From puffy jackets that have second lives to wristwatches that track sunlight on other planets, this week’s roundup of the latest gear has it all.
It’s not just the wildest tech, though; we’ve got something special for adventurous kiddos, old-school rippers, and folks who just want to sneak in a run before work.
Take a peek at the next wave of Emerging Gear!
Out of This World Watch
Where to even start with the URWERK UR-100V LS Ceramic watch? At its core, it’s a luxury timepiece with satellite movement — eye-catching but not groundbreaking in and of itself. But once the rotating movement disappears behind the minute track, things get … cosmic.
Minutes marking 0-60 only take up about half of the watch face. The rest of the watch is a strange assortment of planet names (sorry, Pluto, no love). The idea is that the movement will also track the time it takes for a photon of light from the sun to reach the respective planets in our solar system — from the 3.2 minutes it takes to hit Mercury, all the way to the 4.1 hours it take to speed to Neptune.
You might ask yourself, why? And I would tell you, because this wild wristwatch costs $87,000, that’s why.
Throwback Hardtail
From the void of deep space, back to good ol’ terra firma: REEB Cycles brings back an absolute dream machine. This anniversary-edition Re:Dikyelous pays homage to the classic steel hardtail first launched 15 years ago.
Handcrafted in Colorado, this throwback whip uses U.S. steel, 3D-printed chainstay yokes, and Portage dropouts for quick swaps between geared and single-speed setups. The full build sports a who’s who of components: Cane Creek headset and 130mm fork, SRAM Eagle 90 groupset, and Industry Nine stem, to name a few.
Only 15 of the limited-edition bikes with classic anniversary decals and laser-engraved badging will be made — $7,000 on preorder with shipping beginning in March.
Smart Motion Light
If “millimeter wave technology” sounds familiar, that’s because you pass through it every time you walk through airport security. It’s extremely useful for imaging and detecting types of objects.
The team from the German brand Offscape leaned into this tech to create what it’s calling “intelligent motion detection.” The idea is that this magnetic light can stick onto a car, overlanding rig, or just hang on a tree at camp to provide a safety light.
And unlike the garage light at your parents’ house that keeps flipping on every time a branch waves, Offscape claims the mmWave-powered CampLight Pro will only switch on when it detects motion consistent with the movement of an animal.
The nifty lantern has a handle, magnetic mount, diffuser, and red mode. It will retail for $235, with $175 early-bird buy-ins when it launches on Kickstarter.
Run–Commute Pack
For a long time, I thought I was the only person interested in run commuting. And I have the scars — from laptops digging into my hips through a standard backpack — to prove it. But the folks at ZIP have proven me wrong — and provided a solution to boot!
Made specifically for those of us who want to sneak in a run on our way to work, the Commute Pack is a fusion between backpack and running vest. With 20 L of storage, a laptop sleeve, compression straps, and stretchy quick-access pockets, it’s built to hold your tech, a change of clothes, and everyday carry items safely and securely.
This one was too good to pass up, so we’ll have a review coming soon. But you can get yours now for $185.
Wool Windbreaker
There’s no shortage of active insulation items these days, but with all the tech advancements, it can be easy to overlook the proven performance benefits of wool. Ibex has long been an innovator in that space, and the latest update to its Wool Aire Hoodie marks another step forward.
At its core is recycled wool, shielded from the elements with windproof, PFC-free nylon shell. Zippered hand pockets and pill-resistant lining round out this simple but solid go-anywhere midlayer. Available now in women’s and men’s for $350.
Longer, Stronger Bike Lock
Don’t get caught unprepared for the first early sign of spring! We all know how eager we are to take advantage of that surprise 65-degree day with an impromptu preseason ride. You can air up the tires and lube the chain, but do you have a good lock?
ABUS is a leader in bike security, and the German brand just updated its iconic folding lock to reach further and hold stronger. The Switch 105 extends up to 105cm — that’s over 1 m … which is over 3 feet. It weighs a little over 2 pounds, but includes a mounting bracket, so you can let your bike carry the load. The Switch 105 is available now for $130.
Cute Kicks for Kids
It’s tough to improve on some products. XTRATUF Deck Boots are a great example; the iconic design has worked for decades to keep feet warm and dry in nasty and sloppy conditions. And who finds themselves in nasty, sloppy conditions more than anyone? Young’uns!
So XTRATUF took its proven boots and teamed up with every kid’s — and let’s be honest, every adult’s — favorite characters, the Sesame Street gang. The slip-resistant, 100% waterproof Ankle Deck Boots come in a variety of designs from the iconic show. Get a pair now for $75.
Circular, Recyclable Puffy
Peak Performance unveiled an eye-catching new layer for mountain adventures. The Monolight Insulated Hoodie doesn’t just look different, it’s also built different.
The narrower, swooping baffles are designed to use less fill, reducing bulk and improving natural range of motion for high-output pursuits. But the materials used give rise to a garment that’s built to be a cut above in sustainability. The PrimaLoft ThermX fill and recycled 20D ripstop shell are both designed for durability, and the brand includes a color-matched patch kit to repair inevitable pokes, burns, or snags.
Best of all, the entire garment is certified under the Circularity Standard to be recyclable at the end of its useful life. The Monolight Insulated Hood Jacket is available in men’s and women’s versions for $260.
Novel Textile Bike Bags
It’s not every day you see an entirely new fabric, but that’s exactly what bike accessory maker Swift Industries made with its latest Luminary Collection.
“SI600X” might not exactly roll off the tongue, but the novel textile sure does look cool! The high-performance 600D recycled poly bags use a diamond-shaped fiber grid to create bags that are exceptionally durable and long-lasting. So feel free to let ‘er rip!
The collection ($60-215) includes the Bandito Bicycle Bag, Zeitgeist Pack, Catalyst Pack, Moxie Top Tube Bag, Sidekick Stem Pouch, and Gibby Stem Bag. Your best bet is just to check out the whole new collection at Swift Industries’ website.
Zero-Crinkle Sleeping Pads
EXPED improves its popular sleeping pads with the launch of the latest Ultra Series. Already known for offering insulation with backpacking-friendly weight, the Ultra Series now employs recycled synthetic microfiber and heat-reflective layers. The results are lightweight sleeping pads that can insulate down to -67 degrees F with “zero crinkle” and “no noise,” according to EXPED.
That’s one heck of a claim — check them out for yourself in 6.5R, 8R, and 10R insulated options ($200-270).
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