A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Running Trailer
Log miles with the kiddo in tow using KidRunner‘s unique running trailer. The two-wheeled kid carrier has a tow bar that connects to a hip harness. The brand is accepting email inquiries for spring 2018 pre-orders now.
6K Drone Camera
Don’t miss another detail in drone photography and video. The DJI Zenmuse X7 has 6K video capability, allowing near-limitless post-production editing. The $2,700 Zenmuse, compatible with DJI’s Inspire 2 drone, has an integrated gimbal, shoots up to 20 fps at 24 megapixels, and brightens dark scenes with an ISO range reaching 25,600.
Solar Cooker and Boiler
Cook, boil, and sterilize using the sun. GoSun applies its solar cooking designs to the GoSun Go, a solar cooker with the power to boil and sterilize water. For food, it can steam, roast, and bake up to 500 degrees. For liquids, it can boil and sterilize up to 13.5 oz. of water. It advertises coffee or tea temps can be reached in 30 minutes. Live on Kickstarter.
Knit Bike Shoes
Ride more miles with cool, comfortable feet using the “world’s first knitted-material racing road shoes.” Fizik’s Infinito R1 Knit shoes use a Boa closure, carbon fiber outsole, and a “unique new knitted material” for the upper. Available now for $450.
2017/2018 Season Skis
Trek uphill and bomb downhill with Faction’s newest model focused on backountry skiing. The Prime Series, for 2017/18, offers technical alpine skis that are light enough to climb comfortably. Available in four widths, starting at $1,119.
Minimalist Knife
Part art, part utility, Grovemade’s Minimalist Knife draws from Japanese bladecraft and incorporates only metal in its build. Available in black Cerakoted and anodized aluminum or brass, the 3.75-inch handle is machined from a single metal block, and the 2.8-inch blade uses 440C stainless steel. Available now starting at $99.
Heated Coat
Dial up extra warmth this winter using Dragon Heatwear’s line of heated jackets. The brand claims to have the smallest batteries on the market while maintaining a 12-hour battery life. Its best-selling coats include the $239 men’s Kaiser and women’s Delphyne (pictured).
Recycled Climbing Rope Leash
Let your old climbing gear become your pup’s new walking gear. Flowfold’s Trailmate dog leash is (re)made in Maine using reclaimed scraps from Sterling Rope Co.’s made-in-America climbing rope. The six-foot leashes come in a variety of colors for $25.
World Cup Climbing Shoe
Grip plastic and rock with all parts of your foot in FiveTen’s Anasazi Pro, available January 1. Shauna Coxsey helped design the $170 shoe and won the World Bouldering Championship wearing prototypes. It has a refined heel cup, neutral last, and soft rubber over the toe. We tested them and were impressed with the stickiness of the sole.
Un-Bike Jacket
Ride to work without looking like you rode to work with Pear Izumi’s “wear-anywhere” Versa Barrier Jacket. The $140 shoulder-season coat has cycling-specific features like an under-helmet hood, hidden hand mitts, and water-resistant fabric. But it looks more like an around town shell.
Waterproof Lighter
Rain, wind, even a dip in the lake—Exotac built its titanLight to withstand it all. The 2-oz. firestarter burns lighter fluid, is waterproof down to one meter, and has air vents and a flame guard to reduce wind disturbance. Available now for $50.
Running Shorts for Phones
Keep your smartphone secure and sweat-free with the SPS-Pro running shorts. Short for Smart Pocket System, SPS debuted in True Revo’s successful campaign for two-layer shorts with a compression pocket for phones. Its latest offering adds outer pockets and an inner, waterproof pocket to keep phones protected.
Clean Fuel Bars
Take in only the energy and ingredients you need, not the extras you don’t. Skratch Labs launches Anytime Energy bars that are vegan, dairy free, non-GMO, and cholesterol and trans-fat free. Available in three flavors: Almond Chocolate Chip, Pistachio Cherry and Ginger Miso. We’ve tried them and approve.
Speciale Pedals
Crush enduro rides with pedals that provide more contact and less weight. Time’s Speciale 12 has a longer, thinner platform and hollow steel spindle. The Speciale 12’s weigh 202 grams per pedal and cost $350.
Llama Socks
Add oddball flair and unexpected comfort to your feet with Cotopaxi’s Libre socks. Each $22 pair is made in the USA with hypoallergenic llama fleece fiber. Our editor has been wearing them and confirms they’re softer than merino and have no smell (yet).
Stretch Denim Shirt
Send your project, or work around the house without worrying about tears. We’ve tested Mountain Hardwear’s Denim shirt, available Spring 2018, over the past months climbing and camping. We’re impressed with its stretchiness and ability to resist abrasion. It’s made of 80% cotton, 17% Cordura, and 3% Lycra elastane.
Tactical K9 Vest
Keep your pup cool and under control with T3’s low-profile, yet “overbuilt and extremely rugged” K9 Quick Harness. The $133 harness uses 1,000-weight Cordura on the straps and buckle—the same used for personal-retention lanyards and riggers belts for U.S. military applications. One buckle secures it around your dog, and a heavy-duty handle lets you lift Fido out of the car, onto the boat… or into the chopper.
Modular Backpack System
Triple Aught Designs builds this 22-liter daypack in the USA to be combined with a chest rig or “transport tail” for expanding volume. The Spectre 22 carries enough for day trips or ultralight overnight hikes and has MOLLE compatibility. Get one for $225.
