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.  

Wild Opens December 5th!

Honestly when I finished Cheryl Strayed's Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail I wouldn't have picked it to get its own movie.  But Reese Witherspoon thought differently and starting this Friday we all get the treat of watching the Oscar winning actress bring Cheryl Strayed's WILD to life on the silver screen.  Hopefully a week from now I'll be entertaining you with my review of the movie.

I pretty much like any backpacking movie so I may not be the best judge to rely on, but Rotten Tomatoes is giving Reese Witherspoon's Wild a 89% rating.  Given that the subject matter is not going to excite the masses these are pretty high marks.  As a fan of  Witherspoon's memorable performance in Walk the Line, I'm really hopeful. Some critics have already made this comparison so we could be in store for a Best Actress caliber performance.  

I think drama lovers will love Strayed's intense personal backstory.  But outfitters like me are going to be vicariously enjoying the challenges of a PCT thru-hike.  Although she only finished 1100 miles, many thru-hikers have had the same fate of needing to bypass the wintery conditions of the High Sierra in high snow pack years.  Cheryl Strayed definitely shows us that it doesn't take a ton of preparation--or even the right gear--to step off and live big.   A movie like this has the potential to inspire more folks to find solace in prolonged outdoors adventures to our country's great wild places.

I really want to compare Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild to Strayed/Witherspoon's Wild, but I'll save that for a later review.  (Or maybe wait at least until I see what Witherspoon has in store.)  The obvious difference is that Chris McCandless' battles with his personal demons ultimately led to his tragic death in the wilderness of Alaska.   Strayed's story of torment leads to personal triumph and an impressive achievement.

How do I win in 104.7 FM The Point's Great Great Giveaway?

All you have to do is tune in to 104.7 THE POINT during the month of November and listen for the sound of the gift being unwrapped.  Then be 7th caller at 1-877-FM-POINT to qualify for the Great Gift Giveaway prize drawing.  Each day a gift worth over $350 will be awarded to one lucky listener.  Today-Friday, Novermber 21st is CC Outdoor Store's day to give away a pair of Black Diamond Cayenne Heated Gloves.

How do Black Diamond Cayenne Heated Gloves work exactly?   Three features will keep your fingers warm.  

First and most impressive is the rechargeable Therm-ic heating system that operates off a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery and has 3 heat settings.  The Black Diamond Cayenne lets you dial in the perfect amount of warmth. 

Second, a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX XCR insert seals out snow and moisture, making these gloves 100% waterproof and 100% breathable.  (Comes with the Gore-Tex guarantee.

Third, is Cayenne's PrimaLoft One insulation to keep the warmth in...or to work alone on warmer days.  142g of of insulation combined with a woven nylon stretch shell and goat leather palms will protect you from the weather.  

The Cayenne comes with a universal adapter so you can plug these into any wall socket worldwide.  

Come find the Cayenne on clearance sale at CC before they're gone.  

Can Zamberlan 760 Steeps Still Be Purchased?

The 2010 and 2011 Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Zamberlan 760 Steep has been discontinued. We only have a men's 9.5 and a women's 10 left in stock. There might be a few more out there, but worry not, Zamberlan has replaced them with a new boot, built on the same last, called the 750 Route.

Like the Steep, Zamberlan designed the Route to give superlative comfort to long-distance trekkers and backpackers. The boots, handmade in Italy, feature Gore-Tex waterproofing, a Vibram sole, and are comprised of leather and waxed suede to ensure durability and protection for expeditions of all kinds.

We just received our shipment, and as sad as we were to see the Steeps go, we're just as psyched to be able to hook people up with a pair of these awesome new Zamberlan Routes.

Are your old, beaten boots causing your feet or back to hurt? Have you been putting off replacing them? If you're answering yes, you deserve a pair of the 750 Routes.

See you soon!!

"Should I Buy a Sleeping Pad with Horizontal or Vertical Baffles?"

That's a great question, and to answer it accurately, we have to ask you one more question. Will you be sleeping in a tent or hammock?  If you predominantly sleep in a tent, according to the research and testing I recently completed, I don't think you can make a wrong decision here. If you answered "hammock," skip the next two paragraphs (What is this, a choose your own adventure blog?).

It's true that in the past vertical-baffled sleeping pads were known to "taco," leaving the wannabe sleeper wedged or worse, too close to the edge and rolling off the pad. Big Agnes has taken that feedback to make improvements upon their popular Air Core and Insulated Air Core sleeping pads. I literally just got off of one, and the new design features a berm around the pad's perimeter which effectively cradles sleepers and largely reduces any issues with tex-mex cuisine. It also felt as if the vertical baffles gave alignment to my body as I laid on my back.  Plus, vertical baffles allow the pad to slide into Big Agnes sleeping bag sleeves better than pads with horizontal baffles.  .

Sleeping on ground with a horizontal-baffled pad is also a go. A few moments ago, I was atop Nemo's new Astro Air (nearly identical to the Astro Air Lite and Astro Air Insulated), and I enjoyed the level of comfort achieved from the contouring feeling which horizontal baffles give. The big benefit of this type of construction is its side-to-side stability.  The top baffle is also enlarged, to provide sleepers with a instant pillow.

If you mostly like to sleep in a hammock, that settles it; you want a sleeping pad with horizontal baffles. It alleviates any feeling of constriction by spreading out the material horizontally, rather than being wrapped up like an eggroll. Hammocks alone are rather comfortable, but when a sleeping pad featuring horizontal baffles is brought into the equation, the comfort level skyrockets (IMHO). It morphs regular hammocks from a floating coffin-esque sleep station to a hovering cocoon of cushion.

All in all, technology and gear companies are advancing at a rate which gives benefits to backpackers and campers they could've never dreamed of decades ago. You really can't go wrong nowadays.

But you can still come by and test them out for yourself :)

Win a Rafting Trip for Four, Courtesy of The Point

Want to experience some unforgettable recreation? Then stop by CCOutdoorStore.com soon, because the generous folks at 104.7 The Point have a sweepstakes going that any outdoors-oriented person would be glad to win.

Entries can be made until July 13th to win and bring three friends on a free white water rafting trip at Northern Outdoors, along the Kennebec River in Maine. The package also includes two nights in a deluxe cabin.

Independent Radio has designated six places where entries can be submitted, and CCOutdoorStore is (our favorite) one of them. A single finalist will be chosen from each entry box, and then from the finalists, one ultimate winner will be selected. The effort it takes to enroll in the contest multiplied by luck could equal an extraordinary experience!!

The entry box is smack-dab between our expansive hiking boot section and our Julbo and Native Sunglasses display.

Here's a video Northern Outdoors published about a month ago; it looks pretty sweet:

See you at CC!

Welcome Summer Sale!

Summer is here...finally!  And so is CC Outdoor Store's Welcome Summer Sale.  Located in proximity to Little River State Park, Camel's Hump State Park, the Long Trail, and on the Internet,   CC Outdoor Store is your one stop shop for all things hiking, backpacking and camping.  Shoppers will find big discounts on big boot, backpacking, tent and sleeping bag brands like Vasque, Deuter, and Kelty.  Save 20-25% through Tuesday 6/24.  Locals can come in the store for big savings on sunglasses, sunshades and hammocks, now through Sat. 6/21.  For a complete list of brands on sale visit our promotions page. 

We are OPEN Monday-Saturday 9:30-5:30 at 438 US RT 2, Waterbury, VT 05676.  Look for us just off I-89  in the twin white silos, 3/4 mi. North of Exit 10.  

$1000 Gear Giveaway to Celebrate our 15th Anniversary

CC Outdoor Store is celebrating a big milestone this weekend: our 15th Anniversary.  Come celebrate with us in our retail store or our on-line store.  You'll save 20% in store or online with  Discount Code Happy15th.  You'll save 20% off your entire order now through April 13th.  No minimum purchase required.  Discount applies only on full-priced items. 

Grant posing next to cairn on Mt. Katahdin, 2012

To celebrate this milestone our vendors have sponsored lots of door prizes and our  
$1000 Grand Gear Giveaway: 

* Lowa Renegade Mid Hiking Boots
* Vasque Breeze Hiking Boots
* Darn Tough Socks
* Camelbak Hydration Pack
* Osprey Daypack
*  Momentum Watch
* Big Agnes Sleeping Pad
* Nemo Sleeping Pad
* Leki Poles
* Julbo Sunglasses

There are three ways to enter:

1. Submit a Milestone photo of your own on our Facebook page.

2. Enter our in

store drawing.

3. Comment on this post about which prize you'd want and why.  Include your name and email.

How to Make a Healthy Smoothie

Everyone knows how to make a smoothie including my 9 year old son.  And it's easy enough to make them taste great.  But how do you make a healthy smoothie?  Mastering the art of smoothie making comes down to dialing in high doses of nutrition, with long lasting energy, AND still have them come out tasting great.  

I've been on a smoothie kick since the beginning of the year; which may have a lot to do with two good friends who started their second 30 day dietary "cleanse" which relies on a LOT of smoothie consumption.  But it really has more to do with wanting to kick start my 46 year old body into a healthier gear.  As we age the odds just keep going up that we'll encounter one of those nasty life changing health crises.  I'll save those fears for another blog.  

At the crux of my new found smoothie prowess is ultra-runner Scott Jurek's book Eat and Run where he espouses multiple smoothie recipes for ultra-performance.  I'll save my review of Jurek's book--which I couldn't put down--for another time too.  His recipe for a green smoothie made with spirulina is a real winner.  Turns out the spirulina smoothie is a great way to get that superfood into my diet.  Yeah, spirulina is that green, dried health food powder made from a green algae that smells pretty earthy.  Jurek even has a recipe that utilizes edamame--a.k.a. cooked soybeans--for a green protein punch.  I'm still perfecting my green smoothie recipes as I look for ways to optimize my health.   And I just came across another green pre-race smoothie on Outside Magazine on-line that uses spinach for a nutrient punch.  This suggestion definitely further stretched my capacities as a smoothie maker.  

Adding green to your smoothies raises the nutritional bar higher than simply replacing electrolytes like potassium with the standard banana.  Most smoothie lovers are also familiar with other ways to boost the protein intake.  Yogurt and protein powders like those available at General Nutrition Center make it easy.  But plant based protein like silken tofu nicely create a neutral foundation for most any smoothie.  I've started using raw chia seed regularly which acts both as a thickener and nutritional supplement.  A good source of protein and healthy fat, chia seed also adds interesting texture to your glass; although my kids would generally not agree.  I've found that plant-based smoothie components are easier on my stomach and leave me feeling ready to head right out on the trail without the normal wait times recommended between eating and exercising. 

I've discovered lots of great new smoothie components in the past 3 months.  Coconut in it's varied forms--milk, butter, even oil--is right there in the top five on my list.  Coconut makes for a great way to build your smoothies' flavor profile while getting all the benefits of a well rounded nutrition supplement.  Other additives like ginger, papaya, and tumeric can add distinctive flavor while contributing digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.  The list goes on and so should you as you look for great new smoothie combinations to spice up your palate and your performance.  

And since this is an outdoor gear blog after all, we should note that the route to the highest state of smoothie bliss can be found by blending your beverage under your own power with GSI's hand-cranked Vortex blender.  If nothing else the Vortex allows you to take your smoothies to the campground or other outdoor venue. 

How to Care for Hiking Boots.

Caring for your hiking boots is quite simple.  If you've made a substantial investment, you'll want to get the most from it.  Here are some things you should DO...and NOT DO when enjoying your boots.  Get the answers you need for your boot care questions.  What's the best way to clean my boots after using them?  When should I waterproof my boots? How do I take care of leather boots?  Remember whatever you do, keep your boots away from high heat like that from a campfire, a hair dryer, and even direct sunlight when they're not in use.  We adapted the following guidelines from our Caring for Lowa Boots page which relies on some great manufacturer's tips and graphics from Lowa. 

What's the best way to clean my dusty or muddy leather boots?  

Air your boots and dry them out after every use.  Remove the laces and insoles. Gently rinse your boots under lukewarm water for normal levels of dirtiness. Soap suds can be used instead of specialty cleaning products for light- to medium- soiled boots but beware soap and other detergents will "open" the leather's pores so if you go this route you'll need to waterproof your boots again after they dry.  For this reason I usually just use light pressure from a garden hose and a circular finger rub to get even heavier mud off.  Clean the insoles and laces with a small amount of soil suds.  Your insoles will also benefit from a product like McNett's Rank Away an enzyme based odor control agent.  Those specialized cleaning products are best used on extremely dirty boots or after a long period of neglect.

After cleaning my hiking boots, how do I waterproof them?                                               

Thoroughly dry your boots.  Be patient.  It is tempting to apply heat to speed this up...but you risk damaging your boots.  Using a wax-cream, gently rub or polish (with a brush) into the wax. The proprietary blend made by your boot's manufacturer works best as it should exactly match the treatment applied to the leather when you boots were crafted.  (If your manufacturer doesn't have their own product you might ask yourself if they've made the boots to last.)  This keeps the leather moisturized and prevents it from dryness, cracking, and hardening.   If you do use a hair-dryer to accelerate drying only use it on low, and NEVER leave your boots on a radiator, close to an oven, or in a car trunk. If your boots dry too quickly or are exposed to extremely dry air it can permanently damage the leather and there is no going back.

Waterproofing will take 24 hours after application to achieve its full effect. After a month of use, you'll start to see the waterproofing lose some of it's effect.  If you are planning a trip or need to be sure they are waterproof treat your boots just before your departure.  For simplicity sake consider a treatment at the beginning of each season of use.  You can decide how often the treat your boots, but generally more is better.

My boots have a Gore-Tex lining so why do I need to waterproof my boots at all?

True, Gore-Tex will keep your feet dry.  But regular conditioning of your boots will help them last longer and look better.  The wax or waterproofing layer helps to prevent sharp stones or rock faces from damaging the leather.  Dried out leather is more easily scuffed and wears faster. 

Are animal fats and oils good for my leather boots?

Before specialized creams were developed, animal fats and oils were used to treat and waterproof leather boots. Unfortunately they can also fill in the leather pores entirely making your boots less breathable. Not such a bad thing if you're mountaineering in cold climates, but exactly the opposite of why you paid extra for that Gore-Tex lining.  If you do use a fat or oil,  rub the leather with a soft brush afterwards.  Also know,  fat/oil has a greater tendency to darken the color of the boot. 

How can I keep my boots looking good?  

Regular use of waterproof conditioning cream on your leather boots, rubbed in with a soft rag is the key.  It's especially hard to keep Nubuk or Suede looking new once it has become smoother, more shiny, and darker.  One trick is to use a wire suede brush to lift the pile again. A gentle brushing will freshen up Nubuk and Suede that has been clogged by wax. But don't use a stiff bristled brush on smooth leather!

How can I tell if I've properly waterproofed my boots? Dribble a bit of water onto your treated and dried boots. If the water forms droplets, you've done everything properly! If the water doesn't form droplets, dry off and apply another layer.

How should I store my boots?    

Store leather boots a dry, well-aired place.  Basements, garages, car trunks spell MOLD!  Boot trees can help them maintain their shape. If your boots are still damp, we recommend you stuff some newspaper into the toe box. The newspaper will absorb them moisture and also helps keep the shape. The newspaper should then be changed every day until the boots have dried out.

CC's Outdoor Gear Blog

Our Outdoor Gear Blog started 4 years ago to share info we learned on our first visit to the Outdoor Industry's big Outdoor Retailer Show.  Since then we've blogged on gear awards, gear we've used, gear specials in our store, and even movies and books we've enjoyed...about the outdoors.  While we're still striving to master the art of blogging, we've had a lot of fun in the process.  Hey, we love outdoor gear so it's fun to write and talk about it.  After all that's how we got started...by putting our love of the outdoors together with our love of gear and going into the outdooor gear business.

 

Who are we?  Well, the C & C come from the last name of the brothers who started CC Outdoor Store 15 years ago.  When they weren't out climbing 14'ers they were selling outdoor gear from Boulder, Colorado.  We're not in Boulder anymore and the brothers are no longer with us, but our bloggers are still hikers, backpackers and gear afficionados who staff our store in Waterbury, Vermont.   We've been big fans of Backpacker Magazine and Outside Magazine for decades and often look to these great resources for content ideas especially when it comes to identifying gear trends.   After all their reviewers and testers are devoted professionals who are lucky enough to spend most of their time outdoors putting gear through rigorous use.  Wouldn't it be nice to have a job like that, where instead of being indoors at work finding the time to read this blog--and write in our case write it--you could be enjoying outdoor adventures with the latest gear. 

 

You may have noticed that our blog posts have gotten a little slow of late...but Spring always energizes us, and this is our big kickoff.  We figure if we commit our intention to become better bloggers to the public domain...then we'll be motivated to follow-through.  So go ahead and subscribe to our blog feed and we promise to give you some great content.  Sometimes it's hard to generate content week after week, but now that we're rested there's a healthy backlog waiting to come to a screen near you.  Follow our outdoor gear blog and you can expect more blogging on great new innovations in hiking and backpacking gear, great upcoming store specials, and even some training and nutrition tips. 

 

So apologizes go out to those of you who may have followed our blogs in the past if we'd let you down of late.  We expect we'll shed some of that laziness in the weeks and months to come and reinvigorate our outdoor gear blog with more info about gear that you might want to learn more about before buying and more ideas for how to get outside to enjoy it.

Photochromatic or Interchangeable Lens Ski Goggles?

While I stock ski goggles and help customers learn about them, I have plenty of time to wonder about people's gear choices.   And I'm constantly bewildered in this day and age by how people can even still ask the question "Goggles with changeable lenses or photochromic lens?"  Ever since I started skiing with Julbo's Revolution Goggle with Zebra Photochromatic Lenses 3 years ago, I've been a total convert to photochromatic goggle lenses.  (You'll sometimes see these referred to as photochromic, but it would seem that photochromatic is the more widely accepted term; in the optometrist's office you'd hear them being called transition lenses.  This makes plain sense.)  Julbo's Zebra lenses change from 42% to 7% visible light transmission in 28 seconds or less.(Their Camel and Falcon lenses offer variations on the same theme but with polarized capability.)

Julbo Revolution Photochromatic Goggles

I started writing this post shortly after trying to track down Zeal Optics photochromatic goggle technical specifications.  But even for one of their retailers,  Zeal ski goggle lenses specs are so hard to come by that you might think they're trade secrets.  I think the folks in Zeal's marketing department are so image conscious that they don't want gear geeks like you and me to look beyond the "cool" factor in their frame styles.  So I'm taking it upon myself to shout out how awesome Zeal's automatic lens are.  I suspect that since the other big market players don't have comparable technology, photochromatic lenses just haven't caught on yet.  As a result I'm guessing that the folks at Zeal don't want to take away from the mainstream appeal of their other lenses by pointing out how much better their high performance lenses are.  Of course the added cost of photochromatic lenses prices many consumers out of the market, but come on.  If you can spend $85 on a lift ticket --or $900 on a season pass--an extra $80-100 spent on better goggles is a small price to improve your skiing experience and stay safe.  Be that as it may, my intention is to give you as much information as I can so you can see why I'm so stoked by Zeal's Automatic lens.

Zeal Eclipse Photochromatic Goggles

For lack of Zeal's own professionally done demo video, I refer you to this homemade Zeal Automatic Lens YouTube video that will show you how sweet photochromatic goggles are.    Unless you're an elite competitor with sponsors providing different goggles for every possible condition are you really going to change your goggles or lenses multiple times/day as light conditions change.  Is it even worth debating how much time and effort it is to change the lens?  So you carry the lens in your pocket--or pack--and you stop mid-run to change out the lens as the light conditions differ at the top and bottom of the mountain?  And how much would it suck to drop a lens off the chairlift?  Pre-photo- chromatic lens maybe this made sense...but it's time to adapt. 

OK, so you ski out West somewhere like California or Utah and only see bluebird clear skies all season--I'd like to point out that it rained the last time I skied in UT--then these probably aren't worth your money.  But if you're used to changing mountain weather conditions, especially like those here on the East Coast, one pair of goggles with one lens is definitely the way to go.  Am I missing something?  If you've got other ideas on this--maybe the different tint options are superior or something?  comment on my post below and enlighten me.  The 2014 Outside Buyer's Guide picked goggles with interchangeable lenses.  Huh?  Why would anyone NOT want a goggle lens that changes by itself as needed.  Don't clouds form on top of the mountain?  Isn't it darker in the glades?  Doesn't the sun go down late on mid-winter afternoons?  Photochromatic goggles start to adjust immediately as light conditions change.  The sun goes into hiding as the storm front arrives with lots of POW...BAM! you're ready because your automatic lenses changed in less than 30 seconds.  You didn't have to go in to the lodge to fish out your light lens. 

I hear folks in the shop say "but I ski mostly in the glades".  And light conditions there aren't different from the main trail?  Again I can't figure out why everybody isn't wearing photochromatic ski goggles.  You invest in your ski gear...paid for that nice vacation...why not pay $80 more for a pair of goggles that is perfect for every snowboarding and ski condition.  (OK, they're not perfect for night skiing...and I'll concede this one advantage to the interchangeable goggle crowd.)  But even if you can't afford Zeal or Julbo's top of the line goggles,  you can find more affordable versions like Bolle's Modulator Vermillion lens available in most of their top frame styles like the Gravity. 

By now you might be wondering why I'm still wearing Julbo Zebra goggles when I'm so in love with Zeal's Automatic Goggles.  I could say the answer is that Julbo's technology is every bit as good and maybe even better than Zeal's but that wouldn't be truthful.  The folks at Julbo have just been too good to me, even setting me up with their new Orbiter Goggles with Zebra Lens after I smashed my Revolutions in a crash.  Of course, Julbo's technology probably is better, but my eyes aren't sensitive enough to gauge the difference in transition speed and as I noted before I just can find anywhere that has this Zeal spec published. 

So why aren't their a ton of reviews out there that give you the same answer as mine on the question of "Goggles with changeable lenses or photochromic lenses?"  Maybe the answer to why interchangeable lenses are still the industry standard when there are great photochromatic goggle options out there comes down to marketing money.  While companies like Julbo and Zeal Goggles don't have enough resources to get their own specs and demo videos out there, the big boys with the big marketing budgets are regularly putting down $30 to $40 grand for spreads in our favorite gear magazines.  And just like it's in my interests to be spending time at work to tell you about how great photochromatic lenses are...it's in the publisher's interests to make sure their big advertisers' products are getting positive reviews.  (Here's the link if you are curious what the Outside Gear Guy thinks are the best photochromatic goggles.   Note: he doesn't call them the BEST goggles PERIOD.)  So be wary...but you owe it to yourself to check out a pair of photochromatic ski/snowboard goggles before you buy another pair.