A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
One-Person Tentsile
Sleep while elevated in the Tentsile UNA, the brand’s latest one-person tent. Set it up with three trees and don’t worry about rocks or uneven ground. The UNA has a removable rainfly for lounging or spending the night and boasts a 10-minute setup time. The UNA is for sale now for $200.
Bumper Flask
Carry your beverage of choice in the Boulder Flask – and don’t worry about destroying it. The Boulder uses a shatter-resistant body with a bumper all along the edges. It holds 10 fluid ounces and comes with a hinged cap. Grab one in orange or black, for sale now on GSI Outdoors’ website for $15.
Fashionable Smartwatch
Gain environmental insight from a smartwatch that looks different from the rest. The AlpinerX watch is available in a variety of colors and has GPS capability, a barometer, an altitude meter, a compass, a UV indicator, and a temperature gauge. It can also track your activity and monitor sleep. The AlpinerX is on Kickstarter for the early bird price of $560.
Rugged Worksite Coffee Maker
Rugged and made for worksites and the outdoors, Makita’s forthcoming coffee maker, the CM501DZ, runs off the same battery that the brand’s power tools use. The five-cup coffee maker is for sale in Japan now for $112. Coming soon to the U.S.
Click-On Flippers
The Aquabionic Abs system has removable fins and independent booties. The system works with clip-in points at the end of the bootie. This allows users to enter and exit the water easily, the brand boasts. It will pack smaller too, and they weigh 4 pounds at 18 inches long. The system is on Kickstarter now for $221.
3-in-1 Outdoor Quilt
Heat up your hammock setup, go backpacking, or lounge in the park with the 3-in-1 Outdoor Quilt. It boasts multiple uses in a durable design. It works as an under-quilt with attachment points for hammockers, or a sleeping quilt that fits sleeping pads. And it weighs under 2 pounds. The Outdoor Quilt is on Kickstarter now for $150.
Most Affordable Bike Bibs?
Black Bibs claims its namesake bikewear is the most affordable on the market. The brand takes steps to reduce price while maintaining performance, including a Coolmax chamois (for comfort) and high-compression lycra fabric. The price is just $40.
Hydro Flask Oasis
Keep large quantities of liquid hot (or cold) with Hydro Flask’s oversized Oasis bottles. They have proprietary vacuum insulation and come in two sizes. The 64-ounce ($95) and 128-ounce ($125) vessels are touted to keep beverages cold for 24 hours (or hot for 12 hours). The Oasis is available now in four colors on Hydro Flask’s site.
All-Terrain Cart
“Ridiculously tough, ultra-portable, packed with features.” Those are the selling points Polymule touts with its wheeled gear hauler. The utility cart was designed for campers and anyone else needing to bring copious amounts of gear and equipment into the wilds. Built with 20 inches of ground clearance and 400 pounds of payload capacity, it starts at $349 on Indiegogo this month.
American-Made Workpant
American Giant launches its first workpant, the Roughneck. It’s constructed from canvas with 2 percent stretch and has five pockets. With heavy stitching, these pants should last. They are for sale now at $125.
Camp Utensil Multitool
A full utensil set in one package, the ChowPal is what you need for a camp meal. Included is a three-piece kit that folds into one. The ChowPal combines a folding knife, spoon, fork, bottle opener, and multiple hex-wrench sizes. It’s for sale now for $25.
Fold-Open Pack
Launched by gear designer Dominique Aris, the brand GYST is a known entity in the triathlon world. Its bags provide quick access to gear in transitions. New this year, the BP3-18 model (pictured) is an innovative daypack built for trail runners, gym goers, and bike commuters. When it’s on your back, it allows for stealth while on the move. At a stop, lay it down and open it wide for easy access to all your gear. The $166 pack has beefy zippers, PU-coated fabric, and a foldable body that relies on 12 magnets to clamp open and closed.
'80s Boot Update
Evoke your inner ’80s in the Vasque Clarion ’88, which draws inspiration from the original Clarion debuted in 1988. The Clarion ’88 integrates modern tech like an EVA midsole and a Vibram rubber outsole. It is available now for $150.
OtterBox Tumbler
Keep coffee warm, or cocktails cold, in the OtterBox Elevation 10 Tumbler. Dubbed tough and versatile, the Elevation 10 is made from stainless steel and uses an internal copper lining for maintaining ideal drinking temperature. The tumbler is for sale now for $25.
Clean-Burning Pop-Up Fire Pit
Enjoy the comfort of a campfire with far less smoke by using the Pop-Up Fire Pit. With a design that encourages airflow from beneath, the fire burns more efficiently and limits smoke. The whole thing also folds up small in a 5″ x 5″ x 27″ package that weighs 8 pounds. The Pop-Up Fire Pit is on Kickstarter now, with early bird pricing at $75.
Mountable Bluetooth Speaker
Mount the 52 Speaker onto your bike frame to hear some quality tuneage on the go. The Bluetooth speaker works with a simple dial to adjust volume and turn the speaker on/off. It ships with an included mount that can stretch onto bike frames or backpack straps, and it fits onto Garmin bike mounts. The 52 Speaker is on Kickstarter now for $59.
Durable Travel Bags
Hit the urban grid in style, and be prepared for any weather, thanks to the North St. Bags Weekender Series. The all-black duffle, backpack, meeting bag, Dopp kit, and packing cubes use durable X-Pac-51 Sailcloth fabric and water-resistant zippers. Plus, all of North St. bags are hand-stitched in Portland, Ore. The collection ranges from $14 to $330. The set is available later this month.
