CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESOver the past few days, Active Junky’s been on the prowl at the 2015 Outdoor Retailer Show (the outdoor industry’s biggest tradeshow). After checking out hundreds of new products, these five caught our eye as especially unique, groundbreaking and/or simply interesting. Without further ado: Active Junky's top picks for the best new innovative (and futuristic) gear at OR 2015.
Vargo’s new TiFusion apparel is treated with a proprietary titanium dioxide compound developed in collaboration with scientists from a local university. According to Vargo, the titanium reacts with light to eliminate odor-causing bacteria and increase wicking performance. This is without a doubt one of the most tech-laden shirts we’ve ever seen, and the first to incorporate this titanium technology. Stay tuned to Active Junky for more coverage of this company’s lightweight metal mastery.
A common problem with solar-based charging platforms is the uneven flow of electricity to charging devices. Smartphones and other devices can’t handle erratic current, and the result is decreased charging efficiency. Goal Zero’s new Nomad 7 Plus features revolutionary Intelligent Charging Technology, which adapts the flow of current “to fit every device,” even when sun exposure is inconsistent. It also includes a charging indicator that displays real-time charging efficiency, so you know when to adjust the position of your panel to maximize charge.
The new Traverse is the latest in Suunto’s long line of groundbreaking adventure watches. Already packed with standard Suunto features like an altimeter, barometer and compass, the Traverse brings some new high-tech goodies to the market. Conquering previously unexplored terrain is easy with the Traverse’s updated map features, which allow for preloading maps with turn-by-turn GPS directions. As you hike, vibrations alert you when you’re close to your next turn. Bonus: a built-in flashlight comes in handy when the sun goes down. Be on the look out for a release date.
American-made Leatherman has a storied history of producing innovative products, and the new Tread bracelet tool is no exception. Each individual stainless steel link contains up to three tools, including hex drives, Phillips, flathead screwdrivers and box wrenches. Adjustable to 1/4” and fully customizable, a standard Tread bracelet has 25 tools. Leatherman developed the Tread to be travel friendly, meaning you can wear it through airport security on the way to your next adventure.
Snow Peak’s popular Hozuki Lantern, inspired by the iconic “Japanese lantern plant,” is receiving a techy update. New for 2016 is an optional mode that uses a tiny microphone to detect ambient noise and automatically adjust brightness. The feature makes the Hozuki an even more versatile, stylish camp lantern, providing light when you’re up and rustling around your tent and dimming automatically in periods of silence. It can run off of both a rechargeable battery pack and batteries, and Snow Peak claims the new sound-sensing technology will significantly increase battery life.
