High Country Staff Wish Lists: Brent

In this third installment of our series of Staff Holiday Wish Lists (read the first and second), we have Brent. Brent is a hiker, fly fisher, trail runner, and dog owner. This year he wants to get his dog outfitted, "I'd like to be able to take her with me on my adventures and have her carry her own weight."

• Ruff Wear Palisades Pack: "This dog pack has it all, including hydration bladders, but what I really like is the streamlined design and the ability to detach the pack from the harness, making rest stops easy on both of us."
• Ruff Wear Go Between Bowl and Go Between Cinch Top Bowl: "I'd like to replace my old tupperware containers that I'm currently using with these. Strong and durable, the cinch top is for food and the regular one is for water. Water she'll be carrying in the hydration bladders in her Palisades Pack. I think these are a good size, too. Big enough for her to have access, but small enough to keep in the dog pack"
• Ruff Wear Mt. Bachelor Pad: "I'm a little on the fence with this one because of the size. But I think I should be able to strap it onto the pack and give her a comfy spot of her own."

Also, as a father-to-be, Brent is taking Glenn's advice on the Deuter Kid Comfort II: "With the Kid Carrier and the dog gear, I should be set for my day adventures!"

Have a dog in your life? Perhaps you should outfit your buddy to accompany your adventures too!

High Country Staff Wish Lists: Joey

We have Joey's list for our second High Country Staff Wish List. If you missed Glenn's last week, you can see it here.

Joey is one of our full time guys at the Buckhead store and is a climber, trail runner, and novice boater. Let's take a look at his list:

• Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pullover*: "This makes a great outer aerobic layer. I could use it when boating and climbing for additional wind and water resistance without any added insulation."
• Marmot Scree Pant: "The Scree Pant are cleanly designed, durable, abrasion resistant, and affordable. This is a great pant for my Linville Gorge adventure climbs."
• La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX Boot*: "GOod for my technical approaches in the mountains under a heavy load."
• Sterling Evolution Velocity 9.8 Rope: "I firmly believe in replacing rope regularly. This one is light and a versatile size to use for trad or sport and has good shock absorption."
  

That's Joey's list. Hopefully it gives you some ideas for the people on your holiday gift list, otherwise you can always stop by the shop and buy something for him.

*You may notice that these were also on Glenn's list. Well, Glenn and Joey often work together during the week and are definitely talking about the gear they want.

High Country Staff Wish Lists: Glenn

In the spirit of the holidays, we're posting Staff Holiday Wish Lists this month.

Even though we work in this really cool store, there are always items that we need*. It probably doesn't help that we hang out talking about the ins and outs of everything we carry every day, but that's beside the point. There are always some items that each of us are eyeing.

This week we have Glenn, our Buckhead store manager. Glennis an avid backpacker, father, bearded fellow, and chef. Here's his list:

• Big Green Egg: "They're awesome. No other way to describe it but sheer awesomeness."
• Arc'teryx Gamma LT: "This pullover is wind-resistant and lightweight. Versatile to go anywhere from backpacking to around town. And baby throw up rolls right off it."
• La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX Boot: "I want these for two reasons: A, I need a new pair of boots, and B, they're lightweight but also sturdy, stable, have a glorious 3D flex ankle, and they fit my foot well."

As far as items go that he already has but highly recommends to others:

• Deuter Kid Carrier II: "This is the only way to go camping with a non-walking child. It lets me get into the backcountry with my family."
• Arc'teryx Atom LT Jacket: "If I hadn't just bought this for myself, it would be on my list. This jacket is really cool."

That's Glenn's holiday wish list, he can certainly help you out with some ideas for your family, cooking, or backpacking needs, too.

*in the sense that we "need them to feed our addiction"

Conquer the Elements

This final article in our layering series is on outerwear. We've covered the base layer and midlayers, which provide moisture wicking and warmth. Now to keep out the elements.

The outerwear layer is for weather protection and should be both waterproof and windproof. "Hardshell" is often the term to describe outerwear that is both waterproof and windproof.

There are several waterproof fabrics available, but a feature you certainly want is for it to be waterproof-breathable. Non-breathable and waterproof outerwear is available, but isn't suited for the outdoors. All of our hardshells are waterproof-breathable, allowing your heat vapor to "breathe" outside of the jacket without letting the rain into the jacket. This makes for a much more comfortable rainy day outing.

Waterproof-breathable fabrics can be separated into two categories: coatings and laminates (sometimes called membranes). Coatings are applied to a jacket, often utilizing a very small textured pattern to keep the jacket from feeling clammy or sticky. Examples of coatings are Marmot PreCip, Mountain Hardwear Conduit DT, and The North Face Hyvent.

Lamintes/Membranes are separate piece of fabric constructed onto the face fabric (the outermost fabric). Gore-Tex is the most well known membrane and is one of the best performing materials. Companies also have their own proprietary membranes such as Marmot Membrain, Mountain Hardwear Conduit, and The North Face Hyvent Alpha.

The difference between the materials is mostly in durability. A membrane is much more durable than a coating. Further durability can be achieved through different face and inner fabrics. You would want a more durable face fabric for activities requiring greater abrasion resistance, but that can be independent from the waterproof/breathable material.

Pricing for outerwear tends to line up first with the material used: coatings tend to be cheapest, then proprietary membranes, and Gore-Tex is often at the top. Price differences are secondarily a result of other features and technology used. You will certainly get your money's worth out of all the hardshells we carry.

So which hardshell is right for you? Well, that is completely dependant on your activity. Fortunately, we know our way around hardshells and can help you find the perfect one for your needs.

A quick note about softshells. So far we've been talking about hardshells, which, as mentioned, are both waterproof and windproof. Softshells are water- and wind-resistant, and are often combined with a fleece lining. The weather resistance and insulative properties of softshells can vary greatly from one piece to another, but they are generally designed for high-aerobic activites where breathability is more important than full-on weather protection. Activites like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and cool weather trail running are perfect for softshells. They are not a replacement for hardshells if full weather proofness is required, but they can replace some of your fleece midlayers. The extra weather resistance can keep the less breathable hardshell a little further down in your pack.

So come talk to us about what you're doing and we can help you find the right hardshell or softshell. You can take a look at our selection online as well.

Backcountry Insulation

The insulation layer (or midlayer) in the layering system provides warmth. This is perhaps the most versatile and wide ranging of the layers, and you can easily use 2 or 3 pieces in the insulation layer.

Insulation comes from tiny pockets that trap hot air. The more pockets with less weight provides more warmth for a pieces weight. That's where the different insulating materials come from: fleece, high-loft synthetics, and down.

Fleece is perhaps the most well known as outdoor technologies continue to make their way into everyday fashion. It dries quickly, insulates when wet, and is available in a multitude of weights ranging from very light fleece pullovers to heavy pile fleece behemoths. Fleece's main downside is that it doesn't compress well, which leads us to...

High-loft insulating pieces. High-lofts come in two distinct categories: synthetic and down. Down insulation is classic. It is rated by "fill-power," which is a numbered system to show how fine the down is. The higher the number, the more loft with less weight. This means more efficient insulation, better compression, and more comfort for you. In general, down is an excellent insulator, compresses well, and is extremely durable. A well cared for down jacket (or sleeping bag) can last a very long time, and loft can be restored by washing with specially created down wash. Down has one (major) shortfall: it clumps when wet, and clumped down does not insulate.

High-loft synthetics keep their loft when wet, thereby keeping their warmth when wet. There are several different kinds of synthetic insulations that differ on their warmth-to-weight ratio, compressibility, and durability. Primaloft has come to the forefront as possibly the closest to down. Synthetics are generally less expensive than down and can stay warm when wet (though it's still uncomfortable to be in a wet jacket), but it's hard to match high-quality down's insulating properties, compression, and durability.

So which one's right for you? Fleece is good in light layers, but heavyweight fleece is pretty useless in the backcountry. Save it for around town. Lightweight fleece can serve as a warmer base layer or a lightweight mid-layer, so it has versatility working for it. At midweight fleece and up, it can often be better to go with high-lofts to gain the superior warmth-to-weight and compressibility that they provide.

As far as down or synthetic goes, it really depends on what you're doing. If you're canoe camping, synthetic might be the wiser choice with the increased risk of getting your gear wet; if you're in more arid climates, down can be the way to go. An interesting strategy is to mismatch your sleeping bag. If you have a down bag, go with a synthetic jacket; synthetic bag, a down jacket. This way you can limit your risk should everything get soaked. Synthetics have come a long way, but 850+ fill down is an incredible insulator.

So come by one of our shops, or poke around online to see a good variety of insulation pieces. And please, don't ask us what temperature a jacket is rated to. It all depends on the person, the activity, and the weather. That's why there are so many to choose from.

See you in the shop!

Base Layers: An Introduction

Last week, I gave a brief overview of the layering philosophy. I want to focus on the Base Layer this week.

As I mentioned, the base layer serves several functions: moisture wicking, warmth, and sun protection. While all base layers should wick moisture well, they can still vary in their functionalities. Base layers come in different weights to better serve different functions. The heavier, thicker base layers are designed to provide more warmth while wicking moisture; the lighter, thinner base layers are designed for less warmth, but more wicking and to provide some sun protection. These are appropriate for warm weather, aerobic activites in full sun, like sea kayaking.

The functional ability is probably most affected by the material of the base layer pieces. Cotton is entirely inappropriate. Cotton does nothing with moisture; it absorbs it and holds it right where it is, leading to chilling in colder weather, and chafing if it remains wet while extended periods of activity.

The best materials for performance base layers are synthetics and merino wool. Synthetics pull moisture very well, are non-absorbent, and dry quickly. Since synthetic fibers are impermeable, the breathability is achieved by the weave of the fabric: a more open, knit weave will be more breathable, while a less open woven fabric is less breathable. One major downside with synthetics, however, is their love for stink. Most modern synthetic base layers have an anti-stink/anti-microbial additive to help manage the stink, but at some point, some day, you'll encounter a synthetic funk, which is more managed than cured.

While synthetic base layers pull moisture like it's their job (which it is), merino does one of two things with it. Merino has a temperature regulatory effect, achieved by how it manages moisture. If your micro-climate is cool, it will absorb the moisture into the fibers and release heat in the process. Don't worry, this isn't the same absorption as cotton, merino absorbs and pulls the moisture away from the skin. If your micro-climate is warm, it will move the moisture to the outside of the garment, allowing evaporative cooling. Merino fibers themselves breathe, so the breathability of a garment is not as affected by the weave of the fabric. The merino fiber also has a natural kink, allowing for more warm-air trapping space, making it warmer for its weight than synthetics. A big plus for merino is its natural anti-microbial character. It doesn't hold odor. You hold more odor than merino. Lastly, it is naturally flame-retardant; Smoky the Bear loves merino.

So, which one for you? Most of us at the shop prefer merino, finding that its increased functional capabilities relate directly to comfort. It is more expensive, and dries slower (though still retaining its insulating properties while wet). Synthetics wicks moisture just as well, if not better, but isn't as warm (and sometimes can wick moisture so quickly that it causes a chill). It is less expensive, though. So, if you're looking for pure wicking power: go synthetic. If you need moisture management and more warmth for its weight: go merino.

As far as the thickness, that depends on weather and activity. Colder vs. warmer weather; more vs. less high-output activity. Trial, use, and experimentation can guide your choices, and we can certainly help you make the best decision.

A quick note on merino: Many people have developed a mental aversion to wool. Merino is a much finer fiber than traditional wool (come into the shop, we have some cleaned merino to touch and feel), reducing irritation caused by the scales on the fiber. Most people don’t notice an itch at all.

With that introduction to base layers, check out Icebreaker for merino base layers, and Patagonia for synthetic base layers. If you have questions, we're happy to help. Give us a call or come by one of our shops.

New Store at The Avenue East Cobb

We are happy to announce the opening of our newest store at The Avenue East Cobb.

If you haven't stopped by while we were getting it ready, now's the time to come in and say hello.

High Country The Avenue
4475 Roswell Rd Suite 1120
Marietta, GA 30062

Phone:
770-321-4780

Hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm
Sunday 10am-6pm

Layers: Not Just for Parfaits, Onions, and Ogres

Layering is one of the most important clothing techniques for the outdoors, and one of the ideas I find myself explaining to customers most often.

The idea is simple: by using multiple layers of clothing, each serving a specific purpose, you can mix and match to suit current weather and activity conditions. This flexible adjustability means more comfort, and in some cases, more safety.

Layers are one of three types: base layer, insulation, or outerwear. The base layer is the first layer on, sits next to the skin, and its job is to pull moisture away from the body. The insulation layer provides warmth, and the outerwear layer provides weather protection.

Let's take a simple example to show how these layers can work together. Imagine you're backpacking, ascending the sunny side of a ridge. With the aerobic output and sunny weather you'll probably be in your base layers and a pair of shorts. Once you reach the top of the exposed ridge and stop for a break, you throw on your outerwear to block the wind. As you descend the shaded side of the ridge, a storm rolls in. You put on your insulating layer between the base layer and outerwear to keep warm in the shade and rain, and your outerwear keeps you dry. Once the rain stops, you remove the outerwear to increase the breathability, leaving you comfortably descending in your base layer and insulating layer.

Because each layering piece serves its own purpose, our example goes through four different temperature/activity situations by adjusting which layers are being worn. If the waterproof/windproof outerwear was also insulated, then you couldn't stay dry without also getting warmer, and you couldn't get warmer without also inhibiting breathability.

Maximum versatility with a minimum of material is the name of the layering game. The lack of versatility is why we typically don't recommend insulated hardshells (hardshell just means wind and waterproof) or 3-in-1 jackets (we understand that 3-in-1 jacket liners are removable, thus providing the specificity sought after, but you can often achieve higher quality products by choosing your own shell and your own insulating pieces) except in very specific uses.

We'll be examining each piece of the layering system in the coming weeks, so be sure to check back. If you have any initial questions about layering, or getting your own backcountry layering system together, just give us a call or stop by the shop. You can check out base layers here (men's, women's) and outerwear and insulating layers here (men's, women's).

Get After It

"Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Sir Winston Churchill

This holds true for a variety of situations, especially climbing trips. We invest a lot of time and energy into the planning and training for a climbing trip and if I’ve learned anything from past October trips it is to be ready for the weather to throw a monkey wrench into your plans. Let me explain: almost every year I take a trip out to the Front Range of Colorado to climb and hang out with my friends that still live there. Last year, my main objective was a climb in Eldorado Canyon SP that was intimidating for me. I thought I would wait till the second half of the trip so that I would be acclimatized and settled in, which was stupid. The first half of the week was great, and then unseasonably cold weather came out of nowhere and ruined the second half of the week. I did not get to do the climb I wanted in Eldo. I was pissed at myself and swore I would never put off a climb I wanted to do for any self-defeating reasons, like ‘uhh, I’ll wait till I’m rested’ or ‘lets do it tomorrow, I’m a little tired’.

So that brings us to the present and another October trip to Colorado. Guess what, the forecast showed the weather for the first half of the trip to be great and the weather for the second half to be unseasonably cold. So, right off the plane we headed to Boulder Canyon to climb what the D’Antonio guide book claimed was the best 5.9 sport climb in the canyon, called Wrinkles in Time. It was great, albeit a little soft for a 5.9. The second day I headed back to Eldo to do a link up of ‘Emerald City’ to the second pitch of ‘Over the Hill’, a sustained 5.9 link up, one of the best climbs I have done so far. As forecasted the rest of the trip’s weather was less than optimal with mixed rain and sleet. Which wasn’t great, but I felt liked I had accomplished something and could relax for the rest of the trip. We did get out again, I took my girlfriend Lauren up her first Flat Iron climb. We climbed the Royal Arch in near winter conditions; the cold zapped my camera batteries, so I’m sad to say I didn’t get any pictures. We also went up to Jones Pass on our last day and skied above tree line in what ever tele-mark gear we could throw together.

So let’s review. The moral of this story is not to procrastinate because the weather doesn’t care about your plans. Get out there and get after it……NOW!!!

JW

Photos from Kapanya Kitaba

You may remember Kapanya Kitaba's slideshow a few months back.

It was awesome, and he was really cool, and you should have been there.

Regardless, he just sent us some pictures from the top of Kilimanjaro. Check them out on our facebook page.

A Climber's Companion

Today I thought I would talk about gear. I do, after all, work in a gear shop.

When I think of climbing in October I think of crisp temps and changing foliage, but I also think about incremental weather. You know what I'm talking about, it is freezing on the hike up, then it is warm under the wall, then as you reach the first belay the clouds roll in and you are left sweaty and shivering. If you have ever experienced this then I recommend you get your hands on Marmot’s Dri-Clime Windshirt (men's, women's), which we carry in the shop or one of the other models that uses the Dri-Clime material that we can special order for you.

What Marmot's Dri-Clime does, in a nutshell, is it uses your body heat to move moisture from the inside of the garment to the outside where it gets spread out over the outer fabric where the wind can evaporate the moisture quickly. It is also highly breathable. So when you reach the belay sweaty and the wind and clouds roll in you are dry in seconds. I have even been caught in a heavy rain in my Dri-Clime and it wetted completely out, I found shelter and within a minute or so the inside of the jacket was dry again. Combined with a wicking t-shirt or long sleeve T like a Capilene 1 it is a great combo for stop and go activities, such as multi-pitch rock climbing, as well as aerobic activities like trail running. It is also very light weight so there is never an excuse for leaving it behind.

I recently put the Catalyst Dri-Clime jacket through its paces in North Carolina and Colorado and highly recommend you get one for your next adventure, whether it is down the street or across the country.

JW

Joey Recounts Hounds Ears

As promised: a blog about my visit to Hound Ears in North Carolina.

I arrived at the Grandfather Mt. Camp grounds Friday night just in time to grab a BBQ sandwich over at the La Sportiva tent, frown at the floating keg, say hello to Norm and register for the comp. The crowd seemed to have thinned but there was still a party vibe in the air, people milled about from vendor tent to vendor tent arms loaded down with swag. The Carolina Climbers Coalition was holding a meeting there on the camp grounds Friday night as well, and I was interested to hear what they had planned for the upcoming year. The meeting was long and I won’t bore you with the details, but there are some good things on their horizon. After the meeting everyone had moved to their tents to get ready for the comp.

The temps were crisp Friday night and there was a slight chill come Saturday morning. The competitors were loading their crash pads in the Uhauls to be taxied up to the boulder field as we arrived. The people themselves were shuttled from the camp ground by volunteers in vans and one slightly comical short green bus. I can honestly say I have never seen so many climbers in one place standing in line so patiently, a real testament to the organization of the Hound Ears comp.

Once all the competitors were shuttled up to the main lot and completely wired on free Red Bull and Cliff Bars, the comp was started. There was a flurry of bouldering activity the likes of which I have never seen. Eighty pound twelve year old girls were flashing highball v3s left and right. Stronger competitors were pooling underneath the larger steeper boulders, grunting and yelling like they were in a karate dojo. I didn’t get a chance to take a lot of pictures of my friends and me bouldering due to the crowds waiting eagerly to jump back on the problems and me not wanting to slow them down. The vibe was great and I meet a lot of really cool people in the process of having them sign off on my sends. I highly recommend checking out Hound Ears next year for those of you who have never been; even if you are not competitive, it is worth it.

That night there was a band and a party at the campgrounds, I hope everyone had fun. I on the other hand had a dinner engagement at the Grandfather Golf Course Clubhouse restaurant. Come Sunday I was sore as it gets, tips were raw but I was hungry to rope up. So, some friends and I headed up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Ship Rock for my second visit. We each led a climb and then exhaustion set in. Ship rock has a fantastic view of Table rock and various other formations around Linville Gorge. Ship rock also has easy access via the Blue Ridge Parkway, check it out when you are up there. I recommend Edge of a Dream (.7), Boardwalk (.8), and KB Capers (.10).

The day was cut short so I could high tail it back to Atlanta to get ready for a trip to Colorado on that Tuesday, blog to follow.

JW

Ken Kamler Event Pictures

We have a few pictures from the Ken Kamler Everest slideshow posted on the High Country Facebook page. If you have some pictures of your own, be sure to share them on our page!

Fall is Here, Time to Drop What You're Doing and Climb!

As a climber, I try and climb year round, through the heat and the cold but in October, more than any other month, the stage is set for beautiful scenery and great climbing, no static at all. The weather is cooling off, the leaves will soon change and the shadows are growing longer: all signals that it is time to get out there and really get after it. With so many climbers coming in the shop lately, I know they are feeling it too. Hearing everyone's plans for trips to favorite fall crags, the Triple Crown, extended stays in new locals, roping up for that new project with that new partner, has been very exciting and inspiring.

So, let’s talk business. After hearing everyone’s plans I have made a few myself, maybe I can pay it forward and inspire you. This past weekend was the first installment of The Triple Crown; it was at Hound Ears in North Carolina. This was my first visit to this boulder field as well as my first registration in the Triple Crown. The comp is the only day of the year Hound Ears is open to the general public, so not everyone is solely there to compete; some are just interested, as am I, in paying this place a visit. You can find out more about it here. Blog to follow. Also next Tuesday I'm off to Golden, Colorado, the home of Coors, to visit some friends and do a little climbing. Eldo is calling my name and I'm already working on a tick list.

So there it is; what I'm up to. So now you need to come see us down at the shop and get us excited about your plans. While you're here try on some new climbing shoes by La Sportiva, 5.10, Evolv or fill out that trad rack with pro from Black Diamond and Metolius. We also have some sick soft shell jackets from Arc'teryx and Mountain Hardwear to help keep you warm at the belay. And if you take some good photos, we'd love to see them.

JW

Legal Hash

Ever feel like running is too boring? Too monotonous? Have you ever been out for a run and thought to yourself, "A beer would be good right about now," or have you been drinking and thought that a run would be a good idea?

My friends, hashing is for you.

Hashing is a combination of running, mud, and revelry. Hash House Harriers (or hashers) started with British colonial officers in Malaysia for four purposes:

• to promote physical fitness among members
• to get rid of weekend hangovers
• to acquire a good thirst and satisfy it in beer
• to persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel

Modern day Hash House Harrier groups are an interesting mix of running/drinking/social clubs. The runs can vary from a few to several miles and from urban to extreme off-road, but they almost always involve beer at the end. If you decide to give it a try, expect alcohol, vulgarity, mud, and a lot of fun. There are "family friendly" hashes as well.

There are several hash groups in metro Atlanta, at least one generally meeting every night of the week. Atlanta Hash House has a light-hearted and informative website that can give you a good idea of what it's like, they also have a weekly calendar of Atlanta area hashes.

Get out there and try something new!

"Barefoot" Running

I'm going to try and approach a somewhat heated subject with objectivity. There are certainly "sides" to this subject, and I aim to tick off neither. This subject is Barefoot Running (you may have guessed already by the title of the post). My goal is to give a little of the background and a few tips on how to start if you're interested.

First off, I titled the post "Barefoot" Running, because, while the ideal is barefoot, in actuality is not always done barefoot. Perhaps "minimalist" would be a better term, but whatever. Certainly some do run barefoot, but others choose to use footwear to get as close to barefoot as possible without sacrificing some basic physical protection. Regardless, I'm sticking with "Barefoot Running."

Barefoot running is part of what might be called a "back to nature" movement. Essentially, the idea is that our feet know what's best, they are designed as they are to do what they do. Modern footwear hinders our feet's natural "gifts" and do more to hinder than to help. The extra cushion, corrective posting, and other features actually hurt our running efficacy and our bodies.*

On the flip side, running as we were meant to run, footloose and fancy free, allows our feet to speak to us more accurately about what's going on through proprioceptive and physical feedback. They say "hey, that hurts!" so we adjust our stride accordingly. The goal is not to run through the pain, but to adjust our running to be painless. The result is an adjusted stride with less heel-strike and more midfoot-strike, a stride that has more natural shock absorption through the leg joints and less jarring. Also, your feet get stronger.

Proponents of barefoot running tout lower injury rates, improved performance, and the disappearing of some chronic pains. And stronger feet.

If you're interested, here are some pointers on starting. Remember the comments about stronger feet? Well, that's important to know. Our feet are not accustomed to running with our supportive footwear, so start slow and start with short distances. We need to allow our feet to play catch-up. Try to keep on grass or trails, as these are easier on the body, they can help ease the transition. Look into the Pose method of running and Chi running. Both of these techniques emphasize a mid-foot strike, which is where you'll naturally end up. Listen to your body. This may be the most important point. If you're body is telling you pain, change what you're doing. This is part of the ideological underpinnings of Barefoot Running, so don't dismiss it.

Lastly, run barefoot! Or in minimalist shoes such as the Vibram FiveFingers. KSOs are a popular model.

The web is full of resources, so give it a browse. Check out The Bare Minimalist, a metro Atlanta barefooting blogger (you know how we love our local outdoor community). And definitely stop by the shop to talk about how your Barefoot Running is progressing!

Have more tips? More ideas? Post them in the comments.

*Obviously, footwear makers disagree with these charges. Hence the "sides" I mentioned at the beginning.

Running "Extras"

One of the most attractive aspects to running is its simplicity: a pair of shoes and you're off. But at some point, most of us are willing to invest in a few "extras." Usually these items do one of two things for us, they either help increase performance or help increase enjoyment. Let's take a look at a few of these "trail running extras:"

Nuun: these dissolving tablets help replenish electrolytes without any sugar. They allow for fast water and nutrient absorption and balanced electrolyte levels for optimum performance. (These are available in our shop, but not on our website. See Nuun's website here.)

Clif Bars, Clif Bloks, and Clif Shots: Clif has enjoyed the status of "best tasting energy bar" for awhile now, but they have also applied their no-compromises, organic approach to energy gels and chews. Unlike Nuun, these do provide some carbs to help replenish energy over a sustained workout or race. The bars, bloks, and shots all provide carbs and electrolytes. (Again, not available on our website, but available in our shop. See Clif's website.)

Superfeet: Take off your shoes and remove your insole. Are you using the insole that came with your shoes? How is it? Flimsy? Mostly destroyed? Shoe manufacturers usually put no effort into developing a quality insole, and those that do can still be improved with an aftermarket insole. That's where Superfeet come in. They do a lot for your feet that seems counterintuitive, but give them a shot (try them for at least 30 days, you can return them within 60 days). In a nutshell they help stabilize your foot and help it utilize it's natural cushion, providing a more efficient and more comfortable foot stride.

Merino Socks: We're talking Smartwools or something similar here. Running and cycling in college, all I ever heard about were synthetic socks. You certainly want to avoid cotton, that's true, but merino is where it's at. They pull moisture away from your foot, which is what synthetics do, but they also provide a lot better cushioning, and they don't stink nearly as much! If you're having issues with blisters, try merino socks. The padding and moisture management are second to none.

Suunto Watches: The T series from Suunto are for runners. They're for endurance athletes in general. I personally think the T3 is the one to go with, unless you have the money to spend on the T6, but come into the shop and we'll talk you through the options. The watches look good and perform great. The best thing for runners, however, is the foot pod. This piece integrates with the T3-T6 watches and gives you speed and distance, speed and distance that's pretty dadgum accurate.

I know adding on these "extras" take away from the beautiful simplicity of running, but hopefully this list will turn you on to some items that help you get out there more often.

What are some of your favorite "extras?"

Trail Running Atlanta

Sometimes the hardest part about taking up a new hobby or activity is knowing where to go to do it. I figured that I'd point out a few places in and around Atlanta that are good for trail running.

Chattahoochee National Recreation Area: This series of parks stretching from Buford Dam to Cobb Parkway winding from the northeastern suburbs of Atlanta to northwest Atlanta. If you're fortunate enough to live near the Chattahoochee River, take advantage of these parks. Some of our favorites for trail running are Gold Branch, Whitewater, and Sope Creek.

Fort Yargo State Park: For the northeast side of Atlanta (Duluth, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville), this park provides 18 miles of trails.

Kennesaw Mountain: This is for the northwest side of Atlanta (Marietta, Roswell, Smyrna, Sandy Springs). Kennesaw Mountain is most popular for day hiking the mountain with it's vistas, but there are more trails to be had. Parking can get a bit rough at times.

Sweetwater State Park: For southwest Atlantans (Mableton, Powder Springs, East Point, Douglasville). This is one of my favorites. Sure it can be crowded at times, but once you get more than a mile from a parking lot, you pretty much have it all to yourself.

Yellow River Park: Dead east of Atlanta (past Stone Mountain, most convenient for Decatur, Clarkston, Lithonia, Snellville), you can get either your trail running or mountain biking fix here.

Don't forget the city and county parks right in your neighborhoods. While these usually don't provide the miles of trails these bigger parks do, they're often overlooked and can make for a breath of fresh air on your daily runs.

The Bare Minimalist blog is a good resource for trails and trail maps. Definitely check it out.

Have some more Atlanta trail running spots that you'd like to share? Post them in the comments.

Hit the Trails

Have you stepped outside lately? It seems that Fall came right in with September. The weather is feeling fantastic right now. We (hopefully) have the sweltering heat of Atlanta's summer behind us and cool morning and evenings have arrived.

It's time to shake off your trail running shoes and hit the dirt.

Need some direction? Our staff can point you to some trails in the Atlanta area to get you started, and we have the gear you need: Sportiva, Salomon, and Vasque trail running shoes and the best running socks you can find.

Daypacks For the Business Person

Often, daypacks designed for outdoor or school uses don't have the professional look a business person wants. Sure, they have daisy chains, mesh pockets, and bungee compression, but, oddly enough, you don't see those features desired in the workplace. Weird, I know.

The business person is looking for a durable, streamlined, classically understated bag to carry a computer, some papers, and few other odds and ends. Well, we've got a couple for you to take a look at.

The Arcteryx Blade pack is designed as a briefcase with backpack straps. The zippers are on the side instead of the top, and it features a side handle for carrying a la briefcase. It features Arcteryx's typical simple and clean design and used to be available in only one color: black. Black is classic workplace and never goes out of style (the Blade now comes in two other colors: mineral and raisin, but we have so far held true to black).

What makes the Arcteryx Blade particularly nice is a removable framesheet that provides comfort, suspended laptop sleeve to protect your computer, and a bright yellow interior to help you easily see what's inside.

The Patagonia Lightwire Brief is a messenger bag, which has certainly become accepted in the business world. The messenger bag style achieves a similar briefcase feel, and it, too, is available in solid conservative colors (again, we're currently only carrying black).

Excellent organization and durable materials are what make the Lightwire Brief stand apart. Plenty of room for your laptop, pens and pencils, and whatever briefs you need to get your job done.

Spending your time between adventures in an office doesn't mean you can't leverage the high quality and design of the best outdoor brands to help you succeed indoors as well as outdoors.

The Daypack Alternative

Messenger bags have their roots in bike messenger subculture*, where the single strap design made it easy to take things in and out of the bag without taking it off. These days, messenger bags have become extremely popular both in the business and academic worlds.

Messenger bags are very simple bags: one should strap typically worn across the body, usually closed with a flap held down by a buckle or velcro, and sometimes a secondary strap to help secure the bag to your body when cruising through your favorite metropolitan traffic jams on your bike.

While the design is simple, a lot of companies have tried to put their own spin on the bags. Osprey Packs' Transit and Torque bags feature a molded foam structure to keep their form even when empty. This helps to protect the contents a bit better than a soft bag, but always takes up the same amount of space. Arcteryx's Mistral closes with a roll top instead of a flap. The roll top is a quick and easy way to secure the opening. Patagonia's Critical and Half Mass bags are iconic. These are just well made classic messenger bags.

If you want a good day bag but want something a little different than the daypack, check out some messenger bags. They're a great way to work and learn (or deliver small packages) in style.

*Don't know what bike messengers are? Here's the wikipedia article on them, and here's a good video that shows the lifestyle. You can find plenty more videos of their urban bicycling prowess and waste a good week being impressed.

Kayaking Kempenfelt Bay

My girlfriend, Tammy, and I took a trip to Barrie, Ontario, Canada a few weeks ago to visit some family. Luckily, we had enough time to do some kayaking in Kempenfelt Bay which is the body of water that her family’s town, Barrie, is on. It was a great paddle. The city sits right on the bay as well as some very nice homes, one of which had it’s own helicopter. We did have to battle the wind a bit and getting the hang of some boats we were not used to took some time, but all in all it was a great trip and best of all Tammy wants to get some kayaks now.

Mountain Hardwear's Enterprise Pack

It's that time of year again: back to school. Every year at this time students are out looking for a new backpack for the year, often having to replace theirs every year. Why not go ahead and get a pack that will last, one that will stand up to the rigors of student life?

I want to highlight the Mountain Hardwear Enterprise pack in light of this. Sure, there are other high quality daypacks available, but lets take a closer look at this one.

The Mountain Hardwear Enterprise pack is definitely a school/work backpack that crosses over to the trail, not from the trail to the classroom. That in mind, it features Mountain Hardwear's same great workmanship.

The pack is 1900 cubic inches (31 Liters) in volume, only a meager 50 cubic inches bigger than your average school backpack, but every little bit helps. It's plenty big for a few school books and notebooks, but don't try and carry your locker around with you; you can't do that with most school packs anyways. It weighs in at 2.5 lbs (1.14 kg) and is constructed from durable Cordura nylon.

The quality is truly in the details. The first thing you'll notice about this pack is the well-padded backpanel and shoulder straps. These are often skimped areas on school packs, but not so here. The Cordura nylon is beefy and should last a long time under normal use. What really shows the attention to detail is the fleece underside to the grab handle on the back of the pack. I grab it and everything just feels right.

In addition to the above mentioned features of quality, the pack also boasts a fleece lined electronics pocket, sunglass pocket, and organization pockets. The organization pockets feature one for phone and a padded one for an mp3 player. The Enterprise also gives you a spot for a laptop with its suspended laptop sleeve. Suspended laptop sleeves are designed to keep the computer from hitting the ground when set the pack down. If you can't picture, stop by the shop and we'll show you.

Well, there you have it. An overview for one of the nicest backpacks for the classroom or office. Give it a look yourself, I'm sure you'll like it.

Back to School Sale

The Back to School Sale is going on now.

We have Spring and Summer seasonal clothing at 20% off and we're giving away a Nalgene bottle with daypack purchases.

Pick up some great deals on packs and clothes that will last, and save some money while you do it!

Shop the Back to School Sale now

Daypack Buying Guide

"What do you want to do with it?"

That's the first question you need to ask yourself when you're looking to buy a daypack (or anything for that matter). What do you want to do with it. These days, packs included, there are no general purpose items, everything is about specificity. So take a moment and think about what you plan to use a new pack for, or what you want a new pack to do most often.

Once you have the purpose figured out, it relates directly with the next point: size. Volume, in particular. Using the pack for school? It needs to be big enough for your books. Climbing? It has to hold your gear. Day hiking? Jacket and a lunch. For trail running, you may just need some space for a water bladder and some energy bars. Whatever it is your doing, try not to oversize it. The erroneous thought process usually goes something like this:

"This pack looks perfect. But wait, this one's a little bigger, and has those compression straps so I can just cinch it down when I don't need the space. The extra volume will really make this pack more versatile."

This takes you down a bad road. You end up doing one of two things: taking extra junk you don't need and weighs you down, or not using it for its original purpose because it's just a touch too big. Stick with your original size needs. If it helps, you can think of it as a being a touch too big for a small pack you'll want later. But it's perfect for what you want to do now.

After use and size, start looking at features. Here are a few key ones:

Framesheet: Most daypacks won't come with a framesheet, but some do, and others may provide some kind of structure features. Framesheets, stiff padding, and other features that provide structure help to keep odd shaped items in the pack from interfering with the packs interface with your back. They also help with load transfer: that lovely aspect of packs that takes the pressure off your shoulders and onto your hips. Like I said, most daypacks won't have much in this area, as the loads are usually too small or light to make a substantial difference. But take a look anyways. If you want the lightest weight pack possible, avoid these features. If you want a more comfortable carry, framesheets and padding are a definite plus.

Laptop Sleeve: These are a must if you're carrying a laptop. Make sure it's big enough for your particular computer (bring it with you when shopping for your pack), and keep an eye out for suspended laptop sleeves. These keep the computer from hitting the ground when the pack does. Arcteryx's Blade packs are featuring these kinds of laptop sleeves, as well as some Mountain Hardwear daypacks.

Bladder Compatibility: More for trail than school, bladder sleeves and clips give you a place to hang your hydration bladder, usually protected from other objects in the pack. If you haven't started using a hydration bladder, try it today.

Compression Straps: These keep the pack compact, allowing it to stay with your body. The more the you and your pack are "one," the more stable you will be. Be conscientious of excessive straps, as they can get in the way of function: snagging, whipping you in the face when windy, hindering access to zippers, etc. You can always cut them down to size, just keep it in the back of your mind.

External Pockets: More pockets = more organization. Know where everything is in nicely segmented areas. Just remember that separated pockets take away from the overall useable space. When packs list their volume as 1850 cubic inches, that includes these external pockets. In some applications, one larger storage pocket and a streamlined exterior are preferable. Keep in mind your original intentions and whether external pockets will help or hinder your intended use for any given pack.

Hipbelt: Like framesheets, most daypacks do not have substantial hipbelts. Often the weight being carried doesn't necessitate the load transfer larger packs need, and daypacks usually don't have a frame system that does it effectively anyways. However, there is one nice feature I love to see in daypack hipbelts: pockets. Put a camera or energy bar in extreme accessibility with zippered pockets right on the hipbelt.

Now that you've thought out what you want from a pack, and you've got a heads up on the features to keep an eye out for, browse through some packs (technical day packs or less-technical)! Still have some questions? That's why we employ real live experts that use this stuff, a lot. Stop by the store or give us a call for more advice.

After you get your perfect pack for your particular endeavors? Get out there and have an adventure!

Twitter Deal Thursdays

We're starting a new way to save at High Country: Twitter Deal Thursdays. Every Thursday (starting 8/6/2009 and ending whenever we feel like it) we're going to send a "tweet" ending in #highcountry. All you have to do is "Retweet" this message in its entirety (we'll keep it short enough to allow the RT @HighCountryATL). That's it! We'll contact you via Twitter's Direct Message to let you know that you've won, and what to do next.

There are some Terms and Conditions to keep things fair, but it's pretty straight forward.

If you aren't following us already, go ahead and start! Following us on Twitter, becoming a fan on Facebook, and signing up for our e-News email list are the best ways to keep up with what's going on. We're really awesome and don't rent/sell/abuse your email address or personal information. Actually, we just hired a guy to speak soft words of encouragement to all of our customers' email addresses (this last sentence is a total lie).

Get ready, the first Twitter Deal Thursday Tweet goes out this Thursday!

Get Your Hammock Setup and Save

Did you miss our e-newsletter last week? Well, here's the info for you! Use coupon code ENO-79T to get 20% off Eagles Nest Outfitters Straps when you buy an Eagles Nest Outfitters Hammock. Offer ends 7/31/2009. Limited to in-stock inventory.

Don't miss another deal! Sign up for the High Country e-newsletter here. We don't sell/rent/mistreat/verbally harass your email address, so sign up!

New Deck, Ribs, and the Big Green Egg

Jesse and I just recently built a new deck at High Country so that the store Big Green Egg could have a permanent home. It is great! We finally have a flat surface for our BGE so no more building up of rocks and boards to level it, and no more having to roll it around and possibly breaking it. To commemorate the deck I decided to cook some Baby Back Pork Ribs along with some other delectable treats (pork loin, potatoes, sausage, and onions). The ribs turned out so good that I can’t wait to do it again; here is how I cooked them:

Figure ½ rack of ribs per person
One jar BGE Sweet Maple Seasoning
Canola oil
Aluminum Foil

Rub ribs with some oil and then coat well with the Big Green Egg Sweet Maple Seasoning, let marinate at least an hour but up to 8 hours.

Prepare BGE: light charcoal and place the plate setter (feet up) in its position, then put the grill grate on the feet. Bring the temperature to about 325ºF. Put ribs on grill (if you have more than 3 racks use the v rack). Bring the temp down to 250ºF Cook for 3 hours turning once if not using v rack. Then wrap the ribs all together in several layers of Aluminum foil and cook for two more hours at 225ºF. Remove from the grill and let stand for 15 minutes. Unwrap and ENJOY with your favorite cold beverage.

Day Hammocking: A State of Mind

Day hammocking is mostly a state of mind. If you can get in the right mindset, the details of day hammocking fall into place and a world of backyard-adventure opens up to you. With one catch: you have to leave your backyard.

That's the biggest rule in day hammocking. You must leave your own yard. The other rules are quite self-explanatory. You must lie in a hammock and you must do it during the day. The reasoning for these rules all come back to the mindset.

So what is this "day hammocking state of mind?" Intentional relaxation. Day hammocking is to unapologetically pursue leisure.

Of course, a hammock naturally lends itself to lazy days of refreshment, but why during the day? Because you're not supposed to. Days are for working, business, responsibility, chores, and errands. To recline in a hammock, drifting in and out of sleep, reading a book, listening to the birds chirp is to stand (well, lie) in defiance against the rat race the rest of the world is busy perpetuating. Leaving your own yard? That further reinforces the intentionality of it. Anyone can relax in their own space, but to relax out there, in the big wide world? Oh, that take a connoisseur of leisure.

You are, in essence, claiming the world as your backyard. Day hammocking screams (albeit in soft, soothing tones), "Everywhere I go, I subdue with pure relaxation."

Day hammocking is not for everyone. It is only for those who are willing to put in the effort to completely relax. If you think you have what it takes, I've put together this list of items to help you in your day hammocking (non)expeditions:

Hammock (obviously): I recommend Eagles Nest Hammocks. They're lightweight and packable. Grab a DoubleNest so you can really spread out (or bring a friend. Yes, day hammocking can be a team sport). You'll also need some slapstraps to get it setup.

Daypack: To carry your hammock whilst you search for that perfect location. I really like the Gregory Miwok we just got in. It's light and gives you room for a book, snacks, or whatever relaxation aids you enjoy

Sandals: Chaco sandals are optimal for day hammocking. They give you the support and confidence for getting off the beat path, and then they slip right off when you're ready to get serious.

That's it! Easy. Day hammocking is sure to become your favorite past-time. If you have any more questions, follow the sound of my snoring coming from the parks in Atlanta...

Gear That Works

I recently returned from a trip to Yellowstone and the surrounding area with my family. As we were hiking one day, I began thinking about the diverse types and brands of gear we were using. We all live in different parts of the country, frequent different local outfitters, and had different gear. But it struck me as we were descending the back side of Bunsen Peak that there are only two types of gear: gear that works, and gear that doesn't work.

Here in the shop, and amongst outdoor gearheads, we like to discuss constantly about the different brands, features, and technologies in all the gear that we use. What makes one pack better than another; why this tent is more suitable than that one. Outside, in the backcountry, all that matters is that it works.

Our goal at High Country is to only provide gear that works. Sure, we'll discuss preferences, and the differences, and what is best for your next adventure. But you can rest easy that once you're out there, the gear we put you in will work.

Rocks of Steele

Rocks of Steel is a fundraising contest being held at High Country. We currently have 32 rocks on display from different parts of North America. The goal is to match the rock to it's type and location. The cost is $10 and proceeds go towards the SCC's acquisition of Steele climbing area.

Come by the shop and play today!

When: June 9th through June 23rd
Where: High Country Outfitters, 3906 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342
Cost: $10 per entry

Winners will be announced at a slide show presented by the Atlanta Climbing Club June 23rd, 2009 at 7:00pm at High Country Outfitters.

Salomon Clearance Deals

We currently have some great clearance deals on a couple of Salomon shoes. First, we have the Lilight-X color of the Women's Techamphibians on sale for $40 (reg. $80). These are great water shoes with full foot coverage. Second, we have several size 11 Men's XA Pro 3D XCR's on clearance. This fully waterproof trail runner is perfect for wet and/or cold conditions. They're on sale for $67.50 (reg. $135). Check 'em out, supplies are limited!