper, “as light as a banana.”
Breathable Family Tent
–Sponsored Listing
Two doors, two windows, and six total vents help keep Jack Wolfskin’s Yellowstone III Tent airy for multiple sleepers. Available at Cabela’s, the $330 tent has room for three and is designed to remain stable in very windy conditions.
–Sponsored Listing
Quick-Change Goggles
When the weather turns, swap your lenses quickly and securely—Zeal Optics releases its Rail Lock System (RLs) for the Portal goggles. Dual sliding rails purport to guide, slide, and lock the lenses easily with one motion.
Alaska-Tested Parka
Designed for and tested by tradesmen in the Arctic, Duluth Trading Co. launches its Alaskan Hardgear collection. The $280 Tundraloft Parka uses PrimaLoft Gold and Silver synthetic fill rated to -25 F. New arrivals also include base layers, pants, and windbreakers.
Packable Sailboat
Don’t pay to park your sailboat in the harbor; pack it in your Prius. The Tiwal inflatable, packable sailboat folds into two packs that fit in the back of a sedan. The $5,200 Tiwal measures 10.5 feet when set up, weighs 11 lbs., and holds two adults. Packed, the two carrying bags measure 59x16x14 inches each.
Minimalist Knife
Everything you need in a folding knife, nothing you don’t, the CRKT Daktyl looks as basic as it gets. The $60 modified wharncliffe blade measures 3.05 inches, weighs 2.4 ounces, and is built to flick and lock with one hand.
Patagonia Fair Trade Fleece
Fair wages make for great quality, and great quality demands fair wages—that’s the rationale behind Fair Trade Certification. Patagonia announced 38 percent of its fleece products are now Fair Trade Certified, including the $149 Women’s Retro Fleece Hoody (pictured).
Meditation Sunglasses
Block UV rays, focus your breathing, and achieve a clearer mind – all with your sunglasses. Smith launches the $349 Lowdown Focus sunglasses, part of a collaboration with MUSE meditation technology. The brand claims the sunglasses monitor brain waves and, through a connected app, lead you to a calmer, clearer mind with “guided soundscapes.”
Patagonia for Pooches
Keep your pup warm, dry, and visible with Molosser’s Aegis All-Weather Canine Protection System. This canine coat uses Polartec fabric to block the wind, and it’s waterproof and reflective. All this at a Patagucci-style price of $495.
Grouse Boot
Full-grain leather and waxed canvas give the Grouse Boot and old-style aesthetic, while a Gore-Tex membrane provides modern outdoors function. A collaboration between Danner and Filson, this $390 hunting boot is made for shoulder-season muck.
Injury Spray
Kill bacteria and speed healing with the industry’s “first multi-functional, non-toxic, skin and wound repair solution.” BLDG Active’s first-aid spray and hydrogel use the same molecule produced by the human body to repair cuts, scrapes, rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations.
Recycled Coat
Keep yourself warm this fall without using many new materials. The Nau Utility Wool Down Jacket has 95 percent recycled fiber—70 percent recycled wool and 25% recycled polyester. The $360 coat has a DWR finish protecting its 700-fill power recycled down.
Hydro Flask Sippy Cups
Whether it’s hot cocoa or cold lemonade, keep your children’s drinks the right temp with a bottle they like. Hydro Flask‘s 12-oz. Wide Mouth Kids cups fit their hands, have a pop-up straw, and use the same tech as the bottles adults use. The $30 mugs launch October 15th.
Stretchy Flannel
Our editor chatted with the folks at Backcountry last week and asked, “What’s your favorite piece in the basin + range fall line?” Simple, the Buckskin Stretch Flannel Shirt—a go-to flannel for many Backcountry employees. It has extra stretch to climb, jump, and move for fall fun. Available now for $85.
