The term G.O.A.T. gets thrown around a lot in professional sports, but in competition climbing, perhaps no one deserves the title more than Janja Garnbret. After taking a 9-month hiatus away from World Cup competitions, the two-time Olympic champion from Slovenia won gold in bouldering at the Innsbruck World Cup today.

The 26-year-old’s resume is stacked: 47 World Cup wins in bouldering and lead events, 10 overall World Cup titles, and eight titles at the World Championships. Since climbing was introduced at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she’s won gold twice, cementing her dominance in the sport.

But in the midst of all of this success, Garnbret consciously chose to take a break from competition.

“After years of competitions and especially the Olympic year itself, which was physically and mentally demanding, I’ve decided to do it a bit differently this year,” she wrote on Instagram in April. “Of course, I’m still training hard and upgrading my last year’s shape, but I also felt that I needed a bit more time away from competing.”

She announced that she would only compete at three IFSC events in 2025: the World Cups in Innsbruck and Koper, and the World Championships in South Korea. Her return to competition in Innsbruck this week marked her first competition since the Koper World Cup in September 2024.

Janja Garnbret Wins in First Comp Since ’24

Initially, Garnbret looked solid but not unbeatable, placing fifth in qualification and fourth in semi-finals. In the finals round, she appeared to reach a new gear, becoming the only athlete to top all four boulders.

She finished with a score of 99.3, far ahead of silver medalist Oriane Bertone (69.8) and bronze medalist Anon Matsufuji (59.5).

“It feels amazing. I didn’t know how I would feel coming back, but this amazing Innsbruck crowd welcomed me back,” Garnbret said in a press release. “I really enjoyed myself on the wall, had a bit of a shaky start in qualification, then it felt 100% better in semi-final, and now I felt like my old self in final.”

“You never forget how to compete, but being back after nine months, in the middle of the season, was not the easiest thing. I had a lot of doubts: ‘Am I ready? Am I not? Am I even motivated?’ But I’m so glad I came back, I enjoyed it so much.”

Next up for Garnbret is the lead competition at Innsbruck, with a qualification round on June 28 and finals on June 29. All eyes will be on Garnbret to see if she can pull off a double gold.

Janja Garnbret Is the Simone Biles of Climbing: You Need to See It to Believe It

Janja Garnbret earned a near-perfect score of 99.6 during a thrilling performance at Tuesday's semifinals for Olympic bouldering. Read more…

Four luxury sports car drivers were arrested at Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) on Tuesday afternoon. The arrests followed reports of multiple high-end vehicles drag racing on both lanes of Teton Park Road, according to a press release from the National Park Service.

The drivers’ names and vehicle types have not been released publicly, but reports indicate they are associated with a private high-end rally that visits iconic locations throughout the country.

The incident remains under investigation, and further charges may be pending, the press release states.

Around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, calls began coming in regarding unsafe driving on Teton Park Road, a scenic stretch of corridor that runs along the base of the Teton Range. The GTNP press release states, “The dangerous activity occurred on a scenic corridor heavily used by visitors, park employees, and wildlife.”

GearJunkie contacted GTNP’s media coordinator numerous times for this story but did not receive a response by publication time.

Rally Group Hits Grand Teton National Park: Drag Races Ensue

The racers were allegedly part of Nu Rally. It’s a “luxury automotive rally for supercar and hypercar owners,” according to the organization’s website. The website states, “Our multi-day rallies aren’t about how fast you go — they’re about how deeply you connect.”

According to the website’s sign-up page, Nu Rally had its annual OutRun event scheduled for June 21-27. The event started in Bellevue, Wash. Participants then drove through Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Jackson Hole, Wyo.; and other scenic areas before ending in Las Vegas, Nev.

The OutRun page states that participants will “feel the energy of the Teton Range.” However, it doesn’t specify whether the tour goes through the park. According to the website, the price to participate in the OutRun rally is $13,995. That price includes stays in five-star hotels, private dinners, and professional media.

The terms and conditions on the Nu Rally website state that “Nu Rally (the ‘Event’) is NOT a race. You must NOT compete in any manner with other participants.”

Nu Rally did not respond to Gear Junkie’s request for comment.

However, it seems drivers don’t always follow the rules of the events. In one video posted by a Nu Rally participant, a driver is being filmed while stating, “Dude, 180.” The camera then pans to the speedometer showing 179 miles per hour.

Drive Slow, Save Lives — Human & Animal

Like anywhere else in the U.S., driving over the speed limit in a national park is illegal. Not only does it put human lives in danger, but it also threatens wildlife. In Grand Teton, moose, bears, deer, and elk are commonly sighted near the road, and even on it. And vehicle collisions with wild animals do happen.

In early May 2025, NPS issued a report of a deceased grizzly bear found in GTNP along Highway 26. It was identified as Bear 1058. An investigation indicated that the bear was hit by a vehicle and succumbed to its injuries near the road. The driver was never located.

Just months prior, in October 2024, 1058’s mother, a well-known resident of Grand Teton National Park, Bear 399, was also struck by a vehicle and killed.

Teton Park Road is a two-lane road that passes by some of the park’s most iconic viewpoints and trailheads. It is one of the park’s most popular drives to look for animals and take in the scenery. Speeding and reckless driving put park-goers and wildlife at risk. The speed limit on Teton Park Road is 45 mph.

The NPS press release on Tuesday’s arrests does not specify how fast the rally car drivers were going. But it’s safe to assume they were driving in excess of 45 mph.

“This kind of behavior is unsafe, irresponsible, and completely unacceptable in a national park,” said Grand Teton Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “It puts visitors, staff, and wildlife at serious risk.”

Tales From the Desert: Chevy Just Raced a Silverado EV in 'The Great American Off-Road Race'

Unbelievable desert-racing Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 goes fast and wild at the Mint 400 with electrons, not gas. Read more…

I have been carrying knives on me for most of my life, so I’m comfortable carrying them. I have also chosen the knives I carry based on their form, function, and materials. However, I realize that many people do not carry knives every day and may not know what the right knife is for them.

But while there are vast choices when it comes to knives, some simply work for everyone.

UCO, a staple brand known for its variety of camping solutions, has only been in the knife game for a little more than a year. In that time, they’ve proven that they’ve not only done their homework, but that they can create a line of knives that are accessible to everyone.

The brand’s latest offering, the Whidbey Pushfold, is a button-lock flipper knife with a deep-carry pocket clip. Those three aspects are high on the list of wants when it comes to people picking out new knives, whether they know it or not. 

Additionally, by steering away from premium materials and instead toward affordable, yet reliable ones, UCO has been able to keep the price of the Whidbey at $60. The knife is a simple, safe, and capable tool for people of all experience and comfort levels.

In short: Knives like the UCO Whidbey Pushfold simplify the task of picking out a reliable folding knife. From price, to form and function, down to the materials, this knife could easily be the right knife for everyone in your family.

UCO Whidbey Pushfold

Check Price at UCO Gear

7.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 7.6”
• Blade Length: 3”
• Blade Steel: Titanium Nitride (TiNi) Coated D2
• Blade Shape: Drop Point
• Grind: Flat
• Hardness: 60-62
• Lock Type: Bush Button Liner
• Opening Type: Thumb Disc, Flipper
• Carry: Left or Right Hand, Deep Carry, Tip-Down
• Weight: 2.8 oz.
• Price: $60

Pros

• Simple, reliable, and safe design
• Smooth flipper action
• Push button liner lock
• Great first knife

Cons

• The rattle in the button might deter some folks

Nick LeFort

UCO Whidbey Pushfold Review

Design & Features

At 7.6 inches in total length, the UCO Whidbey Pushfold is a full-sized folding flipper knife. It has a 3-inch TiNi-coated flat-ground D2 drop-point blade. For handles, UCO went with glass-reinforced textured nylon. Additionally, for security and safety, the Whidbey employs a Pushfold button-style lock. For carry, the knife was purposely kept slender and has a deep-carry pocket clip.

Choosing Titanium-Nitride D2 for the blade material was a smart choice. D2 is reliable, tough, and easy to maintain. Adding the TiNi coating makes it highly corrosion-resistant. Picking the drop-point shape for the blade and giving it a Scandi grind sends its level of usability and adaptability into the stratosphere.

Similar to the Grivory that Benchmade uses on knife models like its Griptilian and Bugout, the glass-reinforced nylon scales on the Whidbey provide excellent grip and durability. Where materials like G10 and Micarta would have provided more structure, the steel liners fill in that space while keeping the knife’s overall weight below 3 ounces.

Button-style locks are on an upward trend in 2025. They’re easy to use, hardly ever fail, and keep your fingers away from the blade. Called the Pushfold lock here on the Whidbey, this mechanism pairs really well with the flipper opening as a closing counterpart. It’s also easy to activate and won’t disengage unintentionally. 

First Impressions

For a knife not specifically designed for a higher-level knife user, UCO certainly packed the Whidbey with aspects those folks would be looking for. The brand raises the bar for new and unassuming knife users. In fact, if this is someone’s first knife, they’re going to be spoiled.

Though the brand keeps the Whidbey lightweight, the glass-filled nylon scales might deter some knife purists, but I am here for it. As someone with extended knowledge and familiarity with a wide variety of knives, I enjoy the simplicity, safety, and overall reliability of what UCO has done here. Where G10 or Micarta scales would bolster the knife’s rigidity and therefore overall first impression, I think they would only make this knife bulky.

That said, my first reaction to the Whidbey is that the only thing the knife is missing is a lanyard hole. It would make the knife easier to retrieve and add to its overall theme.

In the Field

My first thought when I received the knife, was that it would make the perfect first knife for a youngster. In fact, I may give this one to my niece, who’s just breaking into the world of hiking and camping. I think the Whidbey is a great “first experience” knife. A month after using it outdoors, I haven’t changed my mind. 

That said, as someone who swapped out a boutique $400 knife for the Whidbey, I’ve got no regrets. This knife has been dependable, reliable, and fun to use. 

It’s been raining off and on for the last month. When wet, it stays secure in my hand, and the TiNi coating on the D2 blade has kept corrosion at bay. It’ll need to be resharpened sooner rather than later, but I believe that’s part of the experience of this knife. It gives people who are new to knives a chance to learn how to maintain them.

Additionally, I’ve really enjoyed the fast and smooth opening and closing operations, as well as the blade’s Scandi grind. Scandi grinds allow for more acute slicing and cutting. By deciding to use this grind and blade shape, UCO has made the Whidbey easy to use, adaptable, and strong.

One thing that has developed through use is a rattle. It’s in the button lock, and it hasn’t impacted the function of the knife. It’s just the sizing of the hole for the button and the button itself. I can’t hear it when I am carrying it, and it’s only apparent if I purposefully shake the knife. Not a deal breaker at all, but still worth mentioning.

Overall, the Whidbey has proven to be a reliable knife for everyone who needs one.

Whidbey Mini

The overarching theme that I can’t shake in testing the Whidbey is that, though I think this knife is great for anyone, a youngster could really benefit from it. In form, function, and materials, it’s the kind of knife that will spoil a kid, without breaking the bank.

That said, UCO makes a Mini version of the Whidbey. It has all of the same desirable aspects of the Whidbey, with an overall length an inch shorter. This makes the Mini more manageable for smaller hands.

Food for thought.

In Conclusion

We’ve seen considerable growth in the affordable knife market, but price isn’t the only thing that makes a knife accessible. Features like a push-button lock, reliable materials, and simple but effective ergonomics play a crucial role in making a knife what it is. Making that knife a flipper is chef’s kiss.

With the Whidbey, UCO has created a line of knives that cover all the bases when it comes to what you need in a good knife. That includes being affordable. Whether you decide to use it as an EDC knife or the knife you throw in your camp kit and carry for your next family adventure is your call.

However, I am here to tell you it’ll do the job in both settings. I have stated a few times in this article that I think this knife could be great for our younger knife users. I mean that. As a society, we’re moving away from carrying knives as a norm. But if you want your kids to be safe in the outdoors, a knife is a necessity.

That being said, I would tell you to consider the Whidbey. I would tell anyone who is thinking of getting into carrying a knife — and whatever capacity — to consider the Whidbey. UCO took all the best aspects of all the best knives and found a way to make them accessible for everyone. I’m going to miss carrying this dandy of a blade. But I know my niece will love it!

The Best Pocket Knives of 2025

We reviewed the best pocket knives of 2025 with options for every budget. Top picks include Knafs, CIVIVI, and more. Read more…

REI: Up to 50% Off

REI’s 4th of July sale is live, and it’s got deals on everything from camp chairs to paddleboards. Score 20% off any full-price YETI item, including the bestselling Tundra 35 cooler. Other deals include discounts on Cannondale bikes and Coleman tents.

Mountain Hardwear: Up to 30% Off

Visit Mountain Hardwear’s site to take advantage of its big summer sale. Replenish your summer wardrobe with lightweight shorts, shirts, and sun hoodies made with breathable, UPF-blocking fabric. Packs ranging in size from 18 L to 65 L are also on sale.

Sea to Summit: 50% Off All Tents

Whether you’re a diehard ultralighter or all about comfort, Sea to Summit has a tent for you, and during its Fourth of July sale, they’re all half off.

The two-person Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent clocks in at just 3 pounds, 11 ounces, but still has plenty of living space. Sea to Summit also makes a version of the Telos that’s specifically designed for bikepacking.

Black Diamond: Up to 70% Off

Whether you’re a climber, hiker, or skier, there’s a fantastic deal awaiting you at Black Diamond. Everything from approach shoes to skis to headlamps is on sale.

Don’t miss the chance to grab one of the brand’s best sets of lightweight hiking poles, the Distance Carbon Z, at half off.

Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover: 30% Off

Patagonia’s Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover is a classic, and now you can get it at a bargain. This stylish, cozy jacket comes in an array of colors and patterns.

Go neutral with navy and brown, or embrace bold patterns inspired by the ocean. Whatever jacket you choose, rest assured that it will last for years to come.

Chaco: 30% Off

Chaco, one of the OG outdoor sandal brands, is having a big summer sale, with 30% off everything sitewide. Go with the classic Z/1, one of our favorite adventure sandals, or grab a sophisticated leather pair that works just as well for date night as it does for the trail.

And don’t forget that Chaco makes a whole line of stylish, supportive Chelsea boots, too.

Scarpa Rush Trail GTX: 30% Off

Scarpa’s Rush Trail GTX is one tough hiking shoe, with ample support, sticky rubber for grip, and a waterproof finish that is ready for all kinds of terrain.

We reviewed the mid-ankle version and appreciated how lightweight it was; this low-ankle version is even more nimble. The men’s and women’s versions are both available for a steep discount and ready to conquer the trail.

Gregory Paragon Backpacks: 25% Off

Gregory’s Paragon pack was our best all-around backpack for 2025. We loved the breathable mesh back panel and supportive, cushioned hip belt.

Now, all of the pack’s sizes, including 48L, 58L, and 68L, are 25% off. Set your fall backpacking season up for success with this five-star pack.

Get ready to fire up the summer adventures: REI’s annual Fourth of July Deals are back with big savings on outdoor equipment and apparel. Whether you’re gearing up for paddling, climbing, biking, or camping, this sale is a great way to stock up everything you need for epic summertime outings on the cheap.

Keep reading to see some of the best deals available. Or head to REI.com to browse the full list of discounted offerings.

REI Member Benefits

REI rewards its loyal customers with exclusive deals, early access to limited-edition items, and expert advice from its staff of passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a look at the best perks that come with an REI Co-op membership:

• 10% back annually on eligible purchases
• 5% additional rewards for purchases made with the REI Co-op Mastercard (see full terms and conditions)
• Free U.S. standard shipping with no minimum purchase requirement
• Discounts on REI classes and events
• 20% savings on bike and snow shop services
• Up to 33% savings on gear rentals
• Access to Re/Supply to shop and trade in used gear

Plus, from June 27 through July 10, REI Co-op members earn $30 in card rewards and a $100 REI gift card when approved for the REI Co-op Mastercard.

If you’re not already a member, you can sign up now and enjoy the bonus offer.

Kayaks & Paddleboards on Sale at REI

BOTE WULF Aero Inflatable SUP 10’4″ With MagnaPod: $399 (28% Off)

Stable and beginner-friendly, the BOTE WULF Aero Inflatable SUP 10′4″ is designed for easy cruising on calm waters. The board is constructed from lightweight yet durable AeroULTRA PVC and features a full-length foam pad covering the 34-inch-wide deck.

Quickly inflate the board using the included pump. Then, attach the removable center fin, lash your gear to the bungee storage, and you’re ready to hit the water. When not in use, the board and included paddle pack into a backpack-style carrying bag.

See GearJunkie’s full review of the BOTE WULF Aero SUP for more details. Plus, save 15% on other select BOTE paddleboards and 40% on BOTE Breeze Aero BLOOM inflatable paddle boards during the sale.

Oru Kayak Beach LT 12’1″: $959 (20% Off)

Apartment dwellers and anyone with limited storage space, rejoice. Inspired by origami — the art of folding paper — the Oru Kayak Beach LT 12’1″ folds out of a compact 33 x 29 x 12-inch package and, in approximately 3 minutes, transforms into a water-worthy vessel. GearJunkie called this design “origami kayaking at its best.”

Durable, rigorously tested two-layer polypropylene material makes the kayak puncture- and abrasion-resistant for reliable outdoor use. The design has an open cockpit with a cushioned, adjustable footrest and backrest. Bulkheads and tension straps create structure and added rigidity.

A wide, 29-inch beam provides stability on the water and creates a comfortable ride for paddlers of all levels. At 25 pounds, the kayak is easy to lift and quick on the water.

Save 20% on all Oru kayaks and accessories during the sale.

Kokopelli Nirvana Self-Bailing Packraft With TiZip Storage: $1,159 (20% Off)

Charge down Class I-III rapids with confidence in the Kokopelli Nirvana Self-Bailing packraft. Made from lightweight yet durable thermoplastic polyurethane, this inflatable vessel balances stability with a compact size for easy transport.

Customizable features like leg straps and adjustable, removable back support ensure comfort on the water. A built-in chamber with a waterproof TiZip zipper lets you stash gear out of the way so you have more room to maneuver. Drainage holes and the full-length inflatable floor work in tandem to automatically let out excess water. At 9.2 pounds, this portable boat packs down to the size of a sleeping bag, making it perfect for backcountry trips.

Save 20% on all Kokopelli kayaks, packrafts, and accessories during the sale.

Climbing Gear on Sale at REI

Metolius Session II Crash Pad: $149 (25% Off)

With several updates compared to the original design, the Metolius Session II crash pad makes bouldering safety smoother than ever. Two new drag handles allow for easier positioning, while a redesigned flap closure system keeps carrying straps out of the way when you’re working on a problem.

Like the original, the crash pad’s tough exterior fabric holds up to regular use outdoors. Padded shoulder straps help make the transport from car to crag and back easy.

Save 25% on all Metolius climbing gear during the sale.

Petzl NEOX Assisted Blocking Belay Device: $112 (25% Off)

Take your belay game to the next level with the Petzl Neox. Optimized for lead climbing at the gym or the crag, this device expertly balances the demands of feeding slack and catching falls.

An integrated wheel allows the belayer to smoothly and quickly pay out slack to the climber. When the climber falls or weights the system, the rope tightens, the wheel stops spinning. Then the cam pivots to pinch and block the rope for a more comfortable belay with some leeway for the brake-side hand position, regardless of the angle between the climber and the brake side of the rope. The ergonomic handle gives the belayer easy access to unblock the rope for a comfortable, controlled descent.

The Neox is optimized for 8.9 to 10.5mm dynamic single ropes but can accommodate ropes ranging from 8.5 to 11 mm.

Read GearJunkie’s full review of the Petzl NEOX for more details. Plus, save 25% on all Petzl climbing gear during the sale.

Bikes & Cycling Gear on Sale at REI

Co-op Cycles DRT e1.1 Electric Mountain Bike: $2,559 (20% Off)

The Co-op Cycles DRT e1.1 electric mountain bike offers trail-ready performance with an added power boost. A Class 1 mid-drive motor with assist and PowerTube 500 battery lets riders reach speeds up to 20 mph. The microSHIFT ADVENT 9-speed drivetrain offers a capable and versatile range for any trail.

Built on a durable aluminum hardtail frame, the bike features an SR Suntour XCM32 fork with 32mm stanchions that deliver 100 mm of travel for a smooth ride on dirt and gravel.

Connect the bike’s smart system to the eBike Flow mobile app to track power usage and ride stats, tune settings, and sync with platforms like Strava. Change modes and keep track of ride data on the go using the Bosch Kiox 200 handlebar display.

Save 20% on all Co-op Cycles DRT mountain bikes for adults during the sale.

Cannondale Quick CX 1: $1,039 (20% Off)

With multi-surface tires and bump-absorbing suspension, the Cannondale Quick CX 1 bike offers a versatile ride on pavement, gravel, and light trails. This hybrid design features an upright, mountain-bike-inspired riding position to help riders maintain control and stay comfortable on mixed-terrain adventures.

A redesigned, custom fork crown seamlessly flows into the head tube for a smooth, refined look and 50 mm of front suspension travel. The Shimano 1x drivetrain provides a wide range of gear ratios while keeping things simple, efficient, and easy to maintain.

Save 20% on all Cannondale bikes (excludes e-bikes) and 50% on all Cannondale bike helmets during the sale.

Road Trip & Car Camping Gear on Sale at REI

YETI Tundra Coolers: Starting at $219 (20% Off for REI Co-op Members)

Be prepared for camping adventures, family picnics, and days on the water with the YETI Tundra Coolers. Available in 35L, 45L, 65L, and wheeled models, these coolers are built to keep food and beverage stashes cold on the toughest adventures thanks to ultra-durable rotomolded polyethylene construction. Thick PermaFrost insulation offers superior ice retention and can even accommodate dry ice — keeping the cooler’s contents cold for days.

All models feature a freezer-grade gasket and a leak-resistant drain plug to help regulate temperature and remove excess water. Tie-down slots, rope handles, recessed grips, and non-slip feet provide easy solutions to carry and secure the cooler.

The Tundra 35 offers enough space for day trips or small outings. For added space to accommodate weekend getaways, opt for the Tundra 45, which took the top spot in GearJunkie’s Best Coolers of 2025 list. When you need to maximize your carrying capacity, the Tundra 65 provides enough room for extended trips or larger groups.

REI Co-op members save 20% on one full-price YETI item during the sale.

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair: $69 (30% Off)

At just 1 pound, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair is a no-brainer for comfortable backcountry camping. This new design is modeled after the beloved Flexlite Chair but comes in a lighter, more compact design thanks to optimizations in the hubs and seat.

The four-leg aluminum frame has a shock-corded hub-and-pole design for quick and easy setup. A sturdy ripstop nylon seat supports up to 250 pounds. All components pack down into the included carry bag.

Check out GearJunkie’s review of the Flexlite Air Chair for full details. Plus, save 30% on all REI Co-op Flexlite chairs, replacement seats, and stools during the sale.

Coleman Skylodge Tents: Starting at $179 (25% Off)

Whether you’re camping for the first time or just want a tent with a quick and easy setup, the Coleman Skylodge tents — available in 4P, 6P, and 8P models — have you covered. These fast-pitch tents feature intuitive telescoping poles that pop up into a ready-to-use shelter in about a minute.

All sizes include large awning-style doors and mesh storage pockets. Coleman’s WeatherTec system and the tent’s sturdy frame, which can withstand winds up to 35 mph, create a durable, water-resistant construction. A built-in electrical port gives an added home-away-from-home feel.

Save 25% on select Coleman gear during the sale.

This post is sponsored by REI Co-op.

Knockaround has some of our favorite budget sunglasses of 2025 — one-off styles, funky colors, and sport-ready performance serve up hard-to-beat value.

And today, Friday, June 27, that value may be unbeatable with sport models up to 50% off.

Flash Sale: Knockaround Performance Sunglasses Up to Half Off

All Knockaround glasses offer full sun protection from UVA and UVB rays alongside water- and oil-resistant lenses. The glasses’ adjustable rubberized nose pads and flexible arms stop them from slipping, even during sweaty runs and bike rides.

Some models come with the brand’s signature Knockterra lenses, which allow for enhanced depth perception in sports like pickleball, where quick reaction time counts. The Knockterra+ lenses come with an additional color-enhancing filter. If you’re the kind of golfer who is always scrounging to look for their ball in the rough, then these would be the lenses for you.

The lenses on the Vortex High Stakes, which are 20% off on Friday, have special protection against saltwater, making them a great choice for fishing or the beach.

Style It Out

And for the style-minded, Knockaround certainly isn’t afraid to take some swings when it comes to colors (take the Ice Cream Truck line, for example). Its sport and performance pairs come in a variety of designs, like the Campeones, a modern, wraparound style, or the ultra-classic Torrey Pines Sport, which are at a 50% discount.

The more modest can keep it neutral with standard black or white frames, and others can go bold with House Party (a neon pink and turquoise option) or Rocket Pop (an electric red, white, and blue option).

Lenses come in a variety of colors, from gray to neon orange to rainbow. If you can’t find a style that fits your personality, you’re not looking hard enough. Shop the whole line today for up to 50% off on Knockaround’s site.

This week, one lucky winner will receive a Midland radio bundle. The bundle includes a radio, antenna system, and speaker valued at $680 combined.

Enter now for your chance to win!

More on the Prize Package

Midland makes several FRS-only radios but is growing its line of powerful GMRS for communicating over long distances and rugged terrain. These are popular among overlanders, hunters, and hikers. These radios also help receive weather and emergency alerts for preparedness.

This bundle of Midland communications gear will come in handy for close-up tasks like navigating a road or long-range communications across a forest, ranch, or mountain.

MicroMobile GMRS 50-Watt Two-Way Radio MXT575 ($400): Midland’s MXT575 boasts the highest GMRS power allowed by law with 50 W, a hideaway radio unit, eight split-tone repeater channels, narrow or wide bandwidths, and access to alerts and emergency updates from the National Weather Service.

MicroMobile Highland 3dB Gain Heavy-Duty Bull Bar Antenna System ($230): This antenna brings 3 dB of signal output to your rig and provides reliable communication in areas with obstructions. It stands 28.5 inches tall and has an interchangeable spring base for heavy-duty installation.

Mini External Speaker ($50): A compact speaker for easy mounting, the SPKMINI has an IP67 waterproof rating, produces 10 W (8 Ohms) of sound, and is compatible with a standard 3.5mm audio plug.

More on the Brand

Midland Radio Corporation began in 1959 as a Kansas City company making two-way radios, weather radios, and emergency radios. It was the first CB (Citizens Band) radio manufacturer in the United States and, more recently, has moved into FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios. It also produces weather radios with NOAA weather alerts and emergency radios.

These devices, and several accessories, provide communications across large expanses of land. They are popular among ranchers, construction workers, hunters, overlanders, and other outdoor recreationists.

Be sure to check back every Friday for a new giveaway.
Want the giveaway in your inbox? Sign up here.

“How about now?” 15 miles is a long distance for most walkie-talkies, but my voice was still coming in clear, transmitting from the Midland GXT67 Pro. Granted, this radio isn’t just any walkie-talkie, but a repeater-capable GMRS unit, and by leveraging a little radio know-how, it was booming over the heads of lesser handhelds.

The GXT67 Pro is the top of the line from the brand, and finally adds the ability to use repeaters — basically, remote signal amplifiers — which can greatly extend your range. Besides that, Midland gave the radio the full treatment, making it fully waterproof, boasting a long battery life, and giving it a user interface that doesn’t require a manual to figure out.

I folded the GXT67 into my everyday communication needs for a month and took it everywhere, from truck camping to whitewater paddling trips and scouting recent wildfire burns looking for morel mushrooms. Here’s what I learned about this little powerhouse communicator.

In short: The new Midland GXT67 Pro is likely the best handheld radio the brand has ever made. Despite some room for improvement, it makes a compelling case for getting a simple GMRS license and really leveraging these little radios’ power.

Looking for a new set of walkie-talkies? To see how the GXT67 Pro stacks up against the rest of the market today, check out GearJunkie’s Best Walkie-Talkies Buyer’s Guide.

Midland GXT67 Pro

$200 at Midland Radio$200 at Amazon

7.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Radio Class: GMRS
• Channels: 22 + 8 repeaters
• Privacy Codes: 142 (CTCSS and DCS)
• Frequency Range: 462-467 MHz
• Wattage: 0.5 W, 5 W
• Battery Capacity: Rechargeable 2,500 mAh Li-ion
• Dimensions: 8" x 1.2" x 2.2"
• Waterproof Rating: IP67 waterproof
• Weight: 10 oz.

Pros

• Repeater-capable GMRS radio
• Large capacity battery
• Very user-friendly menu set and usage
• Rugged IP67 build

Cons

• Non-removable battery and antenna
• Clunky belt clip
• Can't charge radio directly, and needs a separate charging dock

Nick Belcaster

Midland GXT67 Pro: Review

The Midland GXT67 Pro walkie-talkie looks like business. It’s actually wild that it’s taken this long to produce a walkie that doesn’t look like a lifesize G.I. Joe accessory, but credit where credit is due: the GXT67 looks slick. 

This radio is more than a pretty face, however. Shipping in a foam-lined case that’s reminiscent of a lower-protection Pelican case, the GXT67 is ready to rumble. Rated at IP67 water- and dust-proof (thus the name), this radio is far from a toy and can be fully submerged up to 3 feet for 30 minutes.

As a GMRS radio, you’ll need to obtain a license from the FCC to operate it, but the process is dead simple, and once you’ve got one, you’re set for 10 years. Do that, and you’ve got access to all 5 W the GXT67 Pro is capable of transmitting (double what your FRS radios can push) and, new for Midland, access to GMRS repeaters. Here’s what I learned about the handheld over a few weeks of use.

GMRS Repeater Ready

When I’ve previously used GMRS radios from Midland (the GXT1000VP4), I was dismayed to see that while those handhelds hosted the full 5W power output that GMRS radios can sport, the radios weren’t repeater-capable. No longer on the GXT67 Pro — this radio is repeater-ready.

A repeater is best thought of as a remote amplifier station, picking up your signal and boosting it with more transmission power to get your voice out to a much wider audience. Radio nerds across the country (and indeed the world) have set up and operate these stations, sometimes for public use, and sometimes for private.

The GXT67 Pro is Midland’s first handheld to access this functionality, and it does so excellently. To test this, I keyed up the local GMRS repeater, which corresponded to channel 23 on the radio. I was about 3 miles from the antenna, which is mounted atop a 500-foot hill here in town. 

Three miles was no problem getting into the repeater, and even after moving out to 15 miles, I could still get my signal in enough to be able to have it picked up by my partner on the other side of town. A good showing for the GXT67.

Rugged Comms for Long Range: Rocky Talkie 5W Radio Review

The Rockie Talkie 5-Watt Radio proved reliable in some extremely rough, tough backcountry and high alpine missions. They're now an essential piece of my kit for long-range communication. Read more…

Head to Head With the Rocky Talkie 5-Watt Radio

GMRS radios are having a bit of a moment. The small fuss you’ll need to navigate in securing a license from the FCC opens up a great bit more communication power, which also means there are plenty of stellar GMRS handhelds out there currently.

One of those is the Rocky Talkie 5-Watt Radio ($180), a radio that I’ve used extensively. Specing out at IP67, 5 W of transmission power, and also repeater-capable, the two handhelds are fairly similar, but they do have some notable differences: For one, the Rocky Talkie supports a removable antenna and battery, as well as a better optional hand mic.

The GXT67 Pro, on the other hand, incorporates automatic noise cancelling into its microphone, and the display is far more refined than the Rocky Talkie, relaying a good bit more information. This interface is also user-customizable (using a separately available AVP34 cable), but even without this functionality, I found the menus very easy to navigate through.

To accurately test the GXT67 Pro, I set it head-to-head with the Rocky Talkie to see where it excelled and where it still has some room to improve. First off was a range test, where I aimed to challenge the GXT67 in both unobstructed and complex terrain. This took the form of some wide-open farmland, as well as some dense forest in the hills outside of town.

In the flatland test, the Midland radio was able to transmit a mostly clear signal up to 8 miles and 3 miles in the forest, compared to the Rocky Talkie, which could hit 9 miles and 3, respectively. Pretty even results, all things considered.

An Impressive Battery Life — With One Flaw

Midland equipped the GXT67 Pro with a reserve tank of battery — a 2,500 mAh Li-ion cell that’ll net you around 4 days of solid use, Midland reports. My testing showed that this was just about right on the money, and that keeping the radio in a lower power output will get you even more run time.

The battery itself, however, isn’t removable and instead sealed into the radio. Midland reasons this provides a better waterproof package in the long term and notes that lithium-ion cells have a long lifespan on their own. Both are solid points, but the fact that you can pop the battery out on the Rocky Talkie 5-Watt and it’s rated at the same IP67 puts the GXT67 a bit on the back foot.

There’s also some functionality you’re missing out on. Some users may want to purchase a second battery to hot swap into the radio without waiting the 4 hours it’ll take to fully recharge the unit. And, while lithium-ion cells do last a long time, they aren’t infallible, and eventually will start to degrade. Once that happens, you’ll likely be done with the radio anyway, but it’s something to consider.

Offroad Ready?

Somehow, the GXT67 Pro doesn’t support a user-removable antenna — one of the features that distinguishes FCC-rated GMRS radios from FRS units, and for many, a big deal. Namely: off-roaders and overlanders. 

Those who rig up GMRS radios in their rigs for trail rides will know that running a small, magnetic antenna on their roof and into a base unit in the cab is the way to go. Midland even offers a range of different antennas and mounts. However, these are aimed at the brand’s line of MicroMobile radios, which are more permanently mounted units.

That said, I did run the GXT67 Pro as a mobile rig radio for a few days, and the results weren’t half-bad. When used side-by-side with the Rocky Talkie (running the brand’s stock 7.5cm antenna), results were similar from the driver’s seat of my truck. However, when I switched to the 17cm Rocky Talkie antenna, the 5-Watt radio did pull away a bit in terms of transmission and reception clarity.

The included car charging dock certainly shows that Midland was thinking of off-roaders when building the GXT67 Pro, but I’d love to see some refining in this area in the future.

Midland GXT67 Pro: Conclusion

Quibbles aside, the Midland GXT67 Pro is a solid GMRS radio, and certainly the best handheld from the brand so far. Its form factor blows the others in the GXT line away, and the IP67 rating is the real deal when it comes to a radio that can be run hard and put away wet. 

Compared to the Rocky Talkie 5-Watt, the GXT67 Pro is a radio I’d see using more often in less austere environments (the 5-Watt, for example, is my whitewater paddling radio of choice). Not because it can’t hang in tough conditions, but because it’s simply a larger radio that’ll take up some more space.

Instead, the Midland radio excels when it comes to ease of use, battery life, and keying up repeaters when aiming to communicate across long or complex distances. The GXT67 Pro is a radio that’s easy to put into someone’s hands and quickly instruct them on usage, and there’s certainly a high technical ceiling to grow into.

The Best Walkie-Talkies of 2025

A solid set of walkie-talkies can be essential for good backcountry comms, and we've tested the spread to nail down the best for your next adventure. Read more…