From intelligent drones to “levitating” tents, the future of the outdoors industry is nothing if not unique. These trends and observations were culled from trade shows, industry events, and from R&D labs as a peek at what’s upcoming in outdoors gear.
Drones will follow and film
Your own personal film crew? A new genre of camera-equipped drones that track their owner while skiing, biking, or running become a reality soon from a few brands. One example, appropriately named the Staaker, is touted as “artificially intelligent” enough to auto-follow (and film) anyone at up to 50mph.
Boots will stick to ice
A new rubber compound, Vibram’s Arctic Grip Sole gives “up to three times better grip” on wet ice surfaces. We tested a prototype last winter, and the technology works. Wolverine debuts the new kind of sole this fall in its Crossbuck FX Ice+ boots. Look for Arctic Grip on multiple brands in 2017.
Your T-shirt will cool you
So-called “cooling shirts” have been around. But next year materials giant Polartec has a new take with Delta, a fabric that has hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers to disperse moisture and increase airflow. The shirt gets cooler once wet (from sweat) and was impressive in my pre-release test. (See full review.)
‘Inflatable’ hammocks will be everywhere
Dutch brand Lamzac popularized a new kind of outdoors seating, dubbed “inflatable hammocks.” The air-filled couches were omnipresent at recent industry events, with more than a dozen companies involved in manufacturing and perpetuating the odd, cushiony trend. (See our full review.)
B-corps gain steam
Patagonia is the industry poster child for the benefit corporation (b-corp) designation, which entails a company legally committing to supporting environmental and humanitarian causes. Brands as diverse as Wylder, a women-focused startup, and energy-food maker Yumbutter are jumping aboard the b-corp ship.
Drones will follow and film
Your own personal film crew? A new genre of camera-equipped drones that track their owner while skiing, biking, or running become a reality soon from a few brands. One example, appropriately named the Staaker, is touted as “artificially intelligent” enough to auto-follow (and film) anyone at up to 50mph.
Boots will stick to ice
A new rubber compound, Vibram’s Arctic Grip Sole gives “up to three times better grip” on wet ice surfaces. We tested a prototype last winter, and the technology works. Wolverine debuts the new kind of sole this fall in its Crossbuck FX Ice+ boots. Look for Arctic Grip on multiple brands in 2017.
Your T-shirt will cool you
So-called “cooling shirts” have been around. But next year materials giant Polartec has a new take with Delta, a fabric that has hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers to disperse moisture and increase airflow. The shirt gets cooler once wet (from sweat) and was impressive in my pre-release test. (See full review.)
‘Inflatable’ hammocks will be everywhere
Dutch brand Lamzac popularized a new kind of outdoors seating, dubbed “inflatable hammocks.” The air-filled couches were omnipresent at recent industry events, with more than a dozen companies involved in manufacturing and perpetuating the odd, cushiony trend. (See our full review.)
B-corps gain steam
Patagonia is the industry poster child for the benefit corporation (b-corp) designation, which entails a company legally committing to supporting environmental and humanitarian causes. Brands as diverse as Wylder, a women-focused startup, and energy-food maker Yumbutter are jumping aboard the b-corp ship.
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