WIRED highlights inclusive design and electric innovation in summer gear guide
The technology publication’s latest roundup prioritises functionality and accessibility, moving away from marketing hype to showcase equipment designed for durability and ease of use in the field.
WIRED has released a curated guide titled "14 New Tools for Taking on the Great Outdoors Properly," offering a selection of equipment aimed at enhancing the summer outdoor experience. The publication notes that as travel costs rise and adventurers carry more kit for longer durations, reliability is paramount. The guide explicitly aims to cut through industry noise, focusing on gear that performs well under pressure rather than relying on unverified claims of military-grade durability.
A significant portion of the selection is dedicated to inclusivity, highlighted by a collection from The North Face designed to remove barriers for people with disabilities. The range includes a freestanding three-person tent featuring oversized zipper pulls, a low threshold, and a large vestibule capable of housing mobility devices. The design also utilises equal-length poles to simplify pitching, ensuring the shelter is accessible and straightforward to set up.
Innovation in power and mobility is represented by the MT1 electric truck from Lordstown Motors. Designed by Yves Béhar, the vehicle offers a 2,000-pound payload and up to 350 miles of range, with dual-motor versions capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately four seconds. The guide also features an 110-pound capacity electric beach buggy with an 8-mile range and twin motors, alongside a clip-on hydration flask that attaches to backpack straps for hands-free convenience.
For traditional camping essentials, the guide recommends a collapsible hard-sided cooler from Coleman that promises 64 hours of ice retention while shrinking to one-third of its size for storage. Cooking needs are addressed by a twin 4,600-watt burner setup that weighs just 1 pound 10 ounces and can boil water in four minutes. Additionally, a solar-powered Vaer field watch is included, capable of running for six months on a single charge derived from just six hours of sunlight.
The roundup concludes with items focused on recreation and precision, including a 23,000-lumen flashlight with a range of nearly one mile, a dual-line stunt kite with a carbon-fiber frame, and Jasper Zionic hiking shoes made from sustainable materials. Other picks feature an ultra-lightweight windbreaker from Uppervoid made from 3D-knitted fabric, Helinox portable games, and a Swiss-made knife with a paracord pendant for emergency utility.
