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.
Topo Designs x So iLL Climbing Shoes
“Bold” is the only way to describe So iLL’s new climbing shoes. The Topo Designs and So iLL collab climbing shoes ($149) have a Dark Matter rubber sole, stiff midsole, Velcro closure, and a solid red synthetic upper. The shoe also has a molded rand to provide a more precise fit. Recommended for intermediate or advanced climbers, this shoe is definitely for those looking for extra style points at the crag.
Work Sharp Whetstone
Work Sharp just hit markets with its Whetstone ($30), which has a sleek design, removable magnetic angle guides, and a synthetic stone. The Whetstone has a wide, high-density plastic base designed to minimize the mess that comes with water stone sharpening as well as non-slip rubber feet to hold the sharpener in place. It includes angle guides for 15 and 17 degrees. The Whetstone will definitely be a welcome addition to Work Sharp’s current line of tools.
Liv Rev Pro Helmet
The Liv Rev Pro MIPS Helmet ($250) is pricey but also packed with a ton of features for serious riders. This helmet aims to provide maximum ventilation while also shedding weight: the Liv Rev Pro has an ACE wind tunnel-proven ventilation system with 21 vents, the lightest-weight MIPS design available, and a ponytail-friendly, five-position rear adjustment. It’s made with a polycarbonate shell, lightweight webbing straps, and antimicrobial, fast-wicking pads. The helmet is available starting on June 1.
Luminox ICE-SAR 1000 Series Watch
Luminox’s latest watch is one of the “coolest” collaborations we’ve seen all week. The ICE-SAR Arctic 1003.ICE series watch ($495) was made in collaboration with the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) and has a hard-sandblasted dial styled to look like Iceland’s lava fields. The 1003.ICE watch has a durable 46mm Carbonox case, sapphire crystal glass, and is water-resistant to 200 m. The bezels and hand on the watch were also inspired by the logo and tools of the SAR team.
Front Runner Jeep Gladiator Extreme Roof Rack Kit
The Jeep Gladiator Extreme Roof Rack Kit ($1,259) provides customizable options for off-grid travel with a variety of components. The “adventure gear platform” kit includes a cab rack, a roof-size cargo tray, a wind deflector, foot rails, and a mounting point system compatible with the Jeep Gladiator. It’s also especially unique in that it even works on Jeeps with no roof at all. There’s also an available load bed rack option.
Helinox x Filson Sunset Chair
Helinox collaborated with hunt and fish brand Filson to bring us a new style of camp chair: the Printed Tactical Sunset Chair. The Helinox x Filson Sunset Chair ($205) is made with Helinox’s combo of sturdy DAC aluminum poles and 600-denier polyester fabric. It weighs a little over 3 pounds, can hold up to 320 pounds, and is designed with extra back support to provide comfort wherever you may be. This product is a limited edition.
Outerknown x Cheer Synthetic Wetsuit Top
Surf brand Outerknown partnered with eco-friendly brand Cheer to make the Outerknown Wetsuit Top ($140), a suit produced without neoprene or harsh chemicals. In their place, Outerknown used a sustainably tapped natural rubber, solvent-free glues, and recycled fabrics. The Wetsuit Top is 2 mm thick and also Fair Trade Certified. It comes in two colors.
Dynaplug Carbon Racer Tire Plugging Tool
Dynaplug’s Carbon Racer plugging tool ($48) weighs just 14 g. The Carbon Racer tool is made of glass-filled nylon to plug pesky punctures and is one of the lightest and smallest we’ve seen. The kit includes three regular plugs and two Megaplugs inside the carbon silicone holder. For riders who care about every gram and like to carry minimal gear, the Carbon Racer could be a game changer.
Matador SEG42 Pack
Haul your whole wardrobe with you on your next trip with Matador’s SEG42 ($190) travel pack. What makes this pack special? It has five collapsible “drawers,” segments you can use to separate socks, underwear, pants — your entire wardrobe. The SEG42 is made with an 840-denier nylon outer on the pack’s high-wear panels and a 420-denier nylon outer on the low-wear panels. It also has ultra tear strength (UTS) and DWR coatings. Read our full review of the pack here.
Mack Weldon Stealth Boxer Brief
These briefs from Mack Weldon are made from an impressive 80% recycled content. The Mack Weldon Stealth Briefs ($34) are a blend of recycled nylon and polyester as well as spandex. The briefs have body-mapped panels, seamless construction, and each pair is shipped inside recyclable packaging that will break down within 24-36 months.
Kate's Real Food Snack Bites
Ranked as our favorite bar in a recent gluten-free bar review, Kate’s Real Food now offers the same ingredients in bite-size portions. Kate’s Real Food Snack Bites ($21 per three-pack) use an organic peanut or almond butter for the base and come in three flavor combos. Each Snack Bite has about 30 calories. Throw them in your jersey pocket, running vest, or even your desk drawer.
Tracksmith Lane Five Tights
The Tracksmith Lane Five Tights ($68) are a crazy-cool improvement on women’s running shorts. The Lane Five Tights are more of an athletic style, with five pockets in the design (as opposed to the usual one or two). The Lane Five Tights are made with a nylon-elastane blend and have a 5-inch inseam, grips on the leg hems to prevent riding up, two pockets on each hip, and a zippered back pocket on the yoke.
Bontrager Jet WaveCel Kids' Helmet
The Bontrager Jet WaveCel Helmet ($100) has the latest technology to keep your kid’s noggin safe. The helmet has WaveCel, a cellular structure that lines the inside of the helmet to absorb the force of an impact. Bontrager even called the tech “the most advanced helmet technology ever designed.” It also has a kid-friendly magnetic buckle, thicker removable helmet pads, and a quick dial to adjust fit. All in all, it provides the technology of a standard helmet with some fun upgrades and in youth sizing. Check out our review of the adult version here.
Blyss II Trail Running Skirt
The Blyss II running skirt ($79) is for women looking for an alternative to shorts. The Blyss II is made with a lightweight brushed fabric for the lining and skirt components, side and zipper pockets, and an antimicrobial finish. It comes in multiple patterns and colors. We’re guessing this will be a popular option for both hiking and running come summer.
