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1 month 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.
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2 months ago | 
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.
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2 months ago | 
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Aug 27, 2024 | 
gearinstitute.com | Nick LeFort |Nick Lefort |Tal-ee Roberts
Just as the vehicle you choose to be the “mobile” in your mobile adventuring is essential to the success of that venture, the right awning can turn you from a weekend warrior to a semi-pro outdoor nomad who takes their Monday morning Zoom meeting in the middle of their favorite state forest. It’s a slippery slope that leads you toward more gear to complete the setup, but believe me when I tell you – there are worse things you could be spending your time and money on.
