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.
Eddie Bauer Down Camp Suit
Down underwear was introduced by Eddie Bauer in the 1950s for Himalayan expeditions. This modern-day version, the Down Camp Suit ($179), updates the original concept with a one-piece design. Its nylon shell is insulated with 650-fill down for ultimate warmth, and a rib-knit collar and cuffs make for a trim fit. It’s available online starting this week.
Filson x Brant & Cochran Cruiser Axe
Filson’s new accessory isn’t a hat or gloves but a steel blade wedge and hickory-handled axe. The Cruiser Axe, a collaboration with Brant & Cochran, is hand-forged in Maine with 1050 carbon steel, a hickory-wood handle, and custom leather sheath. The special collab order also comes with a can cooler and coasters. But this limited-edition tool will cost you $395.
Route Werks Handlebar Bag
This Handlebar Bag by Route Werks ($179 MSRP) launched on Kickstarter last week and was fully funded in 6 hours. The bag integrates with phones, cameras, and bike computers and accessories. How? Route Werks built out this bag’s customizable dashboard — a tech mount in the top of the bag to support all kinds of adapters and mounts. There’s also one-handed access, courtesy of a single spring-loaded latch on the top of the bag.
Hydro Flask Timberline Collection Bottles
The new Timberline Collection bottles (from $43) come in a standard 21- or 32-ounce size and four seasonally inspired colors: Bonfire, Snowshoe, Woodstove, and Treeline. They also come with bottle boots for extra grip. And the bottles are part of the brand’s Parks For All program, where $1 of every purchase (through the end of the year) will be donated to support Sustainable Northwest in restoring forest health and reducing wildfire risk.
VJ iRock3 Trail Shoe
VJ Shoes have roots in Finland, and this year the company launched a North American division. We tested the iRock 3 model ($160) and instantly fell in love. Deep, 7mm lugs give massive grip, and a low-profile and flexible midsole adapts to terrain as you run. A svelte upper is made of Kevlar-reinforced mesh, and the last is narrow and snug, making for a precise fit. The weight — about 9 ounces per shoe — makes the iRocks feel extra fast and light.
Tropicfeel Shell Backpack
This backpack expands from 22L to 40L in just a few steps. Tropicfeel Shell Travel Backpack (now $164) is the do-all travel backpack that adapts to where you’re going. The bag consists of a main compartment, zippered pockets, a removable hip belt, a compressible wardrobe organizer, a detachable toiletry or camera pouch, and an expandable kangaroo pouch. The pack is made with 100% recycled nylon and polyester, and the wardrobe system works for both clothes and gear.
Casio G-SHOCK Camo Translucent Watches
Casio’s new G-SHOCK watches don’t have typical watch faces or straps. The new models (from $210) have a laser-engraved camo metal bezel and a fully translucent camo-printed band. The models include the G-SHOCK 5600, DW6900, and GA110. In addition to the new look, they also come with new tech, like an EL backlight to provide enhanced visibility, and magnetic-resistant technology in the GM110SCM-1A model ($230).
Machines For Freedom Essential Cycling Pant
This new fall style from women’s cycling brand Machines For Freedom is sure to perform well for cooler-weather rides. The Essential Cycling Pant ($158) is a full-length cycling legging, made with a highly compressive and moisture-wicking pant fabric that stays put. The pants have a paneled construction, mesh paneling at the back of the knee for ventilation, a thermo-molded chamois, and 50-plus UPF sun protection.
LEM Breast Cancer Awareness Helmets
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, LEM is changing its Gavia and Volata helmet models to a pink-forward color scheme. The Valata has an aerodynamic design and a micro-fit adjustment system, while the Gavia has the brand’s lightest-weight protection. For the entire month of October, 10% of all sales of the BePink Gavia and Volata cycling helmets (from $65) will go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
WeBoost Cell-Signal Boost
On the road this summer, our editor tested the WeBoost Drive X RV to stay connected. It’s a pricey upgrade for a van or RV, but for $500 you get extra bars on your phone and often enough reach to send an email or text where it’d otherwise fail. The company touts fewer dropped calls and faster internet speeds via the antenna and cell-signal booster technology. The WeBoost unit is carrier-agnostic, working with every network to give your phone further reach.
Black Coffee Roasting Co. Instant Coffee
Missoula-based Black Coffee Roasting Co. is a company made up of cyclists, motorbikers, runners, backpackers, and travelers. This year, it decided to optimize its coffee blends for travel in the form of Instant Coffee ($12 per eight-pack). Black Coffee’s instant blend is organic, works hot or cold, and is at a pretty great price point. The simplicity is in the name: Grab one of these instant packets for a quick cup o’ joe.
BikeFlights Reusable Bike Box
BikeFlights.com specializes in sending bikes. And finally, there’s a more sustainable option for doing so — the BikeFlights Bike Box (rates vary). It’s a collapsible, cardboard-based box that integrates the protective benefits of a case into a lower-waste package. The reusable box assembles from a small package into a full-size (medium or large) shipping box, with the outer packaging transforming into the system to reduce waste.
Rapha and Palace Skateboards Bike
The EF Education First Pro Cycling team is currently racing at the Giro d’Italia — with this completely redesigned bike. The new rides are the EF Pro Cannondale SuperSix EVO and the SystemSix race bikes, with a collaboration design by Rapha and Palace Skateboards. Currently, only the eight pro team frames exist, but Cannondale plans to bring the collab bike to market soon.
Botl Sok
Like a wetsuit for your water bottle, this Sok ($16) is made with 4mm-thick neoprene and slips over a Nalgene. The purpose is thermal insulation — keeping a drink cold. It also keeps condensation at bay, letting you sip an icy drink on the hottest days without getting wet hands. It fits 32- and 48-ounce Nalgene water bottles.
