A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Corkcicle Cooler Bags
Hide your booze in fashionable bags from Corkcicle. You won’t find rotomolded plastic here. The collection includes a backpack, duffel, tote, and handbag. All styles have food-safe TPU-lined interiors with fully welded seams and closed-cell foam insulation for keeping beverages cold. Don’t expect to keep your drinks cold for a week of camping. But for a day at the park, these should work well enough. The coolers launch May 14, with prices ranging from $130 to $200.
NRS Chacos
The classic Chaco Z/Sandal comes with NRS blue straps. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, NRS (Northwest River Supplies) and Chaco teamed up for a limited run of sandals. The Chacos cost $130 and come with a commemorative patch.
Dog Sleeping Bag
For nights when you don’t feel like sharing your sleeping bag with Fido, check out the DoggyBag. A sleeping bag designed specifically for dogs, it has snap-shut sides so your pooch won’t get their tail stuck in a zipper. The DoggyBag uses synthetic insulation and water-resistant nylon to stay warm in colder conditions. Each bag costs $89 and is available in three sizes.
Electric Plasma Lighters
Plasma lighters are undeniably cool – they use an electric arc to light fire, and we’ve found them effective for several uses. Plus, they’re windproof, USB rechargeable, and give you the flexibility to light fire in any direction (as there is no flame to rise). Sparkr introduces two new models on Kickstarter. The Wick gives an extended reach for lighting barbecues or other hard-to-reach spots. The Flip has dual ignition buttons for use upside down or right side up. Get either for $25 now.
America Cooler
Rep America with the limited-edition Venture Americana Cooler from Otterbox. The American flag is emblazoned on the top of Venture 25, 45, and 65 coolers. The coolers are reported to keep ice frozen for 10 to 16 days and are certified bear proof, with an optional lock kit. A bottle opener and dry storage tray are included. And yes, it’s designed in Colorado, made in the USA.
Titanium Sliding EDC
Fix the day’s calamities with the TPT Slide, a titanium multitool with a host of functions. Included is a wrench, fork (for eating), hex slot, bottle opener, pocket clip, and razor blade. The TPT Slide builds on past iterations by making it 25 percent thicker for easier usage and adding a new sliding mechanism and stronger universal wrench. This everyday carry is on Kickstarter now, with retail estimates at $80 per tool.
Eco-Friendly Travel Bags
Store your gear in a pack made entirely from recycled and upcycled materials with the Hero Bag, from Sealand Eco. The Hero Bag functions as a duffel and has removable straps for multiple carry options, from handbag to backpack. Additionally, there’s an outside sleeve for laptops and designated space for shoes or dirty clothes. The Hero Bag is estimated to retail for $165 and is on Kickstarter now.
Maple Sugar Energy Drink
Energize naturally with Lemon Tea and Ginger Mapleaid flavors. From Untapped come two flavors of drink mix: organic maple sugar with ginger and sea salt in the Ginger Mapleaid; and lemon, organic maple sugar, and black tea in the Lemon Tea Mapleaid. The ginger flavor has a soothing effect on your stomach for long endurance events, and the lemon tea provides a boost of energy with caffeine. Both flavors are available now for $25.
Camp Mussels
Open a package of delicious mussels to the envy of your camp friends with Patagonia Provisions’ latest offering. Patagonia’s food arm, Patagonia Provisions launches Mussels, available in three flavors: Lemon Herb, Savory Sofrito, and Smoked. The mussels are responsibly harvested off the coast of Spain, cost $8 per box, and are a good source of vitamin B-12, Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and iron.
Cargo Bike Seat
Fit the whole family on the Supermarche cargo bike, now available with a Bamboo Box seat. The Bamboo Box is lightweight, durable, and comes with a harness and cushion for safety and comfort. The Bamboo Box seat costs $150 as an add-on to the Supermarche bike.
Survivalist Water Bottle
Be prepared for the unexpected with … a water bottle? From Vargo comes the Para-Bottle Collection, a series of 34-ounce bottles with 7 feet of paracord wrapped on the caps. Three water bottles are available, with titanium, stainless steel, and double-walled stainless steel options. The stainless steel bottle costs $35.
Easy-To-Clean Knife
Disassemble and clean the Ruger RTD knife from CRKT thanks to Field Strip technology. While most knives can be taken apart, the RTD can be disassembled with the twist of a few knobs – no tools required. The RTD has a 3.67-inch blade, corrosion-resistant 1.4116 steel, and EDP coating. Available now for $90.
Pocket Gym
Bust out the pocket monkii for a full workout anywhere. The pocket monkii is a miniature workout kit that unfolds to hang from trees or doors and accommodates a host of exercises. Included are aluminum handles, straps, and an optional isometric training device, all in a sub-1-pound package. Pocket monkii touts 300+ workouts and is on Kickstarter, with early bird pricing at $99.
Tide-Telling Watch
Hang 10 wearing the Base Tide Pro watch from Nixon. On the watch face are tide and sunrise/sunset times from 500 pre-programmed locations. For function, the watch is water-resistant to 10 ATM, uses a burly TR90 case, and has a silicone strap designed to stay in place while in water. The Base Tide Pro is available now for $125.
Dragonfly Chair
Rest easy on Alite’s camp chair design while expressing yourself with a print from The North Face. With The Dragonfly Chair collaboration, the brands team up to build off Alite’s Stonefly Chair. The Dragonfly has armrests and cupholders, and it sits 10 inches off the ground. The Dragonfly Chair is available now for $120.
