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Sports Nutrition Handbook Busts Myths, Simplifies Food and Fueling for Athletes

Guest Contributor — Wed, 15 May 2019 07:05:37 +0000

Boulder, CO, USA ‘” May, 2019 ‘” All athletes want access to good information when it comes to sports nutrition. Sports Nutrition Handbook: Eat Smart. Be Healthy. Get on Top of Your Game. unpacks the most important nutrition and hydration concepts so that any athlete can easily make sense of their nutrition needs. With this helpful guide, athletes will be armed with sound science and useful tools to improve their diet and performance. Sports Nutrition Handbook is now available in bookstores and online. For a preview, visit velopress.com/snh.

Why do I bonk? How much water should I drink each day? How many carbs should I eat and when? What is a good fat? Athletes are asking these questions all the time and not always sure where to turn for simple, accurate answers.

Sports Nutrition Handbook is a handy reference guide that answers the most commonly asked sports nutrition questions. This guide breaks down carbs, proteins, and fats; recommends daily intake based on body weight; answers common nutrition questions that apply to a variety of sports; and offers nutrient-rich recipes and sample meal plans to put good sports nutrition into practice. Sports Nutrition Handbookmakes better fueling simple so athletes can be stronger and healthier.

Sports Nutrition Handbook: Eat Smart. Be Healthy. Get on Top of Your Game.

Sports Nutrition Handbook: Eat Smart. Be Healthy. Get on Top of Your Game.
Justyna Mizera and Krzysztof Mizera
Paperback with two-color interior and charts and tables throughout.
6’³ x 8’³ x 9/16’³, 232 pp., $18.95, 9781937715977

Justyna Mizera, MA, is a sports nutritionist who has developed more than one thousand diets for athletes in various sports. She has worked with 30 world championship medalists and Olympians’”but also everyday athletes and children. She is the author of numerous scientific and popular-science articles. Krzysztof Mizera, PhD, is a sport physiologist and personal trainer. He works with leading athletes and amateurs in the fields of training, weight loss, motor skills improvement, performance testing, and nutrition.

VeloPress is the leading publisher of books about endurance sports. Focused on cycling, triathlon, running, and swimming, VeloPress books help committed athletes achieve their goals of going faster and farther. VeloPress authors are top experts in their fields and their clearly illustrated books help athletes develop the knowledge, fitness, and skills to meet any challenge.

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Peter Sagan‘s Book My World Now Available in the U.S. and Canada

Guest Contributor — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 08:00:59 +0000

Boulder, CO, USA ‘” December, 2018 ‘” In his new memoir My World, Peter Sagan, cycling‘s top rider and favorite personality, shares his bike racing journey with fans. The 3-time world champion and 2018 Paris-Roubaix victor takes readers behind the scenes of his professional cycling career, revealing the full extent of his dedication to competition and his determination to win. My World is available now in bookstores, bike shops, and online. Preview the book at velopress.com/sagan.

What motivates the man they call the Tourminator? How does he approach a sprint? What‘s his take on the other guys in the peloton? With unwavering honesty and characteristic humor, My Worldreveals the man who has lit up the world of professional cycling. Readers learn about Sagan‘s relationships with other racers, his heroes and inspirations, and how he copes with the expectation of success. He shares technical details about his preparation, dissects the art of the sprint, and illuminates the tactics that play out during a fiercely competitive race.

Peter Sagan‘s My World

Thanks to his flair in the saddle and peerless charisma with the media, Sagan has quickly become the most prominent ambassador for the sport. “If cycling‘s new era has a spirit animal, it is Peter Sagan,” said VeloNews magazine‘s European correspondent, Andrew Hood. “Sagan is undeniably the coolest thing going in the pro field. He‘s a hero for the post-modern age, at once a throwback and disruptor, someone who can break the mold while simultaneously paying tribute to the versatility of past legends.” Sagan says, “Wearing rainbow for three consecutive years has been a thrilling, life-changing experience and I can‘t wait to share the entire story with my amazing fans who have travelled the globe to cheer me on.”

My World

Peter Sagan

Hardcover with two 8-page color photo sections.

6″ x 9″, 320 pp., $24.95, 9781937715946

Peter Sagan is a professional cyclist and 3-time cycling road race world champion. In 2017, he became the first man in the history of the sport to win three consecutive road race World Championships, ensuring his entry into the record books as one of the greatest riders of all time. In addition, he has won six Tour de France green jerseys, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix.

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Don’t text and drive. More than just a PSA.

Guest Contributor — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 08:05:46 +0000

We got this recently from Garneau. Please pass it along, as it’s a great reminder this time of year.

Dear friends,

The holidays, in all their brilliance, are a wonderful time of year, but they can also be a time of struggle for some. This year, our thoughts are with the Lowndes family, who is missing out on something the whole world seems to be feeling. Last year on December 22, their son Jason Lowndes, a professional cyclist, was hit from behind while riding his bike. The driver was texting.

Jason Lowndes

There are two things you should know about Louis Garneau: he cares about people and he cares about safety. Jason was one of the young riders Louis welcomed and supported on his factory team, Garneau-Quebecor. Like many now Pro Tour cyclists, Jason got his start on this team and his personality and laugh were infectious to everyone around him. Safety has always been paramount to Louis Garneau. He has been integral in encouraging the Canadian Government to pass legislation forcing motorists to keep a distance of 1.5 meters from cyclists on the road. Today, Louis Garneau is turning his grief into a movement as he launches an international Don‘t Text and Drive campaign.

As a company, we will invest in communicating the dangers of texting and driving through our social networks, a press conference, graphics covering the entire face of the Garneau building and our fleet of company vehicles, replacing a Garneau logo on all custom kits with Don‘t Text and Drive communications, donating the sales of campaign bracelets to families who have lost cyclists to texting and driving, communicating the dangers on our website, paid advertisements and more.

But it takes a village…

We invite you to follow us and share our campaign all week on social media (starting December 18). And to really create an impact, WE ASK YOU ALL to join us on December 22 to change things. In observance of Don‘t Text and Drive Day, we encourage you to make one post only on your social media networks. You can share ours or create your own. And please use :

#donttextanddrive #istandwithgarneau

Let‘s make a difference together. Thanks for your support.

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Canadian Team Releases Self-Charging Water Purifying Bottle

Brian — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 07:05:30 +0000

Neat Jug is the new system to purify free stream water while hiking or camping. The system is now available for pre-order.

HAMILTON, Ontario, November 28, 2018 (Newswire.com) – Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, weekend warriors, world travelers and nature adventurers: Neat Jug, a revolutionary water purification system, has been officially released on Kickstarter today.

By utilizing a self-charging mechanism and UV technology, each Neat Jug is NSF Class A system-compliant and can effectively produce up to 20,000 liters of clean and safe purified water. Here‘s how it works: By turning the handle for about 180 seconds, the device will be ready to discharge UVC light for 90 seconds (1 cycle) and purify 750 milliliters of water (about the same amount in a typical bottle of wine).

Neat Jug

“Every detail of Neat Jug has been intricately designed with efficiency in mind,” says Neat Jug founder David Lee. “We wanted to offer a better way for adventurers to purify water while out in nature -without having to locate a power source or lug around unnecessary equipment.”

The backpack-friendly bottle is developed and ready to go to mass manufacturing. However, to bring the product to the market, Neat Jug is seeking funding on Kickstarter.

In addition to being used for hiking, camping, traveling and disaster-prepping, Neat Jug also offers an opportunity to help those in need. The company is collaborating with Aid for Africa and ARDSO to donate water purifying bottles to areas lacking in clean water and power supply.

“We believe that clean drinking water should be a right to all, not a privilege,” Lee states. “Neat Jug will help make a difference by providing people with easier access to safe water -while also reducing each enthusiast‘s carbon footprint. It‘s an eco-friendly alternative to packing countless bottles of water, all of which aren‘t biodegradable, and can leave you without water if you hike too far and didn‘t pack enough to last. We want to eliminate that stress while making a positive impact on the environment.”

To learn more about Neat Jug and back the campaign, visit the company‘s Kickstarter page: http://kck.st/2AuSXHO.

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Six Moon Designs Opens Applications for Ambassador Team

Brian — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 07:05:26 +0000

Going out of our way to give everyone a break for holiday deals. How about becoming an ambassador?

Beaverton, OR (November 26, 2018) Six Moon Designs, known for designing and producing durable and affordable ultralight gear, is looking for hikers, backpackers, paddlers and ultrarunners to be a part of the new SMD Ambassador Team. These outdoor enthusiasts will work with SMD to help inspire and motivate other outdoor enthusiasts and increase awareness for the brand.

“The SMD Ambassadors will be provided with a variety of SMD products including tents and backpacks, and will play a big role in providing product feedback and helping us promote our brand to the greater outdoor community,” said Whitney LaRuffa, SMD Sales and Marketing Director. “We invite anyone who truly believes in our products and what we‘re doing to apply to be part of the SMD Ambassador Team.”

Applications are open until December 1, 2018 and can be found here https://tinyurl.com/ybuojfk4. Ambassadors will be announced the first week of January 2019. For more information on the company or details on the application process, please contact Whitney LaRuffa at whitney@sixmoondesigns.com.

About Six Moon Designs
Six Moon Designs was born on the Pacific Crest Trail by Ron Moak, an avid thru-hiker who sought out much lighter weight gear than what was available at the time. In 2002, Moak introduced his first product the Europa Tent, a 33oz. single wall silnylon shelter, and the backpacking community quickly embraced the lightweight backpacking ethic. Soon, other innovative Six Moon Designs products followed including the Gatgewood Cape, a combination poncho/shelter system and the Starlite Pack, a pioneering frameless pack with a large carrying capacity, all setting the bar for affordable, durable and lightweight backpacking gear. Today, Six Moon Designs continues to be on the cutting edge of ultralight innovation and strives to make quality ultralight tents, shelters, backpacks and other accessories designed to get more people outdoors. www.sixmoondesigns.com.

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Holiday Savings on SPOT GPS Devices

Mark — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 07:05:55 +0000

Getting away from it all and relaxing in the outdoors is a great way to recharge the batteries and it is good for your health. Some of us have family that worry while we’re out and they probably have good reason in my case. In fact, my wife had a plan for a trip to the emergency room when I did woodworking for a hobby. Whether you are a bit accident prone like me or you just want a layer of security out in the wild, SPOT is a great way to go. They have a fantastic sale happening this holiday season. Check out this email I received from SPOT. Between November 16th and December 31st this year, score a great deal on some SPOT products. Give yourself and the ones that care about you a sense of security while you are getting away from it all.

SPOT X 2-way satellite messenger

Announcement

Outdoor enthusiasts are always on the move, so giving the gift of peace of mind won’t go unnoticed this holiday season. SPOT keeps you connected to family, friends and emergency responders as well as protects your most valuable toys from theft.

SPOT X 2-way satellite messenger is the newest addition to the SPOT family. This handled device features a full keyboard, paperlit screen, built-in rechargeable batteries, and allows you to have direct communication with emergency services. Its unique phone number allows friends and family to contact you regardless of cellular coverage. The IP67 rating comes with all the functionality of the original SPOT products including GPS tracking, and check-in.

This winter, SPOT wants to make sure adventurers and toys are home for the holidays. November 16 through December 31, SPOT Gen3 and SPOT Trace devices will be 50% off. To take advantage of this great offer, check out this link after Nov 16: www.findmespot.com/Holiday2018 to take advantage of the sale.

Final comments

I have a few friends that use various SPOT GPS devices. I’ve heard nothing but positive comments about the reliability and ease of use from everyone. We are currently testing the new SPOT X. So far, testing the SPOT X has been great. SPOT has sent out a couple updates that installed without issue. Setting up the online account was quick and easy and using the SPOT X itself is pretty straightforward. With any new electronic device, there is a bit of a learning curve and the SPOT X is no exception but it hasn’t been to tough. Stay turned in the coming weeks for a full review of the SPOT X.

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New Designs for Your Head From Buff

Mark — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 07:05:19 +0000

A friend of mine turned introduced me to Buff a few years ago and I’m now a big fan. I camp in hammocks mostly and use a topquilt in the hammock. Mine doesn’t have a hood so wearing insulation on the head is key to comfort. Oftentimes the Buff Original does the trick. There are just so many ways you can use the thing. If you can’t borrow one from a friend to give a try, they aren’t that expensive to pick up. The new material should only add to the comfort. Check out the press release below.

BUFF® Reinvents Its Original Multifunctional Headwear

BUFF®‘s most iconic product is now more sustainable, more comfortable and more protective than ever before

(Santa Rosa, CA) September 6, 2018 – Buff, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of BUFF®, creators of versatile performance headwear for all-season outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, has released the latest iteration of its most popular product. BUFF® Original Multifunctional Headwear now features four-way stretch, the highest UPF rating possible (UPF50) and is now made with sustainably sourced, 100% recycled material. Click here to view the new product line.

BUFF® Multifunctional Headwear

“BUFF®‘s relentless commitment to innovation and progression of the most sustainably sourced, highest quality, and most comfortable and protective products continues to be fueled by the adventurous nature and passion of our fans. We innovate so you can thrive in the water, snow, mountains, on trails, roads, and in studios,” says Buff, Inc. Marketing Manager Kevin Walker.

“Our fans recognize quality and innovation and have inspired us to reinvent our most iconic, cornerstone brand product -BUFF® Original Multifunctional Headwear. As the originators of the category we are committed to providing people with a product that helps reduce our environmental impact, increase protection from the sun‘s UV rays, and improves comfort and fit,” continued Walker.

BUFF® Multifunctional Headwear

Increased Comfort and UV Protection

For fall 2018, BUFF® has implemented a network of new technologies into its line of Multifunctional Headwear to achieve a better next-to-skin feel and to offer more advanced protection from harmful UV rays. Original BUFF® Multifunctional Headwear is now built with the brand‘s proprietary 4-Way ULTRA STRETCH technology and active fabric recovery. This pairing offers a softer, more comfortable product than first generation styles.

In an effort to increase UV protection, BUFF® is now manufacturing Original Multifunctional Headwear with a new and improved product fabrication that only allows 1/50th of the sun‘s UV rays to reach your skin, boosting the protection rating from UPF 20 to UPF 50. When covered by BUFF® Original fabrics – all of which are certified and tested – your skin is protected from 98% of the sun‘s harmful ultraviolet rays.

BUFF® Multifunctional Headwear

Sustainably Sourced

Additionally, BUFF® is now building its Original Multifunctional Headwear with environmentally conscious REPREVE® material, made from plastic bottles that are removed from oceans and landfills before being washed, chopped into flakes, melted, then extruded into recycled fibers that are seamlessly engineered and sewn into BUFF® Multifunctional Headwear products.

For more information on BUFF® and its new Original Multifunctional Headwear, please visit www.buffusa.com.

BUFF® is THE ORIGINAL Multifunctional Headwear brand.

Founded in 1992, BUFF® developed and introduced the seamless tubular headwear category and has been driven by innovation and performance for over 25 years. Partnering with superior manufacturers of raw materials and incorporating trusted fabric technologies such as Polartec®, Polygiene®, Merino wool, Insect-Shield® and Primaloft®, BUFF® has built a brand dedicated to Quality, Craftsmanship, Customizable Design and Unique Style Options. The BUFF® product line continues to grow with Hats, Caps, and Arm Sleeves, elevating its full product set designed for intense days in the sun to extreme cold weather conditions.

BUFF® products are sold globally in more than 70 countries and top outdoor retailers across the U.S. Buff, Inc, the U.S. subsidiary of ORIGINAL BUFF, SA, is located in Santa Rosa, California. For more information, visit buffusa.com and follow @buff_usa.

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Woolmark Performance Challenge – Finalists Announced

Mark — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 07:05:20 +0000

Woolmark Performance Challenge

Woolmark Performance Challenge announces 10 finalists for inaugural award along with global expansion

The 10 finalists have been announced for the inaugural edition of the Woolmark Performance Challenge. The next edition will expand to be a global competition.

The Woolmark Company and leading sports brand Adidas have announced the 10 finalists for the inaugural Woolmark Performance Challenge. The Woolmark PerformanceChallenge is a new annual competition for tertiary students aimed at pushing the limits of product innovation and is set to kick-start the career of the eventual winner. In its first year the award attracted 510 student registrations from 58 universities from across Europe and North America.

The 10 finalists for this year‘s Woolmark Performance Challenge are:

Jeni Allison – Heriot Watt University – UK
Youngmi Kim – Institut Frané§ais de la Mode – France
Lihong Lao – Cornell University, Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design – USA
Marlies Reuker – Amsterdam Fashion Institute, HvA – Netherlands
Martin Stricker – ECAL (Ecole Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne) – Switzerland
Alicia Ferreira de Sousa – L‘é‰cole de la Maille de Paris – France
Christel Thue Hé¸gsted – University of Oregon – USA
Olivia Echols – University of Oregon – USA
Inga Grether – Albstadt-Sigmaringen University – Germany
Phoebe Edwards – Nottingham Trent University – UK

This exciting competition provides an unrivaled opportunity for tertiary students to develop innovative new product applications within the sports and performance market, by applying the science and natural performance benefits of Australian Merino wool. Launched in January 2018 at ISPO, Munich, the Woolmark Performance Challenge will now expand to a global competition for 2018/19, offering the chance to uncover and nurture innovative young minds from across the globe.

“At the time when we started to plan the Adidas x Woolmark Performance Challenge I thought this is a small project,” explained Adidas Senior Design Director Tillmann Studrucker. “But it has gone beyond my expectation in terms of reach and participation since then. I am more than excited to see that there has been such a high interest in the competition. I want to thank all participants for their effort and time they put into this project. With all the creative and innovative ideas, it was not easy to make a decision on the top 10 ideas that were most fitting to Adidas and The Woolmark Company. It will get even harder when we have to select the winner.”

Taking advantage of the explosive growth in demand for sportswear and activewear, wool‘s position as a technical fiber allows it to meet increasingly demanding consumer needs for comfort and performance. Wool is recognized by leading sportswear brands and manufacturers for its technical benefits including resistance to odor, superb breathability and moisture management capabilities.

“We knew when putting together the brief that we‘d get the chance to review interesting projects that will challenge and benefit the current use of Merino wool,” said Adidas Talent Acquisition, Design, Recruiter Louis de Vos. “However, we were actually overwhelmed by the forward-thinking spirit of each and every participant entry pushing the boundary forward. Going through the innovative ideas of the students was an inspiring journey that let us look forward to the coming next generation of creators joining our industry.”

The Woolmark Performance Challenge winner will be awarded a cash prize of â‚¬10,000, as well as being presented with career development and commercial opportunities including a three-month internship with Adidas.

“The Woolmark Performance Challenge is an exciting new phase of our product development program,” explains The Woolmark Company Managing Director Stuart McCullough. “It provides an excellent opportunity for young talent to find a place for their exciting innovation on the international stage, whilst pushing the infinite possibilities of Merino wool into unchartered territories.”

The 10 finalists will travel to London in September for two days of training workshops with The Woolmark Company and partners, before travelling to Denver, Colorado, to present their entries to an executive judging panel at Outdoor Retailer. The inaugural winner of the Woolmark Performance Challenge will be announced at Outdoor Retailer, on November 9.

About The Finalists:

Jeni Allison: Heriot Watt University, UK, MA Knitwear (Design, Heritage and Production). “I am interested in combining the naturally occurring technical properties of Merino wool with innovations in technology and knitwear production to create beautiful activewear which both inspires and allows people to be fitter in their everyday lives.”

Youngmi Kim: Institut Frané§ais de la Mode, France, Postgraduate Program – Major in garment (Womenswear). “And the story must continue.”

Lihong Lao: Cornell University, Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design, USA, Ph.D. candidate in Materials Science and Engineering (Fiber Science). “My research interest is surface chemistry for different fibrous materials to enable different new functionalities, such as for Merino wool fibers.”

Marlies Reuker: Amsterdam Fashion Institute, HvA, Netherlands, International Fashion Design (BSc of Fashion and Textile Technologies). “Refined Merino knits played an important role in my pursuit of comfort optimization. Merino wool was responsible for the thermal sense of comfort, while I used 3D virtual prototyping to analyze and increase mobility features and the freedom of movement.”

Martin Stricker: ECAL (Ecole Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne), Switzerland, Industrial Design. “Now I truly want a Merino sheep in my garden.”

Alicia Ferreira de Sousa: L‘é‰cole de la Maille de Paris, France, Knitwear Design. “’˜Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed‘ – Lavoisier. This quote was my guideline in my work for this project with Merino wool. Take inspiration from the existential elements and behaviors of nature in order to rethink, improve, revalorize and recycle them to open useful fields of applications, both sustainable and ecological.”

Christel Thue Hé¸gsted: University of Oregon, USA Master of Science (MS) in Sports Product Design. “We need to develop an alternative to the massive use of man-made fibers used in sports apparel. With the newest innovations within Merino wool we can now create high-performance products with low environmental impact.”

Olivia Echols: University of Oregon, USA, Master of Science in Sports Product Design. “What I find most interesting about Merino wool, is that it already has so many of the amazing benefits that synthetics try to replicate. Why recreate what already occurs in the natural world?”

Inga Grether: Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, Germany, Textile Management. “The combination of modern technology with natural materials is the sustainability of the future. This would be my first experience in working with Merino.”

Phoebe Edwards: Nottingham Trent University, UK, Fashion Knitwear Design Masters Degree. “As a specialist in performance-wear and knit innovation, I have identified a niche in the skiwear base-layer industry, using Merino wool‘s incredible performance properties to combine technical knit structure placement with anatomy and biomechanical considerations such as muscle identification with stretch, compression, heat harnessing, joint support and ventilation allocations to combat the challenge of fashion vs functionality within a second skin supporting base layer.”

About The Woolmark Company:

The Woolmark Company is the global authority on wool. Through our extensive network of relationships spanning the international textile and fashion industries, we highlight Australian wool‘s position as the ultimate natural fiber and premier ingredient in luxury apparel. The Woolmark logo is one of the world‘s most recognized and respected brands, providing assurance of the highest quality, and representing pioneering excellence and innovation from farm through to finished product.

Media Release

The Woolmark Company is a subsidiary of Australian Wool Innovation, a not-for-profit enterprise that conducts research, development and marketing along the worldwide supply chain for Australian wool on behalf of about 60,000 woolgrowers that help fund the company.

About Adidas:

Adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry with the core brands Adidas and Reebok. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the Group has 60,000 employees across the globe and generated sales of â‚¬19 billion in 2016.

Join the conversation: www.woolmarkchallenge.com #woolmarkchallenge Facebook: @thewoolmarkcompany Twitter: @woolmark Instagram: @thewoolmarkcompany

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Showers Pass hooks up with National Geographic

Guest Contributor — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 07:05:36 +0000

Clearly, this is more than just a one-night-stand. They’re taking pre-orders now, with shipping expected to start on the first of September.

National Geographic Partners with Showers Pass, Expands Collection of Waterproof Socks and Gloves

DENVER, CO– Showers Pass has partnered with National Geographic to develop waterproof socks and gloves specifically designed for adventuring. This newest addition to their wildly successful line of waterproof socks and gloves already beloved by runners, cyclists, hikers and other outdoor enthusiast for staying dry in the worst weather conditions.

While they may feel like regular socks, the Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks are fully windproof and waterproof, thanks to a proprietary 3-layer construction. Features include a wear resistant knit exterior, a seamless waterproof breathable ArtexTM membrane, and a moisture-wicking Merino Wool-blend lining. The matching gloves use the same technology.

National Geographic Partners with Showers Pass

“Showers Pass Waterproof Socks and Gloves offer a practical cross-category solution to cold, wet feet and hands. We have seen incredible growth in this category and are happy to offer this new range of waterproof socks and gloves suited for explorers who brave the toughest conditions. We are committed to providing advanced design, materials, and construction methods whenever we develop a new product” says Kyle Ranson, president of Showers Pass. “The new National Geographic Waterproof Socks feature a longer length designed for hiking, and still maintain a durable reinforced toe and heel for maximum comfort. They effectively turn any shoe into a windproof and rainproof solution. The gloves offer exceptional dexterity.”

Due to a proprietary 3-D laminating process, the fit is much more ergonomic than other waterproof socks and gloves on the market. The socks are designed to be a compression fit, delivering maximum breathability during foot motion. With the same laminating process, the gloves provide a high level of warmth, comfort and dexterity for an exceptionally low profile waterproof glove. The Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks and Gloves are a necessity for anyone who spends time in the wet outdoors.

Product:

- Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Wool-Blend Mid-Calf Socks
  - Socks are available in 4 sizes to fit feet size 6-15.5
  - MSRP: $45 -Color: Black with National Geographic Logo
- Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Wool-Blend Knit Gloves
  - Gloves are available in size Small, Medium, Large and X-Large
  - MSRP: $49 – Color: Black with National Geographic Logo

Available for preorder at https://www.showerspass.com and at https://shop.nationalgeographic.com/, socks and gloves ship September 1.

About Showers Pass

Showers Pass makes technically advanced active apparel and gear to inspire and enable the pursuit of outdoor adventure. Based in Portland, Oregon Showers Pass is made up of team of outdoor enthusiasts who bike, run, hike climb and play in the outdoors. In 1997 Showers Pass was born in 1997, from the desire to develop clothing and gear that would get people out on their bikes no matter the weather. Their reputation is built on the use of high-performance materials in combination with an innovative functional design for cyclists and people that love the outdoors. They specialize in waterproof and breathable active apparel (rain gear) and have broadened their line to include baselayers, waterproof socks, and waterproof bags. Showers Pass apparel is used by pro cycling teams, mountain climbers, runners, cross-country skiers, bike commuters, mountain bikers, firefighters, endurance athletes and anyone who demands a high level of performance from their gear.

About National Geographic

National Geographic gets you closer to the stories that matter. Through the world‘s best scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, National Geographic captivates and entertains a global community through television channels, magazines, children‘s media, travel expeditions, books, maps, consumer products, location-based entertainment and experiences, and some of the most engaging digital and social media platforms in the world. A joint venture with 21st Century Fox, National Geographic reinvests 27% of proceeds to help fund the conservation and education efforts of the National Geographic Society.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization committed to exploring and protecting our planet. We fund hundreds of research and conservation projects around the world each year and inspire new generations through our education initiatives and resources. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.org.

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LEKI Spring 2019 Trekking Poles

Mark — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 07:05:54 +0000

I‘m a big fan of trekking poles and I never go backpacking without mine. People wouldn‘t describe me as having good balance, and heavy backpacks don‘t help. Trekking poles help when crossing creeks, when walking on slick or steep terrain, and they help when climbing and descending. LEKI makes some of the best trekking poles, and they are celebrating their 70^th anniversary. The top of the line MVC Black Series CLD looks incredible. Check out the press release below.

LEKI Revamps Trekking Pole Line Top to Bottom for Spring 2019

BUFFALO, NY -July, 2018 -This year marks LEKI‘s 70th Anniversary and to celebrate the company has done a complete overhaul of its trekking pole line for next spring. Innovative technology, creative feature sets and price points that can‘t be beat. This new line has it all.

BEST TECHNICAL INNOVATION

At the pinnacle is the Black Series CLD pole that recently won the coveted OutDoor Industry Award at the OutDoor Show in Germany. This adjustable folding pole made of 100 percent High Modulus Carbon is packed with technical features including the innovative new Core Locking Device (CLD) that has the functionality and ease of use that is similar to the clicking mechanism of a pen: the pole can be locked with a simple pull and then clicked into place. The mechanism is completely integrated inside the pole and protected from the elements, and one complete shaft segment is no longer needed so the weight of the pole is reduced by 13 percent, weighing in at only 207 grams. Other features include the edgeless Aergon grip, the breathable and lightweight Skin Strap and the SpeedLock 2 external locking system that allows for variable length adjustment from 110 to 130 cm. The packed dimensions remain a compact 40 cm. MSRP: $249.

LEKI CLD Core Locking Device

BEST USER-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY

The External Locking Device (ELD), a one-touch mechanism on the outside of the pole that makes it easier to assemble/pack down a folding pole, made its debut this spring on the Micro Vario Carbon (Black) pole with rave reviews and is being integrated into four carbon folding poles for next season. The Micro Vario Carbon AS (antishock, $229), the Women‘s Micro Vario Carbon AS (antishock, $229), the Micro Vario Carbon ($199), and the Women‘s Micro Vario Carbon ($199).

Leki ELD External Locking Device

BEST VALUE

LEKI has packed even more technology into lower price point models for next spring. First in line is the Legacy Lite Cor-Tec. At just $99 MSRP, this pole features a fan favorite the Cor-Tec comfort grip made with 80 percent natural cork, and is adjustable from 100-135cm using the new SpeedLock + external pole length adjustment locking device. The next generation SpeedLock + is a one-piece injection-molded lock that is now more user-friendly when manually adjusting the tension dial. Weighing in at just 8.6 oz. per pole, the Legacy Lite Cor-Tec (and Women‘s Legacy Lite Cor-Tec) is sure to win any “best value pole” award next season. Additionally, the Makalu makes its return with fresh new features as the Makalu Lite Cor-Tec featuring the Aergon Cor-Tec cork grip ($119, antishock $139).

LEKI women-specific

BEST WOMEN SPECIFIC FEATURES

LEKI makes poles specifically for women featuring grips that are 15 percent smaller than their unisex counterparts, along with shorter adjustable lengths (90 to 125cm for telescoping poles and 100 to 120cm for folding poles) that ultimately pack down small enough to fit into women-specific backpacks. In addition to the Women‘s Micro Vario Carbon AS, Women‘s Micro Vario Carbon, the Women‘s Legacy Lite Cor-Tec AS and the Women‘s Legacy Lite Cor-Tec mentioned above, LEKI will also introduce the Women‘s Cressida Cor-Tec (the Makalu‘s sister pole, $119) and the Women‘s Cressida Thermo AS ($139).

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Henry Repeating Arms Honors Texas Heroes

Brian — Wed, 09 May 2018 07:05:41 +0000

I’m sharing this in part because I agree that this sort of bravery should be recognized. But also because there can never be enough positive press for the firearms industry. Criminals make the front page, while good guys get the back page, or no mention at all. So kudos to Anthony Imperato for acknowledging these American heroes.

DALLAS, TX -May 3, 2018 -Henry Repeating Arms presented three Texas heroes with American-made Henry God Bless America Edition lever action rifles to recognize their outstanding acts of bravery, heroism and going above and beyond the call of duty to help their communities.

The presentation took place in front of a crowd of more than 2,000 people on May 3rd at the National Rifle Association Foundation Banquet during the NRA‘s 2018 Annual Meetings & Exhibits at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

As a premier sponsor of the event, Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms, invited the heroes to join him on the stage. This year‘s recipients included Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff; the two men hailed as heroes for chasing down and stopping the gunman responsible for the mass shooting that took place at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, about 300 miles south of Dallas. “These two gentleman that just walked out on stage are the epitome of true American heroes. They embody the person that we should all aspire to be,” Imperato told the crowd.

Willeford, a former NRA instructor, heard the gunshots from his home and sprang into action without hesitation. He grabbed his rifle and ran barefoot across the road where he and the gunman exchanged gunfire, which led to the gunman fleeing in his SUV. Langendorff, who saw the action unfold from inside his car, let Willeford into his truck and a high-speed pursuit began to chase down the gunman. While keeping local law enforcement informed of their location, they followed the wounded shooter until the chase ended when the gunman crashed his SUV into a ditch.

NRA-Foundation-Banquet

“Stephen and Johnnie‘s actions on that fateful day stopped evil, saved lives, and ended one of the most tragic events of 2017. Twenty-six people lost their lives that day and may God continue to comfort the families, friends, and neighbors who lost a loved one that day,” Imperato said as the crowd rose to a standing ovation for the two heroes.

The third honoree, Ryan Ashcraft, became known as “the flying cowboy” because of his actions immediately following Hurricane Harvey. The devastating storm inflicted $125 billion in damages throughout Texas where it made landfall. The extensive flooding put thousands of people and millions of heads of cattle at risk, so Ashcraft took to the skies in his helicopter to help ranchers drive their cattle to high ground, a task that would be impossible over land. Ashcraft saved thousands of cattle and dozens of people across seven counties.

As Ashcraft took hold of his Henry rifle, Mr. Imperato stated, “We would like to thank Mr. Ashcraft for his selfless acts and showing the rest of the country what being a Texan is all about, helping your neighbors.”

The crowd of more than 2,000 people rose to give multiple standing ovations during the presentation. “Thank you again to all of our recipients and thank you all for coming tonight. God Bless you all, and God Bless the United States of America,” Imperato concluded as the crowd rose to applaud the heroes one last time.

For more information about Henry Repeating Arms and its products visit henryusa.com.

About Henry Repeating Arms

Henry Repeating Arms is one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the country and the leading lever action manufacturer. Their company motto is ‘˜Made In America Or Not Made At All,‘ and their products come with a lifetime guarantee backed by award-winning customer service. The original Henry rifle played a significant role in the frontier days of the American West and is one of the most legendary, respected and sought-after rifles in the history of firearms. The company‘s manufacturing facilities are in Bayonne, NJ and Rice Lake, WI.

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Outdoor accessories from UST Brands

Brian — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 07:05:06 +0000

For over 80 years and four generations, UST Brands has manufactured and sourced the finest survival equipment on the market. By maintaining the highest standards in quality and service, their innovative products have been saving lives since 1936. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, they offer a complete assortment of survival and camping equipment.

The Ultimate Survival Technologies line of personal safety and survival tools includes LED lights, patented all-weather fire starters, targetable and unbreakable signal mirrors, premium outdoor cutting tools, first aid kits, signal whistles, survival kits, camp kitchen products and more.

UST Brands sells its line of survival and camping products through a variety of outdoor, sporting goods, and mass-market retailers as well as online merchandisers. Check out some of their products below.

Heritage™Camp Hammer

‘¢ Brass head absorbs shock
‘¢ Steel pick end provides prying options for removing tent stakes and other heavy-duty tasks
‘¢ Wooden handle with leather wrist lanyard provide comfortable and secure grip

UST Heritage™Camp Hammer

Heritage™Camp Ax

‘¢ Full tang construction with stainless steel blade
‘¢ Wedge-shaped butt end for prying use
‘¢ Sized small enough to pack for trail use, and large enough for all your campsite tasks
‘¢ Wooden handle with leather wrist lanyard provide comfortable and secure grip
‘¢ Leather sheath provides storage and protects the blade

UST Heritage™Camp Ax

Find it on Amazon!

U-Dig-It® Light Duty

‘¢ Ultra-lightweight to reduce your pack weight
‘¢ Made of durable 7075-T6 aluminum
‘¢ Included carabiner to attach shovel to your gear, belt, or bag

UST U-Dig-It® Light Duty

ParaSaw™PRO

ParaSaw™ A durable, compact saw with a 5.5” stainless steel blade, capable of cutting through branches, small logs, and brush with minimal effort.

‘¢ TPR handle with bead-blasted texture provides for a secure and comfortable grip
‘¢ Black-oxide finish reduces rust and protects the blade
‘¢ Liner lock design holds blade safely in place while extended and in use.
‘¢ Protective sheath for safe storage included.

ParaTinder™Utility Cord The ParaTinder lanyard unwraps to provide about 3 feet of paracord with an added single tinder thread. To ignite ParaTinder, expose red core thread and light with included fire starter. Inner paracord strands can be used as sewing thread, sutures, fishing line, and more.

Fire Starter The flint fire starter produces sparks in even the worst conditions. Lightweight and compact, it is easily stored in the included protective sheath. Will ignite a wide range of tinders.

Whistle Integrated whistle for an easy-to-use signal device.

UST ParaSaw™PRO

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Ombraz – Smarter Sunglasses, now on Indiegogo

Brian — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 07:05:38 +0000

Ombraz sunglasses fall into the “why didn’t I think of that?” category of cool gear. These cleverly made sunglasses solve many issues faced (see what I did there?) by traditional designs. And they’re carbon negative!

Design

The first thing the Ombraz designers did was ditch the arms on the side, and the hinges. They replaced them with a simple sliding cord. Why? First, less moving parts to break. Even better, no more pressure points on the side of your head. So the fit is great, they’re totally adjustable, and you’re less likely to lose them. After trying a pair, I was disappointed that the frames seemed small for my big fat face. Because the fit and comfort were outstanding. Adjusting them took a half a second, and just like that, I was sold on the concept. Luckily, Ombraz will be offering a larger size as well.

I was going to share my own photos, but their promotional video is way too entertaining.

Lenses

I’ve been a photographer for many years. I’m fussy about all lenses, either on my camera, or in my glasses. Ombraz uses Zeiss lenses in their sunglasses, which pretty much ensures great optical quality. And they’re even polarized, to eliminate annoying reflections and glare. Offered in grey or brown, both look like winners.

Frames

Made from acetate, the Ombraz frames will are available in matte tortoise, or matte brown. Available in two sizes, I’m hoping I got the smaller of the two, and will get a chance to swap them out.

Carbon negative?

That’s right, not carbon neutral, but carbon negative. For each pair sold, Ombraz wants to plant twenty trees. So they partnered with Eden Reforestation Project. Trees will be planted in Haiti, Madagascar, Nepal, and Indonesia. Just sharing a post via social media during their Indiegogo campaign will result in a tree getting planted. So get out the shares, and help them hit their goal of 10,000 trees planted. How about that? Get a tree planted with nothing more than a click!

There’s more to this campaign, as it’s not just a deal on some sweet sunglasses. You can just throw some money their way to get their project off the ground, and plant some trees. That’s what I’m planning on doing. And I’m not alone, as they have raised more than 200% of their goal, as of the time I wrote this. Check out the campaign here.

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Coho Folding Kayak – Now on Kickstarter

Mark — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 07:05:43 +0000

My family really enjoys kayaking and the outdoors in general. Day hikes, cycling, or just going for a ride out into the countryside take up many of our weekends. While we sometimes can’t come together on a plan, kayaking seems to always be popular. Everyone has their own yak now and that is great, but I have trouble finding a place to store all those boats. Even a small ten foot kayak takes up a lot of garage space and hauling kayaks can be a job. The Coho Folding Kayak aims to fix some of these troubles. The Folding Boat Co. has a Kickstarter campaign going and it is off to a good start. If you haven’t seen their Kickstarter campaign yet don’t worry, there is still plenty of time to get in on the deals.

Coho Folding Kayak

We haven’t had the opportunity to test one of the Coho Folding Kayaks but the design looks pretty solid. These are a skin on frame kayak and The Folding Boat Co. says they weigh just 21 pounds. It sets up and is ready to go in just four minutes. The Folding Boat Co. does a great job of explaining what they and their kayak is all about, and you can head over to their Kickstarter campaign page by clicking HERE. Be sure to check out the videos to get a quick overview.

Coho Folding Kayak

You can score a Coho Folding Kayak for $635. Anyone who has looked at buying a kayak can tell you that is a good price for a folding boat. If you don’t need a kayak but like where these guys are headed and want to chip in, $30 will get you a hat and T-shirt. There are lots of other rewards and price points available depending on your interest.

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Boycott Vista? Really?

Brian — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 18:26:17 +0000

I’ve read that there is a call to boycott Giro, Bell, Camelbak, CoPilot, and other brands owned by Vista Outdoor. It’s that sort of knee-jerk (with the emphasis on “jerk”) reaction that gets me up on my soapbox today. While I too am saddened by the lives lost recently in Florida, I am not so naive to think that a boycott will accomplish anything. It won’t hold the FBI or local police accountable for their failures. It won’t hold the school’s RSO accountable for standing outside, not doing what he was trained and hired to do. And it certainly won’t bring back loved ones, or bring about change.

But I’m not going to lay any blame today. I’m just going to ask some questions to those that feel the need to boycott something:

Who will you boycott over shootings in Detroit, Chicago, or Washington DC? That is a daily occurrence in those cities. Surely there is a brand or company you want to send a message to. But just like I won’t lay blame, I won’t specifically point out the hypocrisy of turning a blind eye and deaf ear to that situation.

Do you take any medications? Sorry, you should boycott Big Pharma instead. Each day, we lose about 60 lives to unintentional deaths from prescription drugs. That’s 22,000 every year.

Do you drink? I’m not talking frat-boy beer chugging. If you have even one alcoholic beverage, you are supporting an industry that kills upwards of 88,000 people in a year. Better cut them out of your budget now.

Do you drive a car? Because the drug and alcohol deaths seem almost inconsequential compared to the 3,200 deaths every single day in car-related accidents. Let me help you, if you don’t have your calculator handy. That’s nearly 1.3 million people each year. Time to start walking, or maybe buy a bicycle. Oh wait, you want to boycott Vista’s brands. Here’s something to keep in mind though. Dig deep enough, and I’m sure you’ll find something not to like about every other brand out there. In the meantime, chew on this:

Vista Outdoor is a holding company that owns brands that make bicycle helmets, child carriers, hydration, trailers, racks, pumps, panniers, and other related accessories. In addition, they own one of America’s favorite outdoor cooking brands. And a paddleboard company. Plus sports goggles, safety glasses, kid’s scooters, and a lot more. Vista Outdoor brands are used every day by countless millions for work and recreation. If you want to boycott them, you might as well boycott the outdoors, fun, and healthy lifestyle choices too. Just don’t think for one minute that doing so will address any of the issues facing our country right now.

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