Modern technology and outdoor adventure are a better match than many of us think. From GPS locators to lightweight flashlights to mobile trail cameras, there are many reasons to be grateful for how technological advancements can improve time spent in nature.
This week’s batch of new gear focuses on dynamic, highlighting releases that push the boundaries of human ingenuity in the oldest pursuit of all: exploration. Hunters will find innovative hauling strategies and advanced trail cameras. Watch enthusiasts have plenty of new ideas to consider when it comes to wearables. Birders and campers have binoculars and flashlights to see, while cyclists get new locks and new bikes.
Find all that and more right here rising gear.
backcountry hauling
Hunters know a thing or two about carrying weight through the backcountry. Bringing a deer or elk carcass back home isn’t easy, which is why some modern solutions like e-bikes have become more popular.
stoptruck Another interesting way to transport heavy items in rough terrain. It’s an offshoot of the Cascade Cart, a hiking chair for people with disabilities whose invention has a moving family story behind it. The RuckTruck is essentially a wheeled gear hauler that’s attached to a frame that you wear like a backpack. It has a weight capacity of 220 pounds and also includes an upgrade option for electronic assistance.
In addition to hunting, it can also be used for trail maintenance, search-and-rescue teams, or outdoor explorers with specific needs. It currently sells for $1,800.
3-in-1 bike lock
One of the best new offerings on Kickstarter is the new take on the bike lock. cordlock The frame, with the same design, provides “3 locks in one” by protecting both wheels and even the saddle.
It is constructed of two independent, steel loops which are connected by means of a central lock. Lock inventor Mariano LaSala said, “Each loop operates independently, so compromising one does not automatically free the other.” Although new to Kickstarter, the campaign has already surpassed its funding goal, but you still have 43 days (from July 17th) to grab this interesting bike lock. The initial purchase price is currently around $180.
cellular trail cameras
Modern trail cameras have changed the game for hunters, and TactaCam’s REVEAL series is one of the best. Although we don’t have a full review yet, GearJunkie contributing writer Morgan Nowels gives an initial report on his testing of the brand Latest Model: Tactacam Reveal 4.0 ($140) and Tactacam Reveal Pro 4.0 ($160).
The camera has better battery life (believed to be the brand’s best ever) and upgraded image quality. “If heading out to a farm to plant a stand of trees or heading into the mountains to look for wallabies is on your to-do list for July and August, these are some cameras you should keep your eye on,” Nowels said.
pebble 2 smartwatch
We’ve been writing about this outside-the-box take on smartwatches since 2012, when Pebble launched its most successful Kickstarter campaign up to that time. The brand was relaunched last year and has launched new models under its “less is more” approach to smartwatches.
Instead of packing every possible feature onto your wrist, Pebble opts for a stripped-down approach, offering fewer features in a user interface that’s simple, fun, and feels somewhat analog. It calls its latest model, the Pebble Round 2, its “most stylish option,” with a 1.3″ 64-color e-paper screen in a stainless steel frame.
Unlike many more robust smartwatches, Pebble’s model has a long battery life (up to 2 weeks), along with expected features like health tracking, AI-based speech interactions, and more. The best part is that it only costs $200. search pebble round 2 On the brand’s website.
audio-recording earbuds
London-based audio brand Nothing (yes, it’s just called Nothing) is a little fashion-forward, but still offers some great features. I’ve written about the super-impressive battery life of their over-ear headphones before, and now the brand has some rad earbuds too.
Nothing Ear (3A) It has some exciting new features as well as many of the expected features of earbuds. I just started testing these, and phone call quality is far better than most earbuds I’ve tried. Additionally, they have internal hard drive space that allows you to record phone conversations for up to 2 hours.
That audio will appear in the accompanying app, which also lets you transcribe it to text. This is a great feature for working professionals. They have an IP54 protection rating, so they’re great for the gym or other sunny activities, but they’re not waterproof, so don’t take them in the rain.
Luminox Adventure Watch
Okay, I’m not usually a watch person, but the latest release from Luminox is really cool looking. Swiss brand launched adventure watchwhich is “inspired by the timelines of pioneering missions” and the result looks like a steampunk masterpiece.
Its aesthetics are inspired by early exploration watches, but it still meets Luminox’s military-grade standards and includes modern features that most of us wouldn’t want to miss on any real expedition. Specifications: The watch features a stainless steel bezel, a stainless-steel strap clasp, and a choice of black or brown leather straps.
The Swiss-made quartz movement is housed within a 43mm stainless steel case. It features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass, water resistance up to 20 ATM and lighting technology that will keep the dial illuminated for 25 years. Its price is $795.
Olight ArcPro Special Edition
Olight’s bright, robust flashlights are a hit at GearJunkie, and the brand’s flagship, the ArcPro, got a glowing review from GJ editorial director Sean McCoy with a 9.3/10 score.
The brand released two special-edition colors of these super-powerful flashlights this month. Look at the gorgeous royal purple color of ArcPro Nebula Violet ($110) or show your patriotism with ArcPro Stars and Stripes Edition. They’re not just good looking – they’re quality flashlights with 1,500 lumens and multiple light modes including floodlight, UV light, and even a laser pointer.
3-in-1 charging pad
If you’re a technophile who’s constantly charging your devices (and let’s be honest, aren’t we all?), you’ll probably want to take a closer look at this. Instead of lugging around multiple chargers, cables, etc., NOCO XGrid 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad Provides separate chargers for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in one compact setup.
It’s MagSafe-compatible, with a thin, flat design that easily slips into a pack. It also includes interchangeable plug adapters for the US, Europe, UK, Australia, and Japan. A dedicated charging station can simplify charging your device. Its price on Amazon is $130.
waterproof monocular
According to binocular brand NOCS Provisions, last year’s launch of its Zero Tube monocular became a best-seller. Now this brand is back Zero Tube 8×25 Waterproof MonocularBuilt to withstand weather on backcountry hikes or day-long kayak trips.
In addition to its waterproofing (IPX7 rating), the new Zero Tube weighs just 7.2 ounces and comes in an impact-resistant housing that “easily slips into a jacket pocket, daypack or glove compartment,” the brand said. It comes with a built-in carry clip that attaches to belts, bags, and other gear. Thanks to nitrogen-filled internal chambers, it’s also possibly fogproof. It is available now for $180.
Canyon’s reimagined mountain bike
If you’re a serious cyclist, you know that bike technology is complex and constantly evolving. That’s certainly the case with Canyon’s new mountain bike update, a refreshed version of Lux Trail.
This redesign of its full-suspension 29er is “built for faster climbs without sacrificing confidence on more technical descents,” the brand said. The new platform reduces weight by 200 grams, increases travel by 140 mm at the front and 125 mm at the rear. It also gets a slacker 64.8-degree head angle, longer wheelbase, size-specific chainstays, updated suspension kinematics and a 1,850-gram carbon frame.
The four models, Lux Trail CF6 through CF9, range in price from $4,000 to $7,000. Find out more about the release here bikerumor.
