BioLite CampStove:Some will celebrate this invention from BioLite as a huge leap forward for camp fires which have been around for, who knows, perhaps 300,000 years.
Others will surely regard it less favourably as unwelcome evidence of the inexorable creep of technology into every corner of our world. Whichever camp you’re in, the CampStove is smart. It makes cooking with wood as clean, safe and efficient as eco-nasty hydrocarbon fuels, while at
the same time, generating power to let you charge your phone or MP3 player off-grid as they say.
It does this by way of a thermoelectric module which uses some of the excess heat in the flames to fire up some juice. So with a few twigs and pine cones, you can quickly light your campfire, brew up a cuppa and keep your Facebook ticking over. Now isn't that what technology is there for? Suitable for electronics that charge through USB. BioLite CampStove $129 (€97) from biolite.myshopify.com. Reserve now to ship this summer
Lazer Magneto Glasses
No X-Men-like superpowers with these new glasses from Lazer unfortunately. Rather it’s a revolutionary way to hold cycling glasses in place. Instead of regular legs, these have a pair of shorter, stubbier panels with magnets embedded in them. They line-up with corresponding steel receptors which are built into the straps of Lazer’s own Helium helmet. This is the only head gear which is compatible with the Magnetos as it stands, but they’re apparently working on releasing a kit solution that can attach them to any helmet. The advantage of a pair of Magneto glasses is that they appear light as air and there’s no irritating pressure on either side of your head, as you’re sweating your way up some calf-burning incline.
One major downside is they don’t fold, so stuffing them away can be an issue. And although the magnets are powerful, a craggy MTB hurtle might possibly shake them off.
Lazer Magneto Glasses £80 (€95) from dotbike.com
X-Alp Seek IV Trainers
You may be thinking that’s about as complicated a shoe name as you could get – just be thankful I didn’t stick their makers, Pearl Izumi in front too.
What’s new about these is that they’re effectively three-in-one hybrids, built for hill running, hiking and biking. The Seek IV have stiff soles with grips integrated within the rugged treads that can work with pedal cleats. The uppers on the other hand (or foot) are flexible, with a quick-drying mesh and synthetic leather. This has a proprietary treatment, Ion Mask which makes them water-resistant if not quite waterproof. And the heels are more densely padded and bevelled for comfortable off-bike running and walking.
A better name for these might be a pair of “compromises” in that they’re not as flexible as trailer runners, not as rugged as hiking shoes nor a stiff as cycling ones.
But they do all pretty well and mean only one pair to throw in your bag when you’re feeling all-action.
X-Alp Seek IV Trainers About £70 (€83) from amazon.co.uk