Happy Earth Day from Uncle Dan's and Stanley

Hope everyone is taking some time to be a little more eco-friendly today.

We're not putting that out there without doing something ourselves. So, we've teamed up with Stanley for the Stanley E-cycle Exchange.

Here's the scoop:
1. Bring in any water bottle to an Uncle Dan's location
2. We recycle it
3. You get 25% off on any one Stanley product
4. To top it off, we donate $1 from every Stanley purchase to the Global Water Challenge, a nonprofit that aims to provided clean water to regions that need it.

Small Print: One bottle per offer on this deal, and it's not combinable with other sales. But hey - still not bad, and you'll be reminded of how you helped every time you take a sip from your Stanley bottle - which you'll have for a loooong time. This offer runs through May 6.

And be sure to tell us what you do, today and every other, to be kind to Mom Earth. We'll share the best stories on the blog!

Hat Trick!

It's important to have a good head on your shoulders, we all know that. But you've also gotta have a good hat on that head - and that's where we come in.

Three of our hats landed in the top slots for 2008 headwear at consumer ratings website Buzzillions.com.

The Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon beanie won the site's Reviewer's Choice Award for hats, and the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero came in at number 2. The Tilley Airflo Hat also posted a strong rating.

Have these hats - or any others that you got from us? Send your stories and pics to uncledansblog@gmail.com, and we'll put 'em up here.

(Props to Pemba Serves for the tip)

44,000 Use 'Baacode' to Trace Icebreaker Gear

Icebreaker, one of our favorite makers of merino wool products, said this week that 44,000 customers have used the company's "Baacode" program since it was released last August to trace their clothes from farm to store.

This is a pretty cool system, we think. It shows Icebreaker's commitment to sustainability and ethical production, things that many of our brands take to heart.

Have you traced your Icebreaker yet? Come in and tell us what you think of the system.

Mountain Hardwear + You Help Youth Camps

Here's a cool idea: Click a button, send a kid to camp.

That's what you can do with the Mountain Hardwear Gives Back program. Go to the site and click on the "Send a Kid to Camp" button; for each click, MHW will donate $1 up to a total of $35,000. The money will help fund camps serving underprivleged kids.

Things like this are why we love working with the companies we bring in. But, why are you still here? The deadline for the effort is April 15, so head over there and get clickin'!

(Thanks to Backpacker and Pemba for the tip)

New for Spring 09: The Osprey Has Landed

Hikers, travelers, and anyone who needs to carry anything, ever: Come in and check out Osprey Packs, the new additions to our pack lineup.

We're excited to offer this brand. Osprey has been making packs since 1974 - check out this video about their history - and their expertise shows, with key features including: adjustable top pockets, the AirScape back panel, gender specific fit and components, adjustable torsos, and, in some, custom-molded hip belts.

Osprey makes several series of packs: Here's a rundown:

Argon & Xenon Series: These are deluxe custom-fit packs. They're the most comfort-oriented and customizable packs.

Aether & Ariel Series: Versatility is the focus here. These packs are lightweight, creatively designed, and offer
custom sizing. They are popular for backpackers of all abilities
and activities.

Atmos & Aura Series: These lightweight packs feature AirSpeed suspension but are still just as durable as all Osprey products.

Kestrel Series: These packs are new to the Osprey lineup. Designed for the backpacker looking for an all-in-one pack, these packs offer all the features needed for everything from a long trek to a quick peak assault.

Stratos Series: Want a durable, lightweight, general-use daypack? This is your line, complete with sharp colors and unique designs.

Talon Series: These packs are designed for the fast, active light enthusiast. The Talon Series offers the incredible melding of
torso adjustability in versatile, adventure-oriented packs.

ReSource Series: The ReSource Series is built almost entirely from recycled materials. These everyday packs offer next-generation materials for a day in the life of the urban warrior with an eco-friendly conscience.

Oh, and almost forgot to mention: Osprey comes with a 100-percent guarantee. If you are unhappy with your Osprey pack at any time, bring it for a full refund.

Video Profile of the Evanston Store

The student-run Northwestern News Network did a profile of the new Evanston store shortly after it opened. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL-4OHbN8LA

Though the season's changed, the helpful attitude and positivity's still the same (and will be no matter where we move). Come visit us at 901 W. Church in Evanston and see for yourself.

New Interactive Websties from Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia

Two of our favorite brands, Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia, have each rolled out sweet new multimedia websites.

The Expedition Republic from Mountain Hardwear is an online community of adventurers. You can share tips and ideas, watch videos and even win free gear.

Patagonia's Tin Shed has slideshows and videos of athletes and their adventures at far-flung corners of the world, as well as interesting outdoor-life stories.

If you're a fan of either line - heck, if you love the outdoors - check 'em out! (But don't spend too much time on these at work, though; they'll make you want to skip out early and head for the wilderness.)

New for Spring '09: On Millet? Millet On!

If the headline didn't help, let's clear it up right now: It's "mee-yay," not "mill-it."

But really, however you say it, Millet is a great addition to our lineup of adventure gear.

You can read more about Millet here, but this is the gist. Millet has been around since 1921 and was founded and field tested in the French Alps. The company makes a all kinds of equipment, from outwear to boots to packs. At the moment, we've got a limited selection - we can order anything you're interested in - but we like what we've seen.

Try on the Men's W3 Pro Jacket for a breathable and windproof spring softshell. Or, put on the Men's Trek Stretch Pants, which allow for a wide range of motion, perfect for rock climbing or hiking, and might be the most comfortable thing your legs have felt since air. Finally, there's the Expe 65 - a monster-sized expedition pack that's made with a strong but lightweight nylon, perfect for hauling tons of gear without adding much weight of its own.

We've got the flexibility to bring in these unique brands; right now we're one of the only retailers in Chicagoland where you can find Millet. So come in to the Evanston,, Highland Park, and Lincoln Park stores to check out this fantastic new line, and tell us what you think!

Rob Hart, inventor of Crazy Creek camp chairs, killed in ski accident

We in the outdoor industry were saddened to learn of the death of Rob Hart, inventor of Crazy Creek camp chairs.

Hart, 51, died in a ski accident at Red Lodge Mountain, Montana, on Feb. 20. To read more, click here and here. The adventure industry has lost a great innovator and friend. Everyone at Uncle Dan's sends their best wishes to Hart's family, friends and coworkers.

Donations can be made in Hart's memory to the "Rob Hart Memorial Fund" c/o Red Lodge Ski Patrol, PO Box 750, Red Lodge, MT 59068. We also liked SNEWS' idea of a tribute:

So, with the above in mind, we’d like to propose that sometime this week, winter be dammed, you each grab an old Crazy Creek chair from your gear shed or closet. Call out to your closest friends or your nearby family and ask them to join you outdoors by a fire or on the floor of a cabin in front of a hot stove. And then just sit. Talk about love and life and living. Talk about adventures experienced and still to come. Talk and laugh about anything at all, but do it with family and friends.

Product Review: Merrell Women's Oslo

Jenny from Evanston on the Women's Merrell Oslo Waterproof boot:

I recently indulged in buying the Merrell Oslo, and I can't say I regret a single penny. Coming from a person who thought she could squeeze just one more season out of her old, tore- up boots, I now see the light and feel the warmth of the boots' Polartec insulation. It is a freezing, slippery walk to and from the train, one that calls for warmth and traction, and the Oslo boots have proved themselves thus far. They have been able to handle the sub-zero temps and the extremely slushy curbsides I always find myself falling into. It is a joy to find a reliable, fully supportive and cute winter boot with an integrated air-cushion midsole, which means I can feel the support even when I'm on my feet all day! Merrell boasted about its Winter Artrek lug sole that would help keep me upright, and I was immediately impressed when I felt the tread's stickiness. After many walks I can now say with confidence they certainly do aid in maneuvering around the ice rink that becomes our sidewalks. I have yet to pull out my YakTrax this year simply because my boots have been that great!

(I'm realizing now that I have perhaps jinxed myself - I better go dig those out of the closet.)

Whatever winter boot or shoe you choose this year, make sure you treat it with a waterproof solution, such as Granger's, ReviveX, Nikwaxor Sno-Seal, because the city salts love to feed on your kicks and will do some major damage without treatment. I learned the hard way a few times.

Cheers to many magical winter walks.

Thanks Jenny! Readers, any comments on the Oslo? We'd love to hear them. Or, send your thoughts on any Uncle Dan's product. Share the love - and more importantly, the knowledge!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Hey all - we're back. Sorry about the down time - hope you had a great holiday season and a happy new year. We sure did.

Of course, here in Chicago, the start of the new year means more than finally working off all that pizza weight: It signals the start of winter. Not the friendly, fluffy-flakes and twinkling-lights winter, mind you, but the in-your-face winter that dares you to step outside.

It officially started today: There are predictions of a high - high - of zero for The Second City. This is the sort of cold that makes you tear up involuntarily, then makes you worried that those tears will freeze your eyes shut.

So, if you've been putting off picking up those new winter boots, gloves, scarves, coats or whatever, bundle up in whatever you've got and head to Uncle Dan's. We'll set you up with some great new stuff that will keep you warm. Not quite as great as a cup of cocoa and a fire, but you can't take those with you, nor get them at prices like we have.

In fact, now through Jan. 31, we're marking down items every day, so keep stopping by to see what deals have popped up. Also, be sure to sign up for the e-club for even more deals.



As a bonus, here's a cool photo gallery of winter - no pun intended - from the Chicago Tribune.