Nine Motorcycle Gear Finds at the 2018 Outdoor Retailer

Adventure motorcycling may be a niche industry, but on a consumer level we have many interests that span across multiple genres. We ride bicycles, drive trucks and SUVs, camp and enjoy a huge range of outdoor activities. That's why ADVMoto traveled to the 2018 Outdoor Retailer show in Denver, CO to sniff out new and interesting gear that can help you whether you're on or off the bike. From camping tech to clothing and food, we found a wide array of products to keep you fed, clean, dry and safe.

1) Big Agnes – Copper 2 Bikepack Tent – Big Tent Packs Tiny with 12" Poles

Likely one of the most exciting tent solutions is Big Agnes’s new Bikepack Tent line. One of the biggest problems in keeping tents small when packed is length limitations of the poles. Many poles break odwn into 16” sections, which means their stuff sacks must be the same length as a minimum. Big Agnes, who is very conscious about making cross- activity products, solved this by using 12” poles and creating a three-season, three pound tent that sleeps two plus gear comfortably. Another nice touch - the footprint also comes out to the edge of vestibule.

Usable for anything from cycling, to backpacking, the smaller-packed platform is very welcome and will likely be a hit. The pictured above shows the kit attached to the handlebars of a bicycle. At 13” long, this tent should be able to fit in nearly any side case or drybag on any size of bike with room to spare. Available around April of 2019, we’ll be sure to keep you posted on what may be the smallest and lightest free standing moto-friendly tent to date! MSRP: TBA BigAgnes.com

2) Nitecore Lighting - Affordable High Power Headlamps

Do you find it hard to go camping, or to get home from work, without decent lighting? Nitecore makes a wide range of high power headlamps and other lighting devices you may find handy and at a good price.

Ranging tom 360 to 1000 lumen output, the NU25 and HC60 both offer internally USB rechargeable batteries to help keep your kit small. Nitecore's NU250 sports both warm white and red color CREE LEDs. The HC60 uses the popular 18650 battery commonly used in many applications so you can recharge internally or swap batteries on demand. It also comes with 5 stages of brightness ranging from an ultralow 1 lumen (good for 680hrs of light) to turbo which cranks out 1000 lumens for one hour. More over, the HC60 comes in to light temperatures, white and neutral white, the latter better for accurate color rendition.

Their HC33 model sports the brightest output at an eyeball popping 1,800 lumens. This L-shaped light is waterproof down to 2 meters (IP68) and will only last 30 minutes at full power, but also has five stage lighting able to stretch usage out to 16 hours for 70 lumens.

With additional clip-on, keychain and tactical flashlights (some sporting 3600 lumen output) available, there’s likely a good lighting solution for whatever your needs or activity. MSRP: NU25 $36.95 | HC60 $59.95 | HC33 $64.95 NiteCore.com

Where to Buy:

NU25:	HC60:	HC33:

3) Hilleberg Tents – Allak 3 – Handbuilt Top Notch Tents

Unlike a handful of other outdoor gear brands, Hilleberg has a deep appreciation and support of adventure riding around the world. Not only have they sponsored several riders, their equipment is top notch and designed to withstand the test of time. This year they introduced some changes to their Allak 3, a well-built, free standing three-person tent.

For 2019 the Allak 3 will come in two different inner tent versions. A three-season inner tent with more mesh addresses some users request for more interior ventilation while supplementing the already available standard four-season inner tent.

Hilleberg’s tents are premium in terms of build quality, materials and durability making them a top contender for those who will spend a lot of time camping. Some have withstood over 30 years of use. Although priced a bit steep at around 1,000 USD, Hilleberg doesn’t mass produce any of their tents. Each tent is sewn in Europe by an individual, whose name goes inside each tent, and constructed with incredibly strong high-tech materials. MSRP: TBD US.Hilleberg.com

4) Nanga Down Wear – Premium and Compact Down Bags and CLothing

The Outdoor Retailer show has more sleeping bags than you can shake a stick at. One model in particular caught our eye that we've never heard of before. Nanga has been making premium down outdoor products in Japan for 75 years and has only recently started marketing in North America. Specializing in down based products like bags, jackets, vests and blankets, their whole line is full of colorful designs with high tech materials.

Minima Rhythm 180 sleeping bag's most striking feature is its claim to be the smallest and lightest down bag on the market. We’d be likely to believe it too - in packed form they are tiny at about 8” long and 5” diameter. Using a top grade 930 fill-power Hungarian Silver Goose down works down to freezing. For those looking to camp in sub-freezing temps, a 250 version is available but likely will pack slightly larger.

Sleeping bags aren’t the only Nanga products to pack small. Using similar materials, their Aerial down vests also looks super warm and could likely fit in even small tank bags or hydration packs. We hope to see more distribution channels for Nanga products down the road, but for now you can find some of their products at Gear.com. Minima Rhythm 180 MSRP: $450 Nanga.jp

5) Simple Shower – Simply Clean, Simply Affordable

Weighing in at only two ounces, the Simple Shower turns most one or two liter bottles into gravity powered cleaning machines. The air tube ensures stable water flow and a removable cap also allows easy bottle filling. This is great for hosing off after a day of dusty dirt riding and will work on kids, pets, gear or dousing camp fires. Speaking with creator, James Peet, based out of Washington State, he claims the handheld nature of the product is beneficial, especially in places where hanging a bag is not possible. Best of all, it’s affordable! MSRP: $12.99 Simple-Shower.com

Where to Buy:

6) Kate’s Real Food Bars – Take Two in your Tankbag or Anywhere to Go

A long time friend and kick-ass off-road rider, Kate Schade from Kate’s Real Food was at OR with her amazing selection of energy bars. Having tried several types of food bars which would be useful for sticking in a tank bag, backpack, car or anywhere you’d need a snack on the go, these are some of the best. Hand-rolled using all organic ingredients; they have to be tasted to really appreciate.

Flavors range from fruit to peanut butter and chocolate so there’s likely something in there for anyone. Our personal favorites are Tiki Bar (mango coconut) and Stash Bar (peanut butter, hemp and flax). ADVMoto Subscribers get a 10% discount on online orders so there’s never been a better time to try some for yourself or as a gift. MSRP: $2.99/bar KatesRealFood.com

Where to Buy:

7) VIVOBAREFOOT – Tough, Cool and Packable Kicks

Getting out of your riding boots at the end of the day can be a great relief. What’s even better is if you have a durable set of shoes that pack flat, breaths well and can even be used in water for swimming or bathing.

Vivo's line struck us as a 100% match for after-ride or daily foot wear. They’re made of mostly recycled materials and are offered in a range of styles and sizes. Pictured are the Magna boot style and Primus Trail Swim Run shoes which were on display. We’d love to get our hands on the Primus Trail SG line which is similar to the Swimrun, but has a more aggressive dirt gripping sole.

Materials and construction felt high in quality and the fact they can be packed flat or rolled up is perfect for a wide range of applications. Between sporty and very casual versions, there’s bound to be a style for you or someone you know. If you’re not sure about soft soles, they even offer a 100-day trial period on their shoes which is largely unheard of. If you don’t like it, they’ll issue a full refund. That’s putting money where their mouth is! MSRP: Varies depending on model | Vivobarefoot.com/US

Where to Buy:

Amazon	VIVOBAREFOOT direct

8) The Tinkle Belle – We Pee Freely for Females

On a more personal note than any of the other products mentioned so far, is the Tinkle Belle female urination assistance device. Although products like this are often difficult to publically market, it could be an important solution many active women are looking for.

Having to squat or hide in bushes works as long as there are bushes around. But that’s not always the case. As such, friends or family end up serving “look out” duty to make sure no one is coming. Tinkle Belle solves this problem by simply offering a stand-to-pee solution. Constructed of hydrophobic materials, they claim the unit can be shook-off after use and put into its included, easy to clean, storage pouch. 

Tinkle Belle’s creator comes from a urology background and a family of motorcyclists. You may very likely see them at a major motorcycle event near you. Even better still, profits from Tinkle Belle sales go towards creating self sustainable orphanages in developing countries. It’s a win/win/win while everyone should be able to enjoy peeing while standing! MSRP: $27.50 TheTinkleBelle.com

Where to Buy:

9) Spot X with New Monthly Tracking Plans – Stay in Touch on the Trails

Spot, arguably the leader in personal emergency tracking, showcased their new Spot X device featuring two-way communication. In addition to regular tracking and SOS functions, the new Spot X allows basic two way text communication (given clear view of the sky) much like the Garmin inReach. Each Spot X is assigned a US telephone number which your friends and family can use to text you like they would anyone else.

The unit also can send to Facebook, email addresses and has a convenient onboard contact list. As a new unit, the internet community has piped up and commented on some areas the Spot X’s service could be improved, but we expect they will be addressed soon to be competitive with Garmin.

Perhaps equally as important is Spot’s new “Flex” service plans which can now be purchased on a monthly basis! This is an important reaction to user requests to offer plans which will cover them only when they need it, and skip paying for months of service when it simply wouldn’t be used. Starting at 15 dollars a month, you can get 20 messages and for 40 a month, unlimited messages and a two and a half minute tracking interval. MSRP: $249.99 FindMeSpot.com