CamelBak designed the 1478 cubic inch Hellion backpack for long days in the backcountry. With its large subdivided main compartment, external goggle and electronics pockets, the Camelbak Hellion will hold all of your backcountry necessities plus the extras needed to keep you comfortable all day long. The Hellion is not just built for comfort, but also built to last with its burly nylon finish. Skis are carried diagonally and boards can go either vertically or horizontally in the Hypalon reinforced board retention system. It is also equipped with dual quick-release tool holders for shovel handle or ice-axe and well placed compression straps. And since its a CamelBak, it of course comes with a 100 ounce Omega Reservoir.

CamelBak has set a Retail Price of $100 for the Hellion.

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Use exclusive coupon code 22111 for 11% off full priced or 6% off on-sale backpacks and gear at Moosejaw!

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Get a FREE Mountainsmith Sixer Cooler with the purchase of any Mountainsmith product over $99 at Moosejaw. The Sixer Cooler will hold 6 bottles with plenty of room for ice and even includes a bottle opener. Simply add the cooler to your cart with any Mountainsmith backpack or other Mountainsmith item over $99 and the cooler will automatically change to $0.

On October 3, Marilyn Cieszykowski, partner of Gareth Martins, director of marketing at Osprey Packs, was seriously injured during a bicycle crash in the highlands of Ecuador. Friends of Gareth and Marilyn are asking for support for a longtime industry member, and friend, in need.

A remarkable coordinated effort was made to medical air evacuate Cieszykowski to Denver University Hospital to receive emergency care within 48 hours. She sustained several serious injuries in the crash, including brain injuries and fractures to two vertebrae and the skull. While many aspects of her prognosis cannot be fully predicted at this time, the overall outlook is for a strong, full recovery over time. Her progress can be followed at www.marilync.blogspot.com

The exorbitant costs of medical air evacuation from a foreign country were not covered by health insurance. Fundraising efforts, organized by Osprey and the local community, have already raised more than a tenth of the incurred debt. An additional event to be held on Nov. 17 will bring further relief. But there is a long a way to go with over $50,000 of outstanding debt remaining.

Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible contribution can send a check to:

Greater Dolores Action
In the memo write “Marilyn Fund”
PO Box 14
Dolores, CO 81323

For more information, please contact Mary Buchmayr at Verde PR, mary@verdepr.com, or Sam Mix at Osprey, sam@ospreypacks.com.

Osprey Packs, Inc., an independent pack company located in the high desert and mountains of Southwestern Colorado, reports the completion of their headquarters expansion project.

Osprey is proud to have incorporated elements of LEED and sustainable building standards into the project. Sustainable choices included: Non-VOC paints, insulation comprised of recycled blue jeans, solar-tracking skylights that allow for a 75-percent reduction in electricity use, recycled carpet padding, recycled ceiling tiles, and waterless urinals. Additionally, cabinet backings were pre-finished to prevent off-gassing and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system was upgraded with improved air filters.

Expansion to the Osprey Worldwide headquarters in Cortez, Colo. was necessary to accommodate unparalleled recent growth and the required staffing increases to meet growing demand. The project converted an underutilized storage area into a 3,200-square-foot office space and conference room with views of the La Plata Mountains and Mesa Verde National Park.

The Cortez headquarters house Osprey’s U.S. Distribution Center and Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Customer Service, Warranty/Repairs and Operations.

From now through December 5, you’ll Get $15 Off Your Order of $75 or More at MountainGear.com. They have over 300 different backpacks from the best brands around, like Arcteryx, Gregory, Osprey and many more. Unfortunately though, the discount is not valid on products from The North Face, Burton, Suunto, Oakley & Scarpa and cannot be combined with any other offer. Simply click the link below and the discount will automatically appear during checkout after you enter your payment information.

The Mountainsmith Dog Trippin Kit comes with everything you and your ‘best friend’ need for heading out on the trail. The kit includes the Mountainsmith Dog Pack, a dog bed with stuff sack, water bowl, food bowl and leash. The Dog Backpack has soft fleece adjustable straps, a well vented mesh top leash pocket, an inner valuables pocket, compression straps, and reflective trim. The pack comes in 3 sizes: Small: Volume: 610 cu. in. Dog Weight: 20-40 lbs, Medium: Volume: 1220 cu. in. Dog Weight: 40-80 lbs, Large: Volume: 1830 cu. in. Dog Weight: >80 lbs. The bed has a soft and comfy fleece top and rugged underside. The water and grub bowls are made of durable ripstop material with webbing stiffeners around their rims to maintain shape and support while full. The food bowl also has a drawstring closure. Finally, the leash’s length is adjustable and has an elastic cinch for rolling up the leash when you’re not using it. With the dog trippin kit package, Mountainsmith makes sure that your dog is outfiitted and ready for your next camping trip.

Mountainsmith has set a Retail Price of $70 to $90 for the Dog Trippin Kit (Price Depends On Size)

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National Geographic Adventure magazine has chosen Andrew Skurka, 26, as 2007 Adventurer of the Year for his epic seven-month, 6,875-mile hike through the American West to call attention to its magnificent landscape and the environmental and ecological threats affecting it. His first-of-its-kind journey took him through five major mountain ranges, 12 national parks and 75 wilderness areas. The magazine is also honoring British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and polar explorer Will Steger with Best of Adventure awards for Lifetime Achievement.

The achievements of Skurka, Branson, Steger and 14 other adventurers are highlighted in the December 2007/January 2008 issue of National Geographic Adventure (on newsstands Nov. 27), which features the most outstanding accomplishments for 2007 in the world of exploration, conservation and humanitarian work.

The 2006 Adventurers of the Year, Colin Angus and Julie Wafaei, who completed a two-year, human-powered circumnavigation of the world, presented the 2007 award to Skurka on Thursday, Nov. 15, at a gala event at National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C. The evening was emceed by Boyd Matson, host of the new “National Geographic Weekend” radio program and the public television series “Wild Chronicles.” He presented awards to Steger and 11 other adventure heroes.

Branson is being recognized for a life lived adventurously and for his initiative to encourage innovation in science and technology to reduce greenhouse gases and curb the effects of global warming. Steger is being celebrated for his commitment to adventure, exploration, research and conservation through decades of projects in the field, polar expeditions and the new Will Steger Foundation to broaden public awareness of the effects of global warming. On Baffin Island earlier this year Steger and Branson witnessed firsthand the effects of global warming on the native peoples and species of the far north.

National Geographic Adventure organized a group of leaders in the world of adventure to serve on its advisory board for the nomination of this year’s top adventurers. With the help of the board, the magazine also recognizes the following for their exceptional accomplishments this year in a variety of fields: Steve Bogaerts, Angelika Brandt, Tim Cope, Mike Fay, Colleen Hardy, Trip Jennings, Gabor Rakonczai, Eric McNair-Landry, Sarah McNair-Landry, Sam Meacham, Børge Ousland, Andrea Palos, Robbie Schmittner and Thomas Ulrich.

“The National Geographic Society exists to inspire people to care about the planet. Adventure’s role within the Society is to inspire people to experience the natural and cultural wonders of the world in exciting ways. Tonight we honor the sponsors, adventurers, outfitters, destinations and manufacturers who have supported our mission and put National Geographic Adventure on such a remarkable trajectory. We are assembling a group of our most interesting friends to celebrate the wondrous things that adventure does in our lives and in our world,” said National Geographic Adventure’s Vice President and Publisher Francis X. Farrell.

Awards for Best of Destinations and Best of Gear also will be recognized at the ceremony. The magazine’s editors have named Albania, Colombia, India, Mongolia, Norway and Senegal as standout adventure destinations for 2008 and beyond.

National Geographic Adventure’s approach to its Best of Gear awards differs from other magazines in that it has established a second advisory board of 44 of the country’s leading outdoor retailers. The board’s contribution was twofold: to weigh in on products that in its expert opinion are innovative and to report on what products consumers are particularly excited about in the marketplace.

The 39 winners are Adidas Supernova Cushion 7 running shoe; Asics Gel Trail Attack 4 WR trail runner; Big Agnes Skinny Fish sleeping bag; Body Glove Eco wetsuit; Brunton Echo Zoom monocular; Eagle Creek Take 2 ORV Trunk 28 luggage; Garmin nüvi 770 dashtop GPS; Giant Trance X0 mountain bike; Gnu Altered Genetics snowboard; Inov-8 Roclite 370 hiking boot; K2 Apache Coomba skis; Kelty Locus 40 backpack; Leatherman Skeletool CX multitool; Magellan Triton 1500 GPS; Mares X-Vision Liquidskin dive mask; Marmot Exum jacket; Mountain Hardwear Helion 2 tent; Nau Indulgent midlayer; Necky Chatham 16 Carbon kayak; New Balance 920 water shoe; Nixon 51-30 watch; Ortovox S1 avalanche transceiver; Patagonia Micro Puff vest; PolarPak Moflow hydration reservoir; REI Cirque ASL 2 tent; Scott Limited Edition Alibi Sakura goggles; SmartWool Ewetopia bike jersey; Smith Optics Interlock sunglasses; Solio Classic solar charger; Sony Net Sharing Cam; Surftech 7’6” Bear Versatile surfboard; Suunto Lumi women’s wrist-top computer; SylvanSport GO camper; The North Face Catalyst down jacket; The North Face Ligero 50 backpack; Timex Ironman iControl watch; Vaude Aracanda 30 backpack; Vectrix Electric Maxi-Scooter; Volkswagen Touareg 2 SUV.

Presented by National Geographic Adventure magazine and South African Tourism, the Adventurer of the Year celebration includes video clips from the winners’ adventures in the field, as well as music, food and entertainment. Raffle prizes include a trip for two to South Africa, courtesy of South African Airways and Mountain Travel Sobek, and many items from the best gear of the year. Additional sponsors of the event include Asics, Drambuie, Eagle Creek, G.H. Mumm, Nature Valley, Petzl, REI and Surefire.

Eastern Mountain Sports, a leading specialty outdoor retailer renowned for its longstanding Schools program, has expanded its offerings with the Adventures, Treks and Trails program that will organize and lead adventurous vacations and expeditions to the most spectacular destinations on the globe. Eastern Mountain Sports Adventures, Treks and Trails has developed several dozen unique peak ascents, cultural treks, and multi-sport adventures designed for any outdoor enthusiast willing to take their expeditions to the next level. The itineraries vary from a Mount Kilimanjaro climb and wildlife walking safari in Africa to a Tibetan Cultural Adventure and Mount Everest climb to a New Year’s Eve hike and celebration in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

The program was designed by Eastern Mountain Sports’ Becky Harrison, one of the most experienced female guides in the Himalayas today. From a lifetime of exploring and ascending peaks, as well as extensive high altitude research, Harrison has taken great care in designing each of the program’s offerings.

“Eastern Mountain Sports Adventures, Treks and Trails is really a labor of love and a culmination of years of research and explorations,” said Harrison. “We offer itineraries that vary considerably from the norm and provide a much deeper experience than your typical guided trek. It is so important to not only keep your participant in mind by doing such things as allowing more time for acclimatization and gradual ascents, but also really connecting with the porters we work with to ensure they are properly trained and taken care of as an extension of our employee base.”

Consumers can choose from 14-day to three- and four-day trips through Adventures, Treks and Trails. There are also options for women only trips, teen adventures and consumers can customize their own itineraries . More information on the programs can be found on www.emstrek.com.

Eastern Mountain Sports raised $15,000 for The Conservation Alliance during the retailer’s Upgrade Your Gear sale event held October 18-21. The company held a similar event in April, bringing the total contribution to more than $30,000 between the two events.

The company pledged to share 1 percent of sales equally between the Alliance and The Access Fund. Each of the 68 Eastern Mountain Sports stores participated in the promotion, raising a total of $30,000, half of which will go to the Alliance’s effort to preserve North America’s wildlands and rivers for their habitat and recreational values.

“Eastern Mountain Sports customers are passionate about conserving their outdoor playground and appreciate our continued support for wildland conservation,” said Will Manzer, President and CEO of Eastern Mountain Sports. “The Conservation Alliance has a long history of supporting effective conservation initiatives, and we’re pleased that our sale event continues to benefit their efforts.”

An active member of The Conservation Alliance since 1997, Eastern Mountain Sports wanted to go beyond annual membership dues to demonstrate a greater commitment to conservation.

“For the second time this year, Eastern Mountain Sports has drawn their customers into our conservation efforts,” said John Sterling, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance. “The sale generated valuable funds for the Alliance, and added value to customers’ shopping experience.”

The Conservation Alliance has contributed more than $600,000 to conservation projects in the Northeastern US, where most Eastern Mountain Sports stores are located.

Osprey Packs, Inc., an independent pack company located in the high desert and mountains of Southwestern Colorado, proudly reports the success of their expanded Volunteer Incentive Program for 2007 with a total of 160 volunteer hours reported.

The Volunteer Incentive Program encourages Osprey Team Members to donate their time and energy to local environmental and community organizations by allowing up to eight hours of paid volunteer time per year.

Introduced in 2006, Osprey’s Volunteer Incentive Program was revitalized for 2007 with a goal of increasing opportunities and participation among Osprey team members.

Volunteer projects for 2007 included: The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative Volunteer Trails Weekend, The Lower Gunnison River Clean-up with Chaco and the Bureau of Land Management, The Rose Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Project, The Cortez Parks and Recreation Carpenter Trail Erosion Project and The Cortez Senior Center Volunteer Day.

The projects represent Osprey’s continued evolution as an outdoor industry and community leader, becoming more eco-conscious and socially relevant through enhancement of local environmental and community well being.

Osprey hopes to continue the expansion of the program each year, making stepwise increases in opportunities and hours to allow for greater reach and scope of action.

For more information on the Osprey Packs Volunteer Incentive Program and how this exciting model can work for your community or organization, please contact: sam@ospreypacks.com