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.
CLMBR Training Equipment
This new product has a lot of potential, especially for those of us spending less time at the crags and more time at home. The CLMBR (reserve now for $200) is a climbing machine designed for at-home workouts that combines two major features: stair-step movement and reach movement. The screen interface measures the user’s progress and stats in reach, power, resistance, and, of course, height climbed. Shipping in summer 2020.
Morakniv Floating Knife
This new knife from Morakniv is a versatile and unique tool for paddlers, anglers, and more. At under 2 ounces, the Floating Knife ($30) weighs almost nothing and is made from a polymer core surrounded by cork. The handle is designed to be ergonomic and grippy, with a bright color so it can easily be spotted if dropped in water. The blade on the floating knife is fairly standard — a 3.8-inch stainless steel drop-point design.
Appalachian Gear Co. All-Paca Sleeping Bag Liner
This alpaca sleeping bag liner has already sold out twice since it launched, so we know it must be nice. The All-Paca liner ($98) is made with 100% weft-knit alpaca fabric, is lightweight at 14 ounces, and can add approximately 15-18 degrees of warmth to your sleep system. Like wool, some natural perks of alpaca fabric include temperature and odor control. Another cool thing about this product: It’s made in the USA.
NakeFit Sole Protectors
This next product is for those who love to be barefoot no matter what. The NakeFit ($18 per three-pack) is a minimalist, waterproof sole protector that conforms to your foot and stays on for hours. The sole protectors are made with a durable adhesive and a slip-resistant polyvinyl/polyurethane material, providing a way to protect your feet from rough, slippery, or harsh surfaces. The NakeFit soles come in kid and adult sizes.
Otso Cycles Waheela C Bike
The original Waheela C gravel bike released just last year, and the brand is already making improvements. The latest Waheela C bike ($2,550) has new build specs but retains an ESP-molded carbon frame, extra mounting points, and an internal cable-routing option. The wheelbase on this bike is also adjustable (it can be lengthened or shortened up to 20 mm). It’s available as a frameset or a complete build with new Shimano GRX drivetrain and brake options. (We like the seafoam/maroon color combo.)
adidas Terrex Two Boa Shoe
Adidas’ latest trail shoe is pretty high-tech. The Terrex Two ($120) has all-new upper, midsole, tongue, lace design, and Boa fastener system for a more precise fit. The brand has built the Terrex Two Boa for training and trail-bound competitions. Specs include a Continental outsole, 6mm drop, L6 Boa dial, Dyneema-strength textile laces, and a mesh upper. The Boa model of the shoe is currently only available for men; find the women’s Terrex Two lace shoe here.
2XU Triathlon Full-Zip Sleeved Trisuit
2XU makes gear for runners, swimmers, triathletes, and more. And its spring 2020 collection includes some spiffy new athletic apparel, like the men’s and women’s lines of trisuits. The new Trisuits (from $85) will come in an athlete’s choice of three different styles: compression, perform and active, and sleeved and un-sleeved options. The nylon and Lycra trisuits have cooling and venting technology, an updated compression design, mesh paneling, rear pockets, and more. They’re coming soon in April 2020.
EXOD Level Suspended Tent
An inflatable exoskeleton tent might not be on your list right now, but after this tent hits the market, it probably will be. The EXOD Level Tent ($599- 1,299) functions as a ground tent, suspended hammock, or hanging tent. It was designed to be versatile — from road trips to port-a-ledge camping in a variety of landscapes. The full kit weighs a little over 11 pounds and can be set up in under 5 minutes. And it’s got everything from a storage area to a skylight. The inflatable tent (ground use only) is $599, and the full kit with the frame for suspended is $1,299.
Atomik Aluminum Wheelsets
Atomik’s first-ever aluminum wheelsets are finally here. The goal was simple: Take the performance of its carbon-fiber rims and make it an affordable price. The Atomik AL345 Wheelsets (from $99) come in 27.5-inch and 29-inch sizes and are designed for either all-mountain or hard enduro riding. The rims are made from 6069 series aluminum and have 34.5mm outer and 30mm inner diameters. Buying options include rims only or a complete wheelset with Industry Nine 1/1 hubs and Sapim race spokes.
Outdoor Voices CloudKnit Sweatpants
We’re not exactly sure how to quantify “crazy-soft,” as we haven’t tested this pant, but we’re definitely enticed. Today, Outdoor Voices launched an updated women’s CloudKnit Sweatpant ($85) (and hoodie) with new colors for 2020. The CloudKnit pants are a lightweight, polyester-blend fabric in a high-rise style that puts a premium on comfort. As one reviewer commented, “If I taught the class for Coronavirus 101, these sweatpants would be my #1 most recommended item.”
Restrap Adventure Race Saddle Bag
Right off the bat, we like the fact that 18 months of testing went into Restrap’s new Adventure Race collection. The Adventure Race saddle bag ($150) looks especially cool, with a high-tech laser cut design, waterproofing, and a magnetic buckle. The bag holster has a hard shell and comes with Hypalon loops to integrate a light. And the drybag itself holds a handy 7 L of gear and has reflective detailing. The price, $150, seems a little steep, but there’s a lot included.
Aleman Pocket Knife
This Canadian company’s Kickstarter, which launched last week, is already fully funded. The Aleman pocket knife ($93) is made by a bladesmith and ring-maker, is a 1095 high-carbon steel blade, and has a 5cm cutting edge and a bottle opener feature at the handle base. The classic survival-style blade weighs just 2.1 ounces and comes with a fitted leather sheath for a more comfortable carrying option.
SportDOG SportTrainer E-Collar
The SportTrainer is SportDOG’s newest product that launched today. This one’s for people looking to train their hunting dogs. The SportTrainer E-Collar ($180) boasts 10 different tonal and vibrating options to get your dog’s attention, different training modes, and a OLED (organic LED) screen as well. The transmitter screen is designed to be visible in a variety of weather and low-light conditions. The SportTrainer also accommodates multiple dogs so you can toggle between training settings. It comes in three different ranges.
Amundsen Field Shorts
