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.
The SIX Carry-On Luggage
At nearly $1.2 million in funding, The SIX Carry-On Luggage is the best-selling luggage to ever hit Kickstarter. The forward-thinking design is literally that: luggage that you push. Aiming to combat the strain of hauling our carry-ons around, you simply put this one in front of you like a stroller. It has increased capacity, the ability to start conversations with everyone at the airport, and rugged, all-terrain wheels. Arrive earlier than usual when pushing this bad boy around. Kickstarter options are selling out, and the suitcase looks to ship in December of this year.
Kokatat Dirtbag Bag
Designed with the paddler in mind, the Kokatat Dirtbag Bag is a 90L friend for all your paddling adventures. With a draining mesh top, a ventilated shoe compartment, and a handle that converts into backpack straps, this thing is as versatile as it is durable. And at $95, it doesn’t break the bank. Available now.
Article One x Café du Cycliste Cycling Shades
Technical shades haven’t always provided options that any self-respecting human would want to wear in a public place. But this beautiful collection from Article One and Café du Cycliste ($275) manages to toe the line between function and fashion. These sleek shades are polarized, made of lightweight polymer, and boast silicon nosepieces and grippers on the arms. (Read: They’re gonna stay in place.) And you’re not gonna look like a gomer. Win-win.
Headsweats Crusher Hat
If you’re anything like me, you’ve had to lay to rest many a favorite hat that accidentally got crushed under groceries or shoved a little too intensely into a backpack. Enter the Headsweats Crusher Hat. Available in a plethora of designs for everyone, it’s a classic-looking yet technical hat that easily goes from the trail to town. The rebounding foam bill claims to bounce back from any way you can crush it. And it’s available now at an easy price point of $21-23.
Cnoc Trekking Poles
If you’ve ever had a trekking pole failure when you’ve needed them most, you’ll know how important it is to have poles that stand up to the task — literally. Cnoc Trekking Poles aim to be the last poles you buy. With carbon fiber for durability, replaceable parts for easy repairs, and a few options to fit your trekking lifestyle, these poles are a hot take on a popular product. Available to ship in October of 2019, you can preorder via Kickstarter, where a pair starts at $145.
Teva x The Very Hungry Caterpillar Collection
File it under “emerging gear that makes me wistful for childhood.” The Teva x The Very Hungry Caterpillar Collection is an adorable tribute to Eric Carle’s classic picture book. And these shoes are as fun as they are technical. With both sandals and mocs currently on sale, you can get your favorite water baby outfitted in these cuties, starting at $50.
Mammut Masao Lightweight Hooded Jacket
The Mammut Masao Lightweight Hooded Jacket is an ideal coat for ultralight trekking into the mountains. How do I know? GearJunkie’s own Alex Hansen packed it into the Alaska Range. Here’s what he had to say about it: “The Masao Light was the ideal hardshell jacket to have in the Alaska Range. It’s rich in climbing-specific features like articulated sleeves and a tailored, helmet-compatible hood, making it easy to move in during challenging terrain. Better yet, its weight and packability make it painless to travel with during long ski tours or when precipitation is no longer an issue.” Enough said. The piece is available now for $299.
Snow Peak Smokemeister
Snow Peak’s new Smokemeister ($245) combines your meat-smoking needs with an on-the-go design. The stainless steel smoking tube has removable and adjustable grill nets that allow you to adjust smokiness and smoke multiple items. And the small setup allows for an easily portable smoker for apartment living and car camping fun.
Osprey Fanny Pack
If you’re on the fanny pack train, Osprey just dropped its own version at just $30. With classic colors and simple setup, this little hip pack looks to be a killer choice for travel, short mountain trips, and quick trips to the store. The Daylite Waist Pack is available now.
Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler
Pelican’s Dayventure Backpack Cooler is a multicompartment backpack cooler designed for all-day ice retention. I’m into the multiple compartments for stashing meat away from drinks and produce. Or for packing in extra ice if necessary. If it’s anything like the rest of Pelican’s gear, it’s going to be durable and made for a bit of brutality. And at $150, it doesn’t break the bank. Available now.
Specialized's New Line of E-Bikes
Everyone’s making the big push from self-powered to electric when it comes to bikes. And Silicon Valley-based company Specialized is upping the game with its new series of e-bikes. Starting at $9,000, these e-bikes can go up to 121 miles and can hold a full charge in under 3 hours. They’re pretty slick-looking. And they model off the recent trend of e-bikes simply looking like souped-up regular bikes. And, of course, those Silicon Valley guys had to make a Founders’ Edition for their bros. It rings in at a whopping $17,000. Dolla dolla bills, y’all.
