A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Integrated Tool Kit
Always be prepared with bike tools. Launched this week on Kickstarter, the Dialed Cap by Rugged Components installs into the steer tube and sits beneath the top cap. The $50 kit includes 4, 5, and 6mm hex, and T25 Torx wrench.
Eco Kayak
Invest in personal recreation and the planet! Oru’s limited-edition tree-print kayak launched on Kickstarter this week, and 1% of its funding will go to the environmental organization, One Percent For The Planet. Buy-ins for the specially designed 12′ Bay ST foldable kayak start at $1,500.
Bamboo SUP Paddle
Known for bamboo ski poles, the brand Grass Sticks launches a bamboo SUP board paddle, the SUP Stick. Built in Steamboat Springs, Colo., the SUP Stick is light but strong enough for mountain whitewater and finished with marine-grade clear coat.
Boiling Tumbler
No fire? No problem. The 16-oz. stainless steel Cauldryn bottle will boil water atop its battery-powered, rechargeable base. We’ll get a peek at the Cauldryn, which launches on Kickstarter in July, at this year’s Outdoor Retailer.
Smallest Folding Drone
Two square inches and less than one ounce, that’s the size of the world’s smallest folding video drone. Aerix releases the Varius, a 0.8-ounce quadcopter that can fly up to 30 mph for 5-7 minutes, record video, and transmit real-time to a VR headset. The pocket copter costs $65.
Debut Climbing Shoe
Black Diamond’s first climbing shoe is perfect for sweaty gym climbers. That’s because the Momentum, launching in October, will sport a mesh knit upper, designed for breathability. Read our preview of Black Diamond’s full debut shoe line.
Secret Survival Knife
Slice, cut, chop, fish, start fire, and purify water, using your knife. The 10-inch 4Ever is a 5.5-inch blade that protrudes from a magnetic removable scale. Inside is a mini-Wazoo survival kit that contains fishing line and hooks, first aid-tinder packs, ceramic firesteel, magnetized needle, and water-purification tablet. Available on Kickstarter with 440c or Damascus steel blade.
Dynamic Water Vessel
Fill it, treat it, filter it — the Vecto collapsible water bottle, launched today on Kickstarter, can be a bottle, gravity filter, or sterilization pack. That’s because its narrow cap is compatible with Sawyer and other water filters, and the wide sealable top makes filling quick and accommodates chemical treatment or UV purifiers. It also works for holding water, soda, tea, or any other ready-to-drink liquid.
Women’s Summer Raincoat
Hike into the wettest conditions with Showers Pass latest summer rain jacket for women. The Refuge jacket uses eVent’s waterproof-breathable three-layer membrane, has reinforced fabric on the shoulders to prevent wear from backpack straps, and sports a removable hood. Available now for $279.
Air Filtration Gaiter
Breathe better air with this filtration-equipped gaiter. The Inversion Air Pollution Gaiter, live on Kickstarter, has a built-in activated carbon filter to trap dust, pollen, mold, even combustion molecules from car exhaust.
Polartec Delta T
Enhance your body’s ability to keep cool and dry with Triple Aught Design’s first shirt using Polartec Delta technology. We’ve reviewed Polartec’s hydrophilic-hydrophobic-blended fabric and can verify it works. The Mercury Tech T retails for $60.
Pocket Lantern
Calling a portable light “the best outdoor lantern ever” is a bold statement. But Flextail believes it has just that in the 220-lumen HELIO, which at 45g weighs less than an egg (chicken). The waterproof HELIO measures about 1.5 inches on each side, has a 10-hour battery life, and can clip to backpacks, bikes, or inside a tent. Live on Kickstarter with discounts on its $34 retail price.
Emergency Wearable
Blast a panic siren, light the path ahead, record what’s happening in all directions, and receive emergency support in an accident. The Occly Blinc was designed with adventurists and bikers in mind, with its myriad safety functions and automatic emergency-response contact feature that activates when it senses sudden impact. Available with rebate for $199.
Anniversary Travel Tripod
One hundred years after it launched, Gitzo unveils a limited-edition, centennial travel tripod. Only 100 of the Arsene Edition full-carbon-spider, collapsible tripods are available at select retailers worldwide.
Party Robot
Start the party at home or around the campfire in the most unusual way possible: With a robot-shaped, bluetooth speaker and smoke machine. The K-Sound Hero stands two-and-a-half-feet tall, blasts tunes with a 30-watt subwoofer and treble speaker, churns out smoke, and has 16 million LED color variations. Get weird on Indiegogo with discounts on its $440 retail price.
Hemp For A Cause
Experience the feel and performance of hemp, perhaps the most sustainable fabric available, with Nau’s 2017 line of men’s and women’s apparel. And feel good knowing Nau donates 2% of every sale to its charitable partners: People For Bikes, Mercy Corps, and Conservation Alliance.
Weightless Denim
Stay covered and cool with DUER’s lightest, moisture-wicking summer denim pants. The $128 Beachcomber pants use a cotton-Spandex blend to create a lightweight 5-oz. denim
Stylish Performance Sunglasses
Electric builds optics for functionality on motorcycles or other active pursuits, but these also look quite slick for daily wear. The Zombie S has a tough Grilamid frame, 100% UV protection, and 98% blue light protection. $100.
CORDURA Work Hoodie
The startup brand 1620 launched to redefine workwear earlier this year. It just released its first shirt, the NYCO Work Hoodie. Made from 78% cotton and 22% CORDURA, it retains a soft feel while offering the long-lasting durability of CORDURA Nylon. The brand claims it also meets the U.S. Military uniform standard for No Melt/No Drip fabrics. It’s on pre-sale now for $128.
