CCOutdoorStore.com Blog

Congratulations Kahtoola!

2012-01-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

It's been a tough year to be selling snowshoes, but we've had to repeatedly reorder Kahtoola Microspikes to help folks deal with all the ice. We've been touting the excellent performance and benefits of Microspikes for the last year (see our Microspikes blog from last winter.) Now others have taken notice! The editors of Backpacker Magazine just honored Kahtoola with an Editor's Choice Award at last week's Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City. READ MORE.

2012-01-22T14:37:00.000-08:00

Zamberlan--the Italian boot-maker--donated $1500 of Zamberlan hiking boots to help Vermont victims of Tropical Storm Irene. The boots raced out of the store in no time as our store sits on the state highway running along the Winooski river which jumped its banks on August 28th and inundated the village of Waterbury, Vermont. While no damage was done to the store, many of our loyal customers lost just about everything on and below their first floors in a matter of hours. Four months later many--but far from all-- have been able to occupy their homes again, most still have long punch lists of projects to pull their homes back together. Thank you Zamberlan for your help in getting our community back on its feet. For updated info on flood recovery efforts in Waterbury, check out the ReBuild Waterbury website.

Z What? Z3.

2012-01-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Zeal Z3 ski goggle further blurs the line between life and the video game. By far Zeal's Z3 is the coolest toy in our store. The Z3 ski goggle combines state-of-the-art military Recon GPS technology with Zeal's high quality photochromatic optics. You read correctly...GPS. Speed. Altitude. Distance. There in your goggle's view finder with the touch of a button.

You've probably read the great reviews of Zeal's goggle optics over the years...but if you've actually tried on a pair of Z3 you are one of the few. These came to market late in 2011 without the same hype and fanfare as their big brothers the Zeal Transcend goggles. If you want a taste of Zeal's cutting edge, innovative style check out their Mission Impossible like Z3 Goggle YouTube release. If you just want the plain vanilla overview of features check out the Z3 page on our site.

Green Mountain Club Snowshoe Festival 2012

2012-01-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

It's always fun to head out on the trail with a group of folks and discover someplace new. The Green Mountain Club Snowshoe Festival on February 4, 2012 gives you the chance to do just that. This year the 16th Annual Snowshoe Festival promises to be bigger than ever with live music after the day's adventures to go with the always fun bonfire & hot cocoa. New seminars during the day include a dog sled workshop and live V.I.N.S. owl &/or hawk presentation.

Plus the Snowshoe Festival is a great way to try on snowshoes from different brands. We'll be there along with other local shops helping folks demo different snowshoes. For the event we'll be bringing along our MSR snowshoes and Crescent Moon snowshoes so you can find out how each excels in different ways. We also like to bring along our Jetboil Flash Stove to show off how cool this can be for a hot drink at trailside. So come join the fun on February 4th at the Green Mountain Club Visitor Center on Rt. 100 in Waterbury.

Let it Snow.

2012-01-13T05:40:00.000-08:00

FINALLY. We're seeing a healthy snowfall in the forecast for this evening into Saturday morning. As I typed this sentence the freezing rain turned to snow...hopefully for good as we look for 6 to possibly 10 inches of snow on Northern Vermont's higher summits. To follow the improving snow conditions, I like to listen to and watch the Eye of the Sky Forecast...a good detailed way to cut through the hype that often comes with resort's own snow reports. It's looking good for breaking out the snowshoes tomorrow.

SALE: Boots, Poles & Mitts oh My!

2012-01-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

Winter boots, ski poles, gloves, and mitts are all on sale thru Monday 1/16. SAVE 20% this weekend. Choose from our selection of Lowa Winter Boots, Black Diamond Poles, and Outdoor Research Gloves and Mitts. Take advantage of some great bargains over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend.

Out with the old, in with the new.

2012-01-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

We're just wrapping up our end-of-the-year inventory count and have made some interesting finds: caches of old inventory we didn't realize we were sitting on. There should be a lot of deals popping up in our clearance section on old gear to go along with sales on new winter inventory. Stay tuned for more....

The Perfect Gift

2011-12-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me...the perfect gift...a pair of Zeal GPS ski goggles. You may not have heard about these in the 14 months since they've come out, but these are one of the hottest gifts for the gear guy who needs his fix on the latest new technology. Yes, we've been raving about them since we first laid our hands on a prototype nearly two years ago and you can go back in the blog to hear what we were saying a year ago. But now they're even better.

New software on the Zeal Transcend SPX and SPPX ski goggles gives the user better functionality and for users with smaller faces, the Zeal Z3 solves the only complaint we ever heard about the Transcend: that it was too big. There's not enough room here to get into all the technical features, but if you know a boy who likes his toys you won't go wrong here.

It's not too late.

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner but with expedited shipping you can still get that last minute gift from CCOutdoorStore.com in time. Call us at 855-244-GEAR and we'll let you know what it will cost to drop that perfect gift under your tree via overnight or two day shipping. For great gift ideas review the last eight days of blogs or check out some of the new winter arrivals on our home page.

Ready for the Storm

2011-12-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

Anyone involved in alpine pursuits needs to be prepared to weather a storm. A bivy offers just the sort of lightweight shelter that can make a trip a success and even save a life. With more and more people getting out into the backcountry we've seen more and more new bivys and tents catering to mountain adventurers. This year we've seen a lot of interest in two bivys in particular: the Integral Design Wedge Bivy and the RAB summit mountain bivy.

The Integral Designs Wedge Bivy is a radical low profile structure maximizing the benefits of high quality waterproof-breathable EVENT fabric. Designed for one--but roomy enough for two in an emergency--the Wedge Bivy offers bombproof shelter in a tiny package.

A little roomier, but just as bombproof is RAB's summit mountain bivy tent. The Summit Mountain bivy may be unique in that it has 2 sealed ‘donut link’ tie in points, located at top and side; perfect for climbers who need to stay clipped in to a harness overnight. You simply won't find a better single-walled alpine mountaineering set up.

Finally....

2011-12-19T17:34:00.000-08:00

It looks like old man winter is finally here. This may be just the excuse you need to get NEW Lowa Snow Boots. We've been carrying sheepskin boots from Koolaburra for years, but these are more fashion than function. With Lowa's winter boots you get great looks and performance.

Inset left is Lowa's Paganella boot. The Paganella is a women's snow boot that is super-warm, waterproof, slim-fitting, and stylish. What distinguishes these boots is the solid sole and traction giving tread.

Also new in the line this year is the Lowa Alagna, super toasty and waterproof. These high shaft snow boots utilize LOWA’s exclusive Monowrap® technology which wraps the foot in a lightweight, comfortable, and supportive frame.

Another good looking winter boot is the Lowa Lavaia GTX Hi Women's Snow Boot. Like its sisters the Lavaia offers the protection of a GoreTex lining and excellent traction on ice and snow. Get yours before the next big storm!

Get Down...Get Down.

2011-12-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

On the floor baby. That's right. The holidays are a time to break out the sleeping pads and camping mattresses. With all the new comfy air mattresses out their I've found that I'm more comfortable on the floor than the spare beds at our extended families' homes.

When I'm traveling light I go with my Thermarest NeoAir (pictured above). Smaller than a Nalgene bottle and less than a pound you can take this with you anywhere. But frankly when space isn't an issue Nemo's Cosmo Air Pad with Pillowtop Sleep System just can't be beat. It's an horizontal air pad like the NeoAir, but with an inch of foam on top and a washable microfiber cover. You get the even get a built-it foot pump to make set-up a snap. While it costs as much as a cheap mattress, it's the perfect guest bed that is easy to store and is great for camping.

But if you're really looking for luxury--or trying to convince your spouse/partner that camping is not so bad--then a full size Kelty air mattress is the way to go. Other than having to get up and down on the ground, you really don't sacrifice much over a real bed. Now's the time to get yourself set-up for a good night sleep...on the floor.

Seven Degrees

2011-12-18T05:44:00.000-08:00

It's only 7 degrees out on this 7th day of the Christmas blog and the ground here in Vermont is coated in a light layer of white fluffy stuff. Perfect weather to be thinking about winter gloves.

If you're like me you've accumulated quite a collection of gloves for different uses, think alpine ski gloves, backcountry ski gloves, etc. The only problem is that too often I went cheap and got what a paid for...gloves that made it through a season or two. I've laid out my assortment and have vowed to clean out and replace the junk with one (or two) pairs of high quality gloves that will last more than two years. So I'm excited we've gotten a big load of Outdoor Research gloves and mitts and Black Diamond gloves and mitts to choose from. Whether you're looking for a lightweight everyday winter glove, ski gloves, or expedition highcamp mitts, we can help you keep you're hands warm in gloves that will last!

New Goggles from Julbo

2011-12-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

Now would be the time to order up some of the newest ski goggles for your upcoming ski vacation. For peak performance check out the Julbo Orbiter Goggles with Zebra Photochromic lenses. The Zebra® photochromic lens is an unsurpassed optics technology that changes the lenses from category 2 to 4 in less than 22 seconds. Light enough to see in night skiing conditions and excellent for flat-light conditions, these are the goggles that you will want to be wearing in all extreme conditions.

Looking for some out of the ordinary performance ski goggles? Look to Julbo's Glenak Goggles with Camel Lens for pro performance with an attitude. If nothing else follow the link to watch two of the world's best ripping it up!

Five Gold Rings

2011-12-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

Crescent Moon's Gold Series Snowshoes would have had top billing on this 5th of the last 12 Shipping Days before XMAS. However there are six Gold models and not five, so something told me I should focus on the literal "gold ring" concept instead of the "gold" medal you might win wearing a pair of Gold 12 Running Snowshoes.

Momentum Watch Company's Alter Ego watch really offers a more interesting "gold ring" connection. The Alter Ego watch offers a new take on the trendy circular watch face style. Momentum figured out a way to create an interchangeable top ring/bezel that securely locks in place but is simple to change out. Available in 8 bright metallic eye popping colors, the Alter Ego's top rings might just be "gold" for that special someone you're still shopping for.

Give a Jetboil Gear Upgrade!

2011-12-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

Still looking for the perfect gift for your favorite gear guy? One of the great new gear improvements of the year was the Jetboil Sol premium cooking system. OK. Maybe there could have been a better tag line. Cold weather cooker, super fast pack stove, or ultralight canister stove would at least have given more insight into what the Sol is all about. But however you describe it, the Jetboil Sol is convenient, clean, compact, and cold compatible.

For as little at 8.5 oz--in a package a little bigger than a 20 oz. Nalgene bottle--you get a neat self contained stove that fits easily into any hiking backpack or daypack. And instead of suffering with temperamental performance as temps go down, you can have a stove that performs consistently down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The Jetboil Sol is available in a Titanium and Aluminum version (10.5 oz). And of course all Jetboil Stoves come in tidy little packages directed at different user needs.

Touchscreen Compatible Gloves?!?

2011-12-12T09:01:00.000-08:00

Whaaaht? You heard right...although maybe you've already seen the reviews...or seen them hit store shelves this winter.

For the Second Day of Christmas, CC Outdoor Store suggests to you...

Outdoor Research Touchscreen Compatible SENSOR Gloves.

No more need to use your runny nose to navigate your touchscreen. READ MORE about OR's Sensor Gloves...even watch a video!

You can get Men's or Women's Sensor Gloves in time for the holidays...but our supplies are limited.

Give the Gift of Warmth

2011-12-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Give a Big Agnes Sleeping Bag to your loved one(s). High quality down, lightweight fabrics, innovative sleep system = GREAT REVIEWS.

On this THIRD DAY OF THE REMAINING 12 SHIPPING DAYS 'TIL XMAS we suggest you check out the last THREE DAYS of our BIG AGNES SALE.

Big Agnes' King Solomon two-person sleeping bag was one of last year's top gifts given by CCOutdoorStore.com customers. High grade 600 fill down keeps you warm down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. A synthetic version of this double-wide bag called the Cabin Creek sleeping bag is also available.

The 12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-11T08:46:00.001-08:00

On the First day of Christmas, CC Outdoor Store sent to me...

Snowshoes...

That's right there are only 12 more days you could possibly order from us to get your presents before Christmas. To make things easier we're offering FREE Standard shipping this week so you'll have plenty of time to receive your order before the holidays. On this first of 12 days we're offering something you won't want to be paying Express shipping rates on...Snowshoes.

To make your winter wonderful, we've put Crescent Moon Snowshoes and Redfeather Snowshoes on sale for the next five days. Plenty of time for us to get them for your snow filled holiday vacation...or to be ready to enjoy the next storm. Both companies make their snowshoes here in the US so you can expect great quality and great service; something we no longer expect from iconic snowshoe brands that have outsourced to cheaper unskilled Asian labor. We know and love snowshoes here, so don't hesitate to call our customer service number for expert advice from Vermont!

Bright Lights in Waterbury

2011-12-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

Saturday December 3rd promises lots of excitement here in Waterbury...it's the Second Anniversary of CCOutdoorStore.com moving to Waterbury and it's the second year of Waterbury's River of Light Parade. We've got some great holiday discounts in place and will raffle off some great prizes including a new Nemo Astro Air Sleeping Pad and a Deuter Backpack.

Visit the store on Saturday (in the Twin Silos @ 438 US RT 2)from 10am-5pm to see our new retail outlet and find some bargains then head down to Rusty Parker Park to watch the parade @ 5pm. The parade will start at the Vermont State Office Complex then proceed down main street (which will be closed off) before turning on to Stowe Street and looping back to the Green Mountain Coffee Visitor Center.

For the holidays we'll be open seven days a week from 9-5:30pm EST and late on Thursday's until 8 pm and on Sundays from 12-4pm

Are you ready for some snowshoes?

2011-11-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

We are! With a recent storm dumping a foot of snow on Western Mass. and Southern Vermont who's not thinking about winter? We sold our first MSR snowshoes of the season 9 days ago and we're not looking back. We think this is going to be a big winter.... Suffice it to say that MSR snowshoes go on sale on Wed. November 16th through Dec. 7th for the only time this season. This year MSR requires all its retailers to only offer discount prices at the beginning of the season, so this is the only time this year you'll find bargains on great snowshoes like the Lightning Ascent. Buy yourself an early Xmas gift!

Local News goes National

2011-11-09T06:21:00.000-08:00

CC Outdoor Store got it's first known mention in USA Today this Monday...OK the story had nothing to do with the store or even outdoor gear. And the mention is buried deep in the article; but the article was the feature of Section B: MONEY.

The story on the Flood in Waterbury explains in more depth why our blog was inactive in September and most of October. Here's the link: Waterbury, Vt., residents try to recover from flood. When nearby towns within 15 miles of our store are included, over 420 households and businesses have filed FEMA claims for damage...close to a third of all Vermont's FEMA claims. Owner Reed McCracken's quote at the end of the article really does sum up our fall.

Time to Change Your Socks!

2011-11-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

Darn Tough Wool Socks are in! Our winter supply has arrived so we're happy to help you replace your threadbare hiking socks with the only Merino wool sock with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. If you haven't tried wool socks yet you don't know what you're missing. And if you already discovered the Darn Tough experience, share it with friends and family this holiday season.

We've got many new styles and colors in stock, but you'll have to wait awhile until we can get them all programmed on the Darn Tough page of our website. But if you check in here, I'm sure I'll devote a whole post to Darn Tough's new seamless sock knitting technology when they're up on our site. The new seamless loom technology has completely revamped their ski sock line and is winning accolades from all corners.

If you happen to be in Vermont next weekend consider checking out the 32nd Annual Cabot Hosiery Mill Sock Sale. This is a great way to stock up on socks made with the same looms as Darn Tough (including some Darn Tough Styles & Sizes.) Cabot is Darn Tough's parent company and the sale is held at the mill in Northfield, Vermont.

Thanks.

2011-11-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

We want to thank our local friends for helping get the word out about our new location at 438 US RT 2 in Waterbury, Vermont. The Green Mountain Club gave us a nice mention on the Green Mountain Club Facebook page. Vermont Sport Magazine got the news out on their blog. And the Waterbury Record picked up and added to our press release. Keep your eyes out for info on our Grand Opening Event on November 19th with a raffle and door prizes and lots of special pricing throughout the store!

We were also thrilled to see that our new neighbor The Old Stagecoach Inn Bed & Breakfast had added our store to their Local Attractions page. Getting everyone our new address is still going to be a big project.

Winter is Coming!

2011-11-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Old Man Winter stirred this past Sunday and we're getting ready for him. This winter CCOutdoorStore.com added Bollé Goggles to our selection. We didn't just chose Bollé for their great reputation; we sought them out so we could boast one of the largest selections of photochromatic ski goggles. Photochromatic is the industry term to lenses that adjust to variable light conditions. On the shelf in our new store the Bollé goggles look great and get lots of attention with exciting styling and colors.

We'll also have a larger selection of ski backpacks this year. Just in our system today is the new Osprey Karve Ski backpack which comes in a 6 Liter, 11 Liter, and 16 Liter sizes. These packs come in three colors: Whiteout, Double Black, and Redline...sure to draw some attention on the slopes. Whether you're ski lift served terrain or out in the backcountry these packs are a must for hydration, snacks, and extra layers.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

2011-10-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

CCOutdoorStore.com is up and running at its new location at 438 US Route 2 in Waterbury. Near Little River State Park, Vermont's Long Trail, and four of Vermont's Ski Resorts, CCOutdoorStore.com’s new space offers more room for our retail outlet, customer service department and warehouse operations. Owner Maureen McCracken says “Now it’s much easier for customers to make a quick stop off I-89 to visit our store. You can even see the Twin Silos building from the highway.”

CCOutdoorStore.com opened on the Internet in 1999 operating from a small warehouse in Boulder, Colorado. After leaving EMS, two brothers—whose last name ended with “C”—saw the potential of the web to revolutionize outdoor gear shopping. The store was sold on Dec. 3, 2009 and relocated to Route 100 two miles north of the Green Mountain Club Visitor Center.

CCOutdoorStore.com offers name brand outdoor gear to consumers looking for products to enhance their enjoyment of the outdoors. This winter, the store features a large selection of American-made snowshoes, poles, backpacks, boots, luggage, winter hats, gloves, ski goggles, and Darn Tough socks. The store specializes in boots, backpacks, tents, and other gear for backpacking and mountaineering.

Sale Days

2011-10-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

Save big on great outdoor brands as we clean out for CCOutdoorStore.com's big move. And now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a new pair of Zamberlan or Vasque hiking boots. Find sale prices and a new member discount to find yourself a great bargain on backpacking boots, trekking poles, sleeping bags, ultralight tents and even snowshoes! This promotion ends Saturday, October 15th so there's no time to delay...and once the stock is gone it's gone.

New luggage from Osprey!

2011-10-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

While Osprey is best known for their backpacks, they also put out sturdy, dependable, and easy-to-use luggage. We've just added the new Osprey Vector 18 to our luggage lineup. Small enough to fit in most overhead bins--even on international airlines--the Vector 18 is perfect for a quick overnight or weekend trip. It comes equipped with a padded laptop sleeve and multiple slash pockets for organization. Extra large wheels and a rugged aluminum frame help this go where ever you need it to.

Want to maximize your overhead allotment? The Osprey Vector 22 is the perfect choice. A bigger version of the Vector 18, this lightweight carry-on truly raises the bar for what travelers will expect from their luggage.

Need a broader range of travel packs and luggage from other great outdoor brands? Refer to our full selection of bags.

The Light & Motion SoLite 150 Delivers.

2011-10-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

The SoLite 150 by Light & Motion is just what I needed now that the days are getting shorter. As much as I love my 75 lumen headlamp, I needed to find a light that could deliver more over a greater distance for my Wednesday night mountain bike rides in Vermont's Stowe Town loops. With easy-to-use helmet and handlebar attachment accessories The SoLite 150 puts 150 lumens of light on descents where you need to see out farther ahead. And with tiny yellow side lights the SoLite 150 even gives you decent peripheral vision. With a USB compatible rechargeable battery included you get a lighter package than you'd get with a heavy set of AA batteries...and you'll save money over the long run. While maximum output only lasts 3 hours, this is plenty for an early morning or end of day workout.

Suffice it to say I'm a fan of the SoLite 150. But if I didn't deliver enough specs for you about Light & Motion's SoLite headlamp / light system, you should read the review on The Adventure Blog. And if 150 lumens isn't enough for you and money's no object, check out Light & Motion's Sella 300.

Local Trail Days

2011-09-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

With October upon us, now is the time to squeeze in some trail work before the weather turns on us. CRAG-VT is calling on volunteers to help with the trails at the Bolton Quarry (which incidently is only 5 miles down the road from the future location of our retail store). Tomorrow's event (Oct. 1) starts at 9am and runs until 4pm...rain or shine. Looks like there will be great food and raffle prizes for participants. We found out about this from the Petra Cliffs newsletter, check out their site for other great events coming up.

Help us Pack our Things!

2011-09-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

That's right we need your help packing up our gear and Moving Up. We're moving up the road a few miles to a new retail location in Waterbury, Vermont. Our new location will be right off Exit 10 on the road to Little River State Park. We want you to help us carry some of our gear out of the old store. Each day for the next 15 days we'll be putting great gear on sale at incredibly low prices. Please don't spread the word as we don't want to get in trouble here. (These prices are so low we can not advertise them.)

So if you want the lowdown on low prices check out our Moving Up Sale where we'll be featuring popular name brand products at outrageous prices. Supplies are limited to stock on hand and prices may only be valid for a few hours. If there was a time for acting fast this is it.

Trekking with Leki Poles

2011-09-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Leki Trekking Poles offer stability and security whether you're trekking the hills of the Scottish Highlands or tackling a mountain pass on the John Muir Trail. CCOutdoorStore.com offers Leki Trekking Poles at a great price: 20% off through 9/28!

The Leki Corklite Aergon Speedlock Antishock pole is our most popular trekking pole this year. This mouthful of a pole from Leki's Corklite series offers all the features: a cool lightweight Aergon-design cork grip, easy to use speedlock adjustments, and shock absorption in a lightweight package.

Another great option for trekkers wanting a sturdier pole is the Leki Khumbu Speedlock Trekking Pole. Easy to use, the Khumbu Pole pole offers you function and strength without putting a big dent in your budget. And as with most Leki poles you can upgrade to a Khumbu with an antishock option. When choosing among different pole brands, it is worth noting that Leki Poles set the industry standard for strength through a unique process for manufacturing their aluminum shafts.

Nemo Tents and Pads

2011-09-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

While Nemo tents have gotten lots of great press in recent years, it is their backcountry pads that have stolen the attention of late. The new ultralight NEMO Zor self-inflating sleeping pad is finally available as is its more luxurious inflatable cousin the Nemo Astro Pad. Using innovative technologies Nemo has improved on the industry standards for comfort, weight,and cost.

The Nemo Astro Sleeping Pad attracted much of the attention this year...and we finally have a good amount of stock of options like the Astro Air Insulated Sleeping Pad and Pillowtop Combo that won Backpacker's Editor's Choice Award this past spring. With horizontal baffling and a removable 1 inch pillowtop foam you get an incredible amount of comfort for sleeping on the ground wherever you choose to lay out your pad. Best of all is the price. While it is not the lightest inflatable pad, for the price we think it offers the best all around value. Follow the links above for more details...and act now while these great pads are in stock and on sale.

September Promotions

2011-09-21T02:53:00.000-07:00

Momentum Watches, Nemo Tents, Julbo Sunglasses and Leki Trekking Poles are featured promotions at CCOutdoorStore.com in these final days of September. Look for sale prices at 20% savings on great Nemo Equipment and super strong Leki poles. Become a member of our loyalty program and get in line for some great clearance specials in the weeks to come.

Recovering from Irene

2011-09-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

While CCOutdoorStore.com--located outside of Waterbury village--was spared the ravages of Tropical Storm Irene, many of our friends, neighbors, and loyal customers were not. Our store staff responded immediately and have been volunteering every day since devastating flooding wrought havoc on our community. With the exception of the first day after the flood, we've managed a skeleton staff to keep our store going while we have rolled up our sleeves volunteering to help others.

The human and physical costs of this natural disaster remain to be tallied but for one snapshot of this event you can check out this story.

While work is ongoing trying to organize to rebuild the approximate 200 homes and businesses ruined by Irene, folks wanting to donate to provide funds directly to needy families can do so online thru the Waterbury Good Neighbor Fund. (The button is tricky to find, but is on the bottom of the page.)

Finally updating our blog three weeks after the Irene disaster is one of many steps we'll need to take as we try to return to some semblance of normalcy.

Sale on Hiking and Backpacking Boots

2011-08-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

With a little less than a week left on our Hiking and Backpacking Boot Sale it's time to get serious about replacing those old boots and taking care of your feet for a full season of fall hiking. We've deepened our discount on Lowa Boots to 20% and are expecting to lower our prices on our Vasque boot sale to match some outrageously low prices we've seen on competitors sites. Both sales run through August 24th so act now before time runs out.

Big Backpack Sale

2011-08-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Our Big Backpack Blowout Sale is now going strong. Take 20% off most of our large selection of Gregory Backpacks and Osprey Backpacks.

Our End-of-Summer Backpack Sale features almostall backpack brands we carry; except for Deuter packs. This includes GoLite backpacks, Kelty backpacks, Millet backpacks, Mountainsmith backpacks and Sierra Designs backpacks. So whether you're looking for a hydration pack or an expedition bag we can help you gear up with the pack best suited to your needs. Most packs will be on sale through Monday August 22nd, some a bit longer. But don't wait, many of these backpacks are very low in stock.

Jetboil: No bigger than a wine bottle!

2011-08-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Despite often grueling weekend backpacking trips, my wife always insists on bringing along a bottle of wine. Our Jetboil Flash helps compensate for this extravagance. We've been knocking off too many small fuel canisters lately which are great because they pack inside the Jetboil companion cup that comes with the Flash stove. If we were in the market today for a new stove we'd go with the more compact Jetboil Sol which is 4.5 oz lighter (only 10.5 oz) and could go even lighter still (8.5 oz.) if you don't mind springing for the Sol Titanium! The Sol boils the 2 cups of water needed for a 2 person backpacking meal in a mere 2 minutes and 15 seconds and maintains consistent fuel pressure up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit so we could heat up dinner for the whole family in a manner of minutes even if we were winter camping!

If the winter thing is never going to happen and you can afford to wait an extra 15 seconds for your hot water, then a more cost effective option is the Jetboil Zip for $69.

Vasque Backpacking Boots

2011-08-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Call us old school but we believe kids and adults need solid footwear with good traction when on the trail. Hiking and backpacking boots like the Vasque Bitterroot or Vasque Sundowner are essential gear for anyone heading up into the mountains. Increasingly you'll see minimalist footwear out on the trails, but you're not going to have much fun hiking if your feet hurt or you sustain an injury from slipping or twisting an ankle or knee. We're guilty of the same flawed thinking that's prevalent on the trails today, "how can we justify spending that much money on a new pair of boots when I can still wear my old ones". But if you really think about it, paying $180 for one trip to the chiropractor or buying customized orthotics is far more expensive than if you take better care of your body before it's injured.

This logic is just as sound when we're talking about kids. Kid's muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments are still developing. Street footwear will not provide them with steady traction on the trail, and used hiking boots aren't much better. Your kids (or grand kids) deserve proper footwear for hiking. That's why we're proud dealers of (and users of) Vasque hiking shoes for kids. We also highly recommend Darn Tough hiking boot socks for kids. Enjoy your next hike more...take advantage of our SALE on Vasque hiking and backpacking boots now through 8/25/11!

Big Agnes 4 Person Backpacking Tents

2011-08-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Big Agnes family tents steal the show when it comes to 4 person lightweight backpacking tents. While I wish we'd opened up the wallet for this year's award-winning new Big Agnes Copper Spur UL4, we're camping in last year's new tent the Lynx Pass 4 person backpacking tent (pictured here). Basically the Lynx Pass and Copper Spur share the same large shape & size; the Lynx Pass adds an extra pole that buys you a tad more headroom--2 inches at center--and more all around. The big difference in these large lightweight backpacking tents is that the Copper Spur tents sport the lightest DAC aluminum poles and lightest nylons available shaving approximately two pounds off the weight of the Lynx Pass tent. This weight savings doesn't come cheap, the Copper Spur UL4 runs $279 more at retail.

If you want an even lighter abode for you family or friends, the Fly Creek UL4 is the way to go. At 4 lbs. 9 oz packed weight you won't find a lighter tent this size. Plus it's $100 cheaper than the Copper Spur UL4. But don't expect a roomy shelter. While four adults can comfortably sit around playing cards in the Copper Spur or Lynx Pass, the Fly Creek is a minimalist's shelter. While all three are free standing and have cool features like gear pockets in each corner and reflective guylines, the Fly Creek comes with only one D zip door and vestibule.

Lowa Boots Rock

2011-08-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Yep. We're partial to Lowa Boots; and they're on SALE at up to 17% OFF now through 8/25/11.

Nothing beats the quality and craftmanship put out by this German bootmaker. Bootmaking is in the blood of Lowa's workers. Lowa boots are manufactured under strict EU environmental standards that put the rest of the world to shame. While comfortable old models like the Lady GTX's pictured above and the Banff Pro were among our all time favorite boots before being discontinued, we can't say enough positive things about Lowa's new leather lined boots: the Lowa Renegade LL and the Lowa Baltoro. Leather linings are so comfortable...they mold to your feet like a worn in glove. An old mountaineer once advised us that in 30 years, his well conditioned leather mountaineering boots had never let his feet get wet. "Better than plastic" he swore.

Buy high quality leather hiking boots, treat them properly and your feet will love you!

Osprey Aether 70: Load carrier extraordinaire.

2011-08-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Osprey Aether 70 is one heavy duty load carrier. I got to demo one on last weekend's trip to Mt. Marcy in the Adirondacks thanks to our local Osprey backpack rep. With a weekend of food for the family stuffed into two bear canisters and an eight pound tent I shouldn't have been surprised that my pack weighed in at close to 60 lbs. But what really surprised me was how well the Aether handled the load. With all the padding on the back and waist belt I could barely feel the bear canister bulging in my pack. With lots of external straps I was able to attach lots of gear in different ways; and one day I even carried both bear canisters stacked on top of each other in the main compartment. If you're headed out on a big trip that needs a big pack...you'll be happy with an Osprey Aether 70. Available as the Osprey Ariel 65 for women and as the Aether 60 and Aether 85.

Big Agnes Summer Sale

2011-08-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Get 'em before its Gone! Summer is fading fast...but it's not too late to pick up a great deal on a Big Agnes Tent or Big Agnes Sleeping Bag. Featuring Big Agnes four person tents like the Fly Creek UL4, Copper Spur UL4, and the Flying Diamond 4 our sale can get you as much as 20% OFF. Find out for yourself why Big Agnes Tents have redefined the concept of lightweight backpacking tents in the last decade. (And won so many awards, including this year's Outside Gear of the Year.)

All summer Big Agnes sleeping bags are on sale at up to 20% off. So whether you're looking for a new down sleeping bag or a synthetic one you'll find some great options. And check out Big Agnes' new Cabin Creek 30 degree two person sleeping bag; you won't believe how lightweight and compact this double sleeping bag is. Look no further for the perfect wedding gift!

Get what you need today for your next backpacking trip or your family's final summer camping trip.

Amazing Jetboil Stoves

2011-07-31T03:59:00.000-07:00

Over the last week, our Jetboil stoves proved themselves again. Everyone in our customer service department field tested Jetboil's Flash PCS while out backpacking. Here are some of the comments I overheard: "It really does boil water in just 2 minutes!"..."I like how much safer it is around my kids...there aren't spills or matches."..."It's amazing."

For those lightweight backpacking purists, the new Jetboil SoL has improved on the Flash PCS system by creating a smaller and lighter version that sets a new standard for cold weather performance. At 8.5 oz, the Titanium SoL ($149.95)--aka. the SoL Ti--weighs in at a mere 8.5 oz for the stove, .8L cooking cup, and tripod stabilizing base. The Aluminum SoL ($119.95)is only 2 oz. heavier at 10.5 oz. If you like winter camping, you'll be thrilled that this stove maintains consistent heat down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. And like the Flash PCS, you can still stow the stove and a 230 gram fuel canister in the cup. You'll hardly notice these in your pack!

For family campers and group leaders Jetboil also created the new 1.8L Sumo Companion cup which weighs 6.5 oz. and is big enough to stow a 230 or 450 gram fuel canister. Boil time is 4 minutes 5 seconds for a liter of water. Isn't it great having all these options?

Traveling with Trekking Poles

2011-07-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

Today's trekking poles typically telescope in three sections which means you can break them down and travel with them in your suitcase. Whether you're headed somewhere off trail or on, Leki Poles have an option suited to your intended use and budget. Look for hiking poles with anti-shock features and comfortable grips that make them must have gear for many hikers.

The poles you find on the market in 2011 are lighter and stronger than ever before. New technologies have enabled stronger metal tubing for the poles and stronger locking mechanisms that are both easier and safer to use. If you're especially concerned about weight, poles made of carbon fiber are available as an ultralight option.
This year Black Diamond Poles has come out with an award winning superlight Z-pole design that is both lighter and easier to use. With a flexible, elasticized cord, you simply unfold the pole sections and it springs into position.

And let's not forget Komperdell hiking poles which offer affordability with many similar features and lot's of great styles to choose from.

Backpacking Boots Trade-in Time

2011-07-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

So yesterday a member of the Stowe Mountain Rescue team came in to our store looking for a new pair of backpacking boots to replace his old ones. He is someone who puts in a lot of trail miles, often with heavy loads. He paid the highest tribute to the investment he made years ago in his high quality backpacking boots...he refuses to stop wearing them even though the sole has been falling off for almost two years!

Midsummer is often the time of year many people realize the same thing after a few trips on the trail...it's time to replace my old hiking boots. Reluctant to spend the money when one's old boots can still be put on, you may fit this category. Remember our customer...more money spent wisely now leads to years of comfortable performance. Cost tends to equal quality: better leather, more durable soles, bombproof hardware, etc. If you buy the right boots now, you won't be sorry in 5 years that you spent a few extra dollars today.

We're proud to carry three top-notch backpacking boot brands: Zamberlan, Lowa, and Vasque. And with our new member promotion there's no better time than the present to find the boots that are right for your feet. Take a look and we'll help you get fit in just the right boots and you'll save 20%.

SAVE 20% with a Summer Member Discount!

2011-07-16T03:21:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for Discount Big Agnes or a Nemo Tent discount to get a great tent for summer camping you've got until July 31st. CCOutdoorStore.com is now offering FREE memberships that give you access to periodic member discounts throughout the year and special pricing on shipping. SIGN UP TODAY!

You can even use your discount on a new pair of the Editor's Choice winning TREKSTA EVOLUTION MID Hiking Shoe--pictured above--which is now in stock in all sizes! And we have the Treksta Evolution Running Shoe available too if you don't need the extra ankle support of the Mid.

A Break for Backpacking Mt. Mansfield

2011-07-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

The July 4th break is over but not before getting the family out on some backpacking on Mt. Mansfield. We broke in the kids' Deuter hiking backpacks this weekend with some low key, very scenic packing from Butler Lodge to Taft Lodge on the Long Trail. Friday's short buggy and humid hike was followed by a cool, windy and socked in summit and ridge hike along Mt. Mansfield. The sky opened into a glorious day for our decent after lunch. And we got to see the Stowe Balloon Festival from the deck of Taft Lodge after dinner. We also enjoyed meeting the Green Mountain Club's 2011 Mansfield caretakers. Of course we got to test more gear so we'll try to keep a live feed of product reviews and pictures over the next few days.

Darn Tough - Vermont - U.S.A.

2011-06-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

Darn Tough Socks of Vermont is another inspiring "Made in the U.S." story. We traveled to Northfield recently to pick up our summer order of Darn Tough Socks. We were eager to tour the mill and find out how Darn Tough can offer a Lifetime Warranty on their wool socks. If you've worn Darn Tough you know these socks don't go threadbare like others. What's the secret? In a nutshell, the density of the wool terry loops (1440 per sq. inch)is so tight that the loops don't move side to side and wear out. Pretty impressive. We think that the Darn Tough Merino Wool Boots socks are the perfect complement to our backpacking boots.

It helps that Darn Tough has an attention to quality that is rare in our modern world. Most Darn Tough employees have been with the company for 15 years or more, many over 30 years! During our tour, we saw owner Ric Cabot in three different corners of the factory looking at product, machinery, and working one-on-one with his workers. Impressive! We couldn't be happier for their recent successes.

If you'd like the background story...when other knitting mills were fleeing the Northeast in the 60s and 70s for states in the South, owner Mark Cabot bought some used sock weaving equipment and set up shop about 25 miles from where CCOutdoorStore now stands. When pressure from overseas manufacturing threatened their business and its 120 plus employees, the company "toughed" it out. Hence the burgeoning six-year old outdoor sock brand DARN TOUGH.

With new packaging, new styles, and 20 new looms on order we're very excited by all the exciting developments we heard about on our recent tour of the Darn Tough factory.

Thermarest & MSR: Proud American Brands

2011-06-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Thermarest mattresses, MSR stoves and almost all of MSR's production remains in the U.S. of A. as we were reminded in our product clinic on Wednesday. With July 4th fast approaching and patriotism in the air it makes sense to highlight and promote those companies who are working extra hard to keep jobs in their communities and maintain high standards of quality. Hats off to you! We also appreciate that American-made products are not impacted by the same backorders and long lead times that have become a bigger problem in our industry lately.

Thermarest and Mountain Safety Research are both owned by parent company Cascade Designs in Seattle, WA. Like CCOutdoorStore.com, these are family-owned brands and operations--albeit ours is much smaller! Both Thermarest and MSR are on sale at 20% through Tuesday, June 28th. For those of you on the East Coast hurry in your orders and we should be able to rush you your order before the holiday. West Coasters must contact us directly to provide expedited shipping info.

Note: MSR tent poles are manufactured domestically, but MSR tents are sewn overseas like almost every other tent.

Sleeping Pad Special

2011-06-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

Thermarest Sleeping Pads were the order of the day. With one week left on our Thermarest Sale it was a propos that our customer service team got a thorough review of the Thermarest line from our local rep.

You already know we're big on the Thermarest NeoAir; but this was a chance to build our expertise on the full depth of our offerings. Of note today was the Thermarest Prolite Plus (pictured above). The Prolite Plus offers a tremendous weight-warmth-space ratio. Achieving an R-value of 3.8 through a die-cut closed cell foam this pad offers all-around value for mountaineers needing a warm barrier from snow. To achieve greater warmth for women's needs, the Thermarest Women's Pro Lite Plus increases warmth zones for women by modifying the density of the die cuts. Too much info?

Then suffice it to say that the NeoAir Trekker is a new addition to the 2011 line that offers superior comfort, stability, durability, and value. Maybe it's time you upgrade your old pad with the latest innovation....

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL Tents ON SALE.

2011-06-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

Here's your chance to become another proud owner of your own Big Agnes Copper Spur UL4 Tent. At 20% Off with free shipping, our Big Agnes Tent Sale can't be beat; but it's only good for one more week: until June 28th.

Winner of Outside Magazine's Gear of the Year 2011 and Backpacker's 2011 Editor's Choice Award, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL4 is the lightest 4 person tent around. Super strong and durable the Copper Spur is perfect for your family of four's summer getaway or for three guys sharing a tent on a longer through hike. With plenty of headroom and space for four to play cards, every backpacking group should have a tent like this for when the weather sours and you'd rather hang out with your friends than in your bivy.

Find other TENTS ON SALE now through June 28th. Note: The tent in the picture above is a Copper Spur UL3.

Backpacking Adventure Movies

2011-06-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

While there are a good number of mountain climbing movies out there, you don't see many that celebrate the pure thrills of backpacking. You know sometimes you just want to get in the spirit of your next trip with a movie, but what's out there for backpackers. Plus if you've been following this blog, you're probably sick of hearing about and seeing snow.

Well this one didn't last in the theaters long, but it's got some amazingly beautiful scenery from Kauai's Napali Coast and terrific product placement for Deuter backpacks and MSR tents. So if its a backpacking movie you want to watch check out Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich in The Perfect Getaway. Don't get you're hopes up for a must see movie...but if you're up for an action/adventure backpacking thriller with some twists along the way here's a suggestion for your Netflix queue.

Whitney Trail Crest

2011-06-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

OK. So it was two weeks ago already...but I'm still coming back down to Earth and there are so many great stories and photos to share from our JMT/Mt. Whitney field testing trip.

In this photo I'm pointing upwards at Trail Crest on Mt. Whitney at about 13,000 ft and six miles in the distance. You have to admit that the red Millet Expedition 65 Liter Backpack looks good. Did you see the study published that revealed that seeing the color RED increases the speed and strength of reactions? Maybe this explains why I felt surprisingly strong upon summiting Mt. Whitney.

Anyways the Millet pack lived up to all expectations, which were pretty high considering I tested six other packs before choosing it. Cinched down this 3 lb. 7 backpack also served well as my summit pack for carrying my ice axe, crampons and extra gear. (I opted not to strip off the lid--which could have shed further ozs--as it offers the only zippered pocket on the pack.) Read more about how I chose the features on this pack.

For contrast on a longer expedition with more gear a load carrying pack like the Deuter Aircontact 75+10 might have been preferable but I was able to keep my load to about 36 lbs. My runner up lightweight choice was the Deuter Act Lite 60 +10 backpack at 3 lbs. 14 oz, but it was going to be too hard and inconvenient taking off my MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes. More on how great the snowshoes worked later.

More gear testing reviews

2011-06-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

At 2.8 lbs and 2.3 pounds respectively, the Nemo Obi 1P Ultra lite Tent and the long Big Agnes Heart Mountain 30 degree Super Light Sleeping Bag were just what I'd hoped for on my JMT field test wishlist. I spent the first two nights of the trip in this set-up and was quite content in my neon green lair. You can get these for yourself on sale now as we've got NEMO on sale and Big Agnes on sale.

The Nemo Obi tents share smart design with many desirable features. Freestanding with Jake's feet, easy set-up with a single pole, and a large vestibule I had exactly what I thought I needed. However the one thing the Obi tents have in spades is ventilation, which turned out to be unneeded in high winds and low temperatures. I highly recommend the Obi for summer camping especially in warm climates, and especially for ultralight hikers who aren't willing to sacrifice every comfort to save those last few ounces.

The Big Agnes Heart Mountain 30 degree super light sleeping bag was unbelievably packable. Ultralight and ultra cozy, the Heart Mountain offered the generous width and girth that my 200 lb body needs. Frankly I just get too claustrophic in mummy bags. Unless you're willing to lie straight and still like a dead mummy all night I suggest you check out the varied shapes and sizes of Big Agnes Sleeping Bags. The Heart Mountain ultra light sleeping bag also perfectly fit my regular size Thermarest NeoAir sleeping pad. Snugly synching up with the down edges of the Big Agnes sleep system I was in down heaven. That is until temps dropped into the single digits...so much for saving a few ounces by going with a 30 degree bag in JUNE! Lesson learned: It's always safer to have more warmth than you think you'll need in the mountains. Another lesson learned: Neon colored tents can be life savers when you're seeking out shelter from a storm and can't find the trail back to camp.

2011 Field Test Results

2011-06-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

Many of our favorite brands and products got put to the test in our Blog's first week long field test the first week of June. What was to have been a 50 mile section hike on the John Muir Trail in the Sierras turned into a week of mishaps that included hypothermia (and altitude sickness) on Kearsarge Pass, a whiteout on the summit of Mt. Whitney, a dead engine in the middle of Lake Meade, and the repossession of a car on the way to Zion National Park. Maybe this will turn into a movie...say like Hangover III. What was successful was learning the strengths and weaknesses of a good number of well known products. In a nutshell here's the report:

Julbo Explorer Glacier Glasses Spectron 4: Great eye protection for the intense sun and wind we encountered on Kearsarge Pass on the way into to the John Muir Trail. Because the spectron lens isn't polarized, it helped to see the composition of ice patches on the exposed traverse at the top. Better sunscreen/wind protection for the nose & lips is something this tester needs to work on next. The Explorers were a little toasty in the desert heat on the way up Angel's Landing in Zion.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 tent: No complaints about the weight here! But a three person tent? No way. This was great for two people, it would have sucked squeezing 3 guys into this, especially because my two friends carried wide 25 inch NeoAir mattresses. Although given the cold weather, I might have been better off in this tent every night to share some body warmth and the benefit of a full fly that helps keep some warmth in. Staked out, the Copper Spur UL3 easily withstood a night of 25-45 mph winds at Trail Camp on Mt. Whitney; but good luck trying to find this orange/brown tent in this rock field in low light and moderate snow. It took us 20 minutes to find her on our way back from Whitney.... Nemo's neon green Losi Alti Storm 3P tent would have been a better tent for our Whitney summit trip.

Thermarest NeoAir Sleeping Pad: At 14 oz. and the size of a 1 L bottle this pad met my criteria for this trip. I was super comfortable each night. But I wasn't expecting windy nights that ranged from 6 degrees to 24 degrees in June! When temps were above 20 I was OK, but the NeoAir is not the right pad when temps drop into the teens and below. Go with a Thermarest Prolite or another pad with an R value higher than 2.5 when going out into frigid nights.

Yes, there was lots of other gear tested. But that's it for today's blog. Tune in for other test results.

Wenger Knives have Arrived!

2011-06-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Wenger Knives are finally here. We are very excited to add the Wenger brand and line of knives and watches to our gear assortment. Why? Well, these are authentic, top quality Swiss Army knives that fit perfectly with our assortment of gear for mountaineers, backpackers, and climbers. Of particular note is the Wenger Ueli Steck Special Edition Titanium Knife--designed by the legendary mountaineer himself!--which has gotten no fewer than three awards from leading industry publications this Spring. It may not be something most of us would use much on a daily basis...but it would certainly be uber-cool to have one to carry around. The Ueli Steck Special Edition Knife might even trump the Spot Connect on our must-have gadget wishlist.

SALE: OUR TWO WEEK TENT EVENT

2011-06-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Our Tent Sale just started; timed to kick off your summer fun. We're offering large selections of Big Agnes Tents, Nemo Tents, Kelty Tents, Sierra Designs Tents and MSR Tents. The choices can be overwhelming so give us a call and we'll help narrow down your choice with the tents that would be best for you. You get 20% off and free shipping. We get the satisfaction of bringing you a great new tent that will protect you from the elements.
Looking for tent recommendations? Search through the pages of this blog to read more about some of our favorites.

END OF SPRING SALE!

2011-06-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

SAVE UP TO 20% ON MANY OF OUR MOST POPULAR OUTDOOR BRANDS THIS WEEKEND. In our biggest weekend sale event of the year, 70% of our inventory is now on sale for 4 DAYS ONLY! Due to an overlap in our sales schedule, brands that were on sale the first two weeks of June are on sale at the same time as brands going on sale. Don't wait to take advantage of the bargains; prices are only in effect while supplies last!

Three categories where you'll find terrific deals and great selection are:

BACKPACKING BOOTS: Our most popular boots from Lowa and Vasque are on SALE thru 6/14.

TREKKING POLES: Black Diamond, Komperdell, and Leki Hiking Poles are now all on Sale.

BACKPACKING STOVES: Our selection of Jetboil & Primus stoves just went on sale. This sale ends 6/24.

Summit Adventure

2011-06-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

With a successful summit of Mt. Whitney at noon yesterday, who would have known what an adventure was left in store. The 30% chance of snow turned to 100% about 11 am, and while two hikers down climbed saying they neared the summit but turned back due to weather I don't think we thought twice about pushing on to our goal. From Trail Crest at nearly 13,000 ft. we could still see far into the distance down the John Muir Trail where we would have been facing a treacherous ascent of Forrester Pass if our plans hadn't been modified due to weather.

Exhilaration was in the air as we changed in and out of crampons on the rocky and occasionally icy trail to the peak. Surprised that the altitude hadn't slowed us down more, we reached the summit in high spirits. We then posed for the requisite victory photos, signed the register, and called home on our sat phone. But our own down climb found us off trail 5 minutes after leaving the summit hut in near white-out conditions. It didn't help that the 40 plus mph winds filled in our own tracks within minutes or that we couldn't make out any landmarks. After several false attempts to pick up the trail that ended on the edges of precipices, we headed back to the summit hut to regain our bearings. Knowing the weather forecast for today and yesterday called for more snow and high winds, we feared spending 2-3 nights holed up in the 8x8 stone hut atop 14,496 ft Mt. Whitney. Thankfully after using our satellite phone lifeline to a friend at the base of the mountain, we got in touch with the head of Mt. Whitney's search and rescue who verbally walked us through an expeditious descent that found us eating pizza and drinking beer six hours later in Lone Pine.

I'm sure in the days to come we'll download many lessons from our past four days hiking over mountain passes in the High Sierras and share some feedback about the gear we used. For now I'm thankful to be pool side in Las Vegas staying out of the snow and wind recouping from some badly dried out and burned lips. For now I'm off to scope out a backpacking trip to Zion National Park to fill the time we've got remaining with our time out West.

The Vasque Scree: One Cool New Shoe

2011-05-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

When the time comes I'm going to make the Vasque Scree my next shoe purchase. I instinctively wanted to take a pair home in my size as I visualized myself springing from boulder to boulder on my favorite summit climbs. Vasque's Scree hiking shoes are perfect for times when you don't want or need 4 lbs of heavy hiking boot on your feet like that lightweight backpacking trip you're planning. With their sticky Stealth rubber soles they're even better for lightweight summit sprints on rock and for use scrambling around in-general. Don't believe me? Here's what Outside's gear reviewers had to say:

Think of it as a hiking shoe born for rock. Vasque's Scree Low features an outsole made from Stealth S1 Rubber, the same gummy tread that gives some climbing shoes their grip—which made it noticeably sticky on alpine scrambles. If it felt a little blockier than other light hikers we tested, it was also among the most comfortable and blister-free. 15 oz; $120;

If this catches your interest you should read more about the technical features of the Vasque Scree UD Low Hiking Shoe. Also the Vasque Scree UD Low Women's Hiking Shoes.

Nemo's Obi One Person Tent

2011-05-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

The Nemo Obi 1P Tent is the Jedi tent of the Nemo line. At 2 lbs. 8 oz. you could almost clip this super lightweight backpacking tent onto your trick gear belt next to your light saber. Unlike other ultralight tents in the under 3 lb weight class, the Nemo Obi offers a full array of features: a large vestibule, extra foot vent, gear pocket, overhead light diffusing pocket, and Jake's feet for super easy one-person, one pole set up. The Obi certainly lives up to Nemo's innovative, quality standards that say you don't have to sacrifice every feature just to shave ounces off your tent. Obi Wan would be psyched to take this on his next mission.

If you're still wanting to shed every last ounce you might be the ultralight type to go for Nemo's Meta tent series that utilizes trekking poles so you don't need to carry tent poles. Available in a one-person, one pole version and the two person, two pole version; there's a reason this tent won Backpacker Magazine's Editor's Choice Award last year. The Meta 1P / 2P is a pretty slick design and is so light it works great as an emergency bivy as well.

Women of the Woods Need to Check out Deuter’s SL Packs!

2011-05-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

I love to hike! I mean, I really love to hike! Being in the woods is probably the place that I am the happiest. What has made this experience even happier for me is my Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL. This pack is fantastic for a few days hut to hut as well as a great day pack for someone like me who is usually carrying snacks, layers, and stuffed animals for my two young children! I joke that I take this pack out to dinner since I love it so much!

Part of what works so well is that this is a women's backpack. What makes a woman's pack? Well for one, the SL design from Deuter has a slightly shorter back. Many women (not all, of course) have a slightly shorter back then men. Another advantage for women that these SL packs have is their shoulder straps are cut in a way to help prevent squishing your chest! That is definitely more comfortable!

The SL series packs include ACT Trail, Spectro, Futura, and the award winning ACT Zero. Along with women, men who have a shorter back can benefit from these packs as well. Many of these packs are hydration compatible, include a padded hipbelt, and have convenient compartments for easy access and organization.

So, ladies, get out into the woods. Take along a pack that is made with YOU in mind – a Deuter SL series. You will find that your pack can be one of your best hiking partners yet!

Note: Periodically we have our staffers blog with real-life posts such as this written by our resident Long Trail thru hiker who is also a Himalayan trekker. We hope this adds perspective and provides helpful gear recommendations for our readers.

Which Pack to Choose?

2011-05-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

So you know you need a new hiking backpack. Or maybe you've got a big trip planned and you want to make sure you get the right backpack. With so many great brands to choose from how do you decide. One obvious route is to pore over the top picks of professional reviewers who are given lots of different packs to use and abuse. Backpacker Magazine's Gear Guide is a great place to start.

Ultimately though you've got to make some decisions about your needs.

How long will you be wearing your pack?
How much gear will you need to carry?
How heavy will that gear be and how much space do you need for it?
Is your purchase for a specific use or will it be a multi-purpose pack?

Today's standard of measure for backpacks is the metric liter and in general you'll need 65-75 liters of space for your average 4-7 day backpacking trip; 45-60 liters is usually sufficient for a weekend. Usually the longer you've been on the trail the smaller and lighter you'll want your pack to be. One of our customers came down to our store last summer out of the mountains and needed to replace his broken down old pack to finish his 273 mile hike from Massachusetts to Quebec on the Long Trai l. He had a lot of lightweight gear, knew how to pack, and didn't need extra space for heavier clothes or 3-season gear. He choose a 50 Liter pack to finish the last 7-8 days of his trip to Canada.

As the owner of an outdoor gear store I follow the reviews and have a lot of great packs to choose from when I plan a trip. I'm headed out on a 6 day trip to the John Muir Trail in the Sierras next month and wanted a lightweight backpack. Since we'll be above 9,000 ft and there will be snow on the ground most of the way I've chosen a 65 Liter pack because I'm going to be carrying a few extra layers of clothes, crampons, and a heavier and larger sleeping bag. I really don't want to carry a lot of weight so I determined that any pack over 4 and a half pounds would be too much. At the low end of the weight range was the GoLite Pinnacle at 2.1 lbs. Weight typically equates with comfort, features like extra zippers and pockets, and load carrying ability. Sometimes weight also equates to quality; for example was a lighter, stronger grade of aluminum used to make the frame?

Several other GoLite backpacks made the top of my list, but ultimately I selected Millet's Expedition 65. At 3 lbs. 7 oz, it is lighter than many of the possibilities, although not as light as I was really hoping for. In the end the Expedition has enough support for the 40 lbs of gear I need--including snowshoes and an ice axe--and a good combination of features like a full length front panel zipper that opens from the top and bottom. I also liked the look of the Expedition 65 and suppose that style might be an important factor in your decision too!

Backpack Sale in Full Bloom

2011-05-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

Our Spring Backpack Sale is in high gear with the addition of Deuter Backpacks to the grand event. These packs only go on sale twice a year for a week at a time. This means that these high quality, value packs are now unbelievable deals. You'll find most of our backpacks at or about 20% Off retail prices...and if you check our Clearance section you might find even better deals on packs from 2010.

On our All Backpack Brands page you'll find Deuter, GoLite, Gregory, Millet, and Mountainsmith backpacks on SALE. Search by backpack brand or use the navigation tab at the top to search by backpack type. If you find a pack you want don't delay as prices are subject to availability and the Sale is going to end next week with brands going off sale from May 12th to May 15th. Call us toll-free at 855-244-GEAR for FREE pack advice or to get the most recent inventory updates. And if you've read this far in our BLOG and you want a pack from another brand we'll be happy to reward you by extending a 20% discount on any pack through May 15th...but you have to place a phone order and mention the BLOG promo discount.

Vermont Mountain Biking

2011-05-03T13:36:00.001-07:00

Last week I got to hear Patrick Kell--executive director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA)--give an update of ongoing work on the Vermont Ride Center and this summer's Vermont Mountain Bike Festival. With anticipation, we're keeping our fingers crossed for a six figure grant that would complete an important link from Little River State Park just down the road to the Trapp Family Lodge's network of trails, Adams Camp, and the Stowe Town Loops. Exciting stuff.

For now the premier Spot in Waterbury and all of Vermont is Perry Hill. For intermediate and advanced riders, this technically oriented single track offers steep ascents and challenging descents. Six miles from our store you can access the trails from East River Road off of VT. RT 2; right before the bridge over the Winooski River as you head South out of Waterbury. There is an unmarked parking pull-out before the corn field. Head up the trail through the tunnel under the highway. Trails are marked easy, moderate, and difficult once you access the system.

The Stowe Town Loop three miles up RT 100 from our store offers good beginner to intermediate riding. There are some climbs but overall the trails are moderate and flowing. Well maintained, if not well marked. Access the trails behind IRide in Stowe Village.

Stop by our store on RT 100 at the Waterbury/Stowe line for a free Stowe and Waterbury Recreation Guide that provides directions and basic trail information.

The Terrono by GoLite

2011-05-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

To any doubters who questioned whether or not GoLite could put out a rugged, full featured backpacking pack, you now have your answer in the GoLite Terrono 70 and Terrono 90. This is not the ultralight backpack we love GoLite for, but at 4lbs. 4 oz. it offers as much pack as the competitors whose packs weigh in almost 50% heavier.

Golite's premier load carrier offers beefy padded shoulder straps and a sturdy hip belt; perfect for when you aren't traveling light or when your body needs a super comfortable fit to stay happy. With an adjustable length torso and waistbelt offer a custom fit. With all sorts of extra features, GoLite even "wows" us with a sleeping bag compartment. The Terrono is also ski and ice axe compatible. Even the styling is super cool (not pictured is the green color). The Terrono 70 and 90L are the perfect pack for expedition travel or extended trips into the backcountry. Oh, did we mention that it got a very favorable review in the 2011 Backpacker Gear Guide?

Super Sherpani Rumba Child Carriers

2011-04-30T04:32:00.000-07:00

Supermoms and dads will love the Sherpani Rumba Child Carrier. With a pop-off day pack that even kids can use and a sunshade rain cover this child carrier has every feature you'll need in a kid carrier (except maybe a hanging mirror so you can occasionally look back on your little one. Lots of storage gives you all the room you need for diapers, lunch, even a change of clothes. Best of all we like the fit of this pack and the stability it provides when you've got it loaded with your most valuable treasure.

Looking for something lighter that offers the same great comfort and fit but sheds some weight, features, and cost...check out the Sherpani Rumba Superlight. Both great packs are on sale and in-stock. Act now and get a full season of use for your money....and a quality pack that you can pass down to friends and family for years to come.

The Gregory Pack Sale is On.

2011-04-28T09:13:00.001-07:00

Save on Gregory Backpacks now through May 12th. Get a Gregory backpack discount of up to 20% on our full selection of the Gregory line. We've talked often about great Gregory packs like the Baltoro and the Denali. Since Mother's Day is coming up today we'll talk about Gregory's great backpacks for women.

The Gregory Deva 60 is our most popular Gregory women's pack. This is the sister pack of the Gregory Baltoro that has a long record of awards. The Deva 60 is just the right size for a weekend or 3-4 day excursion. With women's specific fit you get a harness system that is designed and shaped for women's bodies that includes women's specific hip belt and shoulder straps. The Gregory Deva 85 is a larger option for trips where you need to carry bigger loads.

The Gregory Jade Backpacks have newer styling and Gregory's JetStream™ LTS suspension and auto-fit harness system. With Women’s specific ventilated and moisture wicking harness, waistbelt and backpanel this is the perfect hot weather pack. It's no wonder the Jade 50 was a Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Award winner in 2010. The Jade backpack is available in sizes ranging from 60 liters down to 28 liters so there are options for every use.

At CCOutdoorStore.com we have many women's backpacks to choose from, so check them out.

Hiking Backpack Blowout Sale

2011-04-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hiking backpacks are arriving daily and it's about time to dig out. Start shopping now at our Big Backpack Sale which should be up and live by Thursday the 28th @ noon. You'll be able to shop for bargains on great new Gregory backpacks, Golite Backpacks, and discontinued Deuter backpacks.

For info on some great packs search back through our blog archives for info on some award winning backpacks. Last week we featured the Deuter ACT ZERO 50+15 which was an Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Pick. Back in March we did a post on the Gregory Baltoro 65 and 75 which graced the cover of Backpacker Magazine's Gear Guide and was chosen as the pack with the best organization. And if all else fails give us a call at 855-244-GEAR and we'll be happy to do a virtual pack fitting with you.

Deuter ACT ZERO 50 +15 GETS GEAR OF THE YEAR AWARD

2011-04-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Deuter's ACT ZERO 50+15 received Outside Magazine's Gear of the Year Award for 2011 this past week. It was also reviewed in the May issue of Backpacker as their second highest rated weekend pack; it received a 4.6 on a 5 point scale. At 3 lbs. 5 oz. this pack offers a lightweight pack option that functions more like a load carrier with lots of standard features you'd expect in a heavier pack. Adjustable torso length, top pocket, ice axe holder, mesh water bottle holders, hydration bag pocket, large front panel mesh pocket and side compression straps make for a pack that you'll be comfortable with on a weekend outing or even a longer trek.

We've grown especially attached to Deuter's approach on suspension systems. The ACT ZERO features the AIRCONTACT system with Vari-Quick. With beefy foam straps in the back, hip, and shoulders you be surprised by how comfortable it is to carry large loads. The attention to ventilating your back adds significantly to the comfort effect over the long haul. We've tested Deuter's AirContact suspension out on several backpacking trips now and have been very impressed.

A slim/slender "SL" version-- the ACT ZERO 45 + 15 -- is available in pine moss green and is an ounce lighter. While advertised as the women's specific version of the ACT ZERO, the 45+15 is really suitable for anyone who doesn't have a large frame. We expect that this version of the pack will become especially popular with boy scouts and teenagers in general.

Note that while this pack boasts a lot of load carrying capacity, the external strap options do not provide many means for attaching pads, tents or other large pieces of gear.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 4 Wins Outside's Gear of the Year Award

2011-04-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL4 just won another big award: Outside Magazine's highly coveted 2011 Gear of the Year Award. We haven't gotten our copy of the 2011 Outside Gear Guide yet, but Outside and Big Agnes' websites have both posted press releases. If you haven't seen our early blog on this new tent, then you might as well check out the Backpacker Magazine Editor's video review of the tent which shows why they they gave it such praise. The stats speak for themselves: 47 sq. ft on the floor, 50 inches of height, and a packed weight of 6 lbs. 3 oz. This tent's MSRP is $599 and we have plenty in stock.

If you want a four person tent that's even lighter--if not as spacious--take a look at the Big Agnes' Fly Creek UL4 . At $499 this tent is more affordable. And with a packed weight of 4 lbs. 9 oz.--it's 1 lb. 10 oz lighter than the Copper Spur UL4--and 49.5 sq. ft of floor space it has 2.5 more ft. of room to spread out. But don't expect room for your party of four to spend a day comfortably waiting out the weather, the max head height is only 45 inches and the exterior walls are anything but vertical.

If you'd prefer a little more interior space--as in near vertical side walls--and you're willing to compromise a few pounds in favor of saving some $$$, then consider Sierra Designs Lightning XT 4 tent. With packed weight of 7 lbs. 8 oz, you'll be carrying less than a pound and a half more than the Copper Spur UL4, but you'll still have a C note and a half in your wallet. (Note that floor area is nearly identical, while the Copper Spur UL4 sports one additional inch of head room.)

The Big Agnes Ten for Ten Tent Sale

2011-04-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Announcing a great way to buy Big Agnes Tents and Save: The CCOutdoorStore.com Ten for Ten Tent Sale! Maybe it's just a fun play on words, but there is no better way to get a great value on one of Big Agnes' classic family backpacking tents. From the two person Gore Pass 2 to the six person Flying Diamond 6, we're offering something for everyone. Be prepared to have your socks knocked off by the outstanding value and quality of these tents. Believe me you'll be sorry if you opt for one of those cheap big box store tents. From waking up with puddles on my sleeping bag to getting my tent blown over, I've experienced the reasons why some tents cost so little.

Personally, my family is especially fond of our Lynx Pass 4P tent. With all the tents we had to choose from we kept coming back to the Lynx Pass 4. It's a great all around value; big enough for a family of 4 whether you're backpacking or camping at your local state park. We had a blast each of the five times we took it camping last summer...from a backyard in the shadows of Mt. Hunger to tent platforms off Vermont's Long Trail. OK. It doesn't have anywhere near the head room or space of the Jupiter's Cabin or Flying Diamond, but at 8 lbs. 4 oz. it won't break your back on a family backpacking outing. The tents in the Lynx Pass series perhaps offers the best cost-weight-quality ratio in the tent business. Check it out!

Leki Poles Part II

2011-04-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Check out CC's LEKI POLE SALE! We're offering 20% OFF on ALL of Leki's bestselling poles; with FREE Shipping on most items!

What's great about Leki Trekking Poles is that they offer something for everyone. At the top end is the Leki Carbonlite Ultralight Poles with SpeedLock. On SALE for $143.96, this pole usually costs $179.95. (The XL length pole runs $20 more.)

Using a carbon alloy, Leki's built a pole that's 20% lighter than their other poles. The Carbonlite weighs in at a mere 14.6 ounces. Yet it still sports Leki's sporty new speedlock feature that allows quick length adjustments. The speedlock is great for getting the optimal length, whatever the grade of the hill you're climbing. (It's also nice if you share your poles with another family member.)

At the other end of the spectrum is the Leki Trail Trekking Poles. For $63.96 --normally $79.95--you get a quality pole at an affordable price; perfect if you're on a budget or you want to give hiking with poles a try without investing too much. The Trail gives you all the added stability of a trekking pole without expensive extras. So you can enjoy the health benefits that come from a Leki Pole whether you're on a local Rec Path or summiting a high peak.

Don't delay, our sale prices are only good while supplies last.

A Word About Leki Hiking Poles

2011-04-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

I started using Leki hiking poles about 17 years ago to help ease the strain on my knees from long hikes with lots of elevation. I found them especially useful for lessening the impact on the downhill side of things. Those poles still see some use, despite having fallen on them a number of times while backcountry skiing. My use of trekking poles until very recently was pretty sporadic but I've taken them hiking with me 3 times a week for a last month or so. Today's new poles like the Leki Corklite Aergon Speedlock Antishock Poles have so much to offer!

* The new Speedlock feature allows quick length adjustments on the go...in just a few seconds you can bring it down to size for going uphill, or lengthen it for going down.
* Anti-shock technology reduce impacts so the poles are even easier on the joints.
* New materials and manufacturing processes make today's Leki Poles even lighter and stronger.

And CCOutdoorStore.com makes it even easier for you to find out for yourself! Now through April 25th, get 20% off your purchase while supplies last. For help choosing the Leki poles that are right for you check out our Leki Help Page.

Lowa's Leather Lining

2011-04-09T04:16:00.000-07:00

There's something special about the way about the way a leather lined boot slips on your foot. Using the word magical might be overstating the experience, but smooth and buttery like a chardonnay might do the trick. You could also compare it to the experience of slipping on a broken-in baseball glove. There is an unsurpassed comfort and fit that comes with the leather lining. But the experience is surprisingly rare.

One place you can look for leather lined boots is from German boot maker, LOWA. LOWA's been at this for over a hundred years and employs skilled craftspeople to cut, stitch, and assemble each boot to exacting EU standards. Most people who've worn LOWAs become loyal devotees of the brand...we are no different.

This spring LOWA added a leather lined option to their popular Renegade line. The Renegade Leather Lined LL Mid Hiking boot offers day in and day out comfort. A great boot for someone who's on their feet all day...at work or at play. The high quality leather breathes wonderfully and just gets better with age as it molds to the shape of your feet. Sturdy enough for a weekend of backpacking or a hundred mile through hike this boot is exceptionally versatile.

Another leather lined boot we're big fans of at CC Outdoor Store is LOWA's Banff Pro boot. Sturdy for summits and load carrying, the Banff is one rugged boot. The single piece of split grain leather that makes its upper offers a traditional, yet distinctive look (pictured above). While this boot is being replaced by other great new LOWA boots, availability is still good at the moment. But now is a good time to pick a pair up at a great price before it is too late.

All Lowa Boots are now on SALE through April 14th at CCOutdoorStore.com.

Deuter’s Kid Comfort – Comfort for the Child and for the Adult

2011-04-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

As our sale on child carriers continues, I have to take a moment to highlight the Kid Comfort series by Deuter. If you have not heard of Deuter (d-oy-ter), they are a European outdoor gear company out of Germany. They have been making packs and gear for over 100 years all while keeping the environment and preservation in mind!

Back to the Kid Comfort carriers... there are three models – the I, II, and III. These models range in volume for storage along your trek. All models are appropriate for children from about 6 months of age (when they can sit up and keep their head up – always check with your pediatrician for appropriate age and weights) through about 48 lbs. Both the Kid Comfort II and Kid Comfort III have adjustable shoulder harnesses which makes switching from one user to another a breeze. Speaking of breezes, the Kid Comfort I has the Aircomfort back system while the Kid Comfort II and III have the Aircontact back system. Both systems allow air movement through the user’s back keeping them cooler.

Now, Deuter’s safety standards are excellent! They conform to the European TUV standards, which focuses on safety and comfort of both the child and the adult. The Kid Comfort series have adjustable 5-point harness systems as well as a frame padding for comfort (the padding is especially helpful on a bumpy trail or when your little one falls asleep). New this year is a locking kickstand that allows the adult to know that the kickstand is in place and will not move while loading and unloading their precious cargo.

I have worn the Kid Comfort II and find it outstanding for comfort! As your child looks around while riding comfortably, the Kid Comfort keeps the load near your body, which allows for more stability and comfort. There is no better way to get your children into the outdoors then starting them early in such a comfy and safe carrier. What my kids really love about the Kid Comfort II and III is that they come with a cute little teddy bear as well!

So, rely on Deuter’s design, safety, and coziness to get your child outdoors while getting you out there too! Neither of you will regret it and you are teaching lifelong, healthy habits while spending time together. You gotta love that!

Spring Child Carrier Sale

2011-03-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

Kids are in the air...with child carriers that is. With the official arrival of spring, what better gift could you give your children or grandchildren than a free ride and some fresh air. So don't be afraid to take advantage of our Spring Child Carrier Sale. Get that baby backpack and get outside and put some miles under your belt. Truly there is no better way to get in shape for hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering than carrying a few extra pounds on your back. I used to load my 25 odd pound 2 year old in a child carrier and climb hills to get in shape for a trip up Mt. Rainier years ago. I made it--barely--but couldn't have done it without my daughter riding on my shoulders.

That was in 2002 and we were partial to Madden Mountaineering's Child Carriers for the security and steadiness of carry even while scrambling up local summits. (We had two of them.) Madden was bought by Sherpani who continues to use the same design and quality in its framed Rumba Baby Carriers. You'll be hard pressed to find a lighter lightweight backpack than Sherpani's Rumba Superlight. And this year Sherpani features some great new colors too.

We also added Kelty FC child carriers to our selection this year. Besides the fact that they are one of the best-selling kid carrier companies; they offer some sharp styling with unique eye catching colors.

The Cobalt V Watch is Making a Splash

2011-03-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Tested to 100m, the Momentum Cobalt V Watch is ideal for water lovers. You may have seen Momentum's full page ad in the 2011 Backpacker Magazine Gear Guide announcing the latest addition to their line of quality dive watches. Although it lacks the traditional diver's bezel, the large face with big bold luminous numbers is perfect for underwater adventure...even in the dark.

Made with black titanium, the Cobalt V's 44 mm case is surprising light...and comfortable. Although it has a 5 year battery, the V in Cobalt V actually refers to Momentum's new "V series" movement. It looks great with a black ribbed rubber band (standard) or an upgrade to a black touch leather band. Looking for a great dive watch for women? Check out Momentum's M1 Dive watch, which appeared again this spring in the Title IX Sports catalog.

The Green Mountain Byway & Fed Ex Deliveries

2011-03-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from making a Fed Ex Delivery and discovered our store is now officially on the Green Mountain Byway! I was a little stunned first because I had to load up today's orders and take them to Fed Ex for the first time...but also because we've now got Green Mountain Byway signs on our road to tell folks that our beautiful strip of the country is officially...well, "scenic". Oops, I guess we're not the official Green Mountain Scenic Byway as that's in Florida. Pardon, my geography but the last time I drove through Florida it was pretty flat.

Which gets to the story of why I was going to Fed Ex. We rely on Fed Ex and while we try to emphasize that anything could happen and there are no guarantees in the delivery business--unless you are willing to pay an arm and a leg for one--sometimes the unexpected happens. As the snow melts here in Vermont the roads get muddy and our local drivers make a lot of deliveries on dirt roads that at this time of year can swallow up truck axles and such. So our daily Fed Ex pick up didn't happen today because the Fed Ex truck died. As a result I drove off to get today's packages onto the truck before it was towed back to the terminal. The funniest part of the adventure was that I passed a UPS truck being towed home too! There are probably a couple of morals to this story...tomorrow I'm going to schedule my car for an overdue check-up.

The Best in Classic Hiking

2011-03-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Green Mountain Club membership and Director Ben Rose for reaching their goal of 10,000 members by the end of their 100th Anniversary Year last Friday. America's oldest long distance hiking trail--the Long Trail--is in good hands for another 100 years.

Another development in the "classic" hiking category is Vasque's new Bitterroot GTX Backpacking Boots. Backpacker Magazine editor's gave the Bitterroot GTX their "Classic Leather" backpacking boot nod in the just published 2011 Backpacker Gear Guide. Favored for its "durability, support, and classic styling, the Bitterroot is the choice. Best for wide, high volume feet. $190: 3 lbs. 8 oz". The Bitterroot is available for men in narrow, regular, and wide and in two colors: Slate/Chili and Gunpowder/Estate Blue. Thickly padded ankles, a full grain leather upper, and a full sheet of EVA for cushion will protect your feet and withstand years of abuse. And yes, you guessed it; our first shipment of Vasque Bitterroots arrived just last week.

Ultralight Trekking Poles

2011-03-11T07:18:00.000-08:00

With all the rain spoiling the 2 feet of snow we recieved this week, this seems an a propos time to tout the merits of trekking poles. Especially in the deep, mushy snow we've got now a strong pair of lightweight poles can make all the difference between a twisted ankle or a wet faceplant. In a nut shell, having four points of contact with the ground provides better balance than two.

Maybe I just have poles on the brain because we've been stocking up on new ones in the past few weeks. Yesterday we opened our new Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z-Poles for Trekking; these were one of only 14 picks for best gear of the year in Backpacker Magazine's 2011 Gear Guide! Here's what the testers said: "Get a grip on the best carbon poles we've ever tested." Using the same concept as the elastic shock cords in tent poles, these 3 section poles feature a coated inner cord with a push button release.

I'm curious about which poles I'll decide to bring on tomorrow's snowshoe to the top of Camel's Hump, but I'm pretty sure I won't be lucky enough to break out Black Diamond's new Z poles.

GMC's Project 10,000 needs you!

2011-03-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

The Green Mountain Club needs your help! With less than 48 hours to go, Project 10,000 is down to the wire. The GMC needs about 50 more new members to hit the goal of 10,000 dues paying members in their 100th Anniversary year. The Green Mountain Club manages the oldest, long distance hiking trail in the United States--the Long Trail--which was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail which share the Long Trail's southern section. The Long Trail runs 273 miles spanning the length of Vermont from the Berkshires of Massachusetts to the Canadian border. While many club members are locals who love the Long Trail--many others live out-of-state and visited Vermont to hike all or sections of the Long Trail. All joined the club to help preserve a place that is special to them.

Whether you've hiked the trail or not, your support can help in many ways from helping to maintain established trails to building and protecting new sections of trail through easements and land purchases. If you're looking for a great place to get away to this summer learn more about Vermont's Long Trail. And if you need lightweight gear and backpacking supplies rest assured, we're located only 2 miles north of the Club's Visitor Center

Busy Backpack Buyer.

2011-03-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

2011 begins with lots of backpacks on our blog. In addition to beefing up our GoLite, Gregory, and Osprey offerings, we've been buying new backpack brands at breakneck speed. Sierra Designs backpack revival offers a lot of new excitement; after a 25 year hiatus Sierra Designs is returning to its roots with an innovative series of new packs that include pivoting hipbelts and great organization.

French mountaineering backpack giant Millet is adding it's pedigree to our backpack wall this spring too. With tremendous big mountain tradition, Millet backpacks are a favorite of serious trekkers and mountaineers around the world.

And for family backpackers we've added the Kelty line of backpacks for it's great value. From child carriers, to youth packs, and week-long hiking backpacks Kelty packs in many high end features at affordable prices.

In fact our buyer is so busy, that our busy programmers haven't had a chance to get all of the packs in our store up on our website (including an entire brand of packs not mentioned here yet since you wouldn't even find it on our site.) If there's a pack you're looking that you don't see on our site yet, give us a call at 855-244-GEAR as we've got lots of packs in stock still looking for a home on our website.

2011 Backpacker Editor's Choice Gear

2011-03-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Our 2011 Backpacker Magazine Gear Guide Page is now live, just 48 hours after the magazine hit our mailbox. While it has yet to arrive in some parts of the country, here at CCOutdoorStore.com we've been busy unpacking boxes and stocking up on lots of the year's best gear. From Vermont, we're excited to share info from Backpacker's impartial gear testers.

So we're working hard to cull through our inventory and match it up with awards and reviews from the Gear Guide, so you'll have the best information available about the best gear. From Killer Values to Best All Around and the prestigious Editor's Choice check out our new Gear Guide page as we strive our best to fulfill our mission to find and bring you the best gear. It's far from perfect at this point...and there are many products we have on order that are just arriving in our store but haven't got their own webpage yet. So stay tuned as we'll continue to bring up updates here.

Gregory's Baltoro backpack amazes again!

2011-03-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

The Gregory Baltoro 65. Who could have guessed that Gregory's Editor's Choice updated pack--that was a Backpacker Editor's Choice winner in 2008 and was added to their all-time greats list in 2010--would be chosen to grace the 2011 Gear Guide cover!? Would not have been my choice with all the other great new packs out there, but Gregory packs certainly give testers many reasons to rave. What does the Baltoro 65 deliver that gave it full, front page placement in it brilliant Cinder Cone redness?

Durability. The original Baltoro 70 backpack passed durability tests in Utah's demanding slot canyons. The updated Baltoro looked "out-of-the-box new" after 120 miles on the AT in Virginia.
Stability. The Baltoro proved up to the test on Rockie Mountain ski tours. New is silicon on the lumbar pad to make it "stick like glue".
Ergonomics. The Baltoro is "made for big load comfort". It provides a "snug fit and direct load transfer."

At 5 lbs. 10 oz, you should consider looking at a GoLite backpack. But if you want a great all-around comfortable pack that's going to last for a lifetime, go with a Baltoro. Note the Baltoro is now also available in a 75 liter size.

Nemo's Astro Air Sleeping Pad: Another Trail Essential

2011-03-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

Nemo's Astro Air Sleeping Pad is just what the doctor ordered! Whether you just thrive on comfort...or your back aches like mine because of age, this backpacking minded camping pad is a treat. The new Nemo Astro Insulated Pad is the lightweight and ultra packable sleeping pad based on the super-comfy pad design of the Nemo Cosmo Air Pad.

With the Astro Air, Nemo trimmed up the overall width and length of their Cosmo (the Astro regular version is 72" long and 20" wide, and the short version is 48" long and 20" wide). And Nemo took the integrated foot pump out to save weight; the "disco" pump is very cool and is will be available as an add on in a few weeks. The orange version of the Astro is insulated, using a synthetic polyurethane foam to stop convective currents. Weights are 1 lb 8 oz for Insulated, 1 lb 4 oz for Air, 14 oz for Short. Bet you can't weight to upgrade you heavy, old pad this spring!

Our new Astro sleeping pads hit the store last week (and the pillowtops should arrive next week)but supplies will be limited...so we may not get to try one out ourselves for awhile. But we do know that the Cosmo Air & Pillowtop on which it is based is almost as good as bringing along a Serta mattress!

Essential Big Agnes Tents

2011-02-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

It’s about time to start unpacking all our new Big Agnes Tents & Sleeping Bags! We're very excited about the new tents we're going to find inside. At the top of our list of backpacking tents are 4 person versions of the award-winning ultralight Fly Creek Tent and Copper Spur tent.

Both these tents offer exceptionally low trail weights…ridiculously low if you haven’t looked at new tents lately. The Fly Creek UL 4 comes in at 4 lbs. 1 oz while the Copper Spur UL4 weighs all of 5 lbs 10 oz. These tents truly redefine lightweight with their interior space to weight ratio. (Note: Trail weight refers to the fly, tent body, and poles; stakes, guy lines, and stuff sack are not included.)

The Fly Creek offers 49.5 sq ft of floor space, 17 ft. of vestibule and a head height of 40" to 45". The Copper Spur has 57 sq ft of floor area, 13.5 sq ft of vestibule and 50" of head height. Just think about the possibilities!

I'd love to tell you about all the new changes to Big Agnes’ tent series right now. But you’ll just have to wait for another day to hear more. Whatever you decide on for your next tent, don’t wait too long to place an order as there were many out-of-luck Big Agnes customers last summer as the hot new tents got scooped up in no time.

Essential Gear: The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger

2011-02-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

If you are someone who likes to leave the beaten path or spend time off the grid then the SPOT Messenger may be just the new piece of essential gear for you. Or maybe this is the perfect gift to give a loved one that you worry about when they head out on their next trek or epic backcountry adventure. Coincidently we learned about the SPOT a week before 8 adventurers needed backcountry rescues here in Vermont.

The SPOT uses Satellite GPS technology to provides users with five essential functions:
• SOS Messages: Spot can notify the GEOS International Emergency Response Center of your exact coordinates should you face a life threatening or critical emergency. In North America, 9-1-1 responders would be notified of your distress signal.
• HELP Messages: Activate your SPOT to send your contacts an SMS text message including coordinates, or an email with a link to Google Maps™ showing your location.
• CHECK IN/OK Messages: SPOT can let your friends and family know that all is OK with a pre-programmed message along with your GPS location.
• CUSTOM Messages: SPOT gives you access to your waypoints in your SPOT account so you can review your trek or thru hike at a later date. Or link your SPOT account to SPOT Adventures and save a map of your adventures using your SPOT waypoints, and enhance the story with photos and a blog.
• TRACK PROGRESS Messages: SPOT allows you to send and save your location, while contacts can track your progress in near real time using Google Maps. With your SPOT account you have the ability to set up a SPOT Shared Page which allows you to show your SPOT GPS locations to others on a Google Map.

For a short video and more info check out our SPOT Information Page. I’ll bet you’ll agree that the cost is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is a button away. It’s certainly cheaper than footing the bill for a night rescue guided by the infrared sensors of a National Guard helicopter!

The New Essentials in Lightweight Backpacking Gear

2011-02-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

Looking for new lightweight backpacking gear? Whether you're retiring a worn out piece of essential gear for next season's thru-hike or looking for the hottest new gadget to get you out of a pinch, it is our hope that this blog will be the place you learn about it first. While last month's trade shows kept us away from our blog, they introduced us to lots of great, new gear coming out this spring. Count on us to pick up the tempo of the blog to share news of the latest backpacking gear. CHECK OUT our the New Arrivals section of our home page as we call out new brands and products.

You might have seen in a recent post that we're hot on the Treksta Evolution running shoe. Yes, it's mostly about the "fit"--created by a last designed by measuring the curves and contours of 20,000 different feet. But it also uses a new, patented feature called IceLock that dramatically increases traction by embedding particles of glass into rubber pads or lugs on the outsole. The IceLock breaks the surface tension when the rubber hits ice or water. Every time I've bumped into a runner friend in the past week, they've pitched me on a different gadget you attach to your shoes for traction, I say why not try a running shoe that provides more traction.

Get Kahtoola Microspikes – Your Ash Will Thank You!

2011-02-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

So, this all started back in early November when my husband and I were able to have a weekend away from our young children. Well, of course, we had to go hiking! We headed out Northbound on Vermont’s wonderful Long Trail from the Appalachian Gap. The hike was beautiful and so much fun to just hang out together. I digress. We were having a very mild November after some October snow and cooler temps. The trail was wet and snowy in spots. In the hollows, ice covered the trail and much of our descents were us slipping down icy pathways only to slide into a snow bank. Heading up these icy spots led to us relying heavily on our Leki hiking poles as well as a few random trees and branches. As I was sliding around, I thought, “Geez…I need to get some microspikes.”

I will pause the story here to say that Kahtoola microspikes are light and easy spikes to use. Very handy in the case above where you could just have them in your pack in case you needed them and quickly (but securely) put them over your boots. The toe of these spikes, come up and over your toe so no need to worry about these spikes slipping off your boots. The spikes themselves are situated under your foot in way that eliminates any worry of slipping. The Kahtoola microspikes are the security you need to face ice on the trail or summit (or even your driveway!).

This particular day had me shoveling my driveway. As I shoveled, I fell...and fell…and fell. My last fall of the day was me attempting to bring ash from our woodstove out to our driveway to keep my husband’s car from sliding. Well, being very careful, I fell once again – and this time with a bucket of ashes in my hand. Needless to say, when I got back up, I was sore and I was covered in ash.

So, geez… I got some microspikes! -Amy

The Treksta is Here!

2011-02-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Treksta Evolution. Just in yesterday...hot from the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City less than two weeks ago! Possibly the coolest new concept in trail running shoes for all of 2011. Maybe you saw the recent write up in Men's Journal?

We first saw these shoes five months ago and have been testing them on road and trail ever since. We can confirm that the Treksta Evolution lives up to the hype: superior fit, comfort, grip, and performance. Although it does takes a bit to get used to the look because the shoe is assymetrical like our feet!

Using what Treksta calls it's Nestfit technology, the Evolution delivers an anatomically correct running shoe that is as comfortable as anything I've ever worn. Nestfit was developed by taking 1000s of computer scans of real feet to model the perfect last--shoemaking jargon for the plastic mold around which the materials are wrapped and sewn to make your shoes.

With a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining and patented IceLock on the soles this is truly a 4 season trail running shoe. Give us a call at 855-244-GEAR if you want to hear an even geekier description.

Koolaburra SALE!

2011-01-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Koolaburra Boots. Synonymous with Sheepskin. Whether you're looking for head turning fashion or comfy, cozy footwear, Koolaburra Sheepskin boots offer you the finest quality double faced Merino sheepskin footwear. And now they're on SALE at 10% OFF Retail.

Koolaburra...an original Australian designer and manufacturer of sheepskin boots were making what Australians called "uggs" before there was a U.S. company that trademarked the name. These are not the same as what many retailers are selling, i.e. fake sheepskin boots made with cowhide glue to synthetic or natural fleece.

The end of the season is nearing so some boots are only available in limited quantities, colors, and sizes. So don't delay, order today.

Bookmark this page as we'll be writing soon about many of the great new products we discovered at last week's Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. We also hope to start making specials available to our blog readers...maybe you'll even get a chance to score a deal on upcoming Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice winners!

Winter Snowshoe SALE!

2010-12-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

Bet you wish you had some new snowshoes for the snowstorm that hit folks up and down the East Coast this past week. Now that almost everyone has finally had the chance to dig out, you've got the opportunity to pick up that pair of new snowshoes ON SALE. All of our snowshoes from Crescent Moon, MSR, and Redfeather are on sale through January 12th. Our staff has been out in the snow this past week and here are some thoughts on how our snowshoes stack up:

Best Traction: MSR snowshoes really offer superior grip. By using the entire frame as a giant crampon you get unbeatable performance going up, going down, even going across sheets of ice!

Best Binding: Crescent Moon snowshoes' Single Pull Loop (SPL) system is tops. Getting snowshoes on and off can be the most demanding part of snowshoeing and often determines whether you even want to bother with them for short jaunts. We've never come across anything easier...you don't even need to take your gloves off!

Best Value: Redfeather snowshoes have been bundled into kits that include their best selling snowshoes with poles and a carry bag. Whether you are an expert, novice, or beginner there is a kit for you. There is no better way to outfit yourself on a budget.

So get yourself ready to enjoy the next big snowfall with a new pair of snowshoes. Now with our new 800 number, you can call us at 855-244-GEAR for advice on your next purchase.

Hat's Off!

2010-12-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a tip of the hat to all the hard working delivery drivers and distribution folks who've made our deliveries happen this holiday season for CCOutdoorStore.com. The last week has brought several stories of blazing fast service where orders are arriving even faster than usual. I shipped my mom's gifts...yes, from our store...yesterday around 6 pm and her presents arrived this morning around 10. So what would have been a five hour drive for me if I took the gifts in person took Fed Ex Ground all of 16 hours!

Also kudos go out to our great customer service team who ably managed a busy holiday season with lots of proactive package tracking and few hiccups. While we're still working on better shipping options for our website, we can tell you if we can get your order to you the next day with a simple phone call: 802-244-4000.

So if you get the chance, show your gratitude to your delivery driver, postman, or postwoman. And while you're at it we'd appreciate any praise for our own hard working customer service group if you'd be willing to write a review.

News Flash! Let it Boil...Fast.

2010-12-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

A few minutes ago we just made a special purchase of Gold Jetboil Flash stoves that we're offering at a special sale price of $77.97 -- 22% off retail! We'll start shipping orders on Monday, in plenty of time for Christmas. And shipping is FREE!

Other Jetboil products we like for the holidays include: the Jetboil Flash Java Kit that comes with coffee and a coffee press and the Jetboil Helios stove system that we use on our family's camping trips to the backcountry and the local state park!

Let There Be Light!

2010-12-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

With all the holiday gift orders pouring in there hasn't been much time to blog. But since the snow's falling and winter is here this seemed like a ripe opportunity to talk about how we keep sane when there's less than 9 hours of daylight. Yes, you know...just put on a headlamp. Charge up those batteries...invest in a few more lumens and get out there!

And I'm out too because we're closing early today to see all the elementary school kids pour down main street Waterbury past the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Visitor's Center and around past The Alchemist in the First RIVER OF LIGHT PARADE. Should be very cool...and not just because it's about 10 degrees out : ) It's part of the kid's unit learning about Brazilian culture...so they made lanterns in their art class, and learned a song & dance in music.

Be a Julbo Superstar!

2010-12-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you, but when I’m on the slopes I feel a bit like a Superstar. Now, with Julbo Superstar goggles, I can come even closer! These goggles have what it takes to add more star power to my day on the hill. They are a category 3 lens blocking just the right amount of visible light to allow me to navigate bumps, hollows, ice and lush powder. And all Julbo ski goggles have while 100% UV ray protection for my eyes. These lenses are optimal for bright sunny days…you know, Superstar days! The Julbo Superstar goggles come in three hot color choices all with a blue flash on the outer lens, which adds that flashy shine and appeal while improving filtration of visible light. They have extended out riggers to allow use with or without a helmet. Front venting prevents fogging and double density foam keeps me comfortable through all my turns. The Superstar frames are also impact resistant – thank goodness .

Go ahead hit those trails and release your inner Superstar!

Get a lift out of MSR Snowshoes' Televator

2010-12-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

The MSR Televator heel lift is actually a little bar that you easily pull up (with gloves on!) and it locks in place under your heel. MSR snowshoes' Televator heel lift can be found on the Lightning Ascent and Axis models as well as the Evo Ascent and Tour models. As you climb, your foot has to drop only back onto this lift rather than all the way back down to the snowshoe itself. The benefit? The Televators reduce fatigue while improving traction and grip. Now your crampons are hitting the snow from above rather than at an angle. This allows us to stay out longer on our adventures and reduces frustration of the one step forward, two steps back ascent.

Not only does the MSR Televator lift your heel, it also lifts your energy and lifts your spirits. Go on, enjoy the lift!

Get ready for some Steeps!

2010-11-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

More Zamberlan 760 Steep boots! So much has happened this past week! Amidst all the new winter gear, we just received a large shipment of our favorite 2010 product: The Zamberlan Steep.

The Zamberlan 760 Steep GT was awarded Backpacker Magazine’s Editors Choice GOLD Award in the April 2010 Issue -- and got the cover photo. Unfortunately the craftsmen and women in Italy couldn't keep up with all the demand this generated. Here's what the review had to say about the Zamberlan Steep:

Tackle the biggest terrain - under the heaviest loads - in this uncommonly comfortable boot. Got a big tripped planned? Spend a little extra on this boot. Your feet will thank us later. -backpacker magazine Zamberlan Steep review, April 2010

For now we're well stocked in every size. No more waitlists.