The Latest and Greatest at Grassroots Connect Tradeshow
I had the chance to wander the aisles at the Grassroots Connect event last month, and let me tell you, it was like stepping into gear paradise. From tiny gadgets that banish mosquito bites to ultralight backpacks that feel like air, each booth was packed with innovations begging to be trail-tested. I spent the afternoon chatting with founders, squeezing every product into my pack, and making mental checklists for my next adventures. So kick back and join me as I break down the coolest travel essentials I saw, what makes them tick, and why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my kit (well, most of ’em anyway).
Heat it™ Classic
When I stumbled upon the Heat it™ Classic, I was immediately drawn to its tiny footprint, just 0.1 oz and measuring 1.5 × 0.67 × 0.34 in, perfect for clipping onto my keychain or slipping into a pocket for backpacking trips. This small medical device plugs into your phone’s Lightning or USB-C port and, via its companion app, delivers 12 customizable heat treatments (4, 7, or 9 seconds each) at 117–126 °F to zap itch and pain from mosquito, horsefly, bee, and wasp bites or stings. It’s entirely chemical-free, drawing power from your phone (roughly 0.1% battery per use) and promising up to 1,000 treatments, enough for a family outing or extended camping expedition. With MFi certification, plastic-free packaging, and medically proven relief backed by a June 2023 study, heat it™ is a new must-have in my travel kit.
Packfire Smokeless Fire Pit
Next door at Grassroots, I couldn’t resist checking out PACKFIRE’s smokeless fire pit. In just a few seconds, its QuickDraw™ legs snap out, and the stainless steel & aluminum pit transforms into a 17″-wide, 22″-tall blaze that burns clean thanks to Clearburn™ technology, recirculating smoke for a hotter, low-smoke fire. When it’s time to pack up, it folds flat into its custom backpack, shrinking to a 25″ × 17″ × a few inches package. The pit itself weighs 27.5 lb, the bag 7.5 lb (35 lb total), but that’s a small trade-off for full-size log capacity and tool-free setup I’ve only dreamed of around beach bonfires and solo car camping trips. This is next-level campfire convenience for anyone who hates hauling bulky gear or choking on smoke while roasting marshmallows.
PackFire
Ombraz Armless Sunglasses
I was equally impressed by Ombraz’s armless sunglasses booth, where their unique design replaces fragile sidearms with a built-in elastic cord that hugs your head without pressure points. Each pair weighs a mere 0.8 oz, packs completely flat, and rocks premium 58.4 mm polarized lenses housed in flexible TR-90 frames. No hinges, screws, or sidearms means they’re virtually indestructible and won’t pinch your temples or slip during sweaty hikes or surf sessions. Between the lifetime warranty and carbon-negative pledge (20 mangroves planted per pair), Ombraz has made these shades a permanent staple in my travel pack.
COCOON
Cocoon’s display was a treasure trove of lightweight travel gear built for real-world adventures. Their Monsoon Silk™ neck travel wallet, made from 100% silk laminated with TPU, keeps passports, cards, and cash bone-dry behind two YKK AquaGuard® zippers and an RFID-blocking pocket, all for just 1.1 oz. I also picked up their Toiletry Bag Monsoon Silk™, a sleek 100% silk exterior with a spill-proof TPU interior in multiple colorways that fits all my essentials without bulging out my pack. To organize my clothes, the Ultralight Packing Cubes (ripstop nylon) compress down to almost nothing, and the quick-dry Ultralight Microfiber Towel (~5.4 oz) was perfect for beach days and hostel stays. Between their travel wallets, cubes, towels, and pillows, Cocoon has covered every angle of comfortable, compact travel.
Cocoon
Gossamer Gear Skala 38 Ultralight Backpack
Finally, I zeroed in on the Gossamer Gear Skala 38, a frameless, roll-top pack that redefines “ultralight.” The body itself is just 14.5 oz of 100D recycled Robic nylon ripstop (their new Riptide fabric), paired with a 3.6 oz fast belt and a 2.3 oz removable Sitlight pad for a 20.4 oz total. It swells to a generous 38 L (30 L to the horizontal seam, plus mesh pockets) and fits torsos from 18″ to 21″. Cleat compression hardware grips water bottles, there’s a front zippered security pocket, stretch mesh shoulder pockets, trekking-pole loops, and reflective accents for safety, every feature spot-on for overnighters. This is perfect for any overnight or ultralight hiker heading out for the PCT.
Well, after scoping out everything from bite-banishing tech to ultralight packs, I’ve gotta say my travel kit’s never been this dialed in. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on a beach, grinding out miles on the trail, or just dodging skeeters at a backyard cookout, these picks have you covered. You always know you will see the latest and greatest of new gear at Grassroots Connect.
Own a piece of gear that you're dying to review? Read our submissions page and let's get it up on the interwebz!
