It’s another beautiful week to be a GearJunkie. We’ve got several crowdfunding projects to show off this week, from electric motorcycles to inflatable dog beds, as well as new releases from tried-and-true camping brands like Snow Peak and EXPED.
So take a load off, pour a cup of coffee, and enjoy a few minutes of blissful online window-shopping with this week’s Emerging Gear.
Terra Prime Dual-Terrain E-Scrambler
This impressive pastiche of a vehicle is now live on Indiegogo, where it’s already fully funded, and offering 25% off the early bird price of $6,000. It sounds like GearJunkie Editor Will Brendza had a sweet time testing out this e-motorcycle, which allows for both off-road and on-road fun:
“With a max speed of 65 mph and a max range of over 70 miles per charge, this e-moto is both a capable commuter and recreational vehicle. What it lacks in the power you might get from a traditional motorcycle or dirt bike, it makes up for with its impressive zero-emissions range, respectable top speed, and classic aesthetics.”
FlexTail Self-Inflating Pads
Chinese brand FlexTail has dropped several outside-the-box designs over the years aimed at the outdoors, like inflation multitools or gadgets for repelling mosquitos. Now it’s offering what it calls “the world’s lightest automatic inflation sleeping pads.”
Unlike many self-inflating pads, these actually employ a small motor as part of the brand’s AirVortex System. Even so, the pad weighs a respectable 17.4 ounces (claimed). You can currently snag one during its Indiegogo campaign (already fully funded) at the early bird price of $109.
DJI Osmo Mobile 7
DJI just dropped the new Osmo Mobile 7 Series this week. Designed to enhance smartphone video capture with advanced stabilization and tracking, it’s the “lightest” gimbal in its class, DJI claimed in a press release.
The series includes two models: the Osmo Mobile 7P ($150) and the Osmo Mobile 7 ($90). Both incorporate DJI’s seventh-generation, three-axis stabilization, and ActiveTrack 7.0 technology.
Primary features include “intelligent tracking” for capturing subjects in busy environments. The 7P has an integrated module for light control, USB-C connectivity for audio, and a quick one-step unfolding mechanism. It weighs about 10 ounces (claimed). The Osmo Mobile 7 offers similar functionality in an entry-level configuration.
Outdogs Airpad
Say what you will, but this “all terrain outdoor inflatable dog pad” looks pretty cool, with an impressive amount of versatility built into a seemingly innocuous product.
More than just a durable and stowable dog bed, it also doubles as a boat and sled (animal lovers will dig the Kickstarter video showing two dogs snow sledding down a hill in one of these). It also supposedly washes out easily, even with heavy droolers (you know who you are). And at $49 during the early bird campaign, it’s pretty doggone cheap, too.
The Outdoor Archive
So, this looks pretty rad — at least for those of us who still appreciate the unique pleasure of the printed medium.
Utah State University’s Outdoor Recreation Archive is releasing a coffee table book that collects 100 years of outdoor magazine and catalog covers. The Outdoor Archive spans generations, sports, styles, and continents, with striking images tracing the evolution of photography and graphic design in the outdoor industry.
Only 141 of the 500 limited-edition books — complete with a custom-designed cover and slipcase — were left as of this writing on Thursday morning. It costs about $92.
We loved the “completely singular footwear experience” of Vivobarefoot’s Forest Tracker, so we’d wager the brand’s latest vegan sneakers are equally comfy. The Gobi II Sneaker Premium Canvas ($180) is a vegan-certified shoe crafted with 98% natural materials, according to the brand. Those materials include Hyphalite, a 100% natural vegan leather alternative, 100% organic cotton, and a fully natural outsole.
Vivobarefoot also released the Motus Studio Sock Boot ($180), a slip-on boot silhouette with a simple knit made from Woolmark wool.
Snow Peak GigaPower Battery Lanterns
There’s an undeniable chicness to the outdoor gear from Japanese brand Snow Peak, but who’s to say that’s a bad thing? The brand’s latest foray into the world of sexy gadgets includes two flame-free LED lanterns powered by Snow Peak’s new GigaPower Batteries.
There’s the GigaPower Hanging Lantern, priced at $170, designed to serve as a primary light source for campsites or interior spaces. It’s got a glass shade and a large light tube that offers 360-degree illumination, along with adjustable brightness via a side knob and a folding hanger that doubles as a handle.
Then we have the GigaPower Tabletop Lantern ($110). This camp lantern provides white and colored LED illumination with adjustable brightness and gradient color modes inspired by natural light transitions, Snow Peak said.
Keep in mind these will both require the GigaPower Battery, which costs $184 and $274. These high-capacity, durable lithium-ion phosphate batteries were designed in collaboration with Anker Japan. They’re compatible with Snow Peak lanterns via USB-C and include USB-A ports for charging additional devices.
Town Shirt Fleece Pullover
I’m a big fan of Town Shirt, a small hiking apparel brand created by passionate thru-hiker Dylan “Pickle” Tonkin. His gorgeous and comfy sun hoodies and button-up shirts will soon get a GearJunkie review (stay tuned for that one). But I can tell you that these are some of my favorite clothes to wear, either on or off the trail.
Town Shirt has now expanded its limited line of apparel to include fleece pullovers, including the Scarlet Tanager Grid Fleece Pullover and the Bluebird Grid Fleece Pullover (both $95). Tonkin’s designs are inspired by the flora and fauna of America’s thru-hiking trails, and he gives a portion of each sale to nonprofits that support the outdoors.
EXPED DeepSleep Sleeping Bags
EXPED released its DeepSleep collection of eco-friendly sleeping bags, designed specifically for backpackers and mobile adventurers. These lightweight, compact bags are constructed from 100% recycled and recyclable polyester. They feature premium design details, including a 3D footbox, an internal collar, and a compression stuff sack.
The bags are made using recycled 40D ripstop polyester for both the shell and liner, which are free from PFAS, while the fill consists of 100% recycled polyester. Available in three temperature ratings, the DeepSleep line is priced between $100 and $140.
Oboz Katabatic Collection
Oboz has dropped its updated Katabatic LT collection, marking the brand’s first use of GORE-TEX Invisible Fit technology. The waterproof material supposedly uses a PFAS-free ePE membrane combined with textiles containing 70% recycled content, according to GORE-TEX.
The updated Katabatic LT is 20% lighter than previous models, with reduced welded TPU on the toecap and heel counter. Shoe uppers are made from 100% recycled polyester, while the non-waterproof versions rely on an open mesh knit.
Other features include the Oboz KINERTIA Energy midsole, a rock plate for torsional stability, and the Trail Tread Eco Rubber outsole with 5mm multidirectional lugs. The collection includes both low and mid-height models in men’s and women’s styles. Prices range from $145 to $190.
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