Time magazine selects the coolest sports and outdoor innovations for 2024 - we have already tested some of them

Just before the end of the year, Time magazine editors select the most exciting new products of the year for the Innovation Issue - you can also find the full list there. Important factors for the evaluation are how original and creative, how functional and how ambitious the innovations are. And: how much they shake up their respective field.

Thanks to these criteria, the new products include useful and curious, promising and gadgets with an undisputed fun factor. Here I show you a selection from the sports, games and outdoor categories, some of which I am excited about and some of which I have already reported on.

The artificially intelligent personal trainer

He is always available, friendly and gives you his full attention. At least that's how I imagine the AI-Mirror from Magic Fit, a mirror with artificial intelligence that supports you during your workouts. Just like a real trainer, it corrects your posture, makes training suggestions and can recognise around 400 different exercises. Of course, you are not tied to one coach, but can choose between different celebrity trainers.

The snowboard made of microalgae and aspen leaves

The US company Wndr Alpine has set itself the goal of making winter and mountain sports more environmentally friendly. Their snowboard, the Wndr Alpine Sheperd, consists of a microalgae-based core and aspen wood. The microalgae core has not only been optimised for environmental compatibility. It is also said to be particularly good at reducing disruptive vibrations when snowboarding.

The gadget that turns bikes into e-bikes

A small device, the Bimotal Elevate, is designed to turn any bike into an e-bike. According to the manufacturer, you can simply clamp the 750-watt motor to the rear wheel. The innovation is still in its early stages - according to Time magazine, only 100 of the 400 pre-ordered units have been shipped since the launch in March. The mini motor is only available in North America for the time being.

The lifejacket with air bladder

The water offers fun and relaxation, but also dangers. Wearing a lifejacket when doing water sports is therefore almost always a good idea. It's even better if the waistcoat is light and comfortable and only inflates when needed. These were the decisive criteria for the Time judges to include the "Atlas 190 DLX Pro" from the manufacturer Mustang Survival in their list. What fascinates me most is the hood with viewing window, which protects the face and airways from crashing waves, splashing water, wind and rain.

Exciting innovation from our magazine

Among the innovations selected by Time magazine are a number of products that we have already presented to you this year in Galaxus magazine, some of which we have also tested.

The On Cloudboom Strike Light Spray

This shoe is reminiscent of a sock and was sprayed by a robot. Fun fact: It was worn by the second-fastest woman at the New York City Marathon, Kenyan Hellen Obiri.

The e-hiking trousers from Arcteryx and Skip

How could outdoor trousers with an exoskeleton and electric drive be missing from this list? They represent a real innovation in e-mobility. Find out more here.

The portable mini slackline from Gibbon

The Giboard has been recognised by Time magazine for enabling balance exercises without the risk of falling from a great height. Find out what you can do with it in this article with video.

The Garmin HRM Fit for women

The fact that Garmin worked closely with sports bra manufacturers in its development was praised by Time magazine in its awards. I have already been able to test the Garmin chest strap. You can find out what it does here.

The Lifestraw Sip

"For outdoor fans and world travellers," writes Time magazine. I now always have the straw with integrated water filter with me when I'm travelling. You can read what's behind it and what my first impression was here

The lightweight hiking boot from Merrell

The "SpeedArc Surge Boa" from Merrell has little in common with a traditional hiking boot. It looks more like a futuristic sneaker. You can find out more about the shoe, which is supposed to represent the future of hiking, here.

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