A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Mega-Bright Mini Light
It’s just over 2 inches long. But the Mini Mark II from FourSevens LLC can purportedly blast a stunning 1,020 lumens from its dime-size lens. A custom lithium-ion battery is required to power the micro LED. It costs $55 but is currently over-ordered and out of stock due to high demand.
Paper Helmet
It folds up like a book and is made of waterproofed recycled paper. The EcoHelmet was designed to be a one-time-use, recyclable helmet for city bike-share riders needing head protection ad hoc. This week, the “radial honeycomb pattern” lid won the prestigious International James Dyson Award.
All-Season Humanitarian Tent
A reversible fly can be configured to trap heat (cold climates) or reflect sun (where it’s hot). The WeatherHYDE is touted to be an “all-season, life-saving tent” made for those experiencing homelessness and humanitarian needs. Help the project gain its altruistic goals via a Kickstarter campaign seeking to fund the tent.
Camp-Kitchen Organizer
Loaded with more than 30 kitchen and cooking essentials for campfire meals, the K.U.B. by Castle Brooks Unlimited comes with stainless steel cutlery and mugs, plates, tongs, a cutting surface, and more. The kitchen-in-a-box packs down to a 20-inch briefcase for transport and stowage.
‘Made For Motion’ Backpack
In an industry virtually drowning in packs, HEIMPLANET tries to slip its way in with a model that’s both tough and sleek. A 3D polygonal yoke to inhibit “sweat-back,” waterproof nylon, and a laptop sleeve (that doubles as a hydration-bladder compartment) mark the Motion Series packs’ callout features.
Water-Power Charger
Add water, get power. The Cube by Nature’s Battery might have the potential to be a real game-changer (and that’s in an industry dominated by would-be “game-changers”). Dissolved oxygen from water is drawn out to create an electric charge using treated carbon, aluminum, copper, and magnesium. $55 gets you this brave new power product.
Set ‘N Forget Quick Release
Mountain bikers take note. A 12-position indexing head lets you set the best position for your quick-release handle and be certain it’s tight. Paul Components’ Set N’ Forget quick-release thru-axle aims to take the hassle out of properly tightening the skewer (and keeping the twist handle in a convenient position).
Pedestal Sock-Shoes
Shoeless workouts are possible with Pedestal Footwear. The floor-gripping socks have durable construction and are made to be worn indoors while exercising and lifting weights. The brand claims you get a better workout when your feet are flexible and engaged on the ground. Manufactured in the USA.
Magnetic Fitness Pouch
Stash your phone, cards, and keys in this mountable case. It clips onto clothing via a strong magnet; put the frame inside your shirt then clip the case in place on the outside. The Easy Pocket Pal ($25) was made for runners and bikers looking to store small goods while on the move.
Mega-Bright Mini Light
It’s just over 2 inches long. But the Mini Mark II from FourSevens LLC can purportedly blast a stunning 1,020 lumens from its dime-size lens. A custom lithium-ion battery is required to power the micro LED. It costs $55 but is currently over-ordered and out of stock due to high demand.
Paper Helmet
It folds up like a book and is made of waterproofed recycled paper. The EcoHelmet was designed to be a one-time-use, recyclable helmet for city bike-share riders needing head protection ad hoc. This week, the “radial honeycomb pattern” lid won the prestigious International James Dyson Award.
All-Season Humanitarian Tent
A reversible fly can be configured to trap heat (cold climates) or reflect sun (where it’s hot). The WeatherHYDE is touted to be an “all-season, life-saving tent” made for those experiencing homelessness and humanitarian needs. Help the project gain its altruistic goals via a Kickstarter campaign seeking to fund the tent.
Camp-Kitchen Organizer
Loaded with more than 30 kitchen and cooking essentials for campfire meals, the K.U.B. by Castle Brooks Unlimited comes with stainless steel cutlery and mugs, plates, tongs, a cutting surface, and more. The kitchen-in-a-box packs down to a 20-inch briefcase for transport and stowage.
‘Made For Motion’ Backpack
In an industry virtually drowning in packs, HEIMPLANET tries to slip its way in with a model that’s both tough and sleek. A 3D polygonal yoke to inhibit “sweat-back,” waterproof nylon, and a laptop sleeve (that doubles as a hydration-bladder compartment) mark the Motion Series packs’ callout features.
Water-Power Charger
Add water, get power. The Cube by Nature’s Battery might have the potential to be a real game-changer (and that’s in an industry dominated by would-be “game-changers”). Dissolved oxygen from water is drawn out to create an electric charge using treated carbon, aluminum, copper, and magnesium. $55 gets you this brave new power product.
Set ‘N Forget Quick Release
Mountain bikers take note. A 12-position indexing head lets you set the best position for your quick-release handle and be certain it’s tight. Paul Components’ Set N’ Forget quick-release thru-axle aims to take the hassle out of properly tightening the skewer (and keeping the twist handle in a convenient position).
Pedestal Sock-Shoes
Shoeless workouts are possible with Pedestal Footwear. The floor-gripping socks have durable construction and are made to be worn indoors while exercising and lifting weights. The brand claims you get a better workout when your feet are flexible and engaged on the ground. Manufactured in the USA.
Magnetic Fitness Pouch
Stash your phone, cards, and keys in this mountable case. It clips onto clothing via a strong magnet; put the frame inside your shirt then clip the case in place on the outside. The Easy Pocket Pal ($25) was made for runners and bikers looking to store small goods while on the move.
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