KineticShift | Evolving Consumer

Garmin Gets Going

Garmin has revolutionized the world of cycling computers with its GPS-enabled devices, and now the company could be looking to take on GoPro with two new full HD action cameras.

The VIRB and Wi-Fi-enabled/GPS-enabled VIRB Elite both feature a 1.4-inch display for watching those “dailies” while each unit can capture three hours of HD (1080p) footage on a single charge, and each can be used to capture 16megapixel still images as well.

The VIRB Elite adds the Wi-Fi and GPS functionality, allowing users to embed info on altitude, speed and location into their footage or connect wirelessly to an Android or iOS device. Both cameras will be ready to roll this fall.

Garmin VIRB Official Website

Powered Up Gloves

The Arsenal Gloves are part of Huntworth’s Sensor Series hunting glove line-up and are constructed with a bird’s-eye mesh on the back of the hand and a durable triple-layer palm, the Arsenal is both lightweight and rugged, and yet can still be used with a mobile device.

The back of the glove is water-resistant and the palm is breathable and water-resistant, enabling the glove to easily shed moisture and light snow, while the silicon print on the palm provides a sure grip on a firearm no matter what the weather. The seamless, wrap-around fingertip construction allows an ultra-sensitive feel, while the index finger and thumb feature touch tips, making it possible to use a touchscreen device without the hassle of removing your gloves.

Huntworth Official Website

Wearable Bag Features Removable Boots

We really liked the idea of the wearable Selk’bag, which was just one of a few wearable sleeping bags that we’ve come across , and now the designers have addressed an all too common problem with sleeping bags – namely hot feet. Sleeping bags might be great for retaining warmth but a little air on the feet is never a bad thing.

The other problem with the Selk’bag was that while it provided reinforced feet to allow for walking around, it wasn’t exactly ideal for providing dexterity on uneven ground. Now there is an option for removable feet.

The new Selk’bag Patagon offers zippered feet that are great for those times when you want to let in some air, or need to do a bit of walking – such as to answer nature’s call. Press release after the jump

Camo Chrome

Bag maker Chrome continues to come up with innovative products. The company offered some upcycled bags made of vintage Warsaw Pact camo sleeping covers, and now it is keeping the camouflage theme going with its new reflective camo bags that reflect light from 100 feet away. The bags feature traditional camo, urban camo and even digital camo – and while these patterns are usually used to help the wearer/user blend in, these allow for the wear/user to stand out, especially at night.

These American made bags are available in three styles, but in limited quantities.

Chrome Reflective Camo Official Website

Smith at the Forefront

Smith Optics has expanded into the helmet market for spring 2014, and will bring out three models, including an all-mountain helmet called the Forefront. The entire line up will make its official debut at Interbike next month, but Smith has announced some key details.

The helmet will feature an innovative material called Koroyd, which reportedly has better impact absorption than EPS and also allows ventilation directly through the material via a “tubular core” construction. Continue reading Smith at the Forefront

Interbike 2013 Preview: Swift Looking Socks

American-made Swiftwick compression socks will be at next month’s Interbike trade show. The company will look to show off its SUSTAIN sock line, which is made from post-industrial recycled nylon. The SUSTAIN line, which runs $12 to $17, offers compression and moisture-wicking capabilities, without the use of chemicals. Continue reading Interbike 2013 Preview: Swift Looking Socks

Ride of the Jedi

The cooler weather is around the corner and Buffwear is there to help keep your neck and head warm with balaclavas and neckwarmers. And since you need to look cool while you ride the company offers a variety of styles and patterns, including a new Star Wars Buffs that feature iconic images from the movies. While not for everyone these might allow fans to let out their inner Sith or Jedi. These aren’t the bikes you are looking for.

Star Wars Buffs Official Website

Kinetic Keeps Rolling

Kinetic Trainers have helped us get through those long cold winters, and for 2014 the company has revamped the line – the first time since 2007. This included greater 29er compatibility, enhanced ergonomics and best of all lighter weight. The new line up even comes fully assembled so you can take these out of the box and get rolling.

The Kinetic Trainer also replaced the cantilever design of its flagship model, the Rock and Roll, with a design that centers the pivot point and rider weight over the elastomer stack, reducing rider-induced bounce and sag and allowing lower bolt tension to give a more active side-to-side motion. Continue reading Kinetic Keeps Rolling

Made in America: Wet Bag

While any plastic bag can be used to haul your wetsuit there are better ways of transporting it post dive. The American made Baggu Wetsuit Bag is designed to carry the soggy gear and keep it apart from things you’d rather stay dry.

Originally designed for surfers it is made from water resistant 18 ounce vinyl and offers an exterior pocket for plenty of extra storage. Unlike canvas or other bags this one can be hosed down and hung out to dry.

Baggu Wetsuit Bag Official Website

Weekend Reading List (08.24.2013): Upcycled Roof, Kobe Goes Anti-G, Cycle Cross

Upcycled Roof

From Gear Junkie: Metrodome Stadium Roof Material Made Into Luggage at Duluth Pack
In 2010, after a major accumulation of heavy snow in a storm, the roof of the massive Metrodome stadium in Minneapolis collapsed. More than three acres of the roof material, a Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric, had to be replaced. The material was headed to the landfill. But two people associated with the team made a deal to purchase the material for future use. Unveiled this past week, Minnesota brand Duluth Pack will construct a limited run of bags from the old Metrodome roof. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.24.2013): Upcycled Roof, Kobe Goes Anti-G, Cycle Cross

Won’t Fade Away

Some things just fade away, but that’s not what the designers of the FADER Boards hope will happen with their Kickstarter project, which is looking to help roll out a new line of skateboards. Part of the idea is to look cool with LED lights to allow skating at night.

However, this is only part of what Kramer Kitty is hoping to do with his FADER boards. He’s been creating a simple board that can be used to “cruise” as a means of transportation. In many cases he was recycling old decks to create new boards. He is now looking to provide free boards and even roller blades to struggling communities. All was going well, until he received a notice from the city calling for him to stop making boards in his garage.

Now he’s turning to crowd funding to help have the boards made in California and get his business rolling. Continue reading Won’t Fade Away

BA Boards

When we think we of BA, we think of Mr. T’s character from The A-Team. But BA Surfboards is something completely different – and they are launching an Indiegogo project to launch a line of eco-friendly surfboards.They want to create boards that are free of toxic resins and will instead use a UV curing resin that will ensure boards can be recycled when they’re not fit to surf anymore.

We wish them luck at catching some investors and waves. And we pity the fool that thinks toxic resins are OK. Continue reading BA Boards

The Perfect Companion

Doubling up on a bicycle isn’t something we’d recommend, but a number of products are there to make it a little easier and more importantly safer to take a friend along for the ride. The Companion Bike Seat is designed to provide a true second seat. It can attach to any bike that could support a rear rack, and is sturdy enough to support a rider up to 200 pounds.

Beneath the hinged seat is even a splash-proof and lockable storage box so you can take a person and something small on the ride.

Companion Bike Seat Official Website