Big Agnes Traditional Sleeping Bags VS Sleep Systems

Big Agnes on sale thru July 15th. 

Big Agnes provides luxurious yet lightweight sleeping gear that meets a variety of needs and preferences. Here's the lowdown on Big Agnes' traditional sleeping bags and their complete sleep systems.

Big Agnes Traditional Sleeping Bags: 

Big Agnes Spike Lake 14

If you lay down, drift off quickly, and are out like a light -- and you like to pack light too -- the traditional sleeping bags are for you. A streamline taper saves unnecessary bulk/weight, making bags like the Spike Lake 14, Mirror Lake 22, and Lost Lake SL 30 perfect for minimalist backpackers. Big Agnes introduces modern tech to this throwback style by filling their down-filled bags with Downtek -- new technology that allows down insulation to retain heat when wet. The traditional bags filled with synthetic insulation feature breathable Pinneco insulation and Insotect technology, which reduces bunching and promotes an easy, even flow of heat.

Big Agnes Sleep Systems:

Summit Park 15

Big Agnes Sleep Systems are more catered to me, because from time to time, I'll wake up in the middle of the night lying next to my sleeping pad, not atop. I also value a little extra space in my bag too, since I'm 6' 3". Thankfully, Big Agnes figured out a way to fix these common issues. Bags like the Buffalo Park 40, Gunn Creek 30, or Summit Park 15, feature an integrated sleeve for sliding in a sleeping pad. Combining the two ensures a night on top of a sleeping pad, rather than a night lying beside one.

A sound night's rest is the best way towards the strength and mental clarity required for traveling or an endurance trip. Certain things that can affect a doze lie beyond our control -- noise, wind, getting bumped -- but there are rest-ruining culprits out there which one can now defend against. Thanks to Big Agnes, being cold, wet, or constantly rolling off a sleeping pad are fears we can now... put to rest...

Lowa Innox Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review

If you love to exercise outdoors and do so by walking or hiking, there's a new boot from Lowa you should see. It's called the Lowa Innox Mid GTX, and if you become a member before July 1st 2015, you can receive a 20% discount!

Lowa Innox Mid GTX!

The Lowa Innox Mid GTX is flexible, lightweight, and perfect for folks looking to explore nature on a rail trail or walking path. The Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable lining in these boots ensures your feet won't get soaked from puddles or morning dew. Equipped with grabby traction and more ankle support than a trail shoe, this boot spares you the weight, stiffness, and burliness of a backpacking or trekking boot, making it a great choice for regular recreation.

Deep lugs that grip

Backpackers' loads have been minimized to just a fraction of what they were decades ago, and this modern minimalism has lightweight and low-top shoes trending on the PCT and AT. Many look at boots like this for their hiking adventures. Since it doesn't have a shank or polyurethane plate in the sole to protect against jagged rocks and the like, that's not something we'd recommend, though many have seemingly "made it work." Mostly we see this as a great boot for someone who enjoys to walk on trails. Is that you??

Official: The Vermont 50 Will Feature Two of CCOutdoorStore.com's Own

   Plenty of people exercise; many participate in organized competition, but then there are the crazed few who thrive off the woes and triumphs of endurance athletics. CCOutdoorStore.com is proud to announce that Reed McCracken, co-owner, and Josh Howell, manager, will test their bodies and minds in a way they never have before, by running the Vermont 50, a 50-mile race. 

   You may say, "Wow that's awesome." or "They're masochistic lunatics," but we're very proud of these two, ready to take on such a challenge. 

       The sport of ultra-running is relatively new to both McCracken and Howell, although they've both completed marathon runs and have considerable long-distance hiking accomplishments under their belts.

       I asked Howell what's motivating him, and his response was simple, "It's the challenge man, the challenge. I'm like Barney on How I Met Your Mother, 'Challenge accepted!'"

       McCracken draws inspiration from his running enthused peers, one of whom turned him onto a book called "Eat to Run," by ultra-running icon Scott Jurek. The book focuses on Jurek's vegan and exercise-intensive lifestyle, and, evidently, it made a big impact on McCracken. Jurek helped Clif Bar develop their new Organic Energy Food pouches based on his favorite trail foods. (We have these available here in the store.)

      Currently, Jurek is out to break the Appalachian Trail speed record -- 2,160 miles in less than 47 days. That's 47 miles a day... 

Scott Jurek stands at the border of Georgia and North Carolina on the Appalachian Trail.     Photo: Scott Jurek/Twitter

       As McCracken trains, he thinks to himself, "Jurek's probably ran at least 30 miles by now."

       Come support them September 27th at Ascutney Mountain Resort in Brownsville, VT. Or will you be running too?

New Sleeping Bags from Nemo Perform for 2015

      Nemo Equipment, whose outdoor gear has won prestigious "Best Inventions" awards from Time and Popular Science Magazines, continues to impress with their new line of innovative sleeping bags.

From water-repelling down to Primaloft, arctic-expeditions to minimalist backpacking, Nemo will definitely change the way you think about sleeping bags. Here's the lowdown on how they perform.

Mezzo Loft 30 and Strato Loft 25

Mezzo Loft

Strato Loft

                       The closest relatives to "your father's" old sleeping bag are the Nemo Mezzo Loft and Strato Loft. Both the Downtek-filled Strato Loft and the synthetic-filled Mezzo Loft feature waterproofing technology, enabling users to stay warm in wet conditions. Furthermore, these bags are closer to bedding than they are sleeping bags. When you slide a pad in the sleeve underneath, put a pillow in the special compartment, and cuddle up with the "blanket fold," you'll think you're sleeping in a luxury bed-set.

Tango Duo 30 2P, Mambo Duo 20 2P

Tango Duo 30 2P

Reverse side of Mambo Duo 2P

I recently blogged about the Nemo Tango Solo 30, 2015's Outside Magazine Gear of the Year selection, but Nemo has more in the way of ultralight sleep systems -- for couples too. The Tango Duo 30 2P and Mambo Duo 20 2P are the best way for couples to cozy up in the backcountry. With a slipcover holding your two pads together, this lofty double-wide sleeping bag system mimics a made bed. Hydrophobic fills in these comforter-styled bags ensure warm nights in unfavorable weather, and the backless design saves on unnecessary weight.

Nemo's CEO and Lead Product Developer, Cam Brensinger, stopped designing spacesuits for NASA's exploration of Mars to design sleeping bags for people like us who love the outdoors. Thanks Cam B-)

Nemo and Sea to Summit, Part of our Memorial Day Sale

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25th. With respect and reverence to our fallen soldiers, we're having a Memorial Day sale through the May 29th. Take a 20% off discount on a ton of brands and products, including some highly acclaimed back country gear like the Nemo Tango sleeping bag and the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus sleeping pad. This is a great opportunity to get a special price on award winners from Backpacker Magazine's Editors' Choice and Outside Magazine's Gear of the Year.

The Nemo Tango Solo 30 Sleeping Bag

The Nemo Tango Solo 30

The Nemo Tango Solo 30 sleeping bag is revolutionary, and that's no exaggeration. The innovation lies in the Nemo Tango Solo 30's "backless design." Slide any 20"-25" sleeping pad into the integrated sleeve, and you're left with a sleek, highly technical sleeping system. 700-fill DownTek, a 30-degree rating, and a puny weight of only 1 pound 13 ounces add to the awesomeness.  

The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Sleeping Pad

The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus

Another award winner on sale is the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus sleeping pad. Like the Nemo Tango Solo 30, this inflatable sleeping pad is revolutionary in its own right. Featuring two separate air chambers and numerous independent air cells, the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus sleeping pad is a front-runner for comfort and ease of use. Available in an insulated version, this pad has a champion level R-value of 5. 

That's only a small fraction of what's on sale! See the full list of savings here. Enjoy the savings, and take time to reflect this Memorial Day on the enormous sacrifice many soldiers have made to protect our American freedom.

Big Agnes Sleeping Pads For Comfort

        Big Agnes' Sleeping Pads have diversified -- to meet the diverse needs we have as sleepers. Since we've got discounts on Big Agnes gear, on sale through May 18th, here's a rundown on their superb sleeping pads.

Big Agnes Air Core, the classic         

        We all know about the Big Agnes Air Core (right?...). It's the original Big Agnes sleeping pad which got the brand its props way back when. By implementing cozier and lighter materials, Big Agnes is always looking for ways to improve their Air Core; there's also an insulated version.

Big Agnes Q Core SL, the provider

        If you're looking for a step up in comfort and willing to spend a couple more bucks to get it, the Big Agnes Q-Core could be your new favorite sleeping pad. The Q-Core is insulated and has two forms:standard and super-light (SL). At 3.5", these pads are designed with a quilted look and feel which gives remarkable cushion. They also keep you warmer than a non-insulated pad when there's a nip to the air.

Big Agnes Double Z, the new kid on the block

         Simply put, the Big Agnes Double Z Sleeping Pad is a killer value. It also happens to be the 2014 Backpacker Magazine's Editors Choice recipient. Roughly half the price of other comparable sleeping pads, the Double Z won't break the bank either. The only thing it will break is your ongoing streak of sleepless nights spent tossing and turning. The Double Z is lightweight yet a beastly 4" thick.

Big Agnes Stillwater, the sleep station

        2015's new model, the Big Agnes Stillwater Sleeping Pad, is going to give you unparalleled stability. If you feel like movement in your sleep system inhibits your ability to slumber, the Big Agnes Stillwater is going to be the pad for you. It's built on two solidifying side-berms that keep you in place with a rigid yet comfortable central air chamber on which to rest. Light sleepers rejoice, this is a quality pad that allows you to get way more than just 40 winks; you'll get as many as you need.

Big Agnes Green Ridge, the all-around value

         Affordable and high-quality, the Big Agnes Green Ridge Sleeping Pad has just hit the market. When all you hikers and backpackers lay down, the Green Ridge will be there ready to woo. Comprised of lightweight polyurethane, the Green Ridge is perfect for warm weather use and super quick to inflate. It's ergonomic "V" shaped air chambers give a unique feel that will have you dreaming in no time. It's low cost makes this pad a low-risk, high-reward purchase.

         So there you have it! That wasn't so complicated was it? If you're looking to save an ounce here and there, most of these pads come in "mummy" versions too. They can all be found on our site, and they're ALL ON SALE through May 18th. Enjoy!

Big Agnes On Sale Now!

Hallelujah! We're now offering discounts on our 2015 Big Agnes Gear!

Big Agnes Sale is On! Now Thru May 18th.

One of our favorite brands, Big Agnes is relatively new in the backpacking and camping world. With that said, they've quickly proved themselves to be a trusted and rugged brand for adventurers. When it comes to compact tents for backpacking, or lightweight tents for biking, Big Agnes has cemented their brand as one of the most dependable out there. Based in Steamboat Springs, CO, Big Agnes' products get tested right in their burly Rocky Mountain backyard.

On a recent cycling trip, my buddy and I relied on our Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 as a tent to stand up to conditions, retain heat, and pack well -- for a few hundred days. From that experience, I learned Big Agnes is a brand that can keep up. We were stoked with our tent and frequently showed it off to gear-heads like us. It has sensible stashing areas, a sizable front vestibule, and the tent only weighs about three pounds, pole included.

Big Agnes Fly Creek UL in action in Louisiana 

There are plenty of things to be aware of when you're on a trip, but with gear, there should be nothing to worry about. That's just how I felt using Big Agnes, worry-free. Big Agnes deals with the necessities, and they come in clutch for adventurers like me.

Now can you see why we're so jazzed up to be offering discounts? Big Agnes rocks. Check out our full line of products, like Big Agnes sleeping pads, Big Agnes sleeping bags, or the Outside Magazine Editor's Choice Big Agnes Helinox Camp Chair.

Are you ready for an upgrade?

Fly Creek UL2 in West Texas

16th Anniversary Sale!

CC Outdoor Store is turning 16!  We've been in Waterbury, Vermont for the last 6 years, but got our start in Boulder, CO back in 1999.  We operate our on-line business and retail store from the same building, but utilize partners around the country to help fill on-line orders. We'd love for you to come visit and celebrate with us.  

You'll SAVE 20% store-wide and can enter our raffle to win free gear.  You could win a new pair of leather Renegade Mid hiking boots from Lowa or a pair of Zamberlan Airound trail shoes with Gore-Tex's new 360° waterproof, breathable Surround system.  We also have some apparel including Darn Tough Socks to raffle off.  We have lots of door prizes!  Stop by to check out all our new shoes and camping gear.  (We just starting carrying Salomon shoes and Marmot rainwear.)  

Come check out our new brands and stock up for that upcoming trip.  Or just come to check out Waterbury's new roundabout and newly paved RT 2.  

LOCATION:  Twin Silos, 438 US RT 2,  .7 miles west of the roundabout.  

HOURS: Mon-Sat from 9:30-5:30.  Sunday we’ll be open from 11-4.   

SALE ENDS: Sunday, 4/12. 

If you can make it down in person you can still order on-line and SAVE 20%.  Just use Coupon Code Sweet16.   And if you want to enter the raffle just leave us your email address in a comment on this post and we'll create an entry for you!  

Josh Howell Joins the CC Team!

CC Outdoor Store welcomes Josh Howell! 

CC Outdoor Store announced today that Josh Howell has joined its management team.  Howell will lead on a redesign of CC Outdoors’ retail store and work closely with owners Reed and Maureen McCracken.

Josh is a dedicated outdoorsman.  He is a certified EMT-B, Wilderness First Responder, and ACA Whitewater Kayak instructor.   He has guided, climbed and skied in Alaska, Washington, Colorado, Wyoming, California, Utah, New Hampshire, and of course Vermont.  He also backpacked across the United States on the American Discovery Trail from Delaware to California promoting healthy, peaceful, simple living in support of the Alzheimer's Association.

Josh also brings 18 years of retail and management experience in outdoor retail as well as more recently at Waterbury’s own Keurig Green Mountain Coffee Visitor Center & Café and the former Factory Outlet.

 “Josh’s passion for the outdoors is obvious.  His depth of experience will help make CC Outdoor Store even more of a destination shopping experience for outdoor lovers.” said Reed McCracken, co-owner of CC Outdoor Store.  “We expect Josh to be instrumental in helping us implement exciting plans in 2015,” he added.  CC Outdoor Store plans to expand and renovate its storefront at 438 US Route 2 and expand into trail running and outdoor apparel in the coming calendar year.  Josh lives in Waitsfield with his wife Lisa, son Benn, and two Labs.