Top Travel Gear Innovations for Sustainable Adventures
Twice a year, gear makers from all over the world gather in the Denver, Colorado Convention Center to share their newest designs, innovations, and inventions with outdoor stores, journalists, and their peers. This year, the biggest focus was on how to keep people equipped with rain jackets, hiking boots, and travel bags, without damaging the beautiful places we love to visit.
Besides eco-friendly waterproofing and repurposed materials, gear keeps getting lighter but also more durable, using less material and lasting longer. Here are a few of our favorite new products, most of which will be available in spring of 2020.
Black Diamond Session
Grippy, comfortable and versatile, Black Diamond’s new lifestyle approach shoe might be the ultimate travel shoe. Made to help rock climbers get to the crag, it has the support, stability, and grip to make it ideal for a technical approach to a viewpoint, a long haul flight, or café hopping.
It slips on easily (no need to fuss with laces), and the integrated sock-like bootie and knit upper provide support without overheating your feet. You won’t fear slipping, regardless of where you’re walking. The sticky rubber sole offers grip for both approaches or commutes. $120, blackdiamondequipment.com
Stasher Bags
These plastic-free, endlessly reusable silicone bags feature an air-tight pinch-shut seal, much like a Ziplock. However, these sandwich bag-like storage bags won’t end up in the landfill or the ocean after being emptied of trail snacks, toiletries, or leftovers.
The bags don’t absorb flavors, making them ideal for multi-purpose use. You can cook, store, and freeze right in the bag and also eat out of Stasher bags. If one gets damaged or you wish to replace it, return your old bag to Stasher for recycling into playground pebbles. Starting at $8, stasherbag.com
Osprey Arcane Tote Pack
Designed for urban day hikes, the canvas-feel, cleanly designed Arcane Tote is made from sustainable materials and has an elegant, timeless appearance. A top zip provides access to the main compartment, sealing your gear inside with a secure fold-and-hook closure. An exterior shove pocket holds small items neatly and tucks away the tote straps when the bag is worn as a pack.
A mesh-covered, ridged foam back panel promotes airflow and manages sweat. It accommodates a 15” laptop and converts from a pack to a tote with quick-release aluminum security hooks on the shoulder straps, which also contain a hidden pocket for essentials like a metro card. $110, osprey.com
Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel
This bag offers storage, organization, and durability for any length of adventure. A large main compartment accommodates clothing and gear along with external compression straps to manage the load. An exterior pocket and a spacious interior mesh lid pocket keep you organized on the go.
It becomes your favorite travel companion with weather-resistant tarpaulin that shields your gear from the elements, and a protective, shock-absorbing molded polycarbonate back. The V-channel telescoping handle enables easy navigation over tough terrain without tipping. $330, thule.com
Goal Zero Sherpa 100 PD
Power your devices easily with Goal Zero’s Sherpa 100 PD. Weighing just 1.4 pounds, it fits comfortably in your hand.
Multiple USB-C and USB-A charge ports allow for simultaneous charging of several devices. The Qi wireless charging pad rejuvenates your phone without requiring any cables. For extended trips, recharge the Sherpa 100 PD using a solar panel or wall plug. The affordable price adds to its appeal. $170, goalzero.com
Peak Design Travel Tripod
This professional-grade, compact camera tripod is as slim as a water bottle (around 3.2 inches) and roughly the length of a small baguette (15.5 inches), weighing only 2.8 pounds (in carbon). It quickly gained popularity, raising over $6 million in two weeks on Kickstarter due to its portability and ease of use.
To set up the tripod, simply release the three cam levers with one hand, and the legs extend over five feet. The head dial features smooth 360-degree adjustment that locks firmly, whether using a DSLR or phone. $349-$599, with pre-release deals available through Kickstarter.
Eno The SkyLite Hammock
Sleeping in a hammock is an acquired skill. The SkyLite features a flat design similar to a bed or lounge chair, making it easy to find a comfortable position – negating the need to flip and flop.
The removable spreader bar system creates additional space, while a J-shaped door allows easy entry and exit. A breathable mesh bug net keeps insects at bay so you can relax without interruption. Weighing 2lbs, it measures 7’ x 3’ and supports up to 250lbs. $170, eaglesnestoutfitters.com
GSI Pinnacle Pro Stove
Base campers rejoice! GSI’s sleek and modern 1.5-inch thick Pinnacle Pro Stove fits neatly into your car or camper, taking up half the space of a standard two-burner stove. Its twin 11,000 BTU high-efficiency ring-style burners are redesigned to draw and mix oxygen and fuel horizontally, minimizing burner depth.
Its retracting legs automatically expand upon opening, optimizing space. The stove lights quickly with a dual piezo ignition system, and a non-stick boil-over tray simplifies cleanup. $170, gsioutdoors.com
Patagonia Nets to Brims P-6 LoPro Trucker Hat
Patagonia has redefined its logo hat brims, now crafted from repurposed discarded fishing nets. This initiative will prevent approximately 40 tons of waste from entering the ocean annually. The P-6 LoPro Trucker features a repurposed brim paired with an organic cotton front, mesh back, adjustable snap closure, and Patagonia’s logo. $35, Patagonia.com
Biolite Headlamp 200
This minimalist and lightweight headlamp weighs just 1.6 ounces. With 200 lumens of brightness, it illuminates up to 50 meters, perfect for hikes or tent setups.
Its battery provides up to three hours of illumination on high and 40 hours on low. Rechargeable, it reduces reliance on disposable batteries. $40, bioliteenergy.com
MSR Thru-Link In Line Microfilter
Enhance your hydration system without the need for a complete replacement. Developed for military use, MSR’s Thru-Link water filter efficiently removes pathogens, particulates, and microplastics while reducing chemicals, tastes, and odors.
It’s perfect for on-the-go trail drinking or gravity filtration at camp or on the road. $40, msrgear.com
Red Paddle Compact 9’6” Paddleboard
Enjoy a full-sized SUP experience that folds down to half the size of a regular inflatable paddleboard. This design makes it easy to transport, whether hopping on public transit or packing it into your vehicle.
A unique weaving process produces a robust core structure, ensuring the board’s stiffness and resistance to wear when inflated. The Compact includes a backpack, a 5-piece paddle, Titan pump, leash, and removable fins. $1899, redpaddleco.com
