Birding Scopes, Cutting-Edge Wearables, Mountain Bike Seats for Kids, and More Emerging Gear

This week, two themes emerged in the gear world: cycling and fashion. Brands like Parlee and Kids Ride Shotgun dropped new bikes and cycling accessories.

Meanwhile, On Running, Topologie, and Wolverine released shoes and fits withs styles that range from futuristic urban streetwear to classic lumeberjack Americana.

And we’ve got some goodies for gym-goers and birders, too. Take a stroll through this week’s emerging gear.

Nocs Provisions Spotting Scopes

Trying to find a small bird in dense brush can be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but Nocs Provisions has made it easier with two new scopes. The travel-friendly Lite View 56mm fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 1.2 pounds, but is still powerful enough to see small details, with a 9x-27x zoom lens.

For even more viewing power, there’s the Long View 85mm, with a multi-coated lens system and 10-element optical design NOCS boasts will allow you to see birds in crisp, clear resolution and full, rich color. Both of these scopes are made to withstand Mother Nature: Nocs uses a medical grade, ultra-rugged plastic to protect the lens in their scopes, making for durable, weather-resistant products. 

Wolverine Workshop Wedge Boot

Most people wouldn’t automatically associate work boots with sophisticated style, but then again, they probably haven’t seen Wolverine’s new Workshop Wedge boot. With soft brown full-grain leather, contrasting stitching and a simple design, this new model gives a classy, modern lumberjack kind of feel.

At the same time, it’s made with function in mind; moisture-wicking lining, cushioned footbeds, and Goodyear welt construction provide comfort and support to those who are on their feet day in and day out. It’s also the first of many to-be-released Wolverine products that are made in the United States. 

On x FKA twigs Capsule Collection

Singer-songwriter FKA twigs is known for her avant-garde and futuristic style, and she’s brought that distinct aesthetic to a new collaboration with Swiss sportswear company On.

The capsule collection reflects FKA twigs’ experience as a dancer and performer, with a focus on pieces that are versatile and allow for freedom of movement. Products include the Studio Bra FKA, a light support bra top with a scoop neck and contrasting stitching, and the Cloud x FKA shoe, a lightweight shoe with a satin feel.

Leggings, a long-sleeved shirt, cropped hoodie, skort, track jacket, and hat round out the collection, with pieces available in black, taupe, and lilac. 

Amazfit Balance 2 and Helio Strap 

If you’re a data nerd who wants to know every stat about their workout without breaking the bank, Amazfit’s new wearables might just make it easier to track every rep at a more affordable price.

The Balance 2 smartwatch boasts over 170 workout modes, and auto-detects reps, rest, and sets during lifts. If you’re looking for a streamlined, screen-free tracker, turn to the Helio Strap, a sleep, workout and recovery tracker, and heart rate monitor. Both devices offer a BioCharge score that uses data to assess your body’s energy output, performance and recovery.

You can purchase the Balance 2 ($249) and Helio Strap ($99) together as a bundle ($299) for the ultimate training partner. 

Parlee Z-Zero GT

Massachusetts-based cycling brand Parlee recently released a new, updated version of its flagship road bike, the Z-Zero. The revamped Z-Zero GT features a carbon fiber frame and fork design that is over 6 ounces lighter than the previous model.

Parlee also lowered the center of gravity of the frame to add increased stability and added a stiffer chainstay to deliver maximum torque. Cyclists wanting to add a splash of color and personality to their bike can choose from any of Parlee’s 20 Paint Lab colors, or work with the brand’s designers to dream up a custom finish that will stand out on the road. 

Check out the deep dive our friends over at Bikerumor did on this bike and what makes it stand out from the competition.

Rabbit High Country Trail Running Shoe

From 2021 to 2023, trail running experienced a major uptick, with a 25% growth in participation, so it’s no surprise that more and more running shoe brands are getting in on the action.

Rabbit, the California brand known for its stylish, high-performance running apparel, just released its first trail running shoe, the High Country ($180). The brand’s “360 GRIP Technology” advertises a durable yet sticky rubber that can handle all matter of terrains, and a removable insole is designed to lock your foot in place for extra support on steep descents.

It’s available in women’s (sizes 6-11) and men’s (8-13) sizes, and comes in a distinct, eye-catching orange-blue color palette. 

Topologie Backpack Vest

Who says you can’t be chic and carry all your essentials at the same time? A sleek new backpack vest ($279) from urban streetwear brand Topologie will let you take on the city without a bulky fanny pack or bag.

With nine pockets, including a large one in the back, and two quick-release carabiners for attaching extra items, the vest offers a deceptive large amount of storage. The silver reflective finish gives it a futuristic, modern feel that adds fashion to function.  

Kids Ride Shotgun Shotgun Pro EVO

The best product innovations come from noticing and attempting to solve a problem, and child-focused cycling brand Kids Ride Shotgun found a big one: Child seats are made for city bikes, not mountain bikes.

The Shotgun Pro EVO ($439) is designed to easily attach to most modern mountain bikes, with a fully adjustable seat position and angle. And it’s designed to be easy to take on and off; after the initial installation, it advertises on/off transition in 15 seconds.

Plus, this seat will grow with kids. For children aged 9 to 24 months, it has a standard harnessed seat setup. Once they hit 2 years of age, it converts to a seat and bar so kids can continue to be part of the adventure.

Indian Motorcycles x RVSO Collection

Collabs between brands and designers are a dime a dozen these days, but this is one you can feel good about purchasing. The storied motorcycle brand Indian has partnered with Indigenous designer Jeremy Arviso on a line of shirts, jackets, and accessories.

Proceeds go toward Change Labs, an Indigenous-led organization supports Native business owners on the Navajo Nation, operating entrepreneurship hubs and providing resources to encourage economic development. Products include a striking black and turquoise T-shirt and a cozy, fire-engine red hoodie, all with Indian Motorcycles logos.