We know. You meant to grab a gift weeks ago for Mom. But if you’re still on the fence as to what to buy, the friendly outfitters from Alpine Shop and The Pathfinder have some fantastic ideas for you!
Gift Ideas for Mom
An Inside Look at 2020’s Hottest Kayaks
The Alpine Shop crew practiced social distancing while bringing some of the hottest boats we already have at the shop out to the water. Take a look at what some of these craft have to offer – especially if you’re a fisherman, you’re looking for a competitive boat for the rapidly expanding world of paddle races, or if you’re looking for a fun boat that you can PEDAL as well as PADDLE.
You can find the first four of these boats on-line right now at alpineshop.com
Perception Crank 10.0 with Pedal Drive
The Crank is the first of a new generation of easy-to-use, fast and fun pedal drive kayaks from Perception Kayaks. Its perfect for lakes, ponds and calm coastal waters. The Crank incorporates a fresh design aesthetic with incredibly comfortable ergonomics for powerful yet easy pedaling while providing ample surfaces for rigging aftermarket accessories including two Solo Mount recesses within easy reach. Featuring a new-and-improved pedal drive, this kayak pedals effortlessly, covers lots of water, and provides the ability to go forward and reverse without removing the drive from the boat. The easy-handling Crank packs a punch and opens up the water to everyone in a fun, stable and manageable package.
Jackson Big Rig HDFD
Introducing the Big Rig HDFD! One of Jackson Kayaks most popular fishing kayaks now gets the upgrades of both its HD predecessors, the Coosa HD and Cuda HD with the addition of Flex Drive pedaling power. The Flex Drive system allows for hands-free fishing, forward and reverse, with unique articulation to adapt to shallow water and obstacles.
Jackson YuPIK
Named for the native Alaskan peoples that coined the word kayak (qayaq), the Jackson YuPIK changes the very definition of versatility. Bow To Stern track systems, rigging solutions and storage pockets molded in along the entirety of the boat allows the modularity for you to rig for your adventure without limitation. Customize your fun with more room! Second seat capabilities and specialized accessories, like our new kennel cot, improves the experience for everyone. Additions like the fully trimmable seat pan, our Strap Down gear track for 360 storage security and the first ever moving standing pad system make the YuPIK the most versatile kayak on the market.
Jackson Bite FD
The top-selling Bite has gotten an upgrade! The open deck and well-designed tackle management features have come together with our latest version of the Flex Drive, the Flex Drive 3D. This nimble ride is quick and responsive, and standing to fish is fun and easy for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The Bite FD tracks well and handles windy days with ease. The new Flex Drive 3D is the product of two years of constant evolution in three key components: power, propulsion and steering. From bow to stern, the Flex Drive 3D delivers unparalleled user versatility, efficiency and convenience on the water. Designed from the water up for maximum performance, intuitive use and ease of maintenance, the Flex Drive 3D empowers anglers, sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts to get closer to the action. The original Bite retails for $799. If you want the Flex Drive, the retail price is $2199.
Wilderness Systems Tempest 175
When you talk about a fast boat, you talk about a length. All things being equal, a longer boat will always be faster than a shorter boat. And when you’re talking about getting into racing, like the MR340 and Alpine Shop’s own Meramec Marathon, a longer boat will always give you an advantage on straight ahead speed and will generally track straight ahead more easily. The Tempest melds a 17 and a half foot total length with a bit of a rocker to help with maneuverability on top of that speed. A great boat for any one looking to take their racing to the next level. Now you won’t find this beautiful 17 and a half foot boat on alpineshop.com yet. If you’re interested, please give us a call at 314-962-7715.
Complete Guide to Staying Dry for Spring
Are you waiting eagerly for spring like we are? Rain or shine, nothing’s going to stop us from hitting the trail this season. However, since we do tend to get spring showers and thunderstorms, it’s worth it to take a look at waterproof – and waterproofing – gear at Alpine Shop. Keep reading for our recommendations and a few tips to keep yourself cozy and dry, no matter what kind of weather you face.
Top 5 Waterproof Jackets at Alpine Shop
If you’re in the market for a new waterproof jacket, we can help with our list of the Top 5 here at Alpine Shop.
#1 – Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow Jacket
This top-notch product from Patagonia is lightweight and packable, but it offers some of the best protection available with a 2.5-layer stretch nylon shell. Don’t take our word for it. This outside reviewer lists the Rainshadow Jacket in their top 10, commenting that the product “will keep you dry in everything from drizzle to light snowfall.” We like it because it has a ton of cool features and because, like many of Patagonia’s products, it’s made from 100% recycled material. Plus, this jacket is currently 30% off!
#2 – Patagonia Torrentshell
Our second product on the list is also from Patagonia: the trusted and reasonably priced Torrentshell. Coolhikinggear.com calls this popular product “a functional and no nonsense rain jacket” perfect for when “you need performance and protection from the elements when you’re out on the hills.” This one is another 2.5 layer jacket treated with Patagonia’s Deluge DWR finish to give it a high waterproof rating. For unpretentious protection, it can’t be beat.
#3 – Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket
Marmot took its bestselling PreCip and boosted performance and sustainability to create this eco-friendly jacket. At $100, it’s well worth the investment. We like it because it’s sturdy, durable, and PFC-free. While some reviewers have found it to be a little clammy at times, we think that if you pair this jacket with the correct wicking base layers, you stay cool and dry. We’re big fans of this versatile wardrobe staple.
#4 – North Face Venture 2
The Venture 2 for Women has been updated with new fabric and a sleek style. Its breathable DryVent 2.5-layer membrane keeps you warm and dry, even in the worst stormy weather. REI names this jacket the “best all-around multisport,” perfect for any adventure. We love its breathability and its adjustable hood.
#5 – Columbia Watertight II
With a sale price of less than $60, this is a solid choice for hikers on a budget. The Watertight II offers zippered hand pockets, wrist cinchers, and an adjustable hood in addition to its ultralight shell.
Waterproofing Tips and Terms to Know
When you go shopping for rainy weather gear, it’s helpful to know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant, among other terms.
When we use the term waterproof, we mean that the product is completely impermeable to water. Water resistant, on the other hand, means that the product can resist water to a great degree, but not entirely.
While most light rain jackets and inexpensive windbreakers are water-resistant, they aren’t entirely waterproof. They’ll keep you dry in a drizzle, but they’re useless in a heavy downpour. To be deemed fully waterproof, jackets need either a built-in barrier like Gore-Tex and/or an outer coating like DWR (durable water repellent) and fully taped seams.
Washing and Protecting Your Gear
Some people think that they can protect their waterproof gear by not washing it; actually, the opposite is true. Here’s why.
To be effective, a waterproof jacket needs a couple of things: a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that will bead water and keep it out and clean layers that allow air to pass through. To keep those layers clean, and to keep your jacket doing what it’s supposed to, it’s important to wash the product regularly. When you do, be sure to check the label for specific instructions. Generally, we recommend washing the jacket in warm water, rinsing it well, and hanging it to dry.
If you notice that your once-reliable jacket isn’t beading up water the way it used to, you may need to reapply DWR. This will help you keep your jacket for another few seasons. To reapply DWR, all you need is a spray-on product. At Alpine Shop, we offer the Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On, which works very well.
We also carry a dual washing/waterproofing product by Nikwax, if you prefer. If you have questions about your jacket’s performance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. One of our staff members will be happy to help!
Visit Alpine Shop for Waterproof Gear and More
In addition to waterproof jackets and DWR sprays, we have top-of-the-line hiking boots, cozy socks, and everything else you might need for springtime sports. Visit our shop or explore online for the best waterproof gear in the area. Or find all of our men’s and women’s rain jackets here.
Alpine Shop’s Must Have Ski & Snowboard Gear
February is the month of prime time skiing and snowboarding in Missouri. Fortunately, Alpine Shop has partnered with several quality brands to serve our outdoor adventurers with stylish and durable items all season. One thing to keep in mind is that comfort is key, so dress for your climate.
Below, we’ve listed 10 must have items for winter sports, outside of the obvious ones like boots, skiis, poles, and snowboards. Check them out!
Ski & Snowboard Socks
The Alpine Shop knows that ski and snowboard socks should be taller than your boots and not overly thick because that can restrict your blood circulation, which will actually make you colder. They should also have padding to protect your shins when they press against your boots. Luckily, we have a mixture of wool and synthetic socks to choose from to protect your feet from the cold, wet February weather.
Find these patterned socks from Smartwool® PhD here.
Helmet
We’re big on safety at the Alpine Shop. A helmet will not only protect you from head injuries, but it will also keep your head and ears dry and warm. For added warmth, wear a form-fitting hat underneath. Helmets can also protect your eyes from especially sunny days. And when you have a clear view, you’re less likely to have accidents.
For this Smith Scout Snowsport helmet, go here.
Gloves or Mittens
When it comes to handwear, make sure that the item you choose is designed for snowsports. Regular gloves or mittens won’t give you the protection you need, whereas skiing and snowboarding handwear are more insulated, waterproof, and may have a rubber lining for easy grip.
For these stylish gloves above, go here.
Goggles
High quality goggles are a key piece to this list, as they protect your eyes from wind, snow, and sun glare. Not to mention, goggles increase contrast with snow, which is important because it helps you see bumps and slopes ahead. Make sure your goggles are properly secured so they don’t fall off during high speed winter sports.
For these green and blue gradient goggles by Smith, go here.
Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
Alpine Shop has several neck gaiter and balaclava options to choose from. Neck gaiters are great to pull up over your nose in cold temperatures, but a balaclava offers even greater coverage. Always keep the bottom of neck gaiters or balaclavas under the collar of your jacket.
For this sleek neck gaiter by Seirus®, go here.
Light Fleece or Wool Top
Need extra warmth? Wearing a light fleece or wool top under your jacket will add extra insulation on the slopes. Avoid cotton fabrics because they are not only colder, but they also take forever to dry out when wet from snow or sweat. Choose fabric that’s a cross between form-fitting and bulky so you can stay cozy and move around easily.
Ski & Snowboard Jacket
You can’t go skiing or snowboarding without a jacket, right? Luckily, we have a variety to choose from for men, women, and kids. Choose a jacket that is breathable, waterproof or water resistant, insulated, and has convenient pockets. It may also be beneficial to choose one that’s a tad longer than a normal jacket to avoid snow seeping onto your base layer.
For the women’s ski/snowboard jacket above, go here.
Snow Pants
Snow Gun Pant – Men’s Item # 1462951
The Alpine Shop has a number of color and style variations to choose from when it comes to ski and snowboard pants. Again, they should be waterproof or water resistant, and insulated, as well as have convenient pockets. Add fleece pants underneath for better insulation. The inner powder cuff goes over your boots to prevent snow from getting in. And remember, comfortability is the name of the game.
For these men’s gray snow pants by Columbia, go here.
Warm Baselayer
The baselayer will wick sweat off your skin and keep you warm. Wool, synthetic, or silk materials are best. Depending on the outside temperature and your comfort level, you may choose between a midweight and lightweight baselayer. Make sure the top and bottom fit properly, so they aren’t sliding around as you walk.
Ski and Snowboard Luggage
Having the right luggage is essential to contain all of those bulky gear for a trip to the slopes. You will want to make sure it’s durable, waterproof or water resistant, lightweight, and spacious. At Alpine Shop, we have different luggage for each winter sport, which includes ski roller bags, boot bags, and snowboard bags. We also have a general duffel bag, like the one above, for clothes and other accessories.
For this black ski and snowboard boot bag by Burton, go here.
Shop Online or Visit Our Store for More Great Deals this February
If you’re interested in adventure gear or outdoor favorites, shop online or visit Alpine Shop. Our staff will be happy to suggest a few more of our favorites!
Author: Holly Wentworth
Alpine Shop’s Top 10 2019 Unique Holiday Gifts
We take pride in offering the best brands in adventure gear, along with fashionable clothing and unique gifts your friends and family will love. From paddlers to cyclists, pros to novices, we offer practical gear for every skill level. We also stock sweaters, scarves, and socks for those who prefer sipping hot chocolate by the fire. We considered our featured items and top sellers as we put together this list of our top ten holiday gifts. If you haven’t visited Alpine Shop this season, now is the perfect time to check off every item on your list!
1. The Chimayo Fringed Jacquard Throw by Pendleton
You can’t go wrong with a Pendleton. These blankets have been symbols of respect and friendship for over 100 years. Now, you can give the gift of warmth and iconic style when you present your loved one with a Pendleton blanket. This wool throw is vivid and warm, and it’s perfect for any lover of Boho or Southwest style.
2. The Ever-Useful Hydro Flask
You mean you don’t have one yet?
You may not be a VSCO girl, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from a Hydro Flask. Why are they so popular? It may be because their double wall vacuum insulation keeps liquids icy cold for up to 24 hours, or steaming hot for up to 12 hours. Trust us: you’ll be amazed at how functional these little water bottles really are. Plus, Hydro Flask products are all BPA-free, recyclable, and backed by a lifetime warranty.
We also have Hydro Flask wine tumblers for the girl who just likes to rosé all day.
3. The DoubleNest Hammock
Our DoubleNest Hammock is on sale! Once you take this customer and staff favorite camping, you’ll never want to leave the house without it. Light, soft, and strong, these hammocks pack small and set up quickly, perfect for whenever you want to kick back. The hiker or camper in your life will love it.
4. The Yeti Cooler
Admit it. You’ve always wanted a Yeti cooler. Now’s your chance to go big and surprise the camper or sports fan in your life with this Tundra 45. It’s perfect for shorter trips, with lots of room inside but compact enough to be carried by one person. The lid and base are indestructible, and the insulation will keep your drinks – or the catch of the day – cold for days. A Yeti is guaranteed to be the last cooler you’ll ever need to purchase.
5. Urban Cycling Guide
Is someone on your list curious about joining the cycling community? Help them get started with this guide: Urban Cycling. In this helpful manual, author and urban-cycler Madi Carlson gives accessible and appealing guidance for even the most hesitant bicyclist. Help your loved one make a New Year’s resolution they’ll truly love sticking with.
6. Phone Tote/Camping Accessories
Give your paddler or adventurer something he or she can really use: a waterproof tote! With this handy accessory, campers can store small valuables and text, talk, and surf on their device without having to worry about rain, sand, or other debris. This Gecko product is simply a must for paddlers and hikers. Another handy must-have? Pair your drybag with this headlamp.
7. Backpack Games
Keep the kids busy on that long trip to grandma’s, or on your next family camping trip! All of our backpack games are currently on sale, so whether you prefer a game of chess at the campsite or disk golf at the park, we’ve got you covered.
8. All-In-One Headwear
These headwear products by Buff are hugely popular. Some of the folks in our shop swear by them. Use them to keep your hair back or stay cool on a strenuous hike, there are a dozen ways to wear them, and they dry quickly while giving you great sun protection.
9. Camelbak Water Pack
Anyone who owns a Camelbak knows how essential these packs can be on a long hike! Models like this one are currently on sale. Lightweight and versatile, this pack holds 1.5 liters of water with extra room for snacks and layers. Don’t let this great deal pass you by!
10. An Arcteryx Jacket
The final item on our list is a staff favorite. We all have one version or other of the Arcteryx jacket, and we can recommend any one you like! For warmth, stretch, durability, and ruggedness, there’s nothing better. Give one to the one you love most this holiday!
Shop Online or Visit Our Store for More Great Deals this Holiday
It was hard to pick just ten! If you’re interested in adventure gear or outdoor favorites, shop online or visit Alpine Shop. Our staff will be happy to suggest a few more of our favorites!
Back to Campus – Green Style
It may be summer now, but soon it will be time for students to head back to campus and back to the books.
So, guys and gals, we’ve gathered up a few tips to help you make the most of what you got and stay green while doing it.
Avoid Plastic Bottles
Seems simple enough and you’ve heard it a hundred times, you may even already practice it, but keeping a few good water bottles and tumblers in the dorm are a must for kicking the plastic bottle habit and making your own beverages to help keep costs down.
Our favorite tumbler for keeping your drink cold through the party, ahem… study sessions, is the Yeti 30 oz tumbler with a variety of lids and color options. You can get them to match your style and you never have to worry about your drink being the opposite temperature than you want it.
For bottles, our wide assortment of Klean Kanteen has you covered on any size or color and the double wall vacuum keeps your drink at just your favorite temperature so when you make coffee in the wee hours and you really need that boost mid-morning, you don’t have to suffer through a lukewarm disaster.
Check out these skratch drink mixes for a flavorful blast that will keep you hydrated through cram sessions and recovery.
Furnishing your dorm
Furniture is a given but what about all the shipping and moving involved? Two great ways to combat this are to buy second-hand from around campus which not only knocks out the moving involved but also reuses the old and cuts out the effects of manufacturing. That’s not always an option, though. Sometimes in the scramble of everyone moving in, things get snatched up quickly.
Another less common solution is to use camp furniture! Imagine a living room filled with an ENO hammock or a study circle comprised of our beloved Nemo Stargazers (see below). And when it’s time to explore the outdoors for the weekend or pack up and head home it all packs down to a portable size that is sure to fit in even the most compact cars.
Cooking for yourself
Most dorms don’t allow you to have open flames but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some amazing food for yourself. You can do a lot with microwaves, toaster ovens and Crock pots which all keep most of the heat contained to help keep your electric costs down, too. And when you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to find the best slow cooker meal, our backpacking meals can seem like heaven and all you need is hot water.
Unplug
You can’t get through college without your electronics; they are your lifeblood. But checking your settings and making sure you have them set to the best power saving practices to fit your needs can cut down on electrical use as well as help keep you going longer with more battery power. For even more power saving, you can hook up to our Goal Zero solar chargers to keep your laptops and speakers going while hanging out in the Quad, soaking up the sun. Or, you can even use it to power some sweet lighting to your back patio. (Oh and a quick reminder to make sure you unplug all your other electronics when not in use as those cause a slow drain as well.)
What’s that smell?
Anyone who has been in a dorm room knows they can get smelly quickly if you ended up with the messy roommate (or if you’re the messy roommate). One green way to combat those smells is to place a couple of potted plants around the room to help improve air quality and a couple of herbs in the window to add a little fragrance. Plus then you can quickly add fresh free herbs to your favorite Crock Pot meals!
Hang it up
Get a drying rack to hang dry your clothes. Not only will you not have to fight for the last dryer but you will save a ton of energy in the process. Worried about it taking too long to dry? We have lots of quick dry clothing made from merino wool to the latest wicking technology from Patagonia. Check out our blog here about our favorite wicking clothing.
Inked
Printer ink is just one more thing that adds to the seemingly endless list of non-efficient products, but you can do some small things to help. Did you know that most printers have an “ink saver mode”? You can also get most cartridges refilled at a local store and they save the cartridge from going to the landfill as well as your wallet a few extra bucks. If they can’t be refilled, check and see if your school has a recycling collection for these. If not, why not try to start one, yourself?
Keep it clean
The soap of all soaps – Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap . This eco-friendly, all-natural soap cares about its customers, employees and the environment. A little goes a long way and works great as a shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, dish soap, floor cleaner and even pets! Check out their dilution cheat sheet here.
Ditch the plastic bags
One option is to simply ask for paper at checkout. An even better option is to bring your own. We have a couple of bags that are our favorite for hitting the local farmers markets and hauling our myriad of stuff around town.
Pass it on
Recycle what you can when you leave. When the semester has ended and it’s time to pack up we hope you will keep in mind local shelters and charities to donate furniture and unused school supplies to. Or make use of that college bulletin board and hand things over to the next set of pupils coming through the door.
Good luck this semester and cheers to being green. Are there things we didn’t mention? Tell us what you currently do to keep your dorm green!
Keep Cool (And Protect Yourself, Fool!)
Finding the right gear to keep you cool, dry and comfortable can be tough. That’s why we are here to help. We have curated our favorite pieces for wicking sweat away from your skin. But don’t forget you also want to keep your skin healthy by covering it with UPF sun protection fabrics and sunblock, too!
1) Patagonia Women’s Tropic Comfort Hoody – This lightweight, fast-drying fishing and travel hoody wicks away moisture, offers 50+ UPF sun protection, and has Polygiene® permanent odor control for extended wear in hot and humid weather.
2) Patagonia Women’s Capilene® Cool Daily Graphic Shirt – most versatile performance knit for use on trails or on the water provides 50+ UPF sun protection and Polygiene® permanent odor control. Patagonia tech tees keep you comfortable when you’re working hard in conditions ranging from cool to hot.
3) Royal Robbins Women’s Expedition 3/4 Sleeve Shirt – Style, function, comfort – this top works hard to keep you dry, cool and comfortable on long, hot days on the trail, but has the style to handle civilized evenings out. Packable and wrinkle resistant, quick-drying and durable, it has TempraTech™ thermoregulating mesh at the yoke for wicking performance that adapts to rising temps, built in UPF 40+ sun protection, and a hidden zip pocket on the hip to secure your cash and passport.
4) White Sierra Women’s Crystal Cove River Shorts – The Crystal Cove River Short is always ready for any land and sea getaway, thanks to its quick dry & travel friendly nylon fabric. Comfort fit flat front with back side elastic waistband. Front hand slash pockets make it a laid-back short while multiple cargo pockets are there for all your valuables.
5) The North Face Women’s Class V 2.0 Hike Short – In the river or on the trail, The North Face Women’s Class V 2.0 Hike Short feels great wherever you adventure in the warmer seasons. Its FlashDry fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly to help you feel fresh after hot hikes or cool dips. It also shields you from the sun’s harmful sunlight. The elastic waistband is complemented with a novelty belt.
6) Icebreaker Everyday Cami 175 – Combining flattering feminine style with the softness and breathability of 100% pure merino wool, the 175 Everyday Cami is a versatile and ultra-comfortable top for any day, anywhere. This cozy cami features a rib knit design for superior comfort and stretch, while the classic scoop neck design makes it a wardrobe essential in any season. Adjustable straps help you find the perfect fit. While it does not have sun protection we find this top to be the pintacle of baselayers, offering dryness from the skin out.
7) The North Face Men’s Paramount Trail Shorts – Navigate through the backcountry wearing The North Face® Paramount Trail Shorts. The durable nylon material is accompanied by a relaxed fit silhouette that ensures ultimate comfort. They feature UPF 50 sun protection, so you can stay out for hours on end. Complete with a webbed belt and various pockets to hold your trail essentials, these shorts will become your go-to for every adventure.
8) The North Face Monanock Short-Sleeve Shirt – Men’s – The North Face hid a few tricks up the Men’s Monanock Shirt’s sleeves to better prepare you for summer trips out of the country. Its sun-blocking fabric features FlashDry fibers that advance moisture management and quick-drying comfort for warm tours through foreign cities. There’s an internal pocket sized for passports to keep your identity cleverly hidden in public places.
9) Icebreaker Men’s Cool-Lite Amplify Short Sleeve Crewe – A lightweight training T-shirt, the Amplify Short Sleeve Crewe is a smart choice for when you want to take it to the next level. Made from our ultra-light 130gm jersey, the fabric features corespun fibers, where we wrap merino and natural TENCEL® around nylon for added durability and a great feel. Cool-Lite™ technology keeps you cool when things start to heat up, and a mesh back and sleeves offer added ventilation. This breathable T-shirt wicks away moisture for maximum comfort and performance whether you’re hitting the gym or out on the trail. The design features off-set shoulder seams to prevent chafing, and a drop-tail hem for added coverage.
10) Columbia Men’s PFG Super Low Drag™ Short Sleeve Shirt – The Super Low Drag is a vented, quick-drying, sweat-wicking, short-sleeve shirt that features a rod holder and UPF 15 sun protection.
11) Simms Stone Cold Shirt Short Sleeve – Sometimes great fishing requires venturing into places that feel like the inside of a blast furnace. It’s times like these that it’s important to keep your cool. The Stone Cold SS Shirt can help. Made with Cool Control™ cool-touch fabric technology, this quick-drying fishing shirt also features COR3™ performance to help out in the moisture wicking, odor fighting, and sun protection departments.
12) White Sierra – Men’s Bug Free Base Camp Long Sleeve Crew – For those who prefer the natural feel of cotton and need protection from the pesky mosquitoes, this Bug Free Jersey Long Sleeve Crew is for you to wear on any day. Treated with Insect Shield Technology, this casual long sleeve fends off mosquitoes and bugs so you can enjoy the outdoor. It’s also quick drying and wrinkle resistant.
13) Outdoor Research – Oasis Sombrero – Women`s The Oasis Sombrero offers the highest level of sun protection in a garment, UPF 50, and is sure to keep you nice and cool under the blazing sun. The extra wide brim offers shade while the liner headband wicks perspiration away.
14) Buff – Coolnet UV+ – Built for Ultimate Sun Protection – BUFF CoolNet UV+™ Multifunctional Headwear is 95% recycled – engineered with REPREVE® performance microfiber, HeiQ cooling technology, Polygiene® odor control and has a 4-Way, seamless, ULTRA STRETCH fabric construction that features UPF 50+ sun protection. BUFF CoolNet UV+™ Multifunctional Headwear is approved and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. Can be worn 12 different ways – from cap to balaclava, neck gaiter to hair tie.
Can Your Kid’s Backpack Outlast His School Career
My wife and I purchased The North Face Jester Backpack pictured above for our youngest son before he entered first grade in the 2004-05 school year. Fed up with the number of backpacks our older kids were going through each year at school, we wanted to try a different approach.
12 years later, my son left for college. Before he headed off to campus, he texted me to ask if he could get a new backpack.
“What’s wrong with your old one?” I asked.
“Nothing,” he replied. “I’ve just had it for 12 years. All of grade school and high school. Come on!”
He got his new pack. Another TNF backpack, actually. This time with a laptop sleeve. Something he didn’t really need back then. But it’s still built with the same strength and durability that old Jester was constructed with over 13 years ago.
And the old pack? Still in use for trips, actual hiking, as well as the ever-so-often lugging around of video game consoles and controllers.
Here at Alpine Shop, we know you can grab a backpack for $15 or less at any big box chain. But, we all know how quickly those can break, especially with the immense weight of the books kids pile into them these days. This year, make sure they have a pack that will last, no matter what they put it through.
Stop by any Alpine Shop location and find a backpack they can count on for entire school career.
Deuter Has Taken Over Our Backpack Department
From March 1 to March 31, 2019, the backpacking department at our Kirkwood location has been “Taken Over” by one of the top brands in the business: Deuter.
Known for many years because of their best-selling kid carrier packs, Deuter has now established themselves as one of the top backpacking manufacturers we sell, providing comfort, durability and value at a great price.
If you’re in the market for a backpack – whether for day hikes at Castlewood, thru-hiking the Ozark Trail or for a trip like the Camino de Santiago – be sure to try on a couple of Deuter’s packs and see which one fits you best.
And if you purchase any Deuter backpack between March 1–31, 2019, you’ll also receive a Deuter Streamer Hydration 3L Reservoir – a $34 value – for FREE. This reservoir allows you to keep your hands free and stop worrying about carrying a water bottle. With the Streamer tucked safely in your backpack, you’ll be able to just grab the bite valve on your pack strap and drink to your heart’s content!
2018 KT82 Race Report
On Saturday, June 2, 2018, Alpine Shop employees, along with friends and family took off an an 82 mile relay run from St. Louis County to Hermann, Mo., in the Go! Missouri KT82 Trail relay.
Alpine Shop Marketing Director, Todd Oswald, Bike and Snowsports Hardgoods Buyer Mike Morin, along with outfitters Steve Worthy and Ann Mangin, and Chad Arnett and Sean Badock began the day at 4:45 am to start their journey from Parkway North High School in Creve Coeur, Mo. This is the third straight year Team Alpine Shop has participated in the KT82, which features six different runners each tackling total distances approximating a half-marathon over three separate legs on the longest Rail-to-Trail conversion in the United States – the Katy Trail.
Summer came quickly to the midwest in 2018. After a mid-April snowstorm kept winter holding on well into our normal spring, Mother Nature switched immediately into deep summer by early May with some of the hottest temperatures ever for the month. By the time the safety meetings for the KT82 happened at the end of May, all participants were concerned with weather reports indicating high temps in the mid-90s for the race.
The day bloomed warm and humid as the team set out from the track at Parkway North, but not overwhelming so, thankfully. By mid-morning, the humidity had reached its saturation point, however, and a race-pausing thunderstorm descended on the more than thousand runners spread out along the course.
The storm would thankfully keep the temperatures from ever reaching into the 90s, but the cloud cover also dissipated, leaving runners to deal with the sun – and still considerable heat – for much of the afternoon.
The KT82 is a combination of hard physical effort out on the course followed by hours of downtime and socialization in between runs. Then repeat. The race becomes a favorite for many participants, not because of the runs – although the sense of accomplishment is very real – but mainly because of the fun and craziness of putting six people of varying states of exhaustion together in a vehicle for more than 12 hours together (provided you have a good team, I guess, which we’ve been lucky enough to have.)
It’s also a combination of the most social run you’ll ever be a part of as well as the most isolated run you’ll ever do. The Exchange Zones are jam packed with people all day long. On this day, because of the storm, even more teams than usual were at the same exchange zones throughout the day. You become with friends with teams you’re leapfrogging with all day long as certain runners finish faster followed by a slower runner on the next leg. But when you get out on the course, it’s not unusual to have more than a half mile between participants. For runners who thrive on sticking with a pack, it can be an extremely lonely race.
The hardest part of the race for many is figuring out what, and how much, to eat and drink throughout the day to keep your energy levels as high as possible for your runs. Unlike a standard marathon where, for many runners, we can cruise on auto-pilot for the middle five to six miles after a three or four mile warm-up, and then just try and hold on for the final 5k; in the KT82, your first leg may be three miles, followed by a two and a half hour wait. Then seven miles. Stretch. Rest for two more hours. Run another five miles.
But as the team makes the final climb up over the Highway 19 bridge over the Missouri River into Hermann and all six runners meet up for the final quarter mile together, the struggles of the day quickly fade in the glow of the celebration at Hermann City Park.
Gear used that is available at Alpine Shop:
Yeti Coolers – Roadie 20 Cooler, Tundra 65 Cooler, Hopper 30 Soft Cooler
Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Trail Runners – for single track trail
FITS Socks – Performance Trail Quarter Socks
Chaco Z1 Sandals – for in between runs
The North Face – Better than Naked Running T-Shirts
Alpine Shop Off-Road Racing League Race Shirts
Salomon Speedcross Trail Runners
Hoka One One – Challenger ATR 4
Saxx 2N1 Kinetic Run Shorts (not yet available at Alpine Shop, but check back soon – they’re awesome!)