New Gear For Pilots And Aviation Enthusiasts

This backpack from Peak Design's line of travel gear was among the top-funded products on Kickstarter last year. Made of 100% recycled nylon canvas, the bag makes contents easily accessible to users through zippers in the back, sides and front. It measures in at 45 liters when fully extended but can be retracted into a smaller 35-liter bag if desired, making it ideal for changing needs throughout a trip. The bag features a variety of pockets for compartmentalizing gear, including two side pockets, a top pocket and hidden pockets. Rigid sidewalls inside the main compartment allow for structured packing, while a zippered diving panel can create two separate storage sections. The shoulder and waist straps of the bag can be tucked into flaps in the back when not in use, and magnets ensure they stay in place. External straps included in the front pouch can be deployed when additional storage is needed.

The bag is sized to accommodate Peak Design's smaller packing cubes, which make it easy to separate and carry different gear within one larger bag. The bag is available in black or sage green and is priced at $299.95.

Learn more at peakdesign.com.

Icom A16 Radio

The A16 VHF COM handheld provides a great backup radio for the airplane in case of a comm outage as well as a useful tool for those on the ground who want to stay connected. With 6 watts of power and an extra-loud 1500 mW speaker, this radio cuts through the noise of the flight line or the cockpit to provide clear audio. The radio features a full keypad, 200 memory channels and an exclusive button for 121.5MHz emergency calls. Users can also utilize the side tone function to hear their voice through a headset.

Weighing little more than half a pound and measuring around a third of a foot in length, the A16's compact size makes it easy to carry. Its rechargeable battery lasts for 17 hours, and it's waterproof to boot. The radio is available for $259.95, and a Bluetooth-equipped version is available for an additional $40.

Learn more at sportys.com.

MyGoFlight iPad Cooling Case

Aviation gear provider MyGoFlight has released a new iPad case that ensures late-edition devices remain cool despite their thinner make-up and stronger batteries and processors, which make them prone to overheating easily. The cooling case relies on the same kind of GPU/CPU thermal blower technology used in advanced gaming laptops to disperse heat with minimal noise output, and it's the first iPad case to do so, according to the company. In the MyGoFlight case, that tech is powered by the iPad itself and requires no additional batteries, making it a low-maintenance option.

The case, priced at $249, is compatible with all MyGoFlight mounts and can also be used as a kneeboard.

Learn more at mgfproducts.com.

The Pilot's Pen

During night flights, it can be difficult to jot down important notes in a dark cockpit. The Pilot's Pen helps eliminate that problem by combining an LED light and a ballpoint pen into one single product. This all-metal pen is quick and simple to use, utilizing a four-way push-button to deploy or retract ink and to turn the pen's light on and off. The light on the Pilot's Pen is very bright, so the pen comes with red- and green-tinted light covers for situations in which more subtle lighting is required. Also included with each Pilot's Pen purchase are three replacement LR44 batteries, as well as three additional ink cartridges. All components come in a metal gift box. The pen is available for $17.95.

Learn more at pilotlights.net.

Boeing Airplane Stapler

For fans of one of America's most enduring aviation brands, this fun office addition pays homage to the maker of the Flying Fortress, the 747 and countless other iconic models. Featuring nickel electroplating and a laser-engraved Boeing logo on top, the airplane-shaped stapler celebrates the more than 100-year-old company.

The stapler measures 2.75 x 2.36 x 1.57 inches and is available for $8.

Learn more at boeingstore.com.

Ray-Ban Gunmetal Raptor Sunglasses

Every pilot needs a good pair of sunglasses, and this pair from Ray-Ban delivers a classic style for fliers who prefer subtle, less-obtrusive coverage. The Gunmetal Raptor glasses feature a slim, rectangular shape and muted colors, with gray frames and olive-colored lenses. The lenses are Ray-Ban's G15 non-polarized lenses which, unlike polarized glasses, allow fliers to view cockpit instruments and digital devices.

The glasses protect against 100% of ultraviolet rays and are priced at $153 per pair. Each purchase comes with a carrying case for the glasses as well as a cleaning cloth.

Learn more at sportys.com.