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.
Spinner Drive
Mininch introduces a minimal screwdriver with the Spinner Drive, a sleek-looking EDC tool. The Spinner Drive can spin as a pen, or you can attach the big spinner wheel for more grip and torque. With a ball bearing, the Spinner Drive has “butter smooth” rotation so users can release and tighten screws with the spin of a finger. The Spinner Drive is on Kickstarter now for $39.
Bull3t Flashlight
Slughaus introduces yet another tiny EDC with the Bull3t, dubbed “the world’s most powerful micro flashlight.” At just 1.2 inches long and 0.4 ounces, the Bull3t packs 100 lumens of bright light power. Additionally, the Bull3t operates with a button-cell battery and is waterproof, fireproof, and crushproof. The tiny EDC is on Kickstarter now for $20.
Hydrade Smart Bottle
Know how much water you drink with Hydrade, a solar-powered smart water bottle. Hydrade has sensors in it that, when paired with a phone via Bluetooth, tell users how much water they drink and also where they placed their bottle. It charges via solar energy, so you don’t need to worry about cords. Additionally, Hydrade is double-walled and vacuum-insulated to keep drinks cold for 22 hours or hot for 13 hours. Hydrade is on Kickstarter now for $55 early bird.
Gregory Jade and Zulu Packs
Hike with comfortable shoulder straps and hip belt in the Gregory Zulu and Jade packs. Made with FreeFloat suspension, the Zulu and Jade’s hip belts can pivot and flex with your body. According to Gregory, this creates a “floating sensation” on the trail. Additionally, Gregory designed the shoulder straps to stretch directionally, melding the pack’s movement with the body’s natural movement. The Gregory Zulu 40 and Jade 38 cost $180 each.
FlexTech Suit
Stretch, tie your shoes, and move naturally in the FlexTech Suit. Available for both men and women, the FlexTech blazer and pants boast four-way stretch made of fabric typically used in athleisure. The result is a much comfier suit, according to the brand. The FlexTech is quick to dry, wicks moisture, and is made with wrinkle-resistant fabric. On Kickstarter, the FlexTech costs $469 for a two-piece suit.
Rob Krar, Stephanie Howe Vests
Nathan releases signature running vests developed with Rob Krar and Stephanie Howe: the VaporKrar and VaporHowe. Both available in 4L (men’s and women’s) and 12L (men’s and women’s) sizes, the vests feature internal compression to tighten the load against your pack, a zippered water-resistant pocket for your phone, an out-of-the-way whistle, and a Hydrapak insulated hydration bladder. These are among the first vests on the market to have insulated bladders, and they employ an hourglass design to reduce sloshing. The vests range from $165 to $200.
Volcanic Seven Summits Book
Adrian Rohnfelder climbed the tallest volcanoes on each continent for his book, “Volcanic 7 Summits.” Rohnfelder claims to be the first photographer to climb each of the seven volcanoes, and the result is a book of breathtaking photos. In the book are photos of lava, smoke, heat, and vibrant colors. “Volcanic 7 Summits” is on Amazon now for $46 in hardback, with shipment on May 15, 2019.
Senzar Blindspot Detection
Slap the Senzar on your RV or truck and detect blindspots. Senzar, from Novus Radar Technologies, offers left- and right-adjacent-lane blindspot detections of up to 75 feet. The sensor also alerts the driver when impacts are estimated in less than 2 seconds. Senzar uses radar technology that connects to a driver’s navigation system. For motorhomes, Senzar costs $999.
SCARPA Spin Ultra
Run ultramarathons in the SCARPA Spin Ultra trail-running shoe. Made with a tall stack height, 6mm drop, and Sock-Fit System to eliminate hot spots, the Spin Ultra has advanced trail technology. It has a TPU toe cap for protection from scuffs and debris, and it’s made with a mesh and micro-Nubuck upper for breathability. Vibram Megagrip soles provide grip. GearJunkie saw the shoe first-hand this week, and at a glance, this appears to be one to try out.
Grand Trunk TRUNKTECH Hammock
Grand Trunk updates its TRUNKTECH line of hammocks. The brand claims it’s stronger, lighter, and more compact than any other 11-foot hammocks on the market. The 15.5-ounce hammock can hold up to 500 pounds. And it’s made with a breathable, proprietary Diamond Ripstop Nylon. TRUNKTECH hammocks are available now for $70.
Danner Caprine Low
Hit the city streets in an urban-styled Danner, the Caprine. Made with a woven textile upper and leather accents, this appears to be the most out-there boot from Danner’s classic leather designs. The textile upper is breathable and durable, according to the brand, and the shoe has an open-cell polyurethane footbed for heat dissipation. From the looks of it, this shoe is ready for summer heat. The Caprine Low is available for $140.
