Kaenon Beacon

Recently purchased a pair of Kaenon Beacon sunglasses in Tortoise with the C12 copper lens. The Beacon is a mid size, rectangular, slightly boxy frame, and quite stylish. Their revolutionary SR-91 lens is just that, revolutionary. The lens is polorized, anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and even hydro-phobic to shed sweat and rain. It's tough to articulate how it feels to look through a pair - everything is bright and crisp. The copper lens is simply gorgeous, as it enhances color contrast and detail. I know what you are thinking right now, sure they sound great, but I always lose my sunglasses. That's because its hard to care about "other" sunglasses. After your eyes have looked through Kaenons - they will send an "anti-lose" message to your brain - thus solving the problem! Don't get me wrong - you will likely buy a second pair - but that's just because they are THAT good. (I already want Kewi UPD's with Yellow lenses for cycling). The Beacon comes in Black or Tortoise with either gray or copper lenses. Stop by to try on several different styles - and "see" for yourself.

Kaenon Website.

For more info, call 417-877-8855 in Springfield and 913-851-2244 in Kansas City.

The hallowed Down Scarf

For years I have heard stories about this mythical piece of gear. Anyone who has ever gone on a fall camping trip with Matt O has heard the folkloric stories. "It would be a great insulator for belaying, when its not quite cold enough to warrant a full on Parka!". "Wrap in around your feet in your sleeping bag for added warmth!!!" "Place it under your butt on your campstool to stay warm!" The possibilities seemed endless! On top of that this magical piece of gear would weigh next to nothing (we are talking ounces here!), and take up absolutely no room in your pack. Matt has been preaching the gospel of a down scarf to anyone who would listen for as long as I can remember, often to skeptical ears. Since nothing like it had ever existed he had few converts. He was succesful once in getting one made to test, but it was not built to spec. Wimpy 650 fill down would not do the trick, so he waited and dreamed. Well the years have passed, and Nau has seen the light! They have created a lighter than air 850 + fill down scarf! Let me tell you, it is everything Matt O described, with one unforeseen benefit...It looks freakin awesome! This is a highly technical and fashionable piece! Come on in a check it out! Be sure to give Matt O a high five for putting this idea out in the universe!

Nau's Website.

For more info, call 417-877-8855 in Springfield and 913-851-2244 in Kansas City.

Arcteryx Alpha LT

Lightweight, windproof, waterproof, breathable, stylish, and dare I say . . . sexy. The Alpha LT is all that, and a bag of chips. Constructed of bombproof Gore-Tex 3 layer Pro Shell, if you can get into the situation, this jacket can get you out (and prolly beg for more). Backpackers rejoice! Reading like my Christmas wish list - this shell sports an athletic cut, a shorter hip length, two "Napoleon" style pockets that you can access with your pack on, a removable HemLock insert to keep the hem tucked in under a pack or climbing harness, and manages to weigh in at a SCANT 12.9 oz! When worn, I often hear casual bystanders simply mutter . . ."sick". Gore-Tex and pit zips help ensure that I don't end up getting as wet from sweat as I would from the rain. If you haven't slipped into an Arc'Teryx shell - then you can't appreciate how well its crafted. The articulated elbows and gusseted underarms simply rock, as this jacket moves and works with the human form. It's almost like the Alpha LT was designed first, and the human body second. Sissy's need not apply.

Arcteryx Website.

For more info, call 417-877-8855 in Springfield and 913-851-2244 in Kansas City.

Icebreaker Bodyfit 260 Tech Top

There is one piece of clothing that is always with me in the back country. The Icebreaker Tech Top in 260 mid-weight. Typically too warm to hike in (unless WICKED cold out), this shirt is always stored in the outside pocket of my pack. It's just the piece to slip on at the top of a summit or milling around camp. With a quarter zip, I can rock it fully up as a neck gaiter, or down to vent. Thumb loops ensure that it wont ride up on my arm, as I slide into my outer layer. For winter camping, it has also become my "go to" sleep piece. Great to layer over a 140 Tech T Lite or 190 Tech T - as they both work together pulling moisture off of your stinky body in vapor form. Just like Goldilocks, you never feel too hot, or too cold, but juuuust right. And yeah, and I stink, but my Icebreaker never does!

Icebreaker's Website.

For more info, call 417-877-8855 in Springfield and 913-851-2244 in Kansas City.