You could say that today’s Emerging Gear is a tribute to the finer things in life — at least in the sense of libations best enjoyed outdoors.
As fall temperatures bring relief after a boiling summer, many outdoor brands have dropped new releases for enjoying whiskey, beer, or espresso. And yes, there’s even a Snoop Dogg Solo Stove for those who prefer to relax with a Rocky Mountain High.
But if none of that tickles your fancy — no problem. Just head down to the second half of today’s column, and you’ll find gear and gadgets aplenty.
Snoop-Edition Solo Stove Fire Pit
The word “smokeless” seems a bit out of place for Snoop Dogg — but I’m sure he had no problem with Solo Stove agreeing to a “Blunt Marketing Campaign.”
Last fall, Snoop went viral with a clever marketing campaign, saying he was “giving up smoke.” Well, that turned out to be for his campfires. Now, he teams up with the brand for his own branded Solo Stove.
Now that he’s made cookies with Martha Stewart and turned the Olympics into comedic gold with Kevin Hart — why not rep a brand known for smokeless outdoor stoves?
Scoring a collaboration with the iconic rapper is certainly a win for Solo Stove, which has made an educated guess about its core demographic. While they may detest the smell and health implications of campfire smoke — the herbal variety is just fine. (Never mind the fact the company’s headquarters are not in Colorado, but in Texas, where ganja remains entirely illegal.)
At any rate, this surprising collaboration gives us two Snoop Dogg Edition fire pits, each with distinct “Snoopisms” (see above).
The Snoop-Edition Mesa XL, priced at $100, is designed for compact spaces, ideal for city dwellers looking to add a fire pit to their outdoor or balcony settings. Meanwhile, the Snoop-Edition Bonfire 2.0, available for $300, is crafted from durable stainless steel and offers a smokeless experience with its 360° Signature Airflow Technology.
The Bonfire 2.0 is perfect for larger gatherings and includes a carry case for easy transportation. Both products are available through Solo Stove’s website.
Patagonia Kernza Beer
Patagonia has long focused on producing sustainably made sports apparel — now it’s looking to do something similar with organic beer.
This week, Patagonia Provisions and Deschutes Brewery launched two certified organic beers: Kernza Lager and Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew. The latter option is supposedly the first certified organic nonalcoholic craft beer in the U.S., according to Patagonia. Priced and packaged in six-packs with 12-ounce cans, these beers can be purchased at major chain retailers like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, or Kroger.
Both beers are brewed with organic Kernza, a perennial grain that aids in soil conservation and carbon capture. They also use organic hops, barley, and rye. Kernza Lager has an alcohol volume of 4.7%, while the Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew contains less than 0.5% ABV. Find a location near you on the Deschutes Brewery site.
Flair Espresso GO
If your morning espresso is as essential as bug spray or sunscreen, you’ll likely be stoked about this super-compact espresso maker.
Flair Espresso, known for its lever-based machines, just launched Flair GO, a collapsible espresso maker tailored for campers and travelers. The GO’s pressure gauge helps users fine-tune their espresso shots and also has an option to use Nespresso pods. Currently, at the beginning of a Kickstarter campaign, you can snag one of these at a 33% discount.
DECKED D-Co Kegger
I’m pretty sure nothing like this existed when I was in college. DECKED wants you and your tailgating friends to meet the D-co Kegger, a $400 “beer-dispensing system” designed specifically for the DECKED Drawer system.
Limited to just 100 units, the special-edition keg enables pickup truck owners to tap and serve cold beer directly from their tailgate — without the need for electricity or refrigeration. Ideal for tailgating, the D-co Kegger works with a couple of bags of ice and a tank of CO2, the brand said. Like DECKED’s other gear, the keg is durable enough to survive being driven over by a truck.
LIITON American Peaks Whiskey Glasses
It doesn’t get more more bougie than this. A Kickstarter from the brand LIITON is selling specially made whiskey glasses representing four iconic American mountains. The American Whiskey Glasses collection includes four thoroughly bourgeois offerings: Mt. Elbert in the Rockies, Clingman’s Dome in the Smokies, Rainier in Washington, and Yosemite’s Half Dome.
These glasses are made from durable X2 Crystalline and weigh a pound each. Currently available with an early-bird discount on Kickstarter, the set of four glasses costs $60.
AKASO Seemor 200
Night hikers may want to check this one out. AKASO has released the Seemor 200, a night vision device with next-level color accuracy and advanced features. It’s perfect for wildlife observation, night fishing, and security operations, the brand said.
It leverages AI-ISP technology, which combines artificial intelligence with image signal processing to enhance visual quality, even in low-light conditions, according to AKASO. The viewing range reaches up to 1,640 feet, with the ability to discern building outlines from farther than a kilometer away (claimed).
The device offers dual observation modes, switching from full-color to infrared black-and-white, and captures high-quality 4K video and 4MP photos. It has a 3-inch display, 16x digital zoom, and an IPX5 waterproof rating. It also comes with two swappable 3250mAh batteries, ensuring prolonged use. It costs $240 on the AKASO website.
Peak Design Outdoor Line
San Francisco-based Peak Design just launched a set of sexy packs for its new Outdoor Line. The lineup, currently available for preorder on Kickstarter, includes bags for hikers and photographers, two sling bags, and a range of packing tools.
The backpacks are available in 45L and 25L sizes, while the Outdoor Sling comes in 7L and 2L sizes, with a design that allows conversion between a cross-body bag and a waist bag. The slings can integrate with the backpacks for additional storage.
Available for preorder on Kickstarter with a 20-25% discount off the MSRP ranging from $60 to $330, the products are set to ship in January 2025 and will be widely available by late November 2024.
Raide Running Belt
The Raide Running Belt is designed for efficiency and comfort during physical activities. Priced at $150, this belt integrates stretch Dyneema fabric and has two front-facing pockets, each housing a 650mL Hydrapack flask with a locking cap. Additional storage includes one small rear pocket and two front pockets suitable for energy gels, car keys, and a credit card.
To prevent the contents from bouncing during movement, an internal strap system evenly distributes tension within the belt. Also, plastic stays and foam padding at the back aim for added stability. Available in sizes XS to XL, the Raide running belt offers a snug fit that won’t restrict movement, the brand said.
Swiftwick Endurance Collection
Swiftwick introduced the limited-edition Endurance Collection, featuring its top-performing socks as part of a rebranding initiative in August. This collection includes the Aspire, Maxus, and Flite XT models, all made with a bright red design.
The Aspire sock, known for its moisture-wicking properties and high-compression design, is meant for runners seeking optimal foot support during long runs. The Maxus offers enhanced cushioning, making it ideal for those preferring a softer fit.
Meanwhile, the Flite XT is designed for activities requiring swift lateral movements. Net proceeds from the collection will be donated to support the brand’s hometown-run clubs in Nashville, Tenn.
Wolf Tooth Bike Pumps
Bike components brand Wolf Tooth launched two pumps this summer. The handheld units come in 40cc and 85cc versions and are built to accommodate high-volume mountain bike and fat-bike tubes.
The company touts “big volume, small package” as a product tagline. But the proof is in the actual pumping: A test at sister site BikeRumor revealed that the 85cc version can inflate a 29-inch tire to 20psi in just 100 strokes.
A bonus is built-in tool storage. Each unit holds multitools or tire plugs inside the pump body. The EnCase pumps start at $65.
