A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Next Gen Reality
Integrate digital with physical in a completely immersive virtual-physical environment. Magic Leap One, launching spring 2018, is a pair of augmented reality goggles that purports to overlay seamless computing interfaces with the world around you. From games to productivity, these goggles could mark the next step in computing.
Universal Lens Cap
Stop fumbling with multiple press-fit lens caps. The Universal Lens Cap claims to fit all lenses. Made from silicon, this cap stretches and hugs the lens, keeps out dirt and water and, according to the brand, won’t fall off. Live on Kickstarter.
All New All City
Leave the house, hit the trail, and crush some jumps: All City’s latest bike offers capability for a range of off-road activities. Despite the name, the Electric Queen is not an e-bike. It is a hardtail MTB with a 120-mm suspension fork that fits tires 27.5 x 3″–29 x 2.25″, stealth dropper routing, and thru axles. Full build available now for $2,299.
Organized Dry Bag
Keep everything dry and in its place with Subtech Sports’ Pro Drybag 2.0 packs. Available as 45L and 100L convertible backpack/duffels and a 95L tote bag, the 2.0 series is waterproof down to 50 meters, floats when fully packed, and has adjustable internal storage dividers.
Instructive Medical Kit
Be ready for medical emergencies with both supplies and know-how. The RubrixAID is a stocked medical kit that provides animated instructions on how to provide basic first aid. The RubrixAID starts at $129 and is set to launch March 2018.
360-Degree Adventure Camera
Capture everything, in any environment, for any activity. The $499 Rylo camera records 360 degrees, is waterproof down to 3 meters, and offers 4K resolution with image stabilization. Plus, it fits in the palm of your hand, weighs less than 4 ounces, and has bike mounts.
Women's Winter Bibs
Pack a cold one, extra goggles, and a beacon in Trew’s Chariot Bib. The $399 2017/18 model offers bigger pockets, a stout 40,000 breathability rating, and offers protection from snow and wind.
Ratcheting Magnetic Rain Jacket
Deploy the latest tech to keep the elements at bay, thanks to Outlier’s Experiment 060 jacket. The $750 coat uses an electrospun waterproof-breathable membrane and offers full-length side vents, a suede collar, ratcheting cuffs, and magnetic hand-pocket closures.
Gregory Luggage
Keep your travel items protected from elements both outside your luggage and inside. Gregory launches The Divide Travel series, including the Quadro Hardcase Roller 22. The $170 Quadro’s wheel design lets it be pulled, pushed, or dragged. And it provides an internal vapor- and odor-resistant compartment to separate dirty items from clean.
Customizable Energy Drink
Need more boost? Add energy to meet your needs using Escalate’s variable doses. Add up to three shots of Escalate’s energy mix—guarana, ginko bilboa, matcha, lecithin, schisandra, and ginseng—using the reusable, three-chamber cap. Plus, Escalate contains no taurine, preservatives, artificial color, or sugar.
Flex Work Pant
Tackle tough jobs with a little extra comfort in Dickies Tough Max Flex Duck pants. The 9-oz. duck fabric uses a cotton/poly/elastene blend for a combination of stiff durability and stretch. We’ve tried them and can attest to their comfort and utility. Plus, the $28 price point is solid for a pair of rugged pants.
Tactical Hoody, Jacket
Add protection and utility with “tactical outerwear built to military standards” from Amabilis. The Responder Jacket (left) is water-resistant, offers 10 pockets, and a modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) panels. The hoody (right) uses 100 percent Polartec Pro recycled fabric. Both items have added abrasion-resistant panels on high-wear points.
Fly-Tying Tool Kit
With the New Year fast approaching, why not resolve to learn fly fishing? The $90 Loon Fly-Tying Tool Kit is sure to help, with seven tools to make crafting the flies easier.
Water Bottle Flavor Filter
Sip water one moment and electrolytes the next with the Cirkul. This water bottle contains a removable flavor filter that does not contaminate the water supply. The cap has a dial, measuring 0-9, that lets you adjust how much drink mix goes into your sip, from water to near-syrup. The $20 Starter Kit gives you a bottle, two flavor pouches, and replacement pouches cost $15/4-pack.
