Race to the Top of Vermont -- August 25th -- Stowe, Vt

Triangulated between three of the four highest mountains in Vermont, CCOutdoorStore.com is truly in the heart of the Green Mountains. The tallest of Vermont's peaks, Mount Mansfield, towers over our community at a height of 4393' (1339 meters). In just over a month's time, a race will be held to determine the gutsiest lady and gentleman in the area, the 6th annual Race to the Top of Vermont.

On August 25th, 800 contestants will push their will-powered drive trains up the historic Toll Road. With an elevation gain of 2564' in just 4.3 miles, this is one of the most challenging races in the northeast.

Contestants may hike, run, walk or bike. This is a family event, and there's even a 1k and 3k Mini Hill Climb for children ages 4-14. Following the races will be awards, prize giveaways, raffles, live music and a barbeque.

IF I were to subject myself to such an extreme physical and mental test as the RTTTOVT, the only pair of shoes I would consider wearing would be the Treksta Evolution GTX Trail Runner, with its lightweight but supportive build and NestFIT technology. Check them out here.

For all information, including registration details, visit www.RTTTOVT.com

SAVE 20% with a Summer Member Discount!

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.

The New Essentials in Lightweight Backpacking Gear

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.

The Treksta is Here!

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.