A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid below or click through for a slideshow.
Structure Cycleworks SWC 1
Structure Cycleworks debuts its SCW 1 at Sea Otter this year. It designed the wacky-looking bike from the ground up with a “proprietary linkage suspension chassis.” Look at the frame and you can see this bike certainly is like no other. No joke, the brand calls its suspension system WTF, or Without Telescoping Fork. It enables the bike to use the same shocks on the front and rear, which results in a balanced and centered feel, according to the brand. Learn more about Structure Cycleworks’ SWC 1 here, where it costs $10,795 for the full build.
Under Armour Rush
Dubbed the fabric version of an infrared sauna, Under Armour’s latest fabric technology, Rush, is designed to enhance performance. While we’re not sure if it works, Rush makes some big claims. To make Rush, Under Armour extracted and broke down natural minerals to form a proprietary blend the brand infuses into fibers for clothing (sound like Celliant, anyone?). When you start to work up a sweat, Under Armour Rush fabric absorbs heat and converts it into infrared energy that is re-emitted back into the body. This supposedly creates improved performance, energy, and recovery. Under Armour Rush launches April 11, but until then, learn about Rush here.
Patagonia Long Root Wit
Toast to sustainable farming with Patagonia Provisions’ second beer, the Long Root Wit. Following in the footsteps of the Long Root Pale Ale, the first commercially available beer made with Kernza, a perennial grain, the Long Root Wit also uses Kernza in a classic Belgian-style witbier. Kernza thrives without the use of pesticides thanks to its long roots. Farmers also use less water to grow Kernza than conventional wheat. Patagonia Provisions sells the Long Root Wit in 12-ounce cans in select Whole Foods and independent grocery stores.
ABUS 440A Alarm U-Lock
Deter thieves with an ear-splitting 100-decibel alarm from a bike lock with the ABUS 440A U-Lock. With the same loudness as a circular saw, the ABUS 440A U-Lock is not only a stout lock with hardened 12mm round shackle, but it also carries an alarm. With 3D position detection, the lock detects vibrations and the smallest of movements in three dimensions to trigger the alarm. The ABUS 440A U-Lock costs $90.
Spryng Muscle Recovery
Strap Spryng around your leg to reduce swelling and blood pooling, alleviate soreness, and improve circulation. Spryng launches this spring as the latest in compression therapy for both competitive athletes and fitness enthusiasts. With WaveTech pneumatic compression, Spryng mimics muscle physiology for muscle recovery in 15-minute sessions. And unlike bulky muscle recovery devices, Spryng is lightweight and affordable, at $129 early bird. Spryng launches on Kickstarter this May.
Hydro Flask Journey Series
Hydro Flask extends beyond its water bottle roots with a line of cold hydration-focused backpacks made for cycling. The Journey Series packs are the first cycling-specific packs to use HydraPak’s IsoBound 3L reservoir, an insulated, sweat-proof bladder stored in the pack’s insulating neoprene sleeve with reflective lining. Additionally, the Journey Series packs are water-resistant, come in 10L and 20L models, and have sealed zippered pockets to store your goods. The Journey Series packs are available in April 2019 for $165 (10L) and $200 (20L).
Danner x Helinox Boots
Durable brand Danner teams up with ultralight brand Helinox for a collaborative camp collection. The brands release the Danner Light Helinox, which uses a leather upper, GORE-TEX liner, Helinox’s ripstop nylon upper, and Dyneema laces. Additionally, the brands designed the Helinox Chair One and Table One Hard Top with lightweight materials and single-shock corded pole construction. The Chair One and Table One Hard Top are available from Helinox for $150 each, and the Danner Light Helinox (in men’s only) is available from Danner for $390.
OtterBox 'Game of Thrones' Tumbler
Drink from a chalice fit for the ladies and lords of Westeros with the OtterBox “Game of Thrones” Tumblers. Emblazoned with “I Drink and I Know Things,” “Mother of Dragons,” and “For the Throne,” the tumblers are great fits for watching the upcoming season. And like other OtterBox tumblers, these come vacuum-sealed and copper-lined to retain temperatures. The tumblers hold two standard wine pours and are available in white and black for $40 in sets of two.
UCO Titan Fire Striker
UCO Gear releases an EDC survival tool with the Titan Fire Striker. Capable of 20,000 strikes with its ferro rod, the Titan Fire Striker also has a screwdriver, bottle opener, and wrench. Both the ferro rod and striker come on a lanyard, and the striker releases with a carabiner. The Titan Fire Striker is available now for $15.
Metolius Deluxe Harness
Metolius updates its Deluxe Harness with a Quick Drop system and locking speed buckle. The Quick Drop lets climbers remove the leg loop elastic easily. And the speed buckle around the waist enables quick and nonslip adjustment. It also has a thicker foam waist belt with a fleece lining for support and comfort. To reduce clutter during rappelling or multipitch, Metolius placed two belay loops on the front of the harness. The Deluxe Harness is available now for $130.
Coal Headwear Chuckanut
Coal Headwear combines trucker, technical approach, and dad hats in one with the Chuckanut. The front of the hat boasts mountain-inspired design with a badge patch, yet all-over perforations make it breathable. And a webbing adjuster in back keeps the lid snug on your noggin. The Chuckanut is available now for $32.
FMR Knife
As a gamekeeper, the founder of knife company Thornmore needed a sturdy and dependable knife for pheasants, partridges, hares, deer, grouse, and other game. But he also needed one to look after the woods, hedges, and fields where those animals thrive. The result is the FMR, a folding knife with N690 steel and your choice of either a G10 or Micarta handle. The FMR launches on Kickstarter later this year.
