For us gear hounds, the Summer Olympics can feel like a never-ending parade of sweet outdoor apparel. And why not? After all, nobody deserves to use the best of the best more than the world’s greatest athletes. The rest of us might just be playing at greatness when we chase after the latest super sneaker — but what a fun game it is.
Here in Emerging Gear, you’ll find both the joy of window-shopping, like DAB Motors’ specialty motorbikes, and the practical reminders of gear you should already own, like the poop kits from PACT. Read on, and find your next thing.
DAB Motors Olympics-Inspired E-Motorbikes
If Wes Anderson designed a motorcycle, I think it would probably look something like this. Boutique French brand DAB Motors has released limited-edition versions of its DAB 1α electric motorcycle, and they are quite precious. The five designs feel like an AI design that somebody actually produced — and I mean that in the best way possible.
Called the “A la gloire du sport” collection, the five designs reflect the colors of the Olympic rings. Each comes with details reflecting a different sport, including surfing, skateboarding, tennis, boxing, and basketball.
DAB Motors announced the release on Wednesday, but the bikes hadn’t yet appeared on the website as of Wednesday afternoon. We suggest checking back soon. With a timely release during the Paris 2024 Olympics, these bikes will likely sell fast while the sports fever is high.
No word yet on the price tag. But given that a normal DAB 1α costs around $16,000, I doubt these will come cheap.
PACT Pack Out Bathroom Kit
As parks around the country report higher levels of human waste, it’s a good time to make sure you’re prepared the next nature calls while you’re enjoying the Great Outdoors.
The new Pack Out Bathroom Kits from Colorado-based PACT aim to help with exactly that. The kit includes a durable outer bag, an inner waste bag, deodorizing “poop powder,” two PACT Wipes, and a hand wipe. PACT designed the kits to ease the pooping process while visiting fragile ecosystems and heavily trafficked outdoor areas.
Merrell x Janji Agility Peak 5
If I were going to choose a pair of trail runners purely on style — these colorful kicks might make the cut.
Merrell teamed up with Janji to release a limited-edition capsule collection of trail running apparel and footwear. The highlight of the collection is the Merrell x Janji Agility Peak 5, priced at $150.
Designed for long-distance trail running, the Agility Peak 5 offers dual-directional flex-grooves in the midsole that aim for better ground connection. It’s also got a lightweight midsole and a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole. The outsole is equipped with Vibram traction lugs.
NRS Snooze Pad
Northwest River Supplies (NRS) has introduced the Snooze Pad, a versatile, self-inflating sleeping pad.
Crafted from waterproof TPU-coated nylon, it’s available in three thickness options: 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches. This multifunctional pad can serve as a sleeping pad, seat cushion, cooler insulation, or river float, the brand said.
NRS used dual-density foam for more compression and comfort, a design that’s also PVC-free and easy to repair, the brand added. The pad also has a dual-foam core, welded seams, and a tapered design. A 2-inch nylon webbing strap with an aluminum buckle ensures the pad remains securely rolled up during transport. The price tag ranges from $300 to $500, depending on size.
BioLite Charge 100 Max
BioLite just expanded its Charge PD Series with the Charge 100 Max portable power bank. This model offers faster recharging, a higher capacity of 100 W and 25,000 mAh, and introduces magnetic wireless charging, the brand said.
The Charge 100 Max has 15W Cordless MagSafe Wireless Charging, alongside multiple charging options including two 100W USB-C PD ports, one 15W USB-C, and one 15W USB-A. It’s able to fully charge in under two hours using a 65W USB-C PD charger, according to BioLite.
The power bank can deliver multiple charges to various devices, offering one to two full charges for 13-15” laptops, five to seven charges for tablets, and up to 35 charges for AirPods Pro.
Skullcandy x Nora Vasconcellos Collection
Skullcandy just dropped a limited-edition collection made with American pro skateboarder Nora Vasconcellos. The collaboration offers the Crusher Evo True Wireless Headphones and Smokin’ Buds True Wireless Earbuds, each adorned with Vasconcellos’ “Party Hat” artwork.
The Crusher Evo headphones, priced at $210, offer 40 hours of battery life and rapid charging. The Smokin’ Buds, available for $30, provide 20 hours of battery life and offer sweat and water resistance, along with multiple EQ modes for optimized audio experiences. Both products are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating recycled plastics and offering features like auto-on/connect and built-in microphones for enhanced usability.
Septem ‘HUNT XR’ Mini Flashlight
The HUNT XR just launched on Kickstarter this week — and everyday carry lovers will find a lot to like.
This compact, multifunctional tool is the latest in the HUNT series by Septem, which debuted in 2019 with the HUNT 1.0. Now in its seventh generation, the HUNT XR integrated feedback from over 10,000 users, the brand said. It reached its funding goal within 10 minutes of the campaign launch.
Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, the HUNT XR incorporates a mini pry-bar tail. It’s got five LED colors and 11 light modes, including SOS and beacon settings. The device measures just 6 cm in length.
‘Gorpcore’ G-SHOCK Watches
According to G-SHOCK, its latest releases aim for “gorpcore,” a new fashion term referring to technical outdoor apparel used in urban settings.
I don’t know about all that, but the aesthetics of the Two-Tone Utility Color series should definitely appeal to anyone with a good ol’-fashioned love of earth tones. Apparently inspired by the Master of G MUDMASTER series, the new watches have two-toned color block designs — hence the name.
Each model comes with G-SHOCK’s core features, including shock resistance and 200m water resistance. Other functions — like Tough Solar Power or a full-auto LED backlight — vary depending on the model. Prices range from $110 to $150.
BOLT Performance Razor
Are you a man who shaves his legs and doesn’t like his current razor? Then this one is for you, my friends.
Bolt just released the Performance Razor, priced at $40, and crafted specifically for men’s leg shaving. Designed in Finland, the razor combines Scandinavian aesthetics with Swedish precision, the brand said. It’s made from zinc alloy and equipped with a tacky rubber grip.
The razor has a five-blade cartridge made from Swedish specialty steel, enhanced with aloe vera and Vitamin E to lubricate before and moisturize after shaving, reducing nicks and cuts, Bolt said.
Chrome Industries Commuter Bags
Heading back to school or campus but still want something that’s durable enough for other adventures? Check out Chrome Industries’ first product launches for this fall. New releases include the Midtown 20L Messenger and the Barrage 18L Backpack.
Priced at $130, the Midtown 20L Messenger is a convertible bag that serves as a messenger, tote, and shoulder bag. It’s got a tuck-away main flap for tote-style carry, a large removable shoulder pad, an internal 16” laptop sleeve, and external water bottle pockets.
The Barrage 18L Backpack, priced at $150, offers a compact, rolltop design. It includes a 15” internal laptop sleeve, exterior webbing cargo net, ergonomic shoulder straps, and a welded TPE bucket line, providing a streamlined alternative to the classic Barrage Backpack.
