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.

2008 Coat Swap: Yet Another Success

For two weeks in November, Uncle Dan's gave away 1,400 coats.

Don't worry; our business model didn't go bizarro. It was just our 5th Annual Coat Swap! Customers donated their old - but still usable - coats and got 20% off a new piece of regular-priced winter outerwear. And we took those old coats to area charities. Coats donated at the Chicago stores went to the Jane Addams Hull House Association, coats from the Evanston store went to Connections for the Homeless, and coats from the Highland Park store went to the Grandfamilies Program of Chicago.

We do this through One Warm Coat, a national non-profit that assists in the donation of coats. Since its founding in 1992, about 750,000 coats have been has collected and distributed through OWC activities. Uncle Dan's customers and staff have donated more than 5,900 coats in our five coat drives.

If you missed the announcement for the swap and want to participate in next year's, make sure to sign up to the e-club to watch for this and more of our community-based programs. (Speaking of, don't forget that our can drive runs through Dec. 10!)

New for '08-'09: The Time is Nau!

Uncle Dan's is proud to say it's one of a handful of retailers nationwide carrying the revived Nau brand.

You can read more about this company here. Its aim is to develop products that are functional both in active sports and in a casual lifestyle and that are made with the most environmentally friendly materials possible.

Designer Mark Galbraith stopped by the new Evanston store to talk to us about the brand - and some employees from the Southport and Lincoln Ave. shops came up to listen as well. We often have these clinics to stay on top of what our brands are doing and the features they're adding - and we use that knowledge to give you the best service we can. However, Nau's was a rare treat because designers rarely visit shops, so we got to learn how the brand was built from the ground up.

Nau's exciting for us because for product you buy, the company will give a 2% donation to a nonprofit in its Partner For Change program. You'll not only get a product with warmth, style, and sustainability, you'll also be able to feel good about the change it's making for others and for the environment.

We're excited to welcome Nau back to the retail world and into our doors. One you try on some of the products, we know you'll feel the same way.

(And, hey, great minds think alike! Check out Nau's Thought Kitchen blog!)

Icebreaker's Baacode Launch Party Pics

Icebreaker dropped by our stores in October to promote the launch of Baacode, the company's traceability system. Each of the company's fine merino garments now has a code affixed to it; you can go online, type in that code and see where the merino in your Icebreaker came from. This not only helps ensure the company's ethical and environmental standards but also lets you in on the process.

Icebreaker reps, Uncle Dan's employees and customers dropped by to learn more about the brand, get some deals on product and try some delicious New Zealand wine and cheese.


Think it looks like fun? You're right! How can you find out about events like this? Just sign up for our e-club. It's easy, free and lands you a new discount every week.