AIRCREATION GTE 582S
It has flown to the top of Mexico's 17,887-foot Volcán Popocatepetl, landed on the ski slopes of Valmeinier in the French-Italian Alps, and served as an avionics workhorse for umpteen safari guides throughout Africa. Indeed, the GTE 582S ($29,255) portable ultralight opens up a globetrotting world of possibilities. This two-person trike frame is powered by a gutsy 64-horsepower Rotax engine—a stalwart with an excellent performance record. The new generation flexwings mean tremendous stability in the air, and the geometry allows higher maximum air speeds with better handling. Setup is under an hour, and its gross carrying capacity is all you'd ever want in an ultralight—nearly 1,000 pounds. We especially like the fact that the GTE can climb up to 1,045 feet per minute on flights lasting up to about four hours, putting you within striking distance of a lifetime of remote, high-altitude destinations. And we know you're wondering: If things go awry, a ballistically deployed parachute will float down the whole unit—including human cargo—in one uninjured piece. At about 30 G's, it ain't cheap. But for sheer fun factor, the trike is priceless. Contact 623-566-8068, www.aircreation.net.
HOBIE TRIFOILER
Considering that 70 percent of our planet's surface is covered by the almighty blue, a true adventurer's life isn't complete without a means to ply the Seven Seas (or, uhh, the local reservoir for those landlocked playboy wannabes). We're not talking booze barges and bass boats here, but a sleek, wind-driven craft that skims across water like a hockey puck on ice. For this tall order we offer up the Hobie TriFoiler ($13,995), a hybridized craft that comes as close to nautical flight as there is. This 22-foot, twin-sail two-seater has a central cockpit that sits high and dry, while three self-adjusting hydrofoils achieve liftoff with just 12 knots of wind. Once underway, you control your course with steering pedals while monitoring speed, bearing, and other vital stats on the console control board. The lightweight, sandwich-like fiberglass-foam hull, 18-foot masts, and combined 215-square-foot sails can get you skimming the waves at up to 35 mph—autobahn speeds for water. Contact 800-HOBIE-49, www.hobiecat.com.
MOOTS VAMOOTS SL
A bicycle alone does not make for sprocketed super-human feats. Yet we'd wager that even the Man of Steel would swap his cape for the advantages of the plush and ethereally light Vamoots SL ($6,100), perhaps the most soaring example of a top-tier titanium two-wheeler that we mortals have ever seen. Crafted with pricey Reynolds seamless tubing, the Mootsters were able to shave one-third of a pound from a frame that now tallies a wispy 2.55 pounds, while somehow managing to increase stiffness. Power transfer is exceptionally efficient and this super-luxe steed nixes energy-sapping flex in the bottom bracket thanks to large 7/8-inch chainstays and small 5/8-inch seatstays. Components are speced to order, such as Shimano Dura-Ace and Campagnola Record groups. While you can scorecard the stats to death, it's really quite simple: At 16.25 pounds, the Vamoots SL is a race-ready roadster with a perfect balance of rigidity, light weight, and comfort—i.e., the ultimate road bike. Case closed. Contact 970-879-1676, www.moots.com.
SIERRA DESIGNS MOTHERSHIP
Go ahead and call us hipsters, but there's an undeniable architectural grooviness to the geodesically inspired Mothership ($3,500) tent. Billed as the "ultimate" base-camp shelter for professional guides, mountaineers, and guided groups, this Mother serves up a luxurious 130 square feet of interior floor space and a stratospheric peak height of 84 inches—enough for eight NBA-sized sleepers. Nearly translucent blue and white fabric panels make this whopper all the more cheery when sunlight filters through, and with a voluminous 27-square-foot vestibule that's big enough to park the yak (or the party keg for post-climb celebrations), there's protected room to spare. You also get exhaust-purging ceiling vents, plus four doors ideal for those discreet exits to answer nature's call. Sure, at 43.8 pounds we're talking a serious load. But if you're an aspirational gear junkie, why wouldn't you own the Taj Mahal of tents? Contact 800-635-0461, www.sierradesigns.com.
VICTORINOX TRIAX 27"
Think of travel as one big mosh pit for luggage. This rugged reality has spurred the development of the TRIAX 27" ($679) suitcase, a durable, aesthetic creation that can stand up to the worst globetrotting thrashings—with style, thank you. Kevlar, the bulletproof-vest material boasting a strength-to-weight ratio five times stronger than steel, is used on all key wear points. Backside you'll find an aluminum-impregnated plastic exoskeleton and molded corner guards to further protect the luggage and its contents. Top-notch zippers used on the best of backpacks add similar tough-guy credentials. Ergonomically, the TRIAX is just as obliging, with smooth-as-silk urethane wheels and a telescoping handle that rotates on twin axes to enhance maneuverability. Throw in a one-touch expandable interior, removable garment bag, and the company's own lost-luggage tracking and protection program, and the TRIAX could be your most dependable traveling companion yet. Contact 888-658-0717, www.swissarmy.com.
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