- Kickstarter projects like Yarbo M and ISOLA26 may cater to Utah's outdoor lifestyle.
- Yarbo M, a modular yard robot, raised $1 million in two hours.
- Other innovations include a powerful power bank and a smokeless fire pit.
SALT LAKE CITY — Spring in Utah is the ultimate starting pistol. The trails are thawing, the lakes are waking up, and suddenly everyone's gear list feels a little dated.
While the local gear shops are busy, a new wave of innovation is currently being funded on Kickstarter — including a modular yard robot that raised over $1 million in its first two hours and a power bank that packs more punch than most laptop chargers.
Here are seven of the most popular crowdfunded finds currently trending, curated for the Utah lifestyle.
1. Yarbo M — The universal modular yard robot
If there is one thing Utahns love more than the outdoors, it's a way to automate the chores that keep us away from them. The Yarbo M Series made waves this month by hitting $1 million in funding in just 120 minutes. It's a "one core, four jobs" system that uses interchangeable modules to handle mowing, leaf blowing, and— most importantly — snow clearing.
- The Utah advantage: The modular core handles 35-degree slopes and 2-inch steps, making it rugged enough for terraced Utah yards.
- Why it fits: It's a year-round solution. It mows the lawn in June and clears the driveway in January while you're up the canyon catching first chair.
- Backer price: Early-bird tiers from $2,099; Estimated shipping: Late 2026.
2. ISOLA26 — 365-day waterproof adventure jacket
A Wasatch morning can go from 60 degrees and sunny to a sideways sleet storm in 20 minutes. The ISOLA26 is a three-layer technical shell with a staggering 25,000mm waterproof rating and 20 pockets—yes, 20—designed to hold everything from your skins to your smartphone.
- The outdoor advantage: It bridges the gap between a stiff hardshell and a softshell, offering high-end technical specs with enough flexibility for a summer hike or a spring ski day.
- Why it fits: It's a "quiver-of-one" jacket built for a climate that doesn't respect the four seasons.
- Backer price: From around $280; Estimated shipping: Spring 2026.
3. Shargeek 300 — The world's most powerful powerbank
The Shargeek 300 is currently dominating the tech category with its massive 300W total output — enough to fast-charge high-end laptops and multiple devices simultaneously. Despite the power, it stays within the legal limit for carry-on flights.
- The tech advantage: Features a smart IPS display showing real-time power distribution and battery health, wrapped in a signature transparent industrial design.
- Why it fits: For families doing multi-day trips to the Uintas or remote workers heading to southern Utah, this is as close to a portable wall outlet as you can get.
- Backer price: $149 early bird; Estimated shipping: May 2026.
4. PYRO — 360° titanium smokeless fire pit
Most smokeless fire pits look like heavy industrial bins. PYRO uses aerospace-grade titanium and quartz glass to give you a 360-degree view of the flame. It uses a built-in fan system (powered by a 30,000mAh battery) to create a roaring, smoke-free fire in seconds.
- The outdoor advantage: Weighs only 13 pounds and the battery module can actually charge your phone while you're roasting marshmallows.
- Why it fits: Perfect for high-desert camping or backyards where you want the heat and the view without the "smoke-follows-beauty" struggle.
- Backer price: Pledges from $226; Estimated shipping: 2026.
5. Lens Lizard — Remote-controlled backup camera cleaner
Anyone who has driven through Moab knows the "red dust blind spot." The Lens Lizard is a simple, no-wire solution that mounts behind your license plate and blasts your backup camera clean with a high-pressure jet at the press of a wireless remote.
- The outdoor advantage: No permanent modifications required; the fluid reservoir handles 120 days of dusty trail use.
- Why it fits: It's a $99 solution for a problem every Utah truck owner has dealt with on the way out of a trailhead.
- Backer price: $99 early bird; Estimated shipping: April 2026.
6. TiStove — The all-in-one titanium cooking system
The TiStove aims to replace the bulky camp stove. This pocket-sized titanium system requires no assembly and works with almost any fuel — from wood to alcohol tablets — allowing you to chop, sear, and cook without needing extra pans.
- The outdoor advantage: It folds down to the size of a smartphone and is designed for extreme durability in the backcountry.
- Why it fits: Ideal for minimalist hikers who want a hot meal at the top of a canyon climb without adding 3 pounds to their pack.
- Backer price: Early pricing available; Estimated shipping: Late 2026.
7. RODMAN — Coin-sized titanium compass flashlight
Don't let the size fool you. The RODMAN 600-lumen light is machined from titanium and features a built-in mechanical compass on the tail. It packs five different light modes, including UV for spotting scorpions and a red mode for night vision.
- The outdoor advantage: IP68 waterproof and virtually indestructible. It's professional-grade survival gear that lives on your keychain.
- Why it fits: A "just in case" tool for the glovebox or hiking pack that actually provides real utility during a late-night trek.
- Backer price: Pledges from $79; Estimated shipping: 2026.
The bottom line
Crowdfunding always comes with a bit of "wait and see," but these projects show that the gap between high-end tech and the rugged Utah outdoors is closing fast. Whether you're trying to automate your Saturday morning yard work or just want a better way to see behind your truck in the desert, there's a developer out there building a solution for it.
After all, in a state where "family time" usually means "trail time," any tech that makes getting out the door a little easier is a win for all of us.









