Super Sherpani Rumba Child Carriers

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!