WILDY WEEKLY

Presents

The Wilderness Exchange Economic Stimulus Plan

Deals of the Week: Amazing Savings!!!

Here at The Wilderness Exchange, we always try to offer the best deals on the best gear everyday! As we journey into the coming year, we do so with aspiration and hope; hope that the coming year will bring better times…economically speaking at least. We have all felt the tough economic crunch now griping our country and The Wilderness Exchange is here to help. We are pleased to announce the first in a series of money saving plans set to save you money. Welcome to the WildyX Blog of Amazing Savings! Each week, we will feature products with insane deals set to save you money! We will feature one-of-a-kind items, super close-outs, and more. So sit back, relax, and surf your way to amazing savings!

WEEK 3:

I am so excited by this week’s entry-I can hardly control my fingers as they float across the keyboard! Each week I seek to provide information on amazing deals offered here at The Wilderness Exchange and believe me, this week is no exception. On special occasions, a blue moon appears on the horizon above the shop, signaling a series of deals and savings so extraordinary that we feel especially pleased to be who we are. Perhaps you have heard of two little companies by the names of Mountain Hardware and Mammut? These pillars of the outdoor industry have provided us with many insane deals and we are here to pass the savings on to you. So check out our featured products below and be sure to examine our complete product list to find what you need. But hurry, like a blue moon, these deals will slowly fade into the night…






ITEM 1 – Mountain Hardware Phantom Jacket

Original Price - $240.00 ON SALE - ONLY $159.95!!!!

Do you ever feel on winter day that it would just be easier to be snuggled up under a warm blanket with a good book and cup of tea? Unfortunately, the world does not always allow for such choices and one must venture out into the freezing abyss to make a bank deposit, visit the grocery store, or perhaps summit that nasty peak in the distance. The Phantom Jacket by Mountain Hardware is your warm blanket for the outdoors. The combination of 800-fill premium goose down combined with its minimal weight makes it the perfect choice for all your fun, and not-so-fun winter adventures.

ITEM 2 – Mountain Hardware Runout Pant

Original Price -$60.00 ON SALE - ONLY $35.00

Like that comfortable old pair of jeans that you’ve had since your favorite band was Twisted Sister, the Runout pant by Mountain Hardware provides the same level of comfort with more functionality and less guilt. A tough pair of pants by any standard, I’ve taken a pair across Europe and worn nothing else for a month! Needless to say, Italians like our shipping guru Samuel found my style less than fashionable, but I was comfortable, content, and after all, isn’t that all that really matters?

ITEM 3 – Mammut Ultimate Women’s Hoody

Original Price - $219.00 ON SALE – ONLY $149.95

Now I’m not a ladies fashion expert by any stretch, but I was informed by our resident Kiwi, Ms. Holly, that this is one killer hoody. Light, clean cut, and stylish, you’ll look your best in town or in the hills with this classy little number. Count on Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric to keep you warm and check out the available teal color which Holly was especially pleased with…I guess I really have more to learn regarding fashion…Or maybe it’s just a New Zealand thing.

Idiot's Secret Stash Revisited and Re-shredded

The professor and I went up today for a quick and casually started ski tour.  We decided to head up to Brainard Lake for some exercise, and the snow conditions lured us into making a few turns up  at Idiot's Stash.  Like an idiot, the park weasel neglected to bring any avalanche

safety gear - "I thought we were just going for a little tour".  But the weasel is a wiley one, and knows a few relatively safe shots through the Idiot's Stash Wilderness Area.  Check the park weasel's earlier post for some more information on the ISWA.  

The adventure of the park weasel and the professor continued as we found great touring conditions on the trail, all the way to Brainard Lake.  Then we broke some trail through variably deep powder to get to the base of the goods.  The deep snow was a chore to get through on the first lap up the way.  The line and the snow on the way down were incredible.  In true idiot style, the park weasel had not adjusted his Dynafit bindings to the smaller boots he was wearing; so, he involuntarily freed his heel (and mind, of course) for the descent. Surprisingly, the weasel managed just fine making alpine turns without his heel locked down. Of course, the conditions made for heroic skiing, no matter the setup.  As an ex-Teton skier, the weasel rarely expects faceshots in Colorado.  The Idiot's Stash did not disappoint! 

The adventure ended after our second lap down and the long trek back to the trailhead.  The road was very dry for skiing or snowshoeing, and windy as always. 

Back in Boulder, the weasel and professor made it down early enough to grab beers and a burger and make it back to the cave before rush hour traffic.  

WILDY WEEKLY

Presents

The Wilderness Exchange Economic Stimulus Plan

Deals of the Week: Amazing Savings!!!

Here at The Wilderness Exchange, we always try to offer the best deals on the best gear everyday! As we journey into the coming year, we do so with aspiration and hope; hope that the coming year will bring better times…economically speaking at least. We have all felt the tough economic crunch now griping our country and The Wilderness Exchange is here to help. We are pleased to announce the first in a series of money saving plans set to save you money. Welcome to the WildyX Blog of Amazing Savings! Each week, we will feature products with insane deals set to save you money! We will feature one-of-a-kind items, super close-outs, and more. So sit back, relax, and surf your way to amazing savings!
Week 2
ITEM 1 – Smith Cascade Goggles

Original Price - $35.00 ON SALE - ONLY $19.95!!!!

If you’ve ever been trapped in a blinding snowstorm, you understand the importance of eye protection. And if you’ve ever missed the first chance at sweet powder lines because of fogged lenses, you understand that it sucks!! Keep those eyes protected from the elements and nasty UV rays with the Smith Cascade Goggle. And best of all, the Smith Cascade won’t hurt your wallet-truly an amazing deal!! Get some today and keep yourself protected, happy, and be the most stylish bird on the slopes.

PMT Lens
Fog-X (anti-fog) System
Killer Red Frame / Black and White Strap

Also check out our extensive selection of other Smith Optics and Goggles to find your perfect pair – Always A Great Deal!!!!

Smith Optics at WildyX

ITEM 2 – SmartWool Skiing Socks

Original Price - $19.95 ON SALE - ONLY $12.95!!!!

No matter who you ask, nearly everyone agrees that SmartWool socks are some of the best!! Unfortunately, the best generally tends to be the most expensive!! NOT ANY MORE!! The Wildy Weekly is proud to offer an amazing deal on SmartWool to help keep your feet dry, warm, and happy. So give that pair that have been around since your first marriage a break and rediscover love all over again – Nothing feels like Wool!!!

Medium Cushion
SMARTFIT System – Strategically placed elasticity in the Ankle Brace, Arch Brace and Contour Flex Zone provide a performance fit for all day action and comfort.
Odor Free

Also, Check OUT our Complete Selection of SMARTWOOL, HERE


ITEM 3 – Montrail Men's CTC Shoe

Original Price - $95.00 ON SALE – ONLY $59.95!!!!
The Montrail CTC (Car-To-Car) offers performance on trail and off – the ideal combination of hiking and climbing performance for moving fast from the parking lot to easy fifth class. This is the ultimate approach shoe for climbers and guides who need one shoe that can blur the lines between hiking and climbing. Featuring a Gryptonite GS/GT blended outsole, the CTC's sticky-rubber sole has the trail durability and climbing performance you would expect in such a shoe. an EVA midsole with a midfoot TPU plate offer support while running from the trailhead to the first pitch.

WILDY WEEKLY - deals of the week

WILDY WEEKLY

Presents:

The Wilderness Exchange Economic Stimulus Plan

Deals of the Week: Amazing Savings!!!

Here at The Wilderness Exchange, we always try to offer the best deals on the best gear everyday! As we journey into the coming year, we do so with aspiration and hope; hope that the coming year will bring better times…economically speaking at least. We have all felt the tough economic crunch now griping our country and The Wilderness Exchange is here to help. We are pleased to announce the first in a series of money saving plans set to save you money. Welcome to the WildyX Blog of Amazing Savings! Each week, we will feature products with insane deals set to save you money! We will feature one-of-a-kind items, super close-outs, and more. So sit back, relax, and surf your way to amazing savings!

Week 1:

Item 1 – Lowe Alpine Crescent Jacket

Price - $230.00 ON SALE - $89.95!!!! 

This is such an amazing jacket-I can’t believe we still have a few around! We found a few in our WildyX Treasure Chest and they need a good home, so don’t miss the opportunity to own a great jacket at a great price!!

A lightweight technical jacket designed for backpackers and backcountry skiers
Features Triple Point Waterproof fabric – you will stay dry and warm in the wettest of conditions!  Includes Swivel Sight Hood, Removable snow skirt, and tons of pockets.

Item 2 – Black Diamond Jet Stream Gloves

Original Price - $39.95 ON SALE - 

$25.00!!!!

During the winter months, except if you live on an island or in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll need a warm pair of gloves for all those tedious tasks: scraping ice of your car, helping friends move heavy pieces of furniture, taking out the trash and so on. You can at least keep your fingers happy by providing them with a place of sanctuary-a place of comfort. The Jet Steam gloves by Black Diamond are great for all winter activities: fun and not so fun.

Features Polartec Windbloc fabric and tough leather palms
Sleek Black Color (won’t show grease from jumping the car)  A staff favorite!

Item 3 – Terramar Performance Underwear

Original Price - $31.95 ON SALE – $14.95!!!!

You can’t put a price on a good base layer that keeps you warm and dry in the harshest of conditions! But since everything has a price, who could ever argue with a price like we have!! 50% off of one the best base layers on the market--available in variety of styles and sizes. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to own and save.

We hope you have enjoyed this edition of WildyX Weekly! Check back every week for amazing deals, savings, and MORE!!!

Front Range Treasures: "Idiot Powder Stash"

The Park Weasel’s

“Idiot Powder Stash”

Greetings, ski touring aficionados. Your friendly park weasel has been lucky enough to get out on skis quite a bit this season, albeit with only two days seeking downhill turns. The weasel borrowed the demo set of Black Diamond Verdict skis with Hammerhead bindings for a day at the resort after a five-year hiatus from telemark skiing (“fix the heel, ski for real!”), and was pleasantly surprised with the latest and greatest ski gear. The park weasel found the Verdicts quite excellent, and actually enjoyed telemarking.

A few days later, the weasel managed a couple of tours. One, up Wild Basin, to get to Hidden Falls (which was in great climbing shape); then later that afternoon, up to Brainard Lake and “Idiot’s Stash”. Why “Idiot’s Stash” as a name? I call the collective Brainard Lake area skiing “Idiot’s Stash” for a couple of reasons:

1. You would have to be an idiot deal with the constant wind coming off the

 continental divide just to get to a little skiing.

2. You would have to be an idiot to ski most of the lines up there without a buddy, a beacon, shovel, and probe.

3. You would have to be an idiot to ski two miles of wind-torn road, just to get to the base of some powder skiing.

4. You would have to be an idiot to think it’s your own secret stash; however, you would be unlikely to cross anyone else’s tracks.

5. You would have to be an idiot to not find good 

skiing up there six months out of the year.

While at Idiot’s Secret Stash, the weasel found variable windblown and soft snow conditions that left the weasel wanting for those Verdicts instead of his lightweight rando rig. Since then, the Indian Peaks have received quite a bit of new snow, so the base has certainly deepened, and the conditions are likely better than they were. The nice thing about the Idiot’s Secret Stash is that there’s always a line that has good snow. While one aspect may be brutal windslab, the north-facing tree lines sit leeward and collect a lot of powder.

On the touring end of things, Brainard is enjoying great snow coverage on the cross country ski trails at the moment. Despite a parking lot packed with cars, the weasel was able to ski the two miles to the lake without running into another person. That is the beauty of the Brainard area. If you are willing to brave the discomforts of wind and cold in the open areas, you will be guaranteed quiet, good touring and turns in the trees. Check it out for yourself and you will feel like an idiot for not having skied there before.

Cheers,
Park Weasel

The Tech Weenie's Guide

to Holiday Shopping for

your Ice Climbing Mate

Sam Benedict pretending to be a weasel

1.) Black Diamond Cobras. No surprise here. By now, you have likely heard your significant other yearn for this set of toys. The sticker shock is a tad rough, but I am sure they do not expect you to throw down the cash for the whole set. Buy one for a Christmas present, and then let him or her pony up for the other one. You cannot go wrong with Cobras; and, with the carbon fiber shaft, your mate won’t be able to freeze his or her tongue to the tool.

2.) Black Diamond Turbo Express Ice Screws. Can’t quite commit to the price tag on a set of new ice tools? Grab one or a few of the best screws on the market for your mate. Climbing protection always says that you care, and have safety first in mind for your mate.

3.) Petzl/Charlet Dartwin Crampons. Why torment over getting the lightest boots on the market only to add on three pounds of metal? Don’t. Instead, go with these aesthetically beautiful spikes. At only 860g or 30.5 ounces, these are the featherweight champions of technical crampons.

4.) Petzl Meteor III Helmet. While you are counting grams, check out the specs on this lid. Very comfortable, lightweight, and super durable. As with the ice screws, this gift idea screams “I care about your safety”, while at the same time adding “hey, I want you to look good out there”.

5.) Gloves. Big gloves, skinny gloves, mittens even. While the ice tools win big gift presentation points, a good pair of gloves can really change your life too. Here, at the Wilderness Exchange, we offer a great selection of gloves to suit your needs. From the sexy Black Diamond Torque glove to the nuclear winter style Mercury Mitt, we have everything in between to keep the icy hot phenomenon away from your hands. My personal favorite? Outdoor Design’s Diablo glove makes for a brilliant softshell glove that works equally well for leading ice or ski touring with its amazing grip.

6.) Western Mountaineering Hooded Flash Jacket. This one wins the snow day fashion show, hands down. At nine ounces, this is the most coveted new piece of apparel here at the Wilderness Exchange. The hood fits over a helmet, and it all packs down small enough to attach to your harness for the next belay. This is the best lightweight down jacket out there. Indulge and enjoy.

7.) Yates Screamers. This gift says a lot of things. A) I care about your safety. B) I know you participate in activities that necessitate something ridiculous like screamers. And C) I want to see you fall on an ice screw and live. Well, maybe C isn’t the best thing to communicate in your gifting process, but it might be fun to watch your mate take a safe whipper on a stubby and fully rip open a screamer.

8.) Hand Warmers. This gift says that you agonized over the above choices, but you were not willing to accept a strict diet of ramen in exchange. The economy is pretty gloomy. While your heat and water may be getting shut off tomorrow, keep in mind that these will keep both of you warm in your apartment, in addition to being a great comfort while out ice climbing. Your mate will know you had his or her comfort (and maybe your own) in mind with this Christmas gift.


Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

Whippers of the Month for December 2008

This month, there were two decent whippers to note. Since Sam and Don are unable to climb through their most recent injuries, and the rest of the staff would rather ski ice than climb it - your friendly park weasel has taken it upon himself to step it up and capture the action. While the actual whippers were not captured on camera (the respective belayers were focused on safety this time), here are the before and after shots for your entertainment.
























Moments before the park weasel fell off a route that should have much more ice on it.





















Professor Scrappy goes hunting for ice after the park weasel whips.

Professor Scrappy taps lighty on the free hanger that would choose to liberate itself and fall towards the park weasel. Wear a helmet!

Professor Scrappy wrestles through the roof after taking off the free hanger ripping out a cam.

Remember folks, the first rule of ice climbing is do not fall; however, much like the first rule of fight club, rules are often more like guidelines. If you are going to get out there and push yourselves, just make sure that you know what you are doing, and of course, that you are protected with the most modern equipment available. The Wilderness Exchange has all of your ice and rock and mixed climbing needs covered.

Cheers,
park weasel