A peek at emerging products, culled from crowd-source sites like Kickstarter, PR campaigns, and industry scoops on the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
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‘Fastest’ Wetsuit Ever Made?
That is the claim with the Maverick X, a suit that bucks conventional design by cutting the fabric pattern “with the freestyle stroke in mind” instead of with arms down. The brand says this creates a less restrictive, faster suit. The high-end race suit sells for $900 online.
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Bushcraft Backpack
The Wildland Scout ($250) comes with the needs of the bush-crafter in mind, with carry points for a hatchet and saw, a MOLLE system, and construction from durable 1000D Cordura fabric. It looks like a solid design for anyone needing external storage to carry gear and tools into the wilds.
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Backcountry Pizza Oven
An accessory for the BioLite BaseCamp stove, the just-released PizzaDome ($70) is a three-piece system to bake wood-fired pizza and flatbread creations at camp. The unit includes a ceramic pizza stone, integrated thermometer, and a triangle base.
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Multi-Chamber Water Bottle
The Golchi bottle can hold hot and cold liquids at the same time, and it has storage space for a snack in the middle. The unique design is adjustable in size, with compartments unscrewing from one another for varying capacities up to 27 liquid ounces. It’s launching on Kickstarter for $32.
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Portable Water Propulsion
Use this handheld water “jet” while diving, snorkeling, on stand-up paddle boards, and in kayaks. At about two pounds, the Bixpy Jet has enough thrust to push a full-size kayak up to 15 miles (at a speed up to 7mph), the company states. No pricing available, but you can sign up for more info and updates here.
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Adjustable Travel Hammock
Flying Squirrel Outfitters designed a hammock with “adjustable travel,” meaning it can be snugged close around the feet or opened wide to adjust the way it hangs and holds the occupant. The brand touts it empowers its employees, hiring women in Thailand and paying them “135 percent above the annual minimum wage.” The hammock line launches on Kickstarter soon, but you can sign up for updates now.
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Quick-Change Camera Strap
For those who want to quickly change from a strap to a hand grip to no strap, the Sling magnetic camera strap and lens cap holder is a slick design. It allows you to take the strap off fast and has a built-in lens cap holder so you don’t misplace that easily-lost plastic disc. It’s funded on Kickstarter, where you can order one for $52.
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Turn Helmet Into ‘Concert Hall’
A music-playing device turns your helmet into a “concert hall,” claims startup Domio. The hockey puck-like devices attach to the outside of a helmet and use “micro-vibration technology” to play music into the helmet without the use of earbuds. It’s available for pre-order now for $49.
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Ultimate Carry-on Pack?
The Aer Travel Pack aims to be the “ultimate carry-on.” Expandable, with lots of organizational pockets, it opens wide as a clamshell, and it has a ventilated compartment for shoes. Lots of folks seems excited about this pack, which has raised more than $300,000 on Kickstarter. Learn more or get yours now.
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A Manly Purse?
“It’s a satchel. Indiana Jones had one.” Well, the immortal words of the Lone Wolf may ring true, but we’re still skeptical of the whole man purse thing. That said, the CRAVAR looks like a pretty nice briefcase/messenger style bag that comes in leather, denim and fabric from $130 on Kickstarter.
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GoPro Stabilizer
Snoppa is a handheld gimbal with integrated controls that smooths out GoPro footage for a more professional look. One-hand controls allow for smooth panning while the gimbal action holds the camera steady. The company claims this is the first stabilizer made specifically for the GoPro. We’ve used similar products for other cameras, and they’re slick. This one starts at $229 on Kickstarter.
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Carbon Bargain
Minnesota-based Framed released its first road bike this week. The Rodez Carbon has solid specs with a SRAM Rival 11 speed drivetrain and is sold as being “25% or more off market price” with a price tag of $1699.99 complete. Available at The-house.com.
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Smart Backpack
The Klifit is a backpack with a ton of unique elements meant to secure your belongings and help organize your day. Using bluetooth connections and attachments for keys, wallets and other items, it senses when important gear isn’t inside the bag. It also locks shut (or to stationary objects) and it can be tracked down if stolen through an app. Worth investigating for travelers or students. From $155.
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