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!