A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
GoPro HERO 6
Crisp 4K video and slow-motion at 1080p headlined GoPro’s much-publicized HERO 6 release. The latest action cam also sports stabilization “beyond anything we’ve been able to accomplish at GoPro,” according to the brand’s founder. Check out our full rundown, then find the HERO 6 for $499.
Diamondback First
Cushion and crush, Diamondback introduces its first ever full-suspension carbon MTB. The Carbon Release works on the same specs as its best-selling aluminum Release. And it uses the brand’s Level Link system, which absorbs the terrain without sacrificing pedal efficiency. Diamondback launched three variants today: the $4,400 5c, $3,000 4c, and a customizable build starting at $6,380.
Blade Bling
Ditch the necklace and wear a utility knife instead? Bladesmith Murray Carter makes 100 variations on his Neck Knives. Though Carter Cutlery brands them “utility knives,” these three-inch stainless steel blades, worn around the neck, are as much art as tool. Carter launched the Neck Knives this month, starting around $400.
Upcycled Ski Pack
RMU makes ski packs for ski people, and it updates the 35L Core Pack in time for winter. The pack has dual hydration ports, helmet sling, padded goggle pocket, avalanche gear pocket, and more. Plus, each $199 pack integrates upcycled wood from its ski production into the yoke core.
Pack to Benefit National Parks
Topo Designs partnered with REI to launch its National Parks collection. For each sale of the branded duffels, dopp kits, and dog leashes, Topo Designs donates 5% to the National Parks Foundation. All NPF gear is available exclusively through REI.
Inflatable Luggage
Blow up your suitcase? The $600 Zippelin uses recycled truck tarps to make its 85L rolling travel bags water- and tear-resistant. But the real draw is a bicycle inner tube that inflates with a standard floor pump and provides structure with less weight than traditional bags. Live on Kickstarter with discounts.
Firestarting Multi Add-On
Ditch the toothpick and instead ignite some fire with Tortoise Gear’s Firefly. This add-on replaces your Swiss Army Knife’s toothpick and works with almost any of its tools to create a fire-starting spark. Made from a “custom mix of six rare earth metals,” the Firefly glows in the dark, comes in two sizes, and works when wet. Live on Kickstarter now.
Better MTB Jacket
Stay warm, stay dry, and preserve the trails you love most with this jacket. Showers Pass partners with the International Mountain Biking Association to launch the men’s and women’s IMBA jackets. The 2.5-layer shells repel water while the padded shoulders reinforce the coat against pack straps. And for each coat, 5% goes back to the IMBA. The $199 jackets are available now.
Jingle-Free Dog Collar
Never lose Fido with Stunt Puppy’s customizable collar that will never jangle. Stunt Puppy sublimates all the info that’s typically stamped on a metal tag, directly onto the collar. The $29 Stunt PuppyID collars are washable, and the print won’t run or fade.
Urban Bike Sequel
Stiffer, lighter, and more aggressive, State Bicycle Co. unveils version two of its popular 6061 Black Label flip-flop fixie. Upgrades include a tapered head tube, redesigned carbon fork, lighter wheelset, and component overhaul. The $629 Black Label is available now.
Convertible Lifetime Pack
Stay dry, light, and equipped for life with HURU‘s debut convertible backpack. Made of water-resistant Cordura fabric, the HURU has a hideaway hood and a detachable hip pack. The 24L pack expands to 40L, and the brand guarantees the pack for life. Live on Kickstarter.
Ninja Suit
Never grow up. Airblaster’s adult Ninja Suits don’t just look cool, they feel great—we know, we tested it. This fall, the brand introduces a printed merino-stretch blend in men’s and women’s styles. The $200 Ninja Suits are surprisingly warm, comfy, and sport a hood for extra cute-factor.
Muck Hunting Boot for Women
Stalk through slop without the sweat. Girls with Guns teams up with The Original Muck Boot Company to launch the $145 Wooky PK Hunting Boot. The new waterproof boot answers the call for a non-arctic, lighter-weight boot for three-season hunting.
Socks for Bears Ears
Help protect Bears Ears with your feet. Farm to Feet launches two styles sporting Bears Ears‘ iconic buttes. Best of all, for each $25 pair, Farm to Feet will donate 100% of proceeds to the Conservation Alliance.
Camping Mocca-Slipper
Add a little more cozy to the campsite with Teva’s $70 Ember Moc. The brand touts the packable slipper-shoe as “part sleeping bag, part sneaker.” Ember Mocs employ quilted ripstop and suede to create a stylish and functional—if unorthodox—camp shoe.
