vapur.us
Carrying a hard, rigid, bulky water bottle takes up valuable space, which is why we’re partial to the soft-sided variety. Touted as “the Anti-Bottle,” the Vapur Element is constructed of a durable three-layer, BPA-free nylon plastic, and when it’s empty you can roll it up and slip it into a pocket, purse, or pack (try that with a hard bottle). In fact you can fold, spindle, and mutilate it—and it springs back to its original shape without cracks or dents. The dishwasher-safe bottle has a cap design that delighted our sausage-fingered testers: it flips open with the flick of the hand and seals soundly, with no leaks. What sets it apart from other flexible bottles is that it can be frozen, so you can use it for an ice pack, or fill it half way, freeze it, and then fill it up with liquid in the morning for an icy cold beverage. The free-standing bottle comes with its own carabineer, so you can easily clip it to a pack.
Available in 0.7 liter and 1 liter volumes and three color options

Fikkes continues to marry the world of hikers and anglers by offering new takes on the trekking pole/fishing rod combo. Their new model, the Spin Hiker, employs loads of top-notch trekking tech (a McNett handle, Black Diamond’s flint locks, and an anodized aluminum body). Inside the pole awaits a IM carbon fishing rod. Just attach the spin-caster reel—also made to Fikkes’ high standards—and you’re ready to cast into the river you just scampered across.
Available fall 2012.

www.revo.com
While expressing our love for the outdoors, we often have to deal with such optical hurdles as the blinding sun, humid conditions that steam up our vision, and the impenetrable glare off rivers, lakes, and oceans.  That’s why the Waterway shades from Revo are such a find.  The lenses boast high-contrast polarization for absolute clarity and serious glare reduction that slices through the glossy water surfaces more confidently than Michael Phelps swimming toward his next world record.  They’ve also been treated with an anti-reflective coating that eliminates light that otherwise bounces off the inside of the lens. And they’re coated with a proprietary technology that sheds rain, water, and sweat to keep your vision clear and your lenses clean for a long time. The titanium frames feel lightweight, yet retain amazing strength, and details like spring hinges, comfortable stem pads, and adjustable nose pads provide 24/7 comfort.  The price is a bit dear when compared to your drugstore equivalent, but these are designed to last a decade—not a day.
Available with graphite, bronze, and waterway lenses, and comes prescription ready.