Gear Reviews Archives - Out There Venture

Gregory Verte 12 Ski Resort Backpack

Derrick Knowles — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 20:40:48 +0000

Made for inbounds runs and side-country stashes, the Gregory Verte 12 keeps essentials close without snagging or making you feel like a pack mule on the chairlift. Its clean, low-profile shape eliminates extra straps and loops that can and do catch, and the stretchy CloudControl hipbelt flows with your body as you ride.

Built from lightweight recycled nylon ripstop with a PFC-free water-repellent finish, the pack has an insulated hydration sleeve, glove-friendly zippers and two external pockets for quick access on the lift. A molded back panel sheds snow to help keep your backside dry and warm for lap after lap. MSRP: $119.95. Gregory.com

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BioLite Range 500 Headlamp

Derrick Knowles — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:30:11 +0000

This new headlamp from BioLite packs 500 lumens of brightness into a minimalist package that makes it easy to forget that you’re wearing it, as I discovered on a recent trip to the hardware store. Its 3D SlimFit construction keeps the lamp stable and comfortable, while IP67 waterproofing protects against dust, rain and brief submersion. Multiple beam modes include spot, flood and red light options.

The rechargeable battery powers up quickly through a USB-C port, delivering an hour of light after just a few minutes of charging. MSRP: $69.95. Bioliteenergy.com (Derrick Knowles)

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Mammut Sender IN Hooded Jacket

Derrick Knowles — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:22:29 +0000

Built for cold conditions, the Mammut Sender IN Hooded Jacket offers warmth and wind protection and is surprisingly light. Mammut’s LOOPINSULATION used in the jacket is made from recycled climbing rope fibers, a cool use of an often discarded piece of outdoor gear that gives it real sustainability cred. The wind-resistant outer shell is 100% recycled fabric too.

The hood fits comfortably without extra space or bulk, and the jacket has two zippered hand pockets. Elastic cuffs and a partial hem adjustment lend to its warming powers. It’s a soft, sweet-looking jacket that’s ideal as a standalone layer or midweight insulator when winter cranks the weather up a notch. MSRP: $259. Mammut.com/us

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PAKA Apu Parka

Derrick Knowles — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:37:53 +0000

Even though this parka is tough enough for harsh alpine environments, you don’t need to be an ice climber to appreciate its warmth and weather protection. The Apu Parka includes zippered vents, helmet-compatible construction and flexible quilting, which means it will be replacing my decade-old insulated ski jacket once the lifts start spinning.

The outer shell is made from bluesign-certified, 100% recycled polyester with four-way stretch and a PFAS-free water-repellent finish that’s water resistant without feeling stiff. Inside, PAKAFILL insulation—a blend of 50% alpaca fiber and 50% recycled polyester—helps maintain warmth even in wet conditions. The Apu Parka provides lightweight protection from the elements and reliable control of your body temperature, making it a high-performance winter parka. MSRP: $349. Pakaapparel.com

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Abode Outside Driftwood Crewneck

Out There Venture — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:11:08 +0000

By Selway Hayes

The Driftwood Crewneck from family-owned, Minnesota-based Abode Outside is exceptionally comfortable for a pullover. Many sweaters feel constricting to me. The Driftwood Crewneck crushed my hesitation with its knit construction that maintains body flexibility and unrestricted movement. The look is sharp too, with subtle shoulder texture and a clean and modern color block stripe.

The EcoSmooth fabric—made from 42% Ecovero viscose, 28% recycled polyester, and 30% polyester—blends wood pulp with recycled fibers to create a soft, breathable material that kept me from overheating on a short urban hike. MSRP: $79. Abodeoutside.com

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Jetboil Sumo Cooking System

Derrick Knowles — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:15:16 +0000

With ambitions to do the 30-mile backcountry ski traverse of the Kettle Range in Northeast Washington this winter, the Jetboil Sumo Cooking System is the stove I plan to take. It’s a powerful and compact 16-ounce setup that performs well down to 20°F. The 1.8-liter FluxRing cooking cup with an insulated cover will be ideal for boiling water for a group of two or three skiers, allowing us to share a critical piece of gear to keep overall pack weight down.

Jetboil’s precision regulator offers fine-tuned heat control—from a gentle simmer to a fast boil—even in cold conditions. A push-button igniter makes for quick, reliable starts, and the system nests neatly to fit a fuel canister, burner and stabilizer inside. This stove system is ideal for any backcountry group who want efficient, reliable water boiling or cooking without added bulk. MSRP: $199.99. Jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com

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Peak Design Passport Wallet

Out There Venture — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:34:15 +0000

By Selway Hayes

Peak Design’s new Passport Wallet streamlines travel organization with a simple design and smart functionality. Built from TerraShell Ultra fabric—a durable, PFAS-free material reinforced with UHMWPE ripstop—it resists wear while staying thin enough for front-pocket carry.

The wallet holds up to two passports, eight cards and unfolded cash, with RFID protection to block digital scammers. A magnetic closure keeps contents secure, and an interior pen slot adds convenience for quick customs form fillouts. MSRP: $69.95. Peakdesign.com

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Mammut Haldigrat HS Bibs

Out There Venture — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:18:39 +0000

By Selway Hayes

Built for skiers and snowboarders who drift between lift lines and skin tracks, Mammut’s Haldigrat HS Bibs keep the snow out while breathing when called upon. The lightweight outer shell is made from post-consumer recycled nylon and backed by Mammut’s Drytech Pro waterproof membrane for consistent weather defense without feeling bulky.

Long side zippers provide adjustable ventilation on the climb or spring days, while integrated gaiters and reinforced cuffs keep snow and ski edges from shredding up the ankles. The fixed bib includes a secure avalanche transceiver pocket with a loop attachment, and leg pockets with water-repellent zippers add useful storage. Inside, a neoprene-lined phone sleeve helps keep the battery alive when the temps drop. Designed with a relaxed, freeride fit and reinforced with Dyneema at high-wear points, the Haldigrat bibs are a bomber choice and deliver comfort and confidence from resort laps to deep backcountry days. MSRP: $529. Mammut.com/us

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Rocky Talkie Hi-Vis Expedition Radios

Derrick Knowles — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 20:55:06 +0000

I’ve been using a set of Rocky Talkie radios on elk hunting trips the past few seasons, and they have always provided reliable communication with my fellow hunters out in the field. But I’m excited to try the long-range Rocky Talkie Hi-Vis Expedition Radios for multiple purposes this year, including keeping in touch with family and friends on the ski hill and in the backcountry this winter, on a wilderness river trip next summer and bikepacking for elk in the fall. The Expedition Radios operate on GMRS frequencies with 5-watt power and reach up to 35 miles in open terrain and several miles through mountains, forest or river canyons.

Each radio features IP67 waterproofing, a shatter-resistant screen, and a thermoplastic shell engineered to perform in subzero temperatures down to -20°F. The lithium-ion battery lasts four to six days, and simple, one-button controls make operation easy with gloves on. Standard functions include privacy codes, scan and lock modes, NOAA weather alerts, repeater compatibility and dual-channel watch. You can also add the Waterproof Hand Mic ($65), featuring a built-in speaker, mic and push-to-talk controls without unholstering the radio. Fully waterproof and snowproof, it clips securely to clothing and stays clear and audible in wind, snow or whitewater. MSRP: $180. Rockytalkie.com

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