February 27, 2007
Super Deal: $99 Gregory Alpinisto
I had to take a minute to point out an incredible deal available now at RockCreek.com. The Gregory Alpinisto 35, which usually retails at $158.95, is available in limited quantities at $99.95. This customizable climbing machine is the little brother to the original Alpinisto backpack, with all the same features and technology, but in a slightly smaller package. Designed for Gregory's Japanese market, you'll be hard-pressed to find this pack anywhere else in the U.S. And for 99 bucks, it's a steal!
Like the original Alpinisto, clean simplicity defines the design of this convertible climbing pack. All you have to do is remove the waistbelt padding, and the framesheet and stay to shave a full pound when you need to go from load carrying to ultralight summit bid mode. With a contoured top pocket for helmet clearance, hydration sleeve and ports and incredibly durable materials, the Alpinisto 35 is the climbing pack for anyone serious about getting to the summit.
The Alpinisto 35 is designed with the Wraptor Stabilizer system that stabilizes the backpanel and alleviates pack bounce during high aerobic activity. This is a patent pending system developed by Gregory to pull the backpanel of the pack up and in, thereby maintaining optimal stability. If that doesn't make any sense, or if you're a visual person, check out this diagram of the Wraptor Stabilizer System.
If this one doesn't do it for you, check out Gregory's full line of backpacking packs at RockCreek.com. Gregory Mountain Products was founded by Wayne Gregory in 1977. From his earliest backpacks, Gregory has been noted for innovation, ergonomic design, and an obsession with quality. Today Wayne is the Master Pack Designer and the mind behind all of Gregory’s innovative technology. He continues to surprise the industry every year with technology improvements and continued evolution in comfort, fit and durability.
The popular women's Tega Backpack is also on sale for a limited time at $129.95 (31% Off).
Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 23, 2007
Mammut Hybrid Jacket on Sale
The Transmission Hybrid Pro just went on sale for $314.95, so if you were thinking about trying it out, now's the time! (That's 30% off for those who, like me, aren't that quick with numbers). Get it now >>
For more information, check out the original Transmission Hybrid Pro post from earlier this week.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 20, 2007
Mammut Transmission Hybrid Pro Jacket: Product Spotlight
2.23.07 UPDATE: the Transmission Hybrid Pro just went on sale for $314.95, so if you were thinking about trying it out, now's the time! (That's 30% off for those who, like me, aren't that quick with numbers). Get it now >>
This month's product spotlight focuses on the Transmission Hybrid Pro Jacket.
This is Mammut's top-end Hybrid shell and it's ideal for windy, cold climates during active aerobic activities. The mix of DRYtech and Schoeller Soft Shell with Nano-Sphere guarantees comfort as well as being water and dirt repellent.
Wes Napier, our resident mountaineer at RockCreek, took the Transmission Hybrid Pro on his recent Alaskan mountaineering expedition and sent back this picture.
DRYtech® is Mammut’s wind- and waterproof, highly breathable laminate. The robust polyamide outer fabric is laminated with a water-absorbing membrane.
In contrast to the micro-porous GORE membrane, this system evacuates moisture electro-chemically instead of via the pores (therefore no blocked pores). The moisture penetrates the membrane and, owing to the difference in temperature, is evacuated away from the body.
As Wes explains, "with hardshell shoulders, arms, and hood, and a highly wind and water-resistant body, the Transmission Hybrid Pro is good for aerobic activities in the winter. This was perfect for our Alaska trip. The removable vest is also comfortable by itself, so if you wear a wool baselayer and the vest you'll retain plenty of warmth.
"This jacket is geared to the snow environment where you won't get a lot of moisture, so it's not a piece for Southeastern backpacking where you'll need something more waterproof.
"The Transmission is a good balance between mobility and protection from the elements. This is one of the stretchiest fabrics you'll find with this much wind- and water-resistance."
Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 20, 2006
Five Ten Anasazi Verde: Limited Edition!
Five Ten and RockCreek are proud to announce the limited edition release of the new Anasazi Verde Climbing Shoes.
We are now taking pre-orders only on this new and improved Limited Edition climbing shoe. A better version this time, with an impressive heel, nicknamed "magic fingers" due to its phenomenal gripping qualities. The fit and comfort also got updated by effectively ridding the shoe of any remaining dead space.
The Anasazi Verde now has Onyxx, the highest friction, most durable climbing rubber "in the universe." making the precision and power super detailed. You didn't think Five Ten could make a better shoe than the ones they have now? Well, believe it, because here it is. This is a limited run, so get them while they last!
Your pre-order will ship December 4, 2006.
Pre-order your Five Ten Anasazi Verde Climbing Shoes today at RockCreek.com.
Five Ten leads the shoe industry with innovation. In 1985, Five Ten founder and President, Charles Cole, developed a rubber that made climbing easier. Stealth Rubber soles increased the amount of body weight a climber could exert on his feet before the rubber bond broke away from the rock. Simply by buying a new shoe, climbers could climb better. Since then, Cole has upped the ante with Stealth S1, Stealth C4, Stealth HF (high friction), Stealth Amphibia (for water), and now Stealth ONYXX, which is twice as durable as any other climbing rubber available, with 25 percent more friction.
But rubber is just the start. In the climbing arena, Five Ten is responsible for the modern rock shoe design. Cole invented the first sling shot rand, the first down-turned last, and the first heel wedge to cushion impact. Other firsts include pull tabs on both climbing and approach shoes, baseball stitching in climbing shoes to alleviate hot spots and graded midsoles to adjust the shoe’s flexibility to different climber weights. Cole also invented the fishhook midsole, a leap in rock shoe design because, for the first time, a rock shoe could have stiffness around the toe’s perimeter for precision edging, and a flexible underfoot for smearing and sensitivity. Five Ten also introduced the first self-draining water shoes, and the first ankle to toe lacing on approach shoes, which allows a custom, performance fit.
Because of Five Ten’s commitment to innovation and performance, Five Ten is the shoe-of-choice for the world’s top climbers. Even climbers who are paid high-dollar salaries to wear other brands secretly resole with Stealth rubber. From hiking to paddling to mountain biking, recreational and expert athletes alike know that Five Ten means more than footwear—Five Ten shoes are essential equipment for adventure.
When you buy Five Ten, you know you are getting state-of-the-art technology—from the material of the uppers and the shape of the last, down to the ultra-technical midsoles and the world’s highest friction rubber. When you buy Five Ten, you know you are getting the best. A difference you’ll notice as soon as you step into your shoes.
Shop all Five Ten Climbing Shoes >>
Shop our Climbing Shoe Store for Five Ten, Montrail, Evolv, Kayland, and La Sportiva >>
Posted by Mark McKnight at 05:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 16, 2006
Trail Running Nutrition Tips
In this article:- Hydration: The Key to Performance
- Get the Gear: Finding the Right Hydration System
- Watch Your Calories: You Need Fuel!
Hydration: The Key to Performance
Proper hydration is at the forefront of any activity you plan to participate in. If your body is in motion, then you need to make sure that you are hydrated. Water is essential to the human body. 60-70% of our body mass is water, up to 90% of our brain mass is water, and up to 75% of muscle tissue is comprised of water. Water is also the main component of blood – the important carrier of glucose, oxygen and other nutrients. In general, your body loses 64-80 ounces of water daily through urine, feces, sweat, skin, and expired air. This water needs to be replaced by daily fluid consumption of 64-80 ounces. Another, albeit much less scientific, way to determine daily fluid requirements is to evaluate your urine. Dark and concentrated urine is indicative of inadequate fluid intake. Urine should be pale yellow to clear, and copious. Trail running is a four-season sport. You can run in practically any weather condition, on virtually any terrain.
In warm weather, the only way to ensure that you will not become dehydrated is to stop it before it happens. When you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. That is why it is important to properly hydrate before any event. The cliché eight glasses a day does not take into account your standard active athlete. If you are training in the heat, you need not worry about how many glasses you are drinking but rather concentrate on drinking periodically throughout the day. Keep a water bottle close to you at all times and sip from it continuously. This will ensure that your cells with be maximally hydrated at the start of any workout. Although water is great to be drinking if you are planning on sitting still all day, if you are active you should be hydrating with a carbohydrate solution, preferably one with anywhere between 6-8% carbohydrates. This will ensure that your body not only gets the hydration it craves but also that it maintains the right amount of electrolytes. During the trail run itself, focus on continuing to sip continuously from your water bottle. It is best if you can either run with a handheld water bottle or find a comfortable hydration pack. Weigh yourself before and after a hot weather workout to ensure proper rehydration. For every pound that you lose while running, rehydrate with 24oz of liquid or 150% of your total water loss.
Continue reading "Trail Running Nutrition Tips"
Posted by Mark McKnight at 05:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 05, 2006
Bouldering Gear Guide
If you are looking for a style of climbing that doesn’t require the use of a rope and harness, then bouldering is just for you! Bouldering was developed by early climbing pioneers. The bouldering craze that has now swept the nation is the result of cheap and easy access to bouldering fields and the simple fact that not much gear is needed to participate in the sport. Typically, the climbing takes place on low rock formations or boulders (hence the name). This is a sport that involves making a series of individual powerful moves to solve 
a “problem,” a bouldering route. Bouldering problems are ranked on a V-rating system ranging from V0 to V16. If you are just starting out climbing or even if you are a bouldering veteran, check out this gear guide, and always feel free to call our gear experts at 1.888.707.6708.
If you are a beginner boulderer, the first thing that you will need to purchase is a pair of climbing shoes. Climbing shoes range in size, make, and model. However, one thing that all climbing shoes have in common is their rubberized soles, which increase friction allowing your feet to “stick” to the rock. RockCreek.com.com carries numerous brands that make excellent climbing shoes. Climbing shoe companies like Five-Ten, La Sportiva, and Montrail all manufacture climbing shoes that are geared specifically for bouldering. From Five-Ten, check out the Moccasyms for a perfect bouldering shoe. The Moccasym focuses your body weight over the big toe allowing maximum front point power. The sensitive midsole of the Moccasym makes it an ideal climbing shoe for bouldering, indoor climbing, and radically overhanging routes. This shoe is perfect for all levels of climbers.
Continue reading "Bouldering Gear Guide"
Posted by Mark McKnight at 04:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
