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.
Nocs x Amelia Winger-Bearskin Binoculars
From birdwatching to stargazing, binoculars are the quintessential accessory to natural world curiosity. Nocs is known for its affordable, field-ready optical gear. The brand’s latest binocular model ($150) is a collaboration with Indigenous artist Amelia Winger-Bearskin, who designed the woven tapestry strap that comes with every pair. The strap’s patterns are based on designs of Winger-Bearskin’s Seneca-Cayuga Nation of Oklahoma. As for the technical specs, these lightweight binoculars offer 8×25 magnification and an IPX7 waterproof rating.
Stio Environ XT Anorak Jacket
This week, core ski brand Stio relaunches its ever-popular Environ outerwear collection. This year’s rendition of Environ utilizes a 100% recycled polyester face fabric and a re-engineered powder skirt. Joining the collection for the first time ever is the Environ XT Anorak ($445), a women’s style with asymmetrical vents and the standard Anorak trademarks: a half-zip closure and a roomy kangaroo pocket. Four elegant colors are available: Crystal Clear, Saddle, Abyss, and Ridgeline Glow (pictured).
KUIU Stalker 500 PRO Daypack
Hunting gear stalwarts KUIU announce the redesigned Stalker 500 PRO ($69), a slender backpack with just enough room for a day’s essentials. Only 8 L, the Stalker’s main function is hydration. The built-in storage sleeve is compatible with bladders up to 3 L, and the snap-button compression straps get rid of any excess bulk that isn’t being used. A 160-denier CORDURA ripstop exterior is designed to hold up against rugged bushwhacking, while the NeoAir mesh back panel fights perspiration. The removable shoulder straps can stow inside the bag if need be.
Appalachian Gear Sun Hoodie
Most sun hoodies on the market are made from the standard combination of quick-drying polyester and stretchy spandex. Appalachian Gear Company breaks the mold with its new Sun Hoodie ($110) — a lightweight shirt made from 80% alpaca wool and 20% TENCEL. According to the brand, this blend delivers temperature regulation, durability, and supreme odor control. Women’s and men’s sizes are available.
Knog 'Frog' Bike Lights
Knog’s new Frog bike lights ($48 per set) weigh just 1.4 ounces each — about the same as a single AA battery. These ultra-low-profile lights utilize a simple, flexible mounting system. When you arrive at your destination and park your bike, the Frogs pop off in an instant and store easily in a pocket. At 40 lumens, these lights offer lots of punch in a minuscule package. Front and rear lights are available, with runtimes of up to 80 hours and USB-C charging. The Frogs are compatible with handlebars between 22 and 32 mm in diameter.
SKS Bluemels Bike Fenders
Winter is approaching — or, as cyclists in the Pacific Northwest call it, fender season. SKS has been building bike fenders for over 100 years. The brand’s latest fenders ($70-85 per set) are a reimagining of an old classic: the original Bluemel Fender. Noteworthy features of the new Bluemel include blacked-out stays and mounting hardware, plus a pivoting bride for easy mounting. Lots of sizes are available to accommodate wheels between 20 and 29 inches. Choose between three styles: black (pictured), silver, and a modern-looking, squared-off option.
Oakley Hydra Glasses
While surfing, a good pair of polarized sunglasses can help cut out unwanted glare — an important function while trying to avoid rocks and reefs below the surface. Oakley’s new Hydra glasses ($173) are inspired by ’90s surf culture, but they’re fully practical in 2022. The Hydra’s “Unobtainium” no-slip nose pads aim to create a secure active-use fit, and the PRIZM lens technology is designed to optimize color and contrast. Several lens and frame colors are available.
Fox Racing Proframe RS Mountain Bike Helmet
Fox first created the full-face Proframe mountain bike helmet back in 2017. Now, this primo piece of head protection is back with a tuneup and a handful of new features. According to the brand, the Proframe RS ($360) builds upon all existing safety standards with its MIPS Integra Split construction, which combines a dual-density foam divided by a low-friction layer to reduce rotational forces during impact. Fox outfitted the new Proframe with a “micro-adjustable” BOA dial system.
Danner x James Bond Boots
There may be no better example of utilitarian style than James Bond. Celebrating 60 years of the iconic James Bond film franchise are Danner’s limited-edition 007-inspired styles: the 007 Mountain Light II ($440) and the 007 Tanicus ($240). Danner says the shoes are where tactical performance meets classic style.
Duke Cannon x Busch Beer Soap
In many U.S. states, elk and deer hunting season is in full swing. This collaboration between Duke Cannon grooming products and Busch marries soap and beer — two items that are essential in every elk camp. To be clear, the soap ($10) is made with Busch, but it smells like sandalwood (not beer). A portion of the proceeds from the collaboration will be donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which builds and modifies homes for veterans in need.
Goal Five Powerstripe Eco Down Hooded Vest
Goal Five is a women’s athletic brand with the mission of “giving all girls the opportunity to become strong leaders on and off the field.” The brand’s new Powerstripe Eco Down Hooded Vest ($95) is filled with synthetic insulation and features a sporty set of vertical white stripes on either side. This vest typifies the athlete-in-an-airport-with-a-duffel-bag-and-over-ear-headphones aesthetic. A cinching mechanism on the hood is designed to prevent bounce and drag during aerobic activity.
