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.
Peak Design Mobile
Peak Designs’ 10th Kickstarter is Mobile, a universal mounting system to seamlessly help integrate your smartphone with your activities. Mobile (now $16) is an ultraslim case and mounting system that works with both soft-locking (magnet) and hard-locking (mechanical) mounts. So, you can easily switch from car mount to bike to tripod to more. The brand has now raised 10 times its funding goal.
State Bicycle Co. Black Label All-Road
State Bicycle Co. is moving farther into the gravel scene with its new 6061 Black Label All-Road bike. The Black Label ($1,400 for a complete build) has a shaped 6061 aluminum tubeset and carbon fork with midblade mounts, 700c or 650b wheels, as well as an option for a carbon “monster” fork with three-pack mounts for extra gear-carrying capability. If you don’t want the full build, grab the frameset only for $680.
Luci Colored String Lights
We’ve been testing Luci’s new Colored String Lights ($45) and they are an absolutely fantastic addition to a camp setup. The colored string lights have the construction of Luci’s original lights, living on an 18-foot cord inside an expandable and rechargeable unit. However, with this new edition the LED lights cycle through six colors, plus a white light mode.
Arc'teryx Atom LT
Arc’teryx just revised its Atom LT collection, and the updates are awesome. The new Atom LT ($175 and up) is made with a new relaxed fit, upgraded CoreLoft synthetic insulation, and a less resource-intensive dye process. The New Atom LT is available in a hoodie, jacket, and vest, and women’s sizing.
Simms Dockwear Tote
Fishing brand Simms’s new fall lifestyle collection includes a piece of gear we all know and love: a tote. The Simms Dockwear Tote ($90) is a classic utilitarian tote bag made with burly CORDURA Oxford fabric, a 200-denier polyester main lining, a flannel-trimmed interior, and webbing handles. The bag has both interior and exterior pockets.
Solo Stove Grill
The Solo Stove Grill might just be the answer to your grilling prayers. The Grill ($700 for the bundle) is the latest expansion in Solo Stove’s lineup. The grill has Solo Stove’s unique ventilation design and is much faster to light than other grills — its heat-up period is around 50% faster — plus, it’s easier to clean than a charcoal grill.
G7 Climbing Hand Jam
Gone are the days of subpar tape gloves. Grade VII Climbing Equipment just came out with a new accessory that’s all about function. The G7 HAND JAM (now $45) is made of a thin Italian suede that molds to your hands to provide a balance between protection, breathability, friction, and warmth. It’s finished with a hook-and-loop closure to tailor fit. It looks perfect for hand jamming and off-width climbing.
Iridium Extreme® Handsets
Iridium’s Extreme satellite handsets ($1,290) integrate a programmable, GPS-enabled, one-touch SOS button. “Our special edition Iridium Extreme satellite phones are designed for those who either want to make sure they’re seen (with the Safety Yellow) or those who may want to stay hidden (with the Sporting Camo),” said Iridium’s Josh Miner. The Extreme models come with full accessory kits, travel chargers, and more.
Garmin Descent Dive Computer
Garmin’s brand-new Descent Mk2 Series Dive Computer ($1,500) is pretty sleek (and works on both land and water!). It has multiple dive modes, an apnea gauge, and a closed-circuit rebreather. It also has an underwater three-axis compass and surface GPS to mark entry and exit points. On land, the Descent Mk2 functions like a multisport GPS smartwatch with heart rate monitoring, music app compatibility, and more.
BaxBag Backpack
The founders at BaxBag claim it’s the world’s first posture-correcting, eco-friendly backpack. The backpack ($199) has a patent-pending posture-correcting technology (diagonal X straps to help lift posture) and an ergonomic design that focuses on weight distribution to reduce back pain and discomfort. It’s also got lumbar support and padded straps. The BaxBag is now available for preorder for $199 (25% off MSRP).
Snow Peak Flexible Insulated Pants
A staple in Snow Peak apparel, the Flexible Insulated Pants ($230) offer both comfort and practicality. The pants are made with an insulated 3D stretch material that’s wind- and water-resistant. The pants have an internal boot cuff, tapered leg, back and side pockets, and more. This season, the brand upgraded to recycled polyester in both the shell and filling to reduce its impact.
Maurten Drink Mix 320
Caffeine, carbohydrates, sugar, and hydration. Apparently, the Drink Mix 320 ($56/14-pack) has it all. Maurten made this blend with hydrogel technology, natural fructose, and no dyes or flavors. The Drink Mix 320 contains 100 mg of caffeine. The blend is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Blyss Running Skirting Around Crop
Blyss Running’s new Skirting Around Crop ($88) is a solution to running attire for those who want more coverage, more pockets, or maybe just more versatility. The Crop — a skirt and cropped compression pant combo — is made with antimicrobial fabric that also wicks away sweat. The skirt has flat seams, a wide waistband, and a back zipper pocket large enough for any smartphone. There are also additional pockets on each leg.
NYA-EVO Photography Backpack 26L
The NYA-EVO Fjord 26 Backpack ($295) is the brand’s smallest and most lightweight bag yet. The Fjord 26 is an adaptable photography pack made with an aluminum frame and ripstop nylon fabric. It has a removable waist belt, organizer inserts, and compression straps. The Fjord 26 is now fully funded on Kickstarter; you can preorder one here.
