A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Lightweight Hiker
Hike and scramble with a boot that won’t burden feet. The 720-gram Garmont Rambler GTX aims to blend durability and support with a lightweight package. Available in men’s and women’s, the $279 Rambler GTX has a heel lock to prevent blisters, a Vibram outsole, and a Gore-Tex lining to help keep feet dry.
Memory Foam Camping Pad
Bad back? Go camping with an extra plush sleeping pad. The LaidBack Pad sports water-resistant 1600-denier nylon on three sides and a polar fleece top. Inside is a 2 3/8-inch thick memory foam pad. The $180 pad is not for ultralight trips, though; it weighs 8.5 lbs. Available on Amazon.
Soft Protective Bike Bag
Stow high-end bikes safely and without the bulk of a hard case. The Tour by DB Equipment is a soft-sided, compressible bike case that has hard panels and inner EVA foam panels to prevent damage. The $999 travel case has handles and wheels for easier transport, and can be connected with other cases to pull multiple bikes.
No More ‘Swamp Chafe’
Minimize sweat and keep sand from going where it doesn’t belong. The affectionately named SwamButt brand of boxers are made with lycra and spandex to fit snugly and wick away moisture. The brand claims its $19 form-fitting undies prevent “Swamp Chafe,” the miserable sand-in-your-drawers beach phenomenon.
Smart Tumbler
Keep hot beverages at the perfect temperature via bluetooth. The $70 Jul insulated mug pairs wirelessly with a “smart coaster” that monitors the temperature of beverages in the mug. Jul not only keeps beverages hot, but brings scalding beverages down to a drinkable temperature. Available with early-bird discounts on Kickstarter.




Lightweight Hiker
Hike and scramble with a boot that won’t burden feet. The 720-gram Garmont Rambler GTX aims to blend durability and support with a lightweight package. Available in men’s and women’s, the $279 Rambler GTX has a heel lock to prevent blisters, a Vibram outsole, and a Gore-Tex lining to help keep feet dry.

Memory Foam Camping Pad
Bad back? Go camping with an extra plush sleeping pad. The LaidBack Pad sports water-resistant 1600-denier nylon on three sides and a polar fleece top. Inside is a 2 3/8-inch thick memory foam pad. The $180 pad is not for ultralight trips, though; it weighs 8.5 lbs. Available on Amazon.

Soft Protective Bike Bag
Stow high-end bikes safely and without the bulk of a hard case. The Tour by DB Equipment is a soft-sided, compressible bike case that has hard panels and inner EVA foam panels to prevent damage. The $999 travel case has handles and wheels for easier transport, and can be connected with other cases to pull multiple bikes.

No More ‘Swamp Chafe’
Minimize sweat and keep sand from going where it doesn’t belong. The affectionately named SwamButt brand of boxers are made with lycra and spandex to fit snugly and wick away moisture. The brand claims its $19 form-fitting undies prevent “Swamp Chafe,” the miserable sand-in-your-drawers beach phenomenon.


Smart Tumbler
Keep hot beverages at the perfect temperature via bluetooth. The $70 Jul insulated mug pairs wirelessly with a “smart coaster” that monitors the temperature of beverages in the mug. Jul not only keeps beverages hot, but brings scalding beverages down to a drinkable temperature. Available with early-bird discounts on Kickstarter.