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.
Opinel Black Palm Pocket Knife
The black palm tree, also known as “patawa” or “chumba wumba,” is known for its unique grain that resembles leopard print. French knife brand Opinel outfitted the latest version of its classic No. 8 Stainless Steel Folding Knife with a black palm handle ($90), and the results are majestic. Sourced from Guyana, black palm wood varies in color and pattern. Every knife in this limited-edition run is one of a kind. The 3.28-inch blade has a matte anthracite finish.
Snow Peak x JINS Eyewear
Japanese brands Snow Peak and JINS announce their first-ever collaboration: a limited-edition eyewear collection. According to a press release, this collection is the result of a longstanding friendship between both brands’ higher-ups. For all four models in the collection — including the pictured Rubber Sunglasses ($140) — Snow Peak and JINS shared an interest in “elevated, minimalist, highly intentional design.” Fans of the brands, rest assured: This collab is the first of many.
Six Moon Designs Swift V Pack
As backpacking gear has become lighter and more compressible, the average pack volume has naturally decreased. While 90L and 100L behemoths were standard a few decades ago, most thru-hikers get by with just 30-55L packs these days. Six Moon Designs, a leader in ultralight, ultra-compact backpacking gear, announces its most streamlined, value-oriented pack to date. The updated Swift V ($250) offers a simple and thoughtful layout with a 38L rolltop main compartment, dual side water bottle pockets, and a removable hip belt. Though the Swift V is available in numerous configurations, its most common one weighs just under 36 ounces.
TINCUP 14-year '14er' Bourbon Whiskey
This bourbon whiskey ($70) has been sitting in white American Oak aging barrels since 2008. Fourteen years later, TINCUP Mountain Whiskey has freed this liquid gold from its oaky confinement and bottled it in a limited-edition run. According to TINCUP, the finished spirit offers notes of caramel, fruity apricot, and candied vanilla. The 14-year timeline is no accident — TINCUP Fourteener Bourbon Whiskey pays homage to Long’s Peak, one of Colorado’s most famous 14ers. For this 14er-inspired aged whiskey, TINCUP is donating $14,000 to the Colorado Fourteener Initiative.
The James Brand Kline Knife
The James Brand’s Kline pocketknife ($349) is named after a type of arrowhead found primarily in the Delaware River Valley. As the brand’s first-ever made-in-America blade, the Kline rightfully pays homage to a design that originated on this continent. Deemed “a workhorse,” the Kline’s 3.4-inch blade is made from Magnacut, an extremely durable and corrosion-resistant stainless steel. The removable deep-carry clip is designed to fit securely on a tool belt or belt loop.
Solis-X Solar Rechargeable Lighter
This solar rechargeable lighter may be a worthwhile addition to your emergency-preparedness kit. Pocket butane lighters have been popular EDC items since the ’50s, but their finite fuel limits their longevity and utility. Solis-X’s new solar-powered model ($26) is built to last for “up to 19 years.” According to the brand, the Solis-X lighter can fully charge if left in direct sunlight for 6-7 hours, and each charge should deliver between 60 10-second flames. Preorders are available now via Indiegogo.
Restrap City Pull Tab
For city-dwelling cyclists, societal pressure to buy a car can be a major nuisance — like narrow bike lanes and deep potholes. Efficient cargo systems can help sustain your two-wheeled dreams. Restrap’s new City Pull Tab ($23) is a simple and lightweight widget that allows users to quickly unclip front-mounted luggage. Compatible with Brompton’s Front Carrier system, the Pull Tab releases cargo with a single firm tug. For improved durability, the Pull Tab is made from Hypalon, a chemical- and UV-resistant synthetic rubber.
Arc'teryx 'ReBird' Down Blanket
Rock climbing at your limit calls for chilly, borderline-uncomfortable conditions. Successful sending requires a fine balance between cold air and a warm body. To help keep the blood flowing in between goes, Arc’teryx drops the ReBird Down Blanket ($550), a lofty 850-fill down blanket that doubles as a poncho. Consistent with the brand’s sustainability-focused ReBird initiative, the down blanket is partially “built from fabric saved from waste.” A snap closure converts the blanket into poncho mode.
