On those hot summer days and nights one might find the bugs to be a little overwhelming either in your backyard or in the backwoods. We’ve all used traditional insect repellant spray to help most of Mother Natures’ buzzing nuisances from biting us and potentially passing an insect-borne disease. Though the traditional form of insect repellant- spray- is effective; a safer and more comfortable way to protect yourself outside is to wear the repellant on your clothes and not your skin.

Insect Shield®

A proprietary formulation of the insect repellent permethrin for treating clothing used by major outdoor brands, including White Sierra and ExOficcio. Insect Shield is an odorless invisible insect repellent treated within the garments, meaning your repellant stays on your clothes, not your skin! While you’re in the back woods you’ll have Insect Protection against Mosquitoes, Flies, Chiggers, Ticks, Ants, and Midges. These insects are those who can carry Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, Malaria, and other insect-borne diseases.

 

Benefits & Features

• Built in bug protection
• Near your skin, not on it
• Quick drying and easy care
• Lightweight and packable

Garments treated with Insect Shield® are perfect for evening walks, hanging outside on the deck, hiking, camping out in the backwoods, traveling and safaris!

Tested & Proven

Insect Shield® technology results from years of intensive research and field study. Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of permethrin-treated clothing as an insect repellent. Insect Shield®’s own testing methods follow United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, and the results conclusively show that our unique, long-lasting insect protection works.

Care Instructions & Durability

The repellency of Insect Shield apparel is EPA-registered to last through 70 launderings—the expected lifetime of a garment. This is also well beyond the life of most performance finishes commonly used in the technical-apparel industry. Wash on its own in laundry, normal home laundering is recommended. Insect Shield repellent apparel can be bleached, starched, pressed, etc., without effect on the repellent quality; however, it should not be dry-cleaned. Eventually the garments treatment will wear out due to washing and wearing. You can discard the garment via trash.

Safety

Insect Shield is safe for the whole family. Please keep your Insect Shield® off of the floor if you own pets, to keep your pets from getting sick.

ExOficcio®

ExOficcio, a leading outdoor and traveling brand who has a BugsAway®  Collection containing accessories treated with Insect Shield® Technology. Alpine Shop carries the most popular styles such as the Paisley Bandana, Adventure Hat and the Classic Cap (Sold In-Store). All of the pieces are quick drying, 30+ SPF protection, and treated with Insect Shield®.

 

White Sierra®

White Sierra is another leading outdoor apparel company that has made functional, stylish and comfortable Insect Shield® treated garments in their Bugs Free Collection. Alpine Shop offers White Sierra’s wide variety of pieces at a really great price-point for Men and Women. Styles include the Men’s Swamp 1/4 Zip and Swamp Longsleeve; Women’s Gauze Tunic, Pull On Pant, Pullover Hoody, and Zip Hoody; Unisex Kool Brim Hat and Kool Sun Hat.

 

 

Father’s Day is June 21st

The day is coming up quick, so we asked our staff ” What would you LOVE to get your Dad this year?” OR “If you’re a Dad, what would you LOVE to receive?”. These are a few of their answers!

 

Michelle, E-commerce Manager: ” My father really needs a new jacket and loves Myles’ Arc’teryx. As with most Arcteryx, the Beta AR just feels sooo nice when you put it on, completely non restricting, and waterproof.  Plus the brand has a dinosaur for its logo, and my dad is a nut for fossils. He’d never splurge on himself so I would LOVE to get him the Beta AR Jacket this Father’s Day!

 

Emily Korsch, Programs and Event Coordinator: ” I would LOVE to get my Dad a Eagles Nest Lounger Chair or a DoubleNest Hammock with a set of Twilights Camp Lights to go with it!”

Angela Roam, Camp Buyer: ” My Dad always LOVES a new pair of Sanuk Sandals!”

Cathy Blaies, Chesterfield Store Manager: ” My Dad is a big fan of the Ex-Officio Air Strip Shirt and Insect Shield products… Hats, bandana’s, shirts etc.”

Kevin Bouckaert, IT Director: “As a father of 5, I’d say Earplugs for peace and quiet, kid trailer so we all can go for a bike ride, or a Yeti Rambler Tumbler to hold my soda and keep it ice cold!”

Dave Colby, Our newest addition to the Buying Department & Snowsport, Footwear, and Sunglasses Buyer: “For my Dad it would be a book like “Ten million steps” and a new pair of Kuhl Revolvr pants.

 

 

 

 

 

1989-1995: The Early Years

The small brand, based out of a Mark Paigen’s Paonia, CO home was first called Gecko to signify his shoe as “The Ultimate Sport Sandal”. You see, the Gecko has tiny micro-suction cups on the bottom of their feet helping them scale walls quickly and efficiently.  When the company was four years young, Mark moved his operations outside of his home. The real change that has helped this brand sky-rocket into fan dome was their highly designed footbed, the Z1 in 1994. The footbed was given the name due to its creator,  Dr. Gerhard Rill, a graduate of the Munich School of Orthopedics, who famously stated “That’s ze one!”.  Finally, in 1995 Mark decided it was best to give the company a much-needed make-over. The name Gecko was too closely related to another brand and in order to choose a new name, the company held a competition. This is how the brand we know and love today is called Chaco.

Why we love this brand?

There are so many reasons to love this brand. Our top  reasons include the shoe (of course!), their warranty program ReChaco, their involvement, and their sociability! Who doesn’t love a shoe that gives you complete arch support, keeps your foot supported while having the breezing feel of a sandal? Not to mention the never-ending array of patterns and colors for the straps in their MyChaco program!  Their warranty program, ReChaco involves re-strapping, repairs and even replacement helping you keep your favorite pair of Chacos forever. The company is super social! They are always asking for your favorite pictures while wearing Chaco sandal or a Chaco tan to share on social media, as well as your outdoor adventures in their Chacosphere. Finally, we love how involved Chaco is with their dealers and their customers!

 

Chacos + Alpine Shop

We’ve been selling Chaco for more than 15 years and they continue to grow year after year. You can purchase your new Chacos online at alpineshop.com or in store! Today through Friday, June 5th when you purchase a pair of Chaco sandals online you will receive a special edition Chaco belt (6/3/15-6/5/15) ONLINE ONLY. Chaco has also teamed up with Alpine Shop in the upcoming Al-Pint Night-Luau this Sunday, June 7th from 4-7pm. During the event we’ll sell limited edition 16 oz. acrylic double-wall tumblers brought to you by Chacos for $10 which includes two pours of craft beer. The proceeds will be donated to the Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region.