It wasn’t intentional, but we ended up with a technology-heavy roster of new products this week. Perhaps that’s no accident, given that even our outdoor lives look increasingly like an away mission from a Star Trek episode.
That means outdoor creatives will find plenty to interest them, however, including durable new packs for photographers, tough charging cables, and recycled cases for newer-model iPhones. But we still have some analog gear as well, like a large backpack release from EXPED, and new boots from Montana hunting brand Sitka.
So take your coffee break and do some window-shopping with the latest and greatest of Emerging Gear.
Holzgestein Mountain Lamps
This one is only for those people who really, really love mountains. I can safely put myself in this category, which includes anyone capable of looking at a distant monolith of rock and saying, “That’s a sexy mountain.”
That’s likely the intended audience for this Kickstarter campaign aimed at making table lamps that offer accurate representations of 10 mountains that have earned an iconic place in history. The brand behind these creations, Holzgestein, used wood and 3D printing to create these fun little lamps.
Available for a pre-sale price of about $67, available mountains include Zugspitze, Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Grossglockner, Kilimanjaro, Vesuvius, Mount Fuji, Mount Everest, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier.
The Kickstarter campaign runs from June 17 to July 18. A personalized version of the lamp and a battery-operated version are also planned, and will be released during the campaign, depending on the funding amount, organizers said.
Nestout Charging Cable
I don’t know about y’all, but I have gone through quite a few charging cables in my time. If you’re rough on your gear, then a supple charging cord is liable to get torn up faster than you say, “Pass the camp stove.”
So it’s no small thing that Nestout, GearJunkie’s current favorite brand for phone chargers, just released an Outdoor Charging Cable. With a waterproof cap and integrated hook, the Outdoor Charging Cable is IP54 rated for water and dust resistance.
It also has a scratch-resistant Tetoron-braided jacket. It includes a cap with a hook for hanging, a clip for tangle-free storage, and reinforced strain relief to protect the plug from bending. It’s available in two sizes (3.3 feet and 6.6 feet) in both USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C cable options.
Garmin Venu X1
Those who prefer their watches as unobtrusive as possible may want a second glance at the latest Garmin wearable.
The brand just dropped the Venu X1, an ultrathin smartwatch with a 2-inch display and 8 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, according to Garmin. Sporting a slim profile, it also comes with a 2-inch AMOLED display and Garmin’s most popular health and fitness features.
The watch case is 8mm thick and made from lightweight titanium, while the lens is made from scratch-resistant sapphire. It still sports a built-in speaker and microphone, along with preloaded TopoActive maps. Available in two color options — black and moss — it has a suggested retail price of $800.
PRVKE V4 Photography Pack
WANDRD’s Kickstarter campaign for the PRVKE V4 backpack just went live this week — and hit its funding goal in under 30 minutes.
The Utah-based brand is the brainchild of two brothers who evidently spent many years designing what they believe is one of the best backpacks on the market for outdoor photographers. Aimed at everyday carry, travel, and creative work, the latest version of their pack (the PRVKE V4) offers more comfort, more intuitive access, and enhanced weather resistance, according to the Kickstarter campaign.
Breitling SuperOcean Heritage Collection
Breitling has fished out some new additions to its Superocean Heritage Collection, including an update to its “most elegant sea watch,” the brand said.
First launched in 1957, the latest Superocean Heritage “balances vintage style with modern sophistication,” according to Breitling. Adding to the spirit of the model, the collection includes the brand’s first eyewear collaboration with London eyewear brand Cutler and Gross. There’s also a limited-edition watch co-designed by surfing legend and longtime ambassador Kelly Slater.
RhinoShield Recycled iPhone Cases
RhinoShield’s phone cases offer a rare combination of features: military-grade drop protection, plant-based and recycled materials, and design customization.
Its latest case, available for iPhones, is 100% made from recycled materials, including old phone cases and production scraps. The CircularNext case still meets military standards of drop-testing, according to RhinoShield.
It also has a slim profile and is BPA-free. And with tons of artist collaborations and personalized engraving options, you’ll find ways to express your personal style, too.
EXPED 45L Ultralight Pack
While many outdoorsmen and women may know Swiss brand EXPED for its super-comfy camping mats, the company also makes plenty of Swiss-engineered backpacking gear. That includes the Skyline 45 pack, its latest addition to the Skyline backpacking line, as well as the DeepSleep sleeping bags.
Add in the Ultra 3R mat, which received a favorable GJ review, and you’ve got what you need for a solid night’s sleep on the trail this summer.
The Skyline 45 sells for $240, and includes a new back system to improve air flow, an adjustable system for the fit, a removable top lid, extended side zipper, and daisy chain attachments.
Luminox Navy SEAL Foundation 3220 Gold Edition
Now this is a sexy watch.
Luminox has released yet another special edition of its popular Navy SEAL Foundation series, and this time it’s going for the gold. The Navy SEAL Foundation 3220 Series Gold Color Edition, or XS.3221.NSF, is being released in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Navy SEAL Foundation.
Crafted with a 43mm gold-tone IP stainless steel case and matching unidirectional bezel, the watch reflects the signature yellow gold color of the trident found in the Foundation’s crest. There’s also a stealth blackout dial to add contrast. It’s also got 200m water resistance and the brand’s light technology around the dial.
Nomadix Hoffman Heritage Collection
The Hoffman Heritage Collection from Nomadix is a curated revival of iconic prints from the archives of Hoffman California Fabrics. These bold, island-inspired patterns defined a generation of tropical travel — and now they’re back, albeit for a limited time.
Celebrating 100 years in business, Hoffman Fabrics is world-famous for its travel-inspired prints. Resurrected from the company’s archives, the Nomadix collection offers a small sampling of this beloved style.
Bozeman, Montana’s beloved hunting brand, Sitka Gear, just released two additions to its growing footwear line: the Rover GTX LTH ($180) and Sitka Sandal ($70). Purpose-built for “life beyond the hunt,” the lineup aims for warm-weather recreation and everyday wear, the brand said.
Designed for everything from daily chores to scouting trips, the Rover GTX LTH is a pull-on boot. Fully waterproof, breathable, and with GORE-TEX construction, the boot’s sneaker-like fit and plush midsole will keep you comfy. However, it’s also got tread for varied terrain and a mudguard.
As for the Sitka Sandal, it’s built for life near water, with a full-length, contoured EVA footbed and a quick-drying, lightweight design. It also floats.
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