Ortovox

Latest Reviews

240 HD PFA

This is a good stiff avalanche probe that has all the basic features you would expect in a backcountry avalanche probe. I have had the Ortovox 240 HD PFA avalanche probe for several years and carry it whenever I go into the backcountry here in the Cascades when avalanche conditions are present. The basic probe is 240 cm long (94.5 inches), 13 mm in diameter (.51 inches) and it weighs 12.5 ounces. The probe comes with a nylon case that has a unique closure system. The closure system is opened by… Full review

Arctic Mitts

The boiled wool Ortovox Arctic Mitts are an excellent alternative to bulky ski gloves or down expedition mitts. They work great teamed with a pair of thin liners and a pair of shell mitts for even more warmth. Mittens are warmer than gloves due to the additional space they provide. I am often out in temperatures around 10–15℉/-9–-12℃ in the winter. I run warm generally and am usually out of the wind, but I do deal with Raynaud’s disease. This means my clothing is pretty low profile as… Full review

Thunder 35

Low profile, alpine climbing pack. I bought this pack on closeout at Sierra Trading Post and after using it for a month, I was sad I hadn't picked up a second. I was motivated to buy this pack after doing some multi-pitch climbing at Devils Tower and having trouble looking up because I kept hitting my head on my old REI pack. I have used this Ortovox as my go-to everyday pack as a way to try it out and really get to know it, and so far I have been immensely impressed. It has a full side zip that… Full review

Free Rider 16

This pack has many great features for its size including ice axe attachments, a helmet carry, and a nice comfortable waist strap. My problem with it is that it does not hold my Ortovox 320cm probe very well. It does fit in the pack, but if the probe is placed in the designated probe sleeve, the tip is poking into the fabric, which makes my worry about the pack tearing. I returned this pack on account of this problem, and got the Dakine Heli 11L, which does not have designated avalanche gear pockets,… Full review

Free Rider 16

Out of the box, this pack was amazing. I was a bit skeptical of the wide waist belt but after using the pack for AT trips, it was the right choice. The 16 is a bit to small for my taste. It has external helmet storage and a decent ski strap system. The zippers are durable and so is the fabric. The zipper waterproofing tape seems a bit cheap though. All in all this is a great pack for the price. Has some nice unique features, like the spine protection system. I would not pay more than $80 for this… Full review