A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Insulated Hammock
Avoid “cold butt syndrome” in the Premus, an insulated hammock from SWAYY. The Premus is a four-season hammock that weighs 5.1 pounds and utilizes Primaloft Silver insulation. SWAYY constructed the Premus with three materials to hold your weight, insulate you, and stop the wind. This warm hammock launches on Kickstarter April 17.
Repurposed Opinel
The Opinel Workshop Series comes straight from the factory floor. The brand repurposed scraps from other knives to craft a blended walnut and ebony handle in the No. 6 and No. 8 knives. These knives are made of stainless steel and fold down when not in use. Only 150 are to be sold, ranging from $69 to $79.
Bent Frame Bike
Conquer the urban grid with a beautiful build from Urwahn. Based in Germany, Urwahn employs nontraditional bent bike frames to absorb shock. Plus, integrated LED lighting along the frame, a GPS tracking system, and a belt drive round out the Urwahn, on Kickstarter now.
'Light Stabilizing' Eyewear
Enjoy improved color perception and sharper contrast in Adidas sport eyewear, now with Light Stabilizing Technology (LST). Pictured here, the frameless Splite goggle is available with an LST lens and weighs 80 grams. LST is designed for fast-paced activities that take you in and out of shaded areas, like mountain biking, skiing, and running. Learn more and browse LST products here.
Technical Blanket
Technical, versatile, and adaptable: The Versa is not your average blanket. From Klymit, the Versa transforms from blanket to pillow with an integrated sleeve. It also has a built-in footbox to prevent the blanket being kicked off and corner snaps to shorten the blanket or convert it into a shoulder wrap. Klymit puts its propreitary synthetic insulation inside and soft polyester outside. The Versa is for sale now for $80.
'Specialized' Custom Bottle
Print your own design on the Specialized Purist Insulated bottle. You can upload your own design or browse design templates on its “Customizer” page. The Purist uses a Chromatek lining to keep your liquids cold for the duration of your ride. You have to order in bulk, with quantities starting at 50 units, costing $8–9.50 per bottle.
Limited-Edition Biolite Stove
Cook meals with 50 percent less wood using the BioLite HomeStove. BioLite’s flagship model across India and east Africa, the HomeStove was unavailable to U.S. shoppers until now. The HomeStove has a burner-style top, and sports stainless steel and cast iron construction. It boasts 90 percent smoke reduction (compared to campfire cooking) and comes with a USB FlexLight. The HomeStove is only available to order April 11–18 for $149, with shipments starting in August 2018.
Shock-Absorbing Seatpost
Absorb bumps in the trail with the ShockStop Seatpost. ShockStop claims the suspension in the seatpost increases comfort and performance, as you spend less time bracing for impact and more time pedaling. Its seatpost works for all types of riding, and the spring rate can be adjusted. The ShockStop Seatpost is on Kickstarter now for $139.
Thinnest Possible Wallet
Precise to the micro-millimeter, the Micro Wallet is quite possibly the smallest wallet in existence. From Paper Wallet, the Micro Wallet is made from waterproof and durable Tyvek and holds up to eight cards with space for cash. Designers cut the shape to fit credit cards perfectly, with just enough space to slide them in and out. The result is an incredibly sleek wallet. The Micro Wallet is on Kickstarter now, with a neat stop-motion campaign video.
Packable Run Cap
Take out the Buff Pack Run Cap from your pocket when the sun starts to shine. This packable running cap can flex, fold, and hold its shape, and weighs only an ounce. The cap is made from silky polyester, and a cinch cord in the back adjusts fit. The Buff Pack Run Cap costs $30 and is for sale now.
Stable, Fast Fishing Kayak
Paddle in pursuit of your favorite fish species in the Perception Pescador Pro 12.0. This sit-on-top kayak equips the paddling angler with a fast and stable platform, complete with a removable and adjustable camp chair. The Pescador Pro is 12 feet long and 32.5 inches wide, with a weight capacity of 375 pounds. The rotational molded kayak is available in Sonic Camo, Moss Camo, and Red Tiger Camo color schemes. This kayak costs $879 and is available now.
Detachable Handlebars
Ride drop bars one day and bullhorns the next with Billibars. This handlebar system is removable, making it easy to switch your preferred grips and store your bike at home. Billibars currently come in four interchangeable varieties that connect with a snap. The system is on Kickstarter now for $89.
Heavy-Duty Multi-Tool
Be prepared for outdoor tasks that require a bit more oomph with the heavy-duty Combar. This five-in-one multi-tool combines an ax, saw, spade, hammer, and knife. Made with titanium, aluminum, and steel, its makers claim the Combar will last a lifetime. The brand is so confident, in fact, it comes with a lifetime warranty. The tool weighs 2.8 pounds and fits in the side of a pack. Look for it on Kickstarter now.
Sidekick Crash Pad
Add some extra cushion without breaking the bank using Asana’s Sidekick pad. Touted as an add-on, the Sidekick doesn’t have bulky flaps or padded shoulder straps. So the entire cost of the crash pad goes into quality padding. It’s intended to sandwich between pads for carry, and lay flat on your other pads for when you send your highball project. The Sidekick pad is available now for $159.
Outdoors Camera Bag
Brave the elements and keep your expensive photography gear protected with the Exposure shoulder bag. From Mindshift Gear, the Exposure series uses waterproof sailcloth panels, strategically placed storm flaps, DWR-treated fabric, and a sturdy tarpaulin bottom. The Exposure 15 costs $170.
