Tal-ee Roberts

United States

Editor and Executive Editor at Gear Institute

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Articles

Merrell: Beyond the MOAB

1 week ago | gearinstitute.com | Tal-ee Roberts

The Speed 2, SpeedARC Mantis, and Maipo Explorer AerosportThe Merrell MOAB line of hiking boots and shoes are the most popular hiking footwear on the market. Preceded in 2000 with the Mesa Vent models, the MOAB line, as we know it, was introduced in 2007 with the MOAB 3 variants being the latest models. Understandably, the exact number is proprietary to Merrell, but industry numbers floating around indicate that more MOABs have been sold than there are people in half the countries on earth.
Gear Institute is #4 Outdoor Gear Blog on FeedSpot

2 months ago | gearinstitute.com | Tal-ee Roberts

We’ve got news! FeedSpot just ranked Gear Institute at #4 on its “70 Best Outdoor Gear Blogs & Websites of 2025” list—placing us alongside the most trusted voices in the industry. This recognition reflects the hard work of our veteran testers and, most importantly, the support of our readers who rely on our honest, field‑driven reviews.
Reviewed: Gregory Zulu 30 for Day Hiking

Mar 26, 2025 | gearinstitute.com | Ralph Mroz |Tal-ee Roberts

There are times when a day pack that’s larger than you normally need is handy. You may need to carry more than usual to accommodate the expected weather; you may want to carry some of a companion’s or a child’s gear; you may need to bring along more water than usual; maybe you have to carry supplies for your dogs. I’ve had the Gregory Citro 24 (liter) day pack for a few years now, and I’ve been very pleased with it.
Pack Like a Pro with Peak Design's New Roller Bag

Mar 12, 2025 | gearinstitute.com | Tal-ee Roberts

Peak Design has been making some of the best bags and camera accessories for the past fifteen years. And in keeping with their founding, they’ve had some of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns I’ve ever seen. Their new Roller Pro bag, which launched on Kickstarter on March 4th, is on track to be their most successful campaign of all time having reached their $100K goal in one minute — and surpassing $1 million in an hour. Currently the campaign sits just under $7.3 million pledged.
Blizzard Revamps Zero G Collection, Adds Women’s-Specific Models

Feb 20, 2025 | gearinstitute.com | Tal-ee Roberts

Blizzard has redesigned its Zero G collection of touring skis, incorporating new waist widths, construction materials, and a revised sidecut and radius structure. The updated lineup includes 88mm and 96mm models, alongside the return of the 105mm model with a graphic update but no structural changes. A new women’s-specific collection has also been introduced, developed through Blizzard’s Women2Women project.
Switchback Spring Announces Initial Exhibitor List

Feb 11, 2025 | gearinstitute.com | Tal-ee Roberts

Switchback Spring, a business and education gathering for the outdoor industry, has released its initial list of confirmed exhibitors for the inaugural, standalone, event. The event is scheduled for June 16–18, 2025, in Nashville, TN, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The confirmed exhibitors include a mix of established brands—such as The North Face, Arc’Teryx, and Darn Tough—and emerging names like Heat-it, Ignik Outdoors, and Artilect.
SCOTT and Sickos Crew Unveil Limited-Edition Ski Goggles

Feb 10, 2025 | gearinstitute.com | Tal-ee Roberts

Global sports brand SCOTT has announced an exclusive collaboration with the high-energy extreme sports collective, Sickos Crew, culminating in the launch of the limited-edition SCOTT Shield Goggle. This partnership marries SCOTT’s well-known goggle technology with the bold, adventurous spirit of the Sickos, a crew of six friends who have found success on the internet while having a great time and filming themselves on the water, in the mountains, and on the trail.
Heel Virtual Dog Leash: Hands-Free Pet Management

Jan 22, 2025 | gearinstitute.com | Tal-ee Roberts

Overview of the Heel Virtual Dog LeashThe Heel Virtual Dog Leash is a product developed by Heel, a spinoff of Fleetwood Electronics, which has a history of developing wireless proximity and contract-tracing technologies. Launched in March 2024, Heel is designed to offer dog owners a hands-free way to manage their pets’ movements, leveraging their multiple technology solution for an experience that is both flexible and precise.
Gear Institute Contributor Doug Schnitzspahn Joins The Rock Fight Podcast Network

Jan 16, 2025 | gearinstitute.com | Tal-ee Roberts

The Rock Fight Podcast Network has announced the launch of its latest show, Open Container, hosted by award-winning outdoor journalist and Gear Institute contributor, Doug Schnitzspahn. Premiering January 21, the podcast delves into the deeper stories shaping outdoor culture and community, offering thoughtful conversations on creativity, conservation, politics, and adventure.
Switchback and OIA Announce Partnership

Oct 7, 2024 | gearinstitute.com | Tal-ee Roberts

Switchback and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the twice-annual outdoor industry gatherings. The partnership will debut at the inaugural Switchback Spring in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 16-18, 2025, and will also support Switchback’s late fall event, held alongside The Running Event. Switchback and OIA will collaborate to attract specialty retailers, brands, organizations, and media with a vested interest in outdoor experiences.