A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
Titanium Keychain
Ditch the boring, fingernail-breaking keyring and check out the MSTR LINX, a titanium key carry system. The MSTR LINX comes as a set of carabiners, medium rings, or mini rings and utilizes one large LINX and smaller LINXs that connect via a unique closure. The MSTR LINX is on Kickstarter now with an MSRP of $60.
Filson Luggage Roller
Travel with the Dryden 2-Wheel Carry-On Suitcase, which combines craftsmanship and durable materials. The suitcase has an extendable handle, meets airline carry-on standards, and is made from abrasion-resistant 1,000-denier ballistic nylon. The Dryden costs $295.
Stain-Proof Shirt
Spill on your shirt and don’t worry about stains when you wear Labfresh. The brand claims it’s the most advanced stain- and odor-repellent T-shirt. It combines three technologies: silver yarns to limit odors, a hydrophobic outer, and a moisture-wicking inner. The high-tech T-shirts are on Kickstarter now for $43.
Swinging Bike Rack
Fit two bikes on a hitch-mounted rack while maintaining access to your trunk or truck bed with the BackSwing. From Yakima, the BackSwing can hold up to 250 pounds and swings 90 degrees out so you can get at the vehicle with bikes loaded. The BackSwing is for sale now for $299.
Urban Electric Two-Seater
Hop in the Eli ZERO, a mini electric car, and cruise up to 25 mph around the ‘burbs. Dubbed “the transportation solution of the future” by the brand, the Eli ZERO is an electric vehicle that seats two, has 160 liters of trunk space, and a range of 55–85 miles. It charges in 4.5–6 hours and has a max speed of 25 mph. The vehicle measures a scant 54 x 63 x 89 inches, so it will be a tight fit. It’s available on Indiegogo for a discounted price of $7,699.
Giro Artist Series
Flex your creative side in a beautiful cycling helmet designed by Zio Ziegler. The high-functioning Giro Synthe MIPS helmet has original Ziegler artwork. It’s part of a collection from Giro that also includes Empire VR90 Reflective shoes, Classic Cotton Cap, and DND gloves. Available now for $270.
Big Wheel Shocks
Drop in with authority with the RockShox BoXXer. The fork gets new lower legs, upper tubes, and a crown that optimizes handlebar height. It offers riders the best attributes of coil and air for hard charging lines. And the flat crown lowers handlebar height, compensating for taller wheel and tire combinations. The BoXXer is for sale now for $1,699.
Fog-Free Sunglasses
Pull a toggle and feel the air flow through the Oakley Flight Jacket sunglasses. These shades combat fog and overheating with Oakly Advancer tech, activated via a tab on the nosepad. Pull it, and the lenses sit farther away from your face. The Flight Jacket glasses cost $223 and also come in a prescription model.
Solo Phone Case
Rep your inner Jedi with the Solo: A Star Wars Story Symmetry Series from OtterBox. The phone case brand released three tributes in light of the upcoming film with Chewbacca, the Millennium Falcon, and “All or Nothing” decals. The slim, symmetrical cases protect against bumps and drops. The cases cost between $45 and $55 depending on how big your phone is.
Waterproof Pocket
Hop in the pool with or without your phone while wearing the Aquanautia shorts. Designed with a magnetic waterproof pocket, these swim trunks can hold a wallet and phone and keep them dry. The shorts are made from recycled bottles and are resistant to water and stains. The Aquanautia shorts are on Kickstarter now for an early bird price of $84.
Two-Person Custom Sleeping Bag
Snuggle up in the KSB Double from Klymit. The brand’s “fully customizable” two-person sleeping bag utilizes zippers that can vent the sides or feet for each sleeper depending on preference. The KSB Double uses 650-fill down and has a hood that can fit two pillows. This bag looks like a car camping dream and is for sale now for $400.
Water Filter Bottle
Scoop up water from the stream and drink straight from your bottle with the LifeSaver Liberty. A water filter bottle and inline pump filter in one, the Liberty removes 99.9999 percent of bacteria, 99.999 percent of viruses, and 99.99 percent of microbial cysts. The bottle works by placing water in the base, pumping twice, and turning the valve to release clean, safe drinking water. The Liberty is available now for $100.
Plus-Sized Garmin
Navigate, compete, and ride safer with the Garmin Edge 520 Plus. Mounted to your handlebars, this smart device provides turn-by-turn directions, detects oncoming cars, and can alert loved ones through an app. Plus, the Edge 520 Plus can measure V02 Max and power output and send messages to other riders. It also enables you to compete by the second against your own or a friend’s personal best. Available now, starting at $280.
Signature MTB Pedals
If you mountain bike in style, get some pedals to match with the Mallet DH Super Bruni. Designed with two-time world champion Loic Bruni, the Mallet DHs use a concave platform for secure foothold, a 57-mm q-factor, and eight adjustable pins per side for grip. The pedals are made to shed mud and maximize shoe-pedal interface. The set is available now and costs $169.
