2012 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year

Here's our first glimpse of Outside Magazine's Gear of the Year Awards.  Look for the Gear Guide on newstands on May 1st.

Deuter Air Contact Takes Flight

The New 2012 Deuter Air Contacts are in.  Updated, with new colors, and a new larger size Deuter's top of the line backpacking pack is better than ever.  This heavy weight hauler from Germany's top backpack brand offers all the capacity you need in a pack and all the comfort you want.  Manufactured to European standards in Deuter's wholly owned and managed backpack factory, you get quality you can count on.  And now you can get Deuter backpacks on SALE for two weeks only.  SAVE 20% on select packs in every size and every budget through May 3rd. 

Here's the full spec sheet on Deuter's upgraded Air Contact Packs.   Enter to win Deuter's Fjords of Norway Sweepstakes. 

Treksta Evolution Reviewed

In just the last two weeks we've had folks travel to our store specifically in search of Treksta Evolution shoes--one from as far away as Maine--so I wondered if there's been a recent review or some news since the Treksta Evolution Mid won Backpacker's Editor's Choice Award in 2011.  Honestly I didn't find much and almost none of it recent, but here's what some of our competitors are saying:
"From wet treks to rock cumbersome runs, the Evolution GTX will elevate your outdoor experience. The NestFIT system cradles your feet, accounting for every contour...."
"We think the US Postal service should make the Treksta Evolution GTX Mid their official shoe. Rain, sleet, and ice...."

Of course who knows if the folks writing this stuff EVER even looked upon the Treksta Evolution much less wore or tested a pair.  So since I'm on my second pair and have never actually written a true "review" of the Treksta Evolution here goes.

First, NestFIT IS comfortable and does cradle your foot.  We like to say they are "anatomically correct" and not symmetrical which is more aesthetically pleasing.  Wide in the forefront with a very supportive arch and heel cup, they fit most feet well (although odd shaped feet have found different elements uncomfortable.)  After two runs in these, I permanently retired my street runners; but they are much heavier which is fine for me since I'm running to get in shape not race. 

Second, the Treksta GTX (with Gore-Tex) and IceLock handle adverse conditions well.  I picked up my second pair this winter for running in the snow and ice and found that they kept my feet warm and dry, but I know they'll be too hot for my sweaty feet as we get closer to summer. 

On the issue of traction, I've repeatedly tested the IceLock on sheet ice expecting immediate braking from the silicone impregnated sole lugs.  They certainly grip well, but they're not that effective.  Better yet despite daily use most of this icy winter I never fell like I did on several occasions in my heavy lugged hiking shoes & boots. 

Finally while these are designed as multi-purpose trail runners and have been great for me on my dirt road and woods runs, they have replaced my tennis shoes as I'm finding they give superior traction on lateral cuts on the court. 

If you want to try a pair, now is the time.  Trekstas are in stock and just went on sale through 4/23/2012!  As for myself, I really like the look of the new black & red version pictured above and may just buy my third pair if it's available in a non-GTX version. 

In the interests of full-disclosure I should note that my first pair was a sales sample...and the second pair I bought with an employee discount.

Better boots. Lowa Boots.

For adventurers, we don't know of a better boot brand than LOWA BOOTS. From quality light duty hikers to backpacking boots and to expedition grade mountaineering boots, Lowa provides one of the most comprehensive selections. With new boots arriving from Europe almost every week this month, this is the time of year when your selection is the greatest. Many Lowa boots come in narrow, medium and wide sizes to allow for a custom fit. Plus popular styles offer a range of colors to choose from. You can even choose from Gore Tex and leather lined options, like the Renegade and the Baltoro pictured above.

To make sure you step off this season with the right footwear, we're holding our annual spring Lowa Sale. So take 20% off now through 4/18 and know you're getting the best boots for your feet...lowa boots. What's your favorite brand of boots?

Tents on Sale

While the weather here in Vermont has become more seasonal, lots of folks are starting to check out summer gear.  Two of our tent brands have just gone on sale to make this easier for folks.   You can now save 20% on many of our Sierra Designs tents and Nemo tents.  If you know what size tent you need, check out our 2 person tent page or our 4 person tent page to compare tents across brands.  Sierra Designs and Nemo both offer innovative lightweight tents and they offer a lot by including smart patented features--like Jake's feet for example--that make them more user friendly than other tents.  Take a look for yourself!