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!!