A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
New Brand, Bike, Suspension
The Elkat is Esker Cycles’ first bike. With it comes a brand new rear suspension, dubbed the Orion. Suspension designer Dave Weagle crafted the Orion specifically for single-ring drivetrains. Supposedly, the Orion, located under the bottom bracket, is able to deliver more suspension and float with superior pedaling efficiency. Elkat models start at $3,000 and finish at $4,000 for a complete build.
Topo x Chaco
Chaco teamed up with Topo Designs for a collaboration of sandals, dog gear, hats, and two packs. The Chacos sport Topo Designs’ vibrant, textured pattern on its straps, and the backpack features the collaboration’s webbing. View the collaboration here, with prices ranging from $15 for the dog collar to $159 for the backpack.
Light-Up Backpack
Control an image on your backpack from your smartphone with PIX. Named the first smart animative backpack, PIX has a colored screen built into the shell with four available colors. The images on the screen can move, like a blinking turn signal or game of Tetris. And when hooked up to your phone, notifications on the screen let you know if someone is calling from far away. PIX is on Kickstarter now for $199 super early bird.
Osprey Lumbar Pack
Osprey introduces a lumbar pack for cyclists with the Seral. Its 7-liter capacity holds a 1.5-liter reservoir, two hipbelt pockets, and a bungee on the front panel. Osprey designed it with angled hipbelts and compression straps to give the pack stability when pedaling. There’s less bouncing that way. Plus, Osprey’s Airscape backpanel provides an air channel for ventilation. The Seral is available in spring 2019 for $85.
Ecovessel Aspen
Keep drinks cold for 100 hours or hot for 20 hours with the Ecovessel Aspen. Ecovessel’s newest option, the Aspen is triple insulated with a copper inner to maintain the drink’s temperature. And the Aspen opens and closes with just one and a half twists and can fit a whole bottle of wine. The Ecovessel Aspen is available now for $32 in a variety of colors.
Pyramid Shades
Use a pyramid to shield yourself from the sun. Pyramid Shades launched on Kickstarter this week for those looking for extra sun protection at the beach, park, or on trail. The shade protects from direct sun, diffusing and reflecting rays. It weighs just under 5 pounds and has pockets on the corners to fill so the shade doesn’t take flight. Set it up quick with a pop-up design and get relaxing. Pyramid Shades are on Kickstarter now for $84 early bird.
Wearable Photo Stabilizer
With Steadify, you don’t need a tripod or monopod to shoot tack-sharp images. Dubbed the first wearable stabilizer, Steadify attaches around your torso to extend to your device. The brand claims it works for cameras, binoculars, and scopes. It lets you stabilize on the move and shoot on uneven ground or in places where you may not be able to use a monopod. Steadify just wrapped up on Indiegogo, with estimated delivery in November for $139.
Cotton Performance Underwear
Cotton feels great but has a tendency to attract odors and hold onto sweat. SAXX ups the comfort factor and does away with the negative qualities of cotton in its latest Undercover collection. The result of combining cotton with modal fabric, and placing anti-odor tech into a pair of underwear, is supposedly luxurious-feeling undergarments that don’t stink. The SAXX Undercover collection is available now for $28.
Craft Fuseknit
Craft’s Fuseknit line of clothing aims to eliminate chafing. With strategically placed seams and seamless knit construction, Fuseknit enables athletes to perform in comfort. The line of baselayers includes leggings, underwear, and tops ranging from $30 to $100. Craft markets the collection for skiing, hiking, and other winter activities.
Lululemon Rain Gear
Lululemon expands its outerwear line with a down jacket and vest, a soft shell, and a rain jacket. Its Outpour Shell is a waterproof-breathable rain jacket made with Glyde waterproof fabric, waterproof zippers, and fully sealed seams. The Outpour Shell sports vents and a soft interior for comfort. Lululemon claims it’s a great option for mountain trails and urban bike rides. The Outpour Shell is available now for $248.
Leather Hiker
Hike long trails through sloppy, dry, or rocky conditions in the Vasque Saga LTR GTX. Building off a classic leather style, Vasque claims the Saga does away with the bulkiness of traditional leather hiking boots. With its full leather upper and Vibram Megagrip outsole, the Saga weighs 3 pounds 5 ounces per pair. Vasque just launched the Saga LTR GTX, available now for $240.
