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.
MoonWall Privacy Shade
While camping, privacy can be hard to come by — especially in a busy campground. The MoonWall from Moon Fabrications is a simple accessory that pairs with the brand’s MoonShade to create a cool and private place to hang. When connected to the MoonShade, the MoonWall forms a cozy semi-enclosed shelter for napping, cooking, and changing. Two sizes are available. The Short MoonWall ($75) is best for SUVs and small trailers, while the Long MoonWall ($95) is made for vans and RVs.
Gerber Pledge Knife
Gerber’s new Pledge pocket knife ($25) is a light and affordable EDC blade. The thumb stud and pocket clip are fully reversible, so right and left-handed users can customize the Pledge to their liking. The Tanto blade recalls a traditional Japanese short sword, and the black oxide coating wards off rust. According to Gerber, the liner lock prevents unwanted deployments and ensures safe and secure stowage.
Pactimo Summit Aero Mesh SS Bike Jersey
A bike is just like a car, except you are the engine and there is no built-in radiator fan. Staying cool in the saddle is a struggle in the summer, but temperature-regulating layers can help. Cycling apparel brand Pactimo has partnered with 37.5 Technology to drop the Summit Aero Mesh SS Jersey ($163) — a lightweight cycling top with lots of cooling technology. Test subjects wearing 37.5’s “active-particle” fabric were able to perform “up to 26% longer” on average.
inov-8 VentureLite Trousers
This week, inov-8 drops its first-ever line of hiking apparel. The VentureLite trousers ($140) are the headliner of the collection. The brand describes VentureLite as “super comfy and hard-wearing.” During the design phase, inov-8 field-tested these pants in the Lake District of North West England — a rugged landscape known for its vast lakes and woodlands. Stretchy breathable fabric provides “freedom of movement for fast hiking and outdoor adventures.” Men’s and women’s styles are available.
Exped Radical Pack
Exped’s sleeping pads have been a favorite of the GearJunkie team for years. Now, Exped expands into the wild world of duffle bags with its Radical pack ($140). This 45L bag is designed for daily commutes and travel. A long central zipper opens up the main compartment like a taco, and two large side pockets are great for quick access. One pocket even has a water-repellent liner to stow sweaty sportswear.
Arcade Belts x Smokey Bear Collection
American icon Smokey Bear has been featured on Forest Service signs, stamps, and stickers for 75 years. Now, the famed wildfire prevention advocate has his own belt, too. The latest offering from Arcade Belts ($35) comes with a sewn-on image of Smokey in his classic “Only You” pose. A portion of sales from this “officially licensed” collection will fund the nationwide wildfire prevention campaign. A micro-adjustable buckle allows for a “more precise” fit than traditional belt holes.
Warden Outdoors Ultimate Camping Kitchen Set
Warden Outdoors designed the Kitchen Utensil Box (KUB) to contain every item a camp chef might need. The set includes 36 pieces, and it all packs down into a heavy-duty and relatively compact case. Pots, pans, forks, knives, tongs … you name it, it’s in this kit. All of the utensils are made from stainless steel, and the only piece made from plastic is the case. All packed away, the Kitchen Utensil Box is about the size of an average 65-quart cooler. The KUB is available to preorder now on Kickstarter for $250.
Trapski Ski and Board Carrier
Toss your skis haphazardly in an open hatchback, and you’ll surely rough up the vehicle’s interior. If you’re seeking more order in your ski-hauling system, Trapski’s new rack may be the perfect tool. The no-install-required Trapski Ski and Board Carrier ($250-300) is a simple pyramid-shaped rack that organizes skis, protecting the surrounding space and the skis themselves. Trapski racks are designed to fit in cars, truck beds, and closets. Multiple configurations are available — the Six Pack holds six pairs of skis.
