The Loam Wolf

When a product lands on a “Top Gear of the Year” list, it usually means something special happened behind the scenes—countless rides, real-world testing, and a piece of equipment that genuinely stood out. For 2025, that honor went to the High Above Venture 3D Hip Pack, recognized by The Loam Wolf as one of the standout products of the year.

And honestly? We couldn’t be more stoked.

Comfort That Changes the Game

In their annual highlights, The Loam Wolf didn’t just praise the Venture 3D—they called it the most comfortable hip pack they’ve ever used. High praise in a category where comfort can make or break a ride.

“Carrying on with the comfort theme, the High Above Venture 3D might be the most comfortable hip pack I’ve had the pleasure of using. More than just a gimmick, the Carbon3D pad provides comfort and breathability that make this hip pack a pleasure to use.”

The secret lies in the Carbon3D-printed back panel, engineered to increase airflow while maintaining stability against your body. This isn’t tech for tech’s sake—it’s a functional leap forward that keeps the pack planted, breathable, and nearly invisible on long rides.

Simple, Smart, and Purpose-Built

Beyond comfort, the Venture 3D shines in its simplicity. The Fidlock-secured flap system allows for quick, one-handed access, making it easy to grab what you need without breaking rhythm on the trail.

The Loam Wolf also highlighted how dialed the storage feels:

“I appreciate its simplicity, too, with the Fidlock-secured flap design making for a quick and easy pack to get in and out of. And you can stuff just enough snacks and tools inside to support my typical rides.”

No excess bulk. No wasted space. Just the essentials—right where you want them.

A Leap Forward for Hip Packs

Making this list wasn’t accidental. The Venture 3D represents years of iteration, testing, and commitment to pushing packs beyond what they’ve traditionally been. High Above took a leap—investing in new materials, new manufacturing methods, and a new vision for comfort and stability on the bike.

That dedication paid off.

Being recognized by The Loam Wolf as a top product of 2025 validates the work, the risk, and the belief that hip packs could be better.

Watch the Full Feature

You can read Rob’s full highlights article on The Loam Wolf and watch the Venture 3D segment in their video breakdown here:

• 🔗 Rob’s Highlights of the Year 2025:

  https://theloamwolf.com/features/robs-highlights-of-the-year-2025/

• ▶️ YouTube Feature (Venture 3D segment):

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKP3RQ_DWpA&t=194s

Big thanks to The Loam Wolf crew for the recognition—and to every rider who’s trusted High Above gear on their rides. This one means a lot.