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2021 Style & Design: Eye-Popping, Life-Changing Gear You Need

For our 2021 Style & Design awards, we cherry-picked the best-designed products that solve problems with game-changing solutions.

Author:
ami_producer
Aug 26, 2022 5:26 AM EDT

For our 2021Style & Design awards, we cherry-picked the best-designed products that solve problems with game-changing solutions so elegant they have a style all their own.

We broke it down into the major themes, starting with e-machines, including electric pickups that’ll smoke your guzzler and great new innovations on snow, surf, and wrist.

Garmin Panoptix PS22-IF ice fishing bundle, part of men's journal gear of the week.

Then we highlight the carbon fiber phenomena: There’s nothing this material can’t make light, strong, and covetable.

In a year of great exploration, we pay homage to getting off-road. Run, pedal, throttle, and UTV your way off the straight and narrow.

Conversely, in a year stunned by global pandemic, we’re setting our sights on the other side with travel gear—hardy stuff that’ll outlast your great-grandkids on their travels.

Of course it wouldn’t be Style & Design without some serious tech. We cover A/V goods in the form of five sensory boosters to take you places you’ve never seen or heard.

And lastly, we hit modern home essentials so you can cook and caffeinate like a Jetson.

2021 Style & Design: Most Eye-Popping, Life-Changing Gear and Gadgets

Year of the E-Truck: E-Pickups Offer a Spark of Innovation for Truck Lovers

Alpha Motor Inc. Wolf Electric Truck

The Plug-in Multi-Tool Pickup

We are entering the era of the electric pickup. And while the plug-in trucks announced so far smash the fossil-fueled paradigm, they conform to an ongoing trend: They’re really big. But not every e-truck needs to be gargantuan. Such is the statement made by Alpha Motor Inc.’s Wolf Electric Truck. With dimensions akin to the midsize fun trucks of decades past—think ’90s Japanese imports—the Wolf should be able to zip through modest-size ranch gates and regular-size parking spots with ease. That’s about all that’s retro, though. Alpha plans to build the Wolf in the United States in single or dual motor (four-wheel drive) versions, and power it via a 75- to 85-kWh lithium-ion battery with up to 275 miles of range. Plans call for its own solar panel, and more add-on utility features than a Swiss Army knife. The California-based start-up hasn’t yet produced an actual vehicle—but we have high hopes that the Wolf will signify a sweet spot for electric pickups moving forward.

[From $36,000; alphamotorinc.com]

Tesla Cybertruck

Picking up the Future

Sometime in 2021, the Tesla assembly line in Texas will start populating American roads with the wildest-looking truck in decades. Though boss Elon Musk continues to tweak, the final production model should look (and perform) very similar to the stainless steel-sided, electric Armageddon-mobile we’ve all glimpsed. If it delivers on Musk’s promises, the tri-motor Cybertruck will hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. (On Earth, that is. No numbers available for Mars.)

[From $39,900; tesla.com]

Rivian R1T

King of the (Electric) Off Road

Those looking to go off the grid while barely making a sound should consider the Rivian R1T, an all-electric pickup built to tackle tough trails. It will get there via an all-wheel-drive setup that relies on four electric motors—one for each wheel, along with 14 inches of ground clearance and a body capable of fording nearly 43 inches of water. It might look more conventional in form than the Cybertruck, but the R1T is loaded with cool, utilitarian design features, like a 65-inch gear tunnel, perfect for stashing a snowboard.

[From $67,500; rivian.com]

Ford F-150 Lightning

The New Standard

The all-electric F-150 Lightning might be the most revolutionary electric truck yet, as it rockets the perennial best-seller toward a greener future. In order to convert even the staunchest electric skeptics, Ford is building the fastest, and in many ways most capable, F-150 ever, with dual motors that produce up to 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. Inside, there’s a five-seat cabin with plenty of tech, and up front you’ll find a giant frunk. The most surprising thing about the Lightning isn’t that it’s electric—it’s how much of an F-150 it still is.

[$39,974; ford.com]

Electric Performance: Recharge Your Stoke With These Shockingly Slick E-Machines

Taiga Atlas

A Clean, Silent Sled

The world’s first electric snowmobile emits virtually no pollutants, purrs so quietly that riders can hear their skis slicing through snow—and rages from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. The Taiga Atlas’s 180-hp motor is unaffected by altitude, so it’ll hit max speed (75 mph) at 1,000 or 10,000 feet. And the battery can maintain more than 95 percent of its 87-mile range at -22 degrees.

[From $15,000; taigamotors.ca]

WHOOP 4.0

A Brand that Aids

Upgraded sensors, a waterproof smart charger and new interchangeable bands make the smaller WHOOP 4.0 the most functional 24/7 digital fitness and health coach on the market. WHOOP 4.0 unlocks WHOOP Body, a new line of technical apparel, for data collection at various body points. The sleek device tracks your sleep, recovery and training.

[From $18/month; whoop.com]

Onewheel Pint

Big Wheel 2021

Fans of the addictive, original Onewheel will want to step up to its newest offering, the Pint, for quick and nimble around-town adventures. Though smaller than the standard XR, the Pint still packs the same powerful 750-watt brushless electric motor and can hit up to 16 mph with a max range of 8 miles. The narrower foot spacing and smaller, curvier tire allow for more agile carving on the road. And an integrated handle makes it the perfect commuter companion.

From $950; onewheel.com]

EcoFlow Delta Pro

Generator Next

A wheeled battery generator you juice with a plug-in car charger, EcoFlow’s Delta Pro can power up to six days of home usage with up to 15 devices or appliances plugged in. Add-ons to the 3,600 Wh generator, like solar panels and a smart meter, boost its capacity and enhance energy management. Off grid, it also can power an RV like a gas generator—but without the noise.

[$3,599; ecoflow.com]

Radinn Freeride

Jet Set

First appearing in 1965, jetboards didn’t escape the far fringe until recently, and Radinn’s Freeride is the smartest we’ve tested. Designed for both stability and agility, this modular board features a removable battery and jet pack for easy charging and maintenance, as well as a companion app. With a handheld remote and a magnetic ankle-leash kill switch, you can explore for an hour or so per charge, cutting through choppy surf as well as hitting up to 35 mph across glass-smooth lakes.

[From $9,950; radinn.com]

Crafted From Carbon: It’s a Fact—Carbon Fiber Makes Everything Better (and Faster!)

Indian Motorcycle FTR R Carbon

Fast and Functional

Indian’s newly matured FTR lineup improves street performance with a lower seat, cooler idle temperature and better throttle response. But the top-line model, the FTR R Carbon, stands apart for its no-compromises build. In addition to ABS, wheelie control and touchscreen display, the tank, fenders and headlight housing are carbon fiber. It’s enough to make your commute feel like a day at the track.

[$16,999; indianmotorcycle.com]

Acer Book RS

Lithe Laptop

Just in time for the return of travel, the Windows 11-ready Porsche Design Acer Book RS is a super-slim MacBook Air killer that’s lighter (2.6 lbs) and sports a bigger 14-inch, full-HD touchscreen and state-of-the- art specs. It’s also sleeker and more stylish thanks to an elegant 3K carbon fiber cover that offers a nice contrast to the rest of the antibacterial magnesium and aluminum body.

[$1,400; acer.com]

Salewa Ortles Couloir

Traction Hero

At 25.5 ounces, Salewa’s Ortles Couloir is the lightest crampon-compatible ice and mountaineering boot. Its hinged carbon exoskeleton provides ankle support and protection while staying flexible. The shock-absorbing midsole minimizes fatigue when making miles, and the waterproof outer protects the insulated inner for warm and dry feet.

[$999; salewa.com]

Casio G-Shock GG-B100 Mudmaster

Time for Toughness

The Casio G-Shock watches are durable classics lauded for their rough-and-tumble reputation, but the recently released GG-B100 Mudmaster ups the tough construction with a carbon-resin chassis and carbon fiber bezel. It also boasts a bright LED backlight and Bluetooth for app-based functions.

[$380; gshock.com]

Orvis Helios 3 Blackout Fly Rods

Curated Casting

Orvis's new Helios fly rod collection not only gives you three choice configurations—an all-round 9’5” 5-weight, an 8’5” 8-weight boat rod, and an 11’ 3-weight nymphing rod—but they are packed with bleeding-edge materials to improve casting, accuracy and durability. These Vermont-made rods are crafted from resin-impregnated carbon fiber blanks, adorned with titanium silicon carbide guides, and mated to a carbon fiber reel seat.

[$998; orvis.com]

Redtail RTC

Hot Topper

Rooftop tents are all the rage in over-landing circles, but their lack of amenities can make hanging out on top of your rig a bore. The new Redtail RTC bucks that trend by being a lockable, insulated abode packed with features like dual pane windows, a diesel-powered heater, dimmable, LED lighting (inside and out!), USB and 110-volt outlets, and an exhaust fan. But that’s not all: It all comes in a slim, clamshell design that’s made from light and strong carbon fiber. (This setup, right, was built specifically for MJ cover dude Jason Momoa’s classic Land Rover Defender 110.)

[From $19,500; redtailoverland.com]

Travel essentials that will make any trip better

Benchmade Bugout

Bespoke Blades

Design your own slim, versatile Benchmade Bugout knife using the online custom builder. We picked the carbon fiber handle and Damasteel ladder-patterned blade. Then, add thumb studs, laser markings and more. With 497,760 possible builds (no, we didn’t check their math), your knife is almost guaranteed to be unique.

[From $175; benchmade.com]

Sweet Protection Grimnir 2Vi MIPS

Head Game

The magicians at Sweet Protection have made the Grimnir 2Vi MIPS ski/ snowboard helmet better and 25 percent lighter. Improvements came in three places: refined, two-layer MIPS tech to dissipate rotational forces; internal ribs and padding to absorb impacts; and a carbon fiber shell tuned to be light, elastic and rigid.

[$400; sweetprotection.com]

Off-Road: The Greatest All-Terrain Gear for Out-of-Bounds Access

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

Enter Sand, Man

The new iteration of the retro-fantastic Ducati Scrambler, the Desert Sled, digs deep into the ’80s Enduro vault with a blue metal flake front tin that blends into a red-white-and-blue tank, all set off by rad gold aluminum wheels. The light (460 lb) ripper uses Ducati's tried-and-true, fuel-injected 803cc twin (78 hp), so it performs just as well in the twisties as on the sand.

[$11,995; ducati.com]

Can-Am Commander Max XT

Backcountry Badass

Can-Am’s redesigned 2021 Commander Max XT seamlessly merges the work/play realms into one awesome machine. The dumping cargo box and 2,000-pound towing capacity will manhandle the grunt work, and the 100-hp powerplant and performance suspension can tackle the toughest trails. With four seats, and the roof cargo rack, you can pack the family—and their stuff.

[From $21,199; can-am.brp.com]

TAXA Cricket

Habitable Zone

TAXA’s founding mission was to turn uninspiring, box-on-wheels travel trailers into extra-functional “habitats” crafted from superior materials. They succeeded with the Cricket, the sweet spot of three designs they offer—the 63-square-foot space has a slick pop-top that raises the interior height to a lofty 6'10". The burly, built-for-off-roading Overland model gives you all-terrain tires, an articulated hitch and a 4-inch lift.

[From $39,950; taxaoutdoors.com]

Speedland SL:PDX

The Real Tough Mudder

The Speedland SL:PDX trail runners have 6mm wet-weather lugs that you can cut down for dry trails and a carbon fiber midsole plate for improving stability and energy return. A ratchet-and-strap closure system allows for quick adjustment while keeping pressure distributed evenly around your foot for superior comfort.

[$375; runspeedland.com]

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Otso Warakin Ti

Titanium Dream

Up for ultimate bike status is the Otso Warakin Ti, a next-level gravel grinder fashioned from 3/2.5 titanium that’s beautifully butted and seamlessly welded. With massive tire clearance built in (up to a 2.1-inch 29er or 700c x 50mm), it’ll go almost anywhere, and the Tuning Chip rear dropout system lets you adjust the geometry to dial in your ride for smooth roads or rough trails.

[From $4,100; otsocycles.com]

Travel Tough: Unbreakable Goods for Demanding Transit

Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case

The Airstream of Luggage

Made from extruded aircraft-grade aluminum, Sterling Pacific’s distinctive 35L Cabin Travel Case is a rugged carry-on built to survive James Bond-style travel thanks to patented, impact-bearing ridges. Outside, it has classy leather handles, rolls on dual recessed thru-axle wheels and latches shut with TSA double-combo locks. Inside, attached buckles secure gear against a subdued twill lining.

[$1,295; sterlingpacific.com]

Saint Denim Shearling Jacket

Over Armor

Take a tumble off your Moto Guzzi in an ordinary jean jacket and you’re going to rip more than cotton. Not so in the Saint Denim Shearling Jacket, woven in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene that’s five times stronger than Kevlar and 15 times stronger than steel. Sure, it packs serious style—but it can also save you from serious hurt.

[$500; us.saint.cc]

Suunto 9 Peak

Sleeker Tracker

Despite being a third thinner and lighter than the previous flagship, the Suunto 9 Peak still provides up to 170 hours of tracking per charge and an ultra-tough touchscreen. Plus, the built-in blood-oxygen sensor helps gauge your acclimation to altitude.

[From $569; suunto.com]

Man going through airport with duffel bag

Osprey Anti-Gravity 64 Backpack

Backpack to the Future

Osprey’s Anti-Gravity 64 Backpack integrates cutting-edge tech like 3D-printed lumbar support, dynamic load distribution, ripstop/thermoplastic fabric, and vacuum-formed polycarbonate framesheet. Other trick features include a clamshell opening and highly functional, removable hip pack.

[$700 (available Spring '22); osprey.com]

Aether’s Dalton Low-Top Sneaker
Aether’s Dalton Low-Top Sneaker

Aether Dalton Low-Top Sneaker

Sole Strength

The dumpy, dad-shoe look of Aether’s Dalton Low-Top Sneaker conceals its biggest secret: The midsole hides a plate of D3O, a technical polymer that’s pliable at rest but stiff on impact. Typically used for motorcycle armor, Aether added it to blunt the blow of each footstep.

The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week