Emerging Gear: Lightweight Folding Bike, Hunting-Specific Earbuds, and More

Brompton’s P Line folding bike (from $2,965) is 4 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the Brompton Superlight. The P Line is cheaper than many other Brompton models, yet it still comes with titanium forks, an all-new wheelset, and a four-speed drivetrain. For maximum portability, the P Line folds down into two unique positions: one for storing and one for rolling.

“A Reel Job: Short Stories & Thoughts From The River” ($20) is a window into the life and mind of a veteran fly fishing guide. Author Ryan Johnston has been chasing trout, steelhead, stripers, salmon, and bass on Northern California rivers for 20 years. Johnston is also the founder and executive director of Cast Hope, a fly fishing-based nonprofit that uses the sport to encourage underserved kids throughout California.

Exped’s latest lineup aims to streamline the sleeping mat selection process. The brand’s Backpacking Line ($100-250) is made up of three series: Ultra (ultralight), Versa (versatile), and Dura (durable). To determine which series is best for you, Exped asks you to consider warmth and intended use. All mats come in various shapes and sizes.

Body Glove’s most popular standup paddleboard is back with a fresh redesign. The Performer 11 ($400) is a wide, all-around, inflatable SUP geared toward novice and expert paddlers alike. Key features include a built-in tow point, an EVA traction pad, and laser-engraved foot placement guides. Plus, for each Performer 11 sold, Body Glove will donate one tree to the global reforestation nonprofit One Tree Planted.

Tifosi Optics expands its popular Swank Series with the larger-fitting Swank XL ($30). Like all Tifosi eyewear, the Swank XL aims to provide high-performance optics without discomfort. A member of the GearJunkie team already grabbed a pair, and he appreciates the approachable price point and noticeably top-notch build quality.

Rumpl’s artist collaboration series continues with a go-everywhere blanket featuring the work of mountain biker, skier, and artist Brooklyn Bell ($129). The blanket itself is Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket, but Bell’s Washington state-inspired artwork makes for a unique piece of portable comfort.

From century rides to quick commutes to the office, reliable bar tape is a must for any cyclist with drop bars. PNW Components’ new Coast Bar Tape ($29) is designed to maximize comfort and minimize vibration. Each roll of Coast Bar Tape comes with 2,000 mm of usable length and an embossed PNW pattern. Double-sided adhesive helps to simplify the installation process.

KUIU‘s Base Camp line is built for everyday wear and tear. The newest addition to the collection is the CORDURA Ripstop Jacket ($159), a heavy-duty outer layer designed for both work and the weekend. While the outer material of this jacket has been treated to repel water and oil, the inner liner is made of soft-brushed Ponte Roma fabric. It’s available in three neutral colors.

Protect your hearing during shooting sports or hunting, but don’t block out the ambient noise. Just released this week by ISOtunes, the CALIBER earbuds ($200) not only block dangerously loud noise like gunfire but also enhance your hearing electronically. And yes, they also connect to your phone to play music or take calls, as with standard earbuds.

Even in cloudy winter conditions, there’s always potential for sunburn outdoors. For year-round UV protection, Allez Outdoor recently released a protective lip and eye balm ($10) made from natural sun protectants found in algae. The recipe for this plastic-free lip balm also includes jojoba oil, shea butter, olive oil, and rosemary.