Yes, you heard right, Marmot commercials! check out the following shows this week to see the new Marmot commercial. We are very excited!

Discovery Channel Air Times

Biker Build Off Friday, November 19, 2010 12:33:56 PM
Sturgis: Motorcycle Mania Monday, November 15, 2010 1:17:55 PM
American Chopper Friday, November 19, 2010 1:20:35 PM
American Chopper Thursday, November 18, 2010 2:10:37 PM
American Chopper Tuesday, November 16, 2010 2:06:24 PM
Jack the Ripper in America Saturday, November 20, 2010 1:21:36 PM
Exorcists - The True Story Saturday, November 20, 2010 2:52:24 PM
Dirty Jobs Sunday, November 21, 2010 12:30:15 PM
Overhaulin' Friday, November 19, 2010 10:20:20 AM
American Chopper Wednesday, November 17, 2010 3:50:37 PM
American Chopper Tuesday, November 16, 2010 4:39:43 PM
American Chopper Thursday, November 18, 2010 4:53:14 PM
Cash Cab Tuesday, November 16, 2010 5:47:42 PM
Cash Cab Wednesday, November 17, 2010 5:07:47 PM

Outdoor electronics brand Highgear signed on as a 2011 sponsor of Team Pearl Izumi - Smith, an elite group of endurance runners who compete in over 60 of the country’s top long distance races throughout the year. Races include various marathons to the Hardrock 100 race and everything in between.
Team Pearl Izumi - Smith athletes include 2010 Wasatch 100 winners Nick Clark and Darcy Africa, Ashley Nordell, Scott Jaime, Nick Lewis, Josh Brimhall, Matt Lonergan and Aric Manning. Planning has already begun for the 2011 season, with the goal of adding a few new athletes to the roster and increasing the amount of races in which the team will compete.
“By far, next year will be a year we turn even more heads in the ultra running world and we are excited to have Highgear on board as a sponsor for the team, says Aric Manning, Team PI-Smith Race Manager. “Their altimeter timing pieces are so important for monitoring progress while training and competing and the team looks forward to a great relationship with the company in 2011.”

The current team has been testing out various Highgear timing products this year and plans to train and compete with those products that are suitable to them individually in 2011. The most popular product amongst the team so far is the latest altimeter watch the Axio Max that is equipped with an 100-hour chronograph and 10-run data log memory that stores valuable training information including starting altitude, accumulated altitude and max altitude.

“We are excited to sponsor and supply Highgear products to the team, which consists of a highly accomplished group of athletes that have each reached a level of achievement that is simply insurmountable to the average person,” says Mike Hosey, VP of Highgear. “We look forward to working with them to help them achieve even bigger goals in the years to come.”

Today is not a beautiful day in Iowa. It is a rainy, cool day in Iowa, perfect for a rain piece. But just a PreCip jacket may feel a little clammy in this 50 degree weather while running...what to do?




It is the perfect conditions for the new Marmot Streamline jacket! A fully DriClime lined PreCip jacket, this piece manages moisture on the inside with the bi-component knit DriClime material, but keeps you dry as well. Now, was I wearing this great piece today? No, but i am still very impressed.

My 14 month old son, Zander, and i were caught in the rain this morning and his open stroller did not fully cover his head and body. I tucked the Streamline around him and headed back to the car as fast as we could move to try and avoid the impending deluge. Back at the car i quickly went to pull Zander out to find him fast asleep. Warm and dry, the Steamline held up to the test. Great piece, Marmot. Check it out at www.marmot.com!

Date: Friday, October 15 through
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Location: Bass' River Resort, near Steelville, MO
Cost: $20 per person ($5 for children under 12 years)

As our guest, you'll receive:

Free tent camping on Friday and Saturday night
A fun day of hiking, cycling and horseback riding events on Saturday with options for easier or more challenging treks--shuttle service provided for hikers and cyclists

Brown bag lunch and BBQ dinner on Saturday

Roaring bonfire with bluegrass music provided by two bands: Rosewood and River Ridge String Band--shows begin at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Chance to purchase raffle tickets for great outdoor gear and fun items
If you prefer, you can rent an electric campsite or cabin from Bass' Resort by contacting them directly at www.bassresort.com.

On Sunday, you can choose to purchase Bass' country breakfast and stay for activities on your own including kayaking, canoe and tube floats on Courtois Creek, using Bass' regularly-priced services.

TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT:


Pre-registration and advance payment are required to make your reservation. Please follow the steps below:

To register, visit the Ozark Trail Association website: www.ozarktrail.com and click on Sign Up for An Event. Enter your registration information in the fields provided.
To make your payment, visit https://alpineshop.webconnex.com/OzarkTrailEvent. Fill in your contact information and add any additional participants who should be included in your payment. The secure form will request your credit card information.
You'll receive a payment confirmation at the Email address you specify in the payment form.
When you arrive at the Bluegrass Family Weekend, please check in at the registration desk for a schedule of events and to receive your wrist-bands for meals and activities.

QUESTIONS? Please call the Ozark Trail Association at (573) 436-0540 or
send a message to Abi Jackson, Office Coordinator, abi.jackson@ozarktrail.com



THANKS to our event sponsors: Alpine Shop, REI
and Bass' River Resort

http://www.news-gazette.com/blogs/starting-line/2010-08/taking-high-road.html

Just dial 970-mad-chic
Yup, that's the Head Chicks's new cell number, no kidding!
HELL WEEK AT CHICKS (and we aren’t talking freshman rush)
AKA: Techno tragedy, internet interruptus, computer crisis, digi disaster, cyber spasm and unforgettably f_ _ _ed up!

If you tried to visit the Chicks Climbing web site between Aug 18-23, you might have noted our new identity: Russian brides, old ladies, hot women, single girls or stock picks. During that time, you could pretty much access anything except our women’s climbing program. It appeared as if we disappeared off the face of the earth, "poof," gone. Not only was our web site down – but all emails to kim@chickswithpicks.net or info@chickswithpicks.net became undeliverable.

An unmentionable company (called Skybeam, there I said it) emailed me a notice that on Aug 18th they’d automatically renew the Chicks domain and it would be good until August 2011. However, no one can explain to me why it disappeared into cyber space instead.

Bad timing (understatement) as we are gearing up for Chicks Rock in Devil’s Lake, WI and we are presently running a contest to give away two spots at our weekend Skills Clinic, plus we are offering a "buddy deal" for women who sign up for the Women’s Intensive clinic with a friend. Yes, it’s hard to sign up for a program that doesn’t seem to exist.

Behind the scenes you might imagine me pulling my hair out and going absolutely crazy since incompetence can drive me nuts. But I have to admit, I was unusually calm and I could even find some (just a little) humor in it. I kept reminding myself that “no one died in the process” (even if I did want to personally do it myself) and in a year or two, everyone will forget it happened, even me. It reminded me that our day-to-day dramas become larger than life and all consuming. That is, if we let them. For me, the frustration I felt became a great opportunity to practice letting go of any ideas on how I think life "should" or needs to be. In conclusion, technology is awesome when it works and pure hell when it doesn’t!

I am SO SORRY for the inconvenience! We are now BACK ONLINE. PLEASE DON’T WAIT TO SIGN UP FOR OUR PROGRAMS….we need to know who is planning to show up!

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Chicks Rock! at the beautiful Devil's Lake Wisconsin
Chicks Rock! – our women’s rock climbing program is offering two GREAT DEALS that are happening right now. To win a free clinic or get a great discount – read on.

CONTEST: we are giving away two clinics for our weekend Coed Skills Clinics Sept 11 and 12 at Devil’s Lake, WI. To win, we want you to get creative! In order to enter the contest you must submit a photo on our Facebook page, of an artistic creation you design or capture with some climbing related piece(s) of gear. To learn more about the contest details, click here.

BUDDY DEAL: Between NOW and Friday, September 3, we are going to offer a special Buddy Deal that will save each Chick $100 who signs up for the Chicks Rock! clinic at Devil’s Lake, WI…with a buddy. Please click here to learn more.

HERE’S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DEVIL’S LAKE WISCONSIN

• Sept. 11-12 – Chicks Climbing is hosting a co-ed weekend skills clinic at Devil’s Lake State Park 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., led by Kitty Calhoun. The clinics on Saturday and Sunday will cover topics that include intro to trad leading; working a project/redpoint tactics; intro to multi-pitch climbing; and anchors. Beginner to advanced climbers welcome. Chicks Climbing is giving away two free one-day passes to these clinics in an online contest that ends September 3.

• Sept. 12 – Chicks Climbing guide and world-renowned alpinist Kitty Calhoun will be giving a slideshow presentation on big wall climbing titled “Epics on the Big Stone” at 7 p.m. in the Class of 24 Reception Room of the University of Wisconsin Memorial Union. Families are welcome to attend this free event, which will also have raffle prizes.

• Sept. 13-16 – Chicks Climbing will host its Chicks Rock! Women-Only Intensive Rock Climbing clinic at Devil’s Lake State Park. This is a full-package affair that allows women to focus on improving their climbing skills in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Beginner to advanced climbers welcome. Chicks Climbing is offering a special “buddy deal” price that amounts to a savings of $100 per participant through September 3 for women that sign up for the clinic with a friend.

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Camaraderie at Chicks Rock!
PLEASE PLAN AHEAD FOR OUR NEW GIRLY GATHERING:
Sept. 24-26

Brought to you by Sterling Rope

You’ll appreciate our new short format clinic that takes place over a weekend in New River Gorge, West Virginia. Girls-just-wanna-have fun and we love to do it together. This affordable program is new this year and is coming up soon.

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Anchor class at Chicks Rock!
RED ROCKS NEVADA: Oct. 1-5

Catch that last glimpse of warm weather in the desert before winter sets in. We want you to take advantage of everything this desert climbing mecca has to offer! Start with our three-day intensive clinic that will help you gain confidence on the rock and learn more than you could ever imagine. Apply your new skills to the optional multi-pitch day where you get to climb in a 2-to-1 ratio with our Girly Guides. Red Rocks is famous for its long routes on beautiful red desert sandstone. Take advantage of this personal attention from our Girly Guides and climb to new heights! We welcome beginner to advanced rock climbers with 5 different levels you can choose from.

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NEPAL TREK: Oct. 19-Nov. 2
Two spaces left for the Hospitality Tour through the villages of Solu Khumbu, Nepal.

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As always, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter. (That is, if the technology gods behave.)



Freelance Adventures, Inc. P.O. Box 486 Ridgway, CO 81432 970.626.4424




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This link will get you in to listen to all of Brian's latest posts from Broad Peak and now at K2 basecamp. They are waiting out the weather window, but are hoping to have a summit push time on K2 July 25-30th!

Also, the picture to the left is a school of girls that inspired Brian in his travels to start a project we call "Marked Change". So many children are eagar to learn in that region, but lack a simple pen to do so. Our agency collects pens from individuals and any place we can and sends packages over for distribution by local friends. If you have interest in donating some pens, please contact us today through our website, www.goaao.com!

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #21

Brian was very good about posting updates and i have taken a little longer to catch up, so here are a group of them from the last several days. i am posting some great shots from his 2007 trip to K2 as well! Enjoy!


Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #20

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #16

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #14

http://fieldtouring.blogspot.com/2010/07/k2bp-2010-june-7-headed-to-c3.html

Check out the team blog to see more about what they are currently working on. Camp 3 on Broad Peak, here they come!

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #13

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #12

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #11

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #7

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #0

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #0

Check out this great review about running footwear, before and after!

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #0

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #0

Gabcast! Calls from Brian on K2 & Broad Peak 2010 #0

So, what we are currently experiencing here on our endeavor to climb in the Karakoram is something that I had heard about, but to this point not had the personal experience with. It is the Hurry up and Wait program.
To some degree every expedition experiences this same situation. Usually it is weather dependent and in this case the weather is somewhat a factor or consideration.
Currently we are "suspended" in ISB-Islamabad awaiting the opportunity to get up to Skardu via plane ideally or even by plane, bus, jeep, goat combination would suffice at this point. Not that ISB isn't a cool place to visit, but each day that we sit waiting to get to the next leg of the trip is one more day that we could be missing a great summit day opportunity down the road, and finishing our climbing objective and heading home to our families.
ISB had been VERY hot as of late, and although not as humid as the Midwest that I am used to, it is to some degree a combination of both. So, it is easy to break a sweat just walking up to the local shops to grab lunch or a cold drink. It feels a little bit like home, but since we are packed with very few sets of street clothes. As most of our clothing and hence baggage allowance is skewed towards supporting the climbing part of our endeavor. So, getting too hot and sweaty is not an ideal situation as we are living in these clothes until we get to the hiking portion of the trip-which will hopefully be happening sooner than later.
The last couple days have been good though and I have got to catch up a lot with my friend Shujaat here in ISB. He was one of our in country coordinators and part owner of KMM-Karakurum Mountain Magic on my trip to K2 in 2007. I had made somewhat regular efforts to keep in contact and so we have forged I think a pretty good friendship over time. Getting to actually come back to Pakistan and spend some time with him-especially as he is a MOST gracious host-has been very ideal!
Three nights ago on our first full night in ISB Shujaat took us to Luna Caprese, an upscale Italian style restaurant in the nicer part of ISB near many of the Embassy conclaves. This visit to Luna was a bit of a treat as we usually save that for post expedition enjoyment as it is in fact one of the few places that you can get beer and wine in an otherwise dry country. Plus the food is pretty amazing and although it is not on par with the steaks of IA, is pretty good just the same.
Two nights ago Shujaat invited us to Rawalpindi, where he lives, He took us to the Red Onion restaurant close to his home where we had some really great authentic Pakistani food that I had never had before. To date my favorite and one of my favorites in general has been Chicken Karahi. A spicy chicken dish that when combined with Chapati is delicious. BUT I found a new possibly equal favorite in the Dry Spiced Beef.
It has been so great to have Shujaat to take us around both as he knows most everything about the area. Where to find the best food, SIM cards for the phones that we bought, pillows, etc. The fact that he speaks such good english helps us to convey what we need to in order to get what we are after-BUT it is a bit challenging to ride with him as driving is in fact a new "hobby" for him. Much like any 16 year old that is new to driving a stick I have found myself gritting my teeth a bit as he tries to start off in third gear or continually kills the car when starting from a stop on any incline. The other night on the way to "Pindi"for dinner the traffic was literally bumper to bumper. Thousands and thousands of cars for as far as the eye could see. All of which moving in a whiplash stop and go fashion. Hit the gas and go for 10 ft and then slam on the brakes. We were doing this-or more importantly Shujaat was doing this-for about 20 minutes when we actually bumped the car ahead of us. The driver quickly got out and gestured and said something and came towards the car and Shujaat said something back and the driver looked in and then got back in his Taxi. On contact Rob-my new Aussie friend and current roommate-and I looked at each other and kind of laughed. We wondered how this might do down. As although it was a little bump I was sure that some words would be exchanged. We asked Shujaat after the exchange what was said and it apparently was something like:
Taxi Driver: "What, you couldn't see me from right behind me at this speed?"
Shujaat: "Oh, Shut up! No, I couldn't see you as you have no tail lights!" (Which he did not)
At which point the driver looked in (and Rob and I were convinced) and saw two big Westerners and decided that it was not worth the hassle. I was glad that we could in fact do something positive for Shujaat in preventing him from being taken advantage of by an opportunist cabbie.
Shujaat has not only made the 40 min drive from Rawalpindi with daily regularity in order to take me and other expedition members around town to get what we need, he has taken us out to some of the better authentic Pakistani restaurants and even took a group of us to visit Lake View Park yesterday.
Lake View Park was really neat to see. It is a bit of a family escape type of place on the outskirts of ISB. Only 4 years old it was quite a sight to behold. Freshly laid brick walkways and "streets" that no cars were allowed on, all made with ornate patterns of different colored bricks. At the end of the half mile or so walkway was a scenic man made lake that has the power of hydroelectric power creation as its purpose.
All around the area were family fun opportunities. From putt-putt golf to ATV track racing, BIG slides, and even a 70 ft man made climbing wall that they had just opened and were hosting weekly climbing comps on. Of course the area was surrounded by vendors of candy and cold drinks for your strolling enjoyment. I had wondered if there might be clowns or street performers in the area as it seemed logical that a place like this might lend itself to something of that nature. In fact, there was but one. It was a man with his trained pet monkey, who with a simple word would go from doing back flips to standing at attention and saluting onlookers-(usually he was directed at those onlookers that were closest so as to give them the opportunity to make a donation to the entertainment fund they were collecting).
It was funny though as we were all watching the numerous skills and seemingly complete command and or cooperation that the trainer and monkey had in place and feeling quite comfortable being within a couple feet of the tandem. Right up until a local Pakistani walked to close to the monkey's collections at which point the monkey lashed out and projected a blood curdling scream/screech! Pretty much everyone in attendance jumped back and from that point forward showed a new level of respect for the monkey and his potential reach. Ben was the funniest to watch as I think that he actually left the ground just a little but I certainly don't fault him for that as one of the first rules of traveling in foreign countries is to stay away from animals of all sorts as you never know what they might have and getting bitten or scratched by a monkey no thanks!
After we stopped by Lake View park with Shujaat and our friend Fida-the head cook from my 2007 K2 Expedition-we ventured over to the Western style market as Ben had been instructed to pick up extra coffee for Fabrizio as there is apparently not any available in Skardu of merit. I of course picked up some more Kit Kat bars, as those seem to be the "goods" for me on expeditions as they sound good to eat pretty much all the time! I think that I have plenty now, so when it was made mention that we might go to the market again today I had to pass.
Yesterday we also had the assignment of getting more DVD's for our basecamp enjoyment. Fortunately they are only about 50-100 rupees each. Currently a US Dollar is equal to about 85.31 Pakistani Rupee. So about a dollar a movie for titles that are not even out of the theaters yet. So, I should be caught up on those by summer's end if nothing else.
Our last member arrived in ISB last night at about 4am. A South African member named Mike that was fortunate enough to attend the opening ceremonies of the World Cup (super jealous) just before he got on the plane to come to ISB. So, we are all either here or already in Skardu.
I just received word that some of us are headed to the airport at 5 am tomorrow. At the moment we do not have a seat on the flight and I will be flying stand by to get there. To Gilgit that is, but am happy to at least try as today we spent pretty much the entirety sitting in the hotel sleeping and catching up on movies and learning about the contenders of the World Cup.
Hopefully more news tomorrow from the lovely town of Skardu. B

Here is what is on the buzz right now:

* Outside's SS10 Buyer's Guide has featured FOUR Osprey packs! Included is the GEAR OF THE YEAR Sojourn25

* Outside has once again named Osprey one of the Best Places to Work in their May issue

* The Raptor 10 has a great feature in the June issue of Mountain Bike magazine

* Backpacker.com has a slide show up of the Manta 25

Check these stories and more at:
http://mediaspot.ospreypacks.com/

Osprey has sponsored our very own Sarah Harper-Burke in her endeavor to climb Mt. Shasta as a fundraiser for our friends and partners at the Breast Cancer Fund.

PLEASE HELP SARAH ATTAIN HER FUNDRAISING GOAL!!

http://tiny.cc/ljmjp


In June 2010, I will be part of a team of breast cancer survivors and others touched by this disease to climb a mountain for breast cancer prevention. Together we will attempt 14,179-foot Mt. Shasta in Northern California for Climb Against the Odds 2010, the 11th major mountain expedition hosted by the Breast Cancer Fund.

Our team hopes to raise more than $400,000, every dollar of which will support the Breast Cancer Fund’s groundbreaking work to identify and eliminate the environmental causes of the disease, including toxic chemicals found in our everyday environment. Climb Against the Odds directly supports the policy initiatives, corporate accountability campaigns and other innovative programs that aim to stop this disease before it starts.
Every little bit helps!!!! Donate as little as $10 to help me get to my goal.

Check out all the latest press on Sole insoles! The train just keeps rollin'

http://backbonemedia.net/page.php?pname=clients/archive/press-coverage&clientId=34

Check out this great story from InsideOutdoor magazine about the recent technology Sole insoles is working on:
An Out-of-stock solution: the outdoor industry's RFID experiment-
http://www.insideoutdoor.com/documents/IO_Spring10/IO_Spring10/index.html?pageNumber=26

http://scarpainthemidwest.blogspot.com/

Check out this great review on Josh Spear's blog for the new Osprey Hydraulic hydration packs!

http://joshspear.com/item/osprey-hydraulics/

Welcome to Part 2 of the 2009 SNEWS® Outdoor Retailer Survey summary, where outdoor specialty retailers get to speak their minds and offer industry observations and commentary on what is great, good, not so good and desperately needs improvement in the industry. As we announced last week in Part 1, the full survey results -- complete with expanded and detailed analysis of each category’s results -- will be presented in sections to our All Access SNEWS subscribers over the next few weeks. This week we're focusing on best-selling outdoor hardgoods, as well as underwear and sock brands, in the camping and backpacking categories. If you missed last week, click here to read Part 1 of our annual survey, the "2009 Annual SNEWS® Specialty Outdoor Retail Survey: The best and worst."

Although SNEWS sends the survey to hundreds of outdoor specialty retailers all over the country, this survey is by no means scientific in its approach. We do believe the results are quite representative of the outdoor specialty retail market as a whole, and those surveyed are consistent from year-to-year, so comparing answers from past surveys presents a useful picture of trends, market conditions and retailer moods -- one of the most useful features of this survey. It is very important to remember as you read the results for top-selling brands below that retailers are not predisposed to selecting a brand. They are each presented with a question and a blank. It is also important to note that just because a brand is not listed in this survey it doesn't mean it is not selling well. It just means that it was not a top seller in the stores which responded – either by perception or reality.

OK, enough blather. On with the results:
What are the top-selling accessory brands this year?
Well, either folks did not understand the question this year, or the concept of an accessory brand has taken on an entirely new meaning. This year, we had over 100 separate accessory brand responses, making it nearly impossible to determine a trend or overall leader. There were a few brands that received at least blocks of voting recognition. Cascade Designs and Sea to Summit garnered the most overall votes, each nabbing 7 percent of the total votes. Peregrine chased in behind with 4 percent, and Coghlan’s tucked in right behind with 2.5 percent. Folks, The North Face, Marmot and Mountain Hardwear are not accessory brands -- or are they? Seems it depends on your perception. Either way, congrats to Cascade, Sea to Summit, Coghlan’s and Peregrine for continuing to own a category that few retailers seemingly understand.

What are the top-selling pack brands this year?
Osprey – 28.5%
The North Face – 18.5%
Mountainsmith – 4%*
CamelBak – 4%*
Kelty – 4%*
Gregory – 3.5%
Arc’Teryx – 2.5%
Deuter – 2%*
Granite Gear – 2%*
Vaude – 2%*
*Tied companies are listed randomly and all are considered statistically equal in terms of ranking. All answers have been rounded up to the nearest 0.5 percent, and since we don’t name every single company name or category with a percent, the percentages may not total 100 percent.

YAKTRAX and Little Hotties have outfitted sponsored athletes, journalists and staff with products to help keep them safe and warm on the snow and ice at the Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia.

...
To read the complete article, copy and paste the following link:
http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/17331.html

Use the following link to see the Gear Junkie newsletter and a review of the new Sole cork sandals for spring!

http://gearjunkie.com/enews-archive?p=december_18_2009.html

Saturday, October 31st, starting at 5pm, Boulders Climbing Gym in Madison is hosting our annual fall Fund "Razor" competition/party. Sponsored by NU Climbing Holds, Focus Snow & Skate, and Screen Door Studios.

We have expanded the climbing time from two to three hours, 5-8pm, and we have expanded the finals from two problems to four. PLUS, in addition to the informal "Who can climb the most?" we have added a more formal climbing comp in which there will be boulder problems for points. May the best man and woman WIN!
As always it will also be a party! Food and drinks provided!
Funds raised will go to climbing access! Last year we gave $1000 to help replace anchors in Southern Illinois. This year we are splitting up the funds and giving to bolt replacement at Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minnesota, Governor Dodge State Park in Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Outdoor Access.

Cost is $25, $20 for Boulders members, and there is a $5 discount if you bring a dish of food to pass! If you want to just come observe that's free but there is a mandatory donation of at least $5 if you are going to partake in the food.

If you're into the Facebook thing see here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163428734923to RSVP.

To keep updated to all the latest and greatest Osprey hits in the media, check out the Osprey Media Blog, a one-stop archive of the PR placements.
Some Highlights:

June: Elevation Outdoors <http://ospreymedia.blogspot.com/2009/06/elevations-outdoors-online-names-exos.html>
June: Backpacker Magazinehttp://ospreymedia.blogspot.com/2009/06/osprey-exos-58-recommended-by.html
July: Men's Journal http://ospreymedia.blogspot.com/2009/07/osprey-product-pictured-in-mens-journal.html
July: Outdoor USA http://ospreymedia.blogspot.com/2009/07/aether-70-and-stratos-36-in-outdoor-usa.html
July: Summer OR Dailyhttp://ospreymedia.blogspot.com/2009/08/osprey-launched-hydraulics-line.html
August: Climber Magazinehttp://ospreymedia.blogspot.com/2009/08/osprey-mutant-reviewed-in-britains.html
September: Mountain Gazettehttp://ospreymedia.blogspot.com/2009/09/mountain-gazette-says-kestrel-is-solid.html
October: Skiing Magazinehttp://ospreymedia.blogspot.com/2009/09/osprey-kode-38-nails-spot-in-skiing.html

http://fabriziozangrilli.blogspot.com/2009/09/aao-dealer-employee-incentive-week.html

Check out some info on our recent Sales Promotion Trip! More details will be coming to you shortly regarding how to participate in this current promotion. You can email Vanessa at vanessa@goaao.com to get more information now if you are anxious!

SCARPA said five new models of trail runners and light hikers from its Spring 2010 collection embody the footwear brand’s new 'SCARPA Planet Friendly' initiative, a commitment to sourcing and employing recycled content materials and finding other ways – such as midsoles that biodegrade in landfills – to lessen its carbon footprint.

The new 'Planet Friendly' initiative for Spring 2010 not only marks SCARPA’s most comprehensive effort at building footwear using recycled and biodegradable technology, it also marks the beginning of an effort to let consumers know what it is doing to try to use less, and what it is doing to make materials purchases count in terms of supporting lower-impact technology. Five new shoes, the Pursuit and Pursuit GTX (trail runners), the Epic (hiking/approach shoe built on a trail runner chassis) and the Moraine and Moraine GTX (light hikers), incorporate the following ‘Planet Friendly’ materials choices.

• Midsoles use EcoPure, an additive that helps the EVA break down in roughly 20 years under landfill conditions versus more than 1,000 years for normal EVA
• 100 percent recycled webbing and lace
• 100 percent recycled lining; 70 percent recycled strobel
• 40 percent recycled synthetic leather
• 29 percent recycled polyester mesh
• 25 percent recycled rubber outside

Moving forward, the SCARPA Eco ski boot program, telemark and alpine-touring boots made from Pebax Rnew, a version of the Pebax plastic that is made 90 percent from oil derived from the castor plant instead of petroleum-based oil, will also fall under the SCARPA Planet Friendly designation. Pebax Rnew is the same material as Pebax, with the same high-end performance characteristics, except that it requires 29 percent less fossil fuel and puts out 32 percent fewer emissions in the process taking Rnew from raw to useable material.

"Sourcing new technologies that help us lessen our impact is an ongoing process, and the Planet Friendly initiative is about letting our customers know in very specific terms how we’re trying to incorporate these emerging technologies into our line, not about 'another green story' or about congratulating ourselves," said SCARPA North America CEO Kim Miller. "SCARPA Planet Friendly is a continuous effort to reduce our impact on the environment. If we do our job right, we’ll help drive demand for better and better technologies that help us continue to lessen our footprint."

It’s been a bit since we’ve updated you on SCARPA media coverage. If you’ve got the Flickr site fed through your RSS reader, you’ll have noticed that with the addition of a staff position here at Base Camp Communications, we’ve been getting these up on the site more quickly as soon as they come in the door, rather than in batches as in the past.

So, if you’ve not got the site RSS fed, now’s a great time to do it.

That said, there’s lots of new coverage available for download, viewing and sharing at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/basecampcomm/sets/72157594538267268/detail/

A couple highlights:

• Lots of good ski boot coverage the last month of two in the likes of Skiing, Backcountry, Powder and Freeskier, including Editor’s Choice Awards for the Skookum, Domina, TX Comp and TX from Backcountry Magazine. Of 12 ‘Editor’s Choice’ awards handed out, SCARPA won four, two each in AT and tele – more than any other brand.
• Trail Runner gave the Raptor a great review in its Fall 2009 shoe guide, and Vermont Sports called out the Raptor in a fall trail-running-themed piece.

Chicagoland outdoor retailer Uncle Dan's Great Outdoor Store has been named retailer of the year by the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

The award was presented to Uncle Dan's CEO Brent Weiss, Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at a luncheon at the Palmer House Hotel.

"Brent understands the true nature of retailing," the association's president, David Vite, said. "His stores focus not only on serving the customers, but serving the community. He knows if he takes care of his customers on every level they will keep coming back.

Uncle Dan's was founded in 1972 and has four stores in Chicagoland. Locations are Highland Park, Evanston and in Chicago's Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville neighborhoods.

You really need to try these sandals! Another rave review from an online trail running site:

http://trailrunningsoul.com/trs/2009/08/26/gear-review-sole-platinum-sandals-sport-flips/

Still not carrying Sole Sport Flips? Need more proof of their ingenious design and amazing benefits? Check out the review from Outside online below!!

http://outside-blog.away.com/blog/2009/08/throngs-of-thongs.html

A few highlights:

• Backpacker gave the Axis a great review in the August issue (just out) in a story about light hikers that offer performance for less than $100.
• Running Times gave the Raptor a solid review, as did a review that ran in several of the National Sports Network/Gen A Media regional publications (Windy Sports, Competitor Colorado, formerly Rocky Mountain Sports, Competitor SoCal, and Competitor Northwest).
• The Force was reviewed in Rock and Ice (stellar review) and Men’s Journal.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/basecampcomm/sets/72157594538267268/detail/