KineticShift | Evolving Consumer

Anorak Ready for Fall

While it was introduced in the spring, The Anorak from Nobis is ready for the cooler weather that we can soon expect. It is rain and weather resistant thanks to the polyurethane coated, DWR treated cotton/nylon outer shell.

This jacket features a Nobis mesh liner that offers enhanced breathability, while the one-way zipper at the center front and three-way zipper side seams will keep you from getting hot under the collar or anywhere else. The Anorak further offers plenty of pockets so you can just about anything on a hike or just a trip to the store.

Nobis The Anorak Official Website

Carbon Ruckus

There is much of a ruckus made about carbon fiber in the world of cycling, and perhaps that is why Ruckus Composites took the name. The company offers many services, including frame repairs, but the company also makes cool products out of carbon fiber – such as the keychain tool above. Video after the jump

Hen Pecked

If you live to skate then why not look to step up with some serious looking wheels for the board. The Lil Red Hen Skateboard Wheels, which are currently be developed via a Kickstarter project by Steven Troy Devote of Redlands California, are solid aluminum wheels/hubcaps that offer replaceable polyurethane treads.

The result is a lightweight, durable set of wheels that are ready to roll and look good in the process! Video after the jump

Weekend Reading List (08.30.2013):

Sports Beer

From GizMag: Beer as a “sports drink”: The best of both worlds
Beer is often quaffed in the aftermath of a day of sports in the fellowship of friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, while it may pick up the spirits and increase the celebratory feeling, the dehydration associated with alcohol consumption can lead to tiredness and cramping muscles. A new study by a group of Australian Public Health researchers shows that many of these ill effects can be lessened by adding a pinch of sodium to your beer. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.30.2013):

Docking Station

We’ve seen a variety of bike racks, wall mounts and other storage options, but the Bike Dock is certainly a novel one. This hideaway bicycle/gear storage rack, which was designed by Dave Custer of Bend, Oregon is currently a Kickstarter project.

He reportedly came upon this idea when he found he had not room to park multiple bikes in his single car garage and yet wanted more than a generic wall rack. The result was the Bike Dock, which is made of powdercoated steel and a few springs. As with a few other racks we’ve seen this one can fold up when not needed – and has that industrial art look to it.

When it is needed, it provides a place to hang a bike along with ample storage for a helmet and other gear. Video after the jump

Put a Brake On It

Skateboards can get going really fast and can pick up some serious speed. The Disc Brakes for Longboard project on Kickstarter is devising a system to slow it down. As noted by the name this essentially adds a braking system to boards.

This brake design, which was devised by Benjamin Newman, consists of two independent core clutches; an outer aluminum drum that is lined with friction material while an inner core is made of stainless steel. A pair of spring-loaded levers can be used to apply the brakes.

Unlike foot braking or power-sliding this doesn’t require the same level of riding skill, and more importantly can be used on hill descents or on flats. It can even be retro-fitted to existing boards, while pushing and sliding are not affected by the braking system. Video after the jump

Swell Idea Indeed

Most surfboard designers tend to be old surfers, but two Delaware teens are looking to launch their own surfboard business. Delmarvanow reported: “Clay Reynolds, a 15-year-old sophomore at Indian River High School from Ocean View, and Amber Starr Davis, a 19-year-old sophomore at Delaware Technical & Community College from Dagsboro, are joining forces to create a series of custom boards for surfers and surfing fans, alike.”

Reynolds might be just 15 but he has reportedly been surfing most of his life, and has been building boards for more than a year. Davis has been painting custom skateboard decks and now it has blossomed into a custom surfboard project.

To build a board takes about a month, which for these young builders might seem like ages.

[Via Delmarvanow: A swell idea: Local teens create custom surfboards]

Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Pedal Pub Got Tipsy

Can this be a good idea? In 2009 Minneapolis Pedal Pubs rolled out with an interesting premise- it is a rolling bar where each person is required to pedal. The driver of said vehicle isn’t actually drinking but everyone else on board might be partaking in a brew.

Already this sounds like a BAD IDEA! But the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported last week that two were taken to a hospital after the vehicle crashed – should we be the least bit surprised?

The most shocking part is that the police say alcohol was a factor. We say, “this time.”

[Via: StarTribune: 2 taken to hospital after pedal pub tips over in downtown Minneapolis]

Made in America: Up and Pull

With summer soon to give way to fall we know that you can never have too many hoodies, and the Dirtball Pullover Hoodie offers more but uses less. It is made in the USA of 50 percent recycled cotton and 50 percent recycled plastic water bottles. So in other words it is almost like wearing a whole lot of nothing.

Dirtball Pullover Hoodie Official Website

Get Your Leather(man) On

Leatherman Tool Group recently acquired Seattle-based PocketToolX, and the results include a new line of multi-tool including the Cam Mulit-tool (above). These are designed to offer the functionality and dependability of Leatherman, but with fewer working parts. The Cam has been specifically designed for bow maintenance and arrives just in time for hunting season, but could be used by all archers – Green Arrow or otherwise.

Continue reading Get Your Leather(man) On

Orbis Terrarum

The Orbis Terrarum was considered the first modern atlas and it no doubt helped people find their way. The Cyclops Orbis from GSM Outdoors will also allow people to find their way – but in this case in the dark. This heavy duty flashlight uses a 3-watt LED bulb that can cast a bright 140-lumen light.

It is made of durable ABS plastic housing, while the unit is equipped with a swivel handle for a comfortable grip. The Orbis is powered by a 4V rechargeable battery, and the kit also includes a home AC charger and 12V DC charger that can be used in an automobile, so you never have to worry about running out of power.

GSM Outdoors Official Website

Noomadic Ride

Throughout history nomadic people have had to travel and in essence carry everything they own, but today we live in houses and apartments and tend to require moving vans even for short relocations. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when being able to carry a bit more while on the go wouldn’t be helpful.

This is where the Noomad comes in. Unlike the concept S-Cargo Carrier that we saw this spring this one is actually ready to hit the road. The Spanish-made bike attachment from Polo De Innovacion Garaia is designed to transform a traditional two-wheeler into a stable, three-wheeled cycle that can haul everything from luggage to groceries and more. This one even features an integrated braking system that can attach quickly to the bike, so in addition to stability there is also full braking ability. While not a complete bike the Noomad is actually something that can transform most bicycles into something that can carry a whole more than just a wicker basket.

Noomad Bike Official Website

Safe Couch

We’ve heard of the concept of “safe room” and perhaps the CouchBunker is something for such a room, or just about anyone’s “man cave.” It is also a space safer to boot.

While there are plenty of couches on the market that feature a hide-away bed or a little storage inside, this one features a large gun safe along with bullet-resistant cushions. This could be ideal for the Tony Montana-type gangster who wants a place for his “little friend,” but it could also be idea for hunters or sport shooters who happen to be apartment dwellers.

This three-seat sofa is also comfortable enough that it could double as a guest bed, but underneath the seating/sleeping area is enough room for up to 30 rifles with space left over for ammo.

CounchBunker Official Website