“Consumers have been asking for a BPA-free alternative with the durability, clarity and vibrant color of polycarbonate bottles,” said Sally McCoy, CamelBak CEO. “We’re very happy to be the first company to give consumers an entire line of BPA-Free bottles.”

In the face of environmental concerns, many people have switched to re-usable bottles, although many of these bottles contain BPA and Phthalates. While there is a great degree of conflicting information about the safety of BPA, the consumer demand was enough for CamelBak to develop an alternative. The company challenged its development team to improve its popular line of water bottles used by athletes, outdoorsmen, military personnel and millions of others.

The result is a CamelBak Better Bottle that is BPA/Phthalate-free, allowing people to make an immediate positive impact on the environment while feeling confident that they’re using the best re-usable bottle in the marketplace.

The CamelBak Better Bottle
Launched in 2006, the CamelBak Better Bottle represents a new standard of performance and convenience in re-usable water bottles. Available in fourteen colors in sizes of .5 liter, .75 liter and 1 liter, this innovative product is available with the self-sealing CamelBak Big Bite Valve, which offers easy, spill-proof sipping for active and on-the-go-consumers. The Better Bottle is also available with a Classic Cap in .5 liter, .75 liter, and 1 liter sizes.

The CamelBak Performance Bottle
Launched in 2007, the CamelBak Performance Bottle represents a breakthrough hydration solution for athletes on the go. It features squeezable sides for an adjustable flow rate and the patented Big Bite Valve with positive shut-off technology for leak-proof transport. The Big Bite Valve also allows athletes to drink without lifting their eyes from the road or trail.

The CamelBak Podium Bottle
Launched in 2008, the CamelBak Podium Bottle is designed specifically for cycling and features the high flow rate, self-sealing Jet Valve. Rather than opening and closing a traditional valve, the squeezable Podium Bottle allows immediate and no-look sipping or squirting, and the Jet Valve self-seals to ensure a splatter-free ride.

“According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day,” says Brian Scranton, Director of Marketing at Chaco, “We hope to plant thousands in 2008!”

“The trees planted by Chaco will have an impact on the environment,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees help clean the air we breathe, protect the soil, clean the water millions of Americans drink and help restore wildlife habitat. Chaco’s commitment to plant trees will make a difference for generations to come.”

The Buy One Get One Tree program runs from April 25-27 in Chaco storefront locations and select online retailers such as NRS and Track ‘n Trail. Please visit Chaco at www.chacousa.com to find a participating retailer/dealer closest to you.

Since 1989, Chaco has been designing and producing the finest and best fitting adventure footwear available. Chaco is dedicated to simplicity in its processes and products and achieves this by reducing the number of components to the absolute minimum necessary to create functional, elegant footwear for hiking, trekking or traveling. The National Arbor Day Foundation works to make tree planting and care something nearly everyone can be involved in. The Foundation does so by providing low-cost trees for planting as well as producing high-quality, easy-to-use educational materials for mass-media communication.

“We have always been focused on responding to the needs and concerns of our customers,” said Steven Silverman, general manager of the Nalgene business. “With 10 different product lines in several different materials, we have the largest bottle offering on the market today. By eliminating containers containing BPA from our consumer product mix, our customers can have confidence that their needs are being met.”

The company recently unveiled its Everyday line, an assortment of bottles manufactured with Eastman’s Tritan™ copolyester. The line includes favorites such as the OTG (“On the Go”), the iconic 32-ounce Wide Mouth and the Grip-N-Gulp sippy cup. Tritan is impact resistant, withstands a wide range of temperatures and does not contain BPA. The new Everyday products are already available in stores and will be available through www.nalgene-outdoor.com next month.

To help consumers easily determine the bottle and material that is right for them, Nalgene also recently launched Nalgene Choice, an online information resource at www.nalgenechoice.com. Nalgene Choice provides consumers with information to help them understand the features and benefits of Nalgene’s wide assortment of products and materials. The result – individuals can choose the product that is right for them.

“Today, everyone from hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to commuters and kids on the go are using Nalgene products to reduce the use of disposable bottles and containers,” said Silverman. “Based on all available scientific evidence, we continue to believe that Nalgene products containing BPA are safe for their intended use. However, our customers indicated they preferred BPA-free alternatives and we acted in response to those concerns.”

The theme of this year’s National Park Week is “Kids in Parks.”  About 200 parks will commemorate the 2nd annual Junior Ranger Day on April 26 with plenty of fun-filled activities and special events.  A complete list of National Park Week and Junior Ranger Day activities is available at www.nps.gov/npweek.

“Our country’s national parks provide children with unparalleled opportunities to have fun while learning something new,” said National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar.  “Free blacksmithing classes, fishing lessons, wildlife walks, night star parties, scavenger hunts, and reptile experiences are just a small sampling of Junior Ranger Day activities that will engage children physically, intellectually, and emotionally.”

The “Kids in Parks” theme will continue throughout the year as parks expand and improve youth-oriented ranger programs, educational exhibits, and Junior Ranger activities.  About 300 National Park Service sites have Junior Ranger programs which encourage children to “Explore-Learn-Protect” national parks.  Parks award badges and certificates to those completing the program and sometimes host swearing-in ceremonies.

In addition to seeing the wandering wildlife and spectacular scenery for which national parks are famous, visitors to many parks will find new or remodeled visitor centers, upgraded exhibits, and new uses of technology such as podcasts and cell phone tours.

“I truly hope people will take part in National Park Week activities and continue to visit and enjoy these special places that connect us to our shared heritage and natural treasures,” said Bomar.

National  Park Week Events: www.nps.gov/npweek/sched.htm

Junior Ranger Day Information: www.nps.gov/npweek/junior.htm

From polycarbonate and polyethylene to stainless steel (by Guyot Designs) and Eastman Tritan copolyester, Nalgene Choice showcases the entire Nalgene product line based on the bottles’ intended use, type of material, recycling information, temperature ratings and microwaveability.

The company also unveiled its Everyday line, an assortment of bottles manufactured with Tritan copolyester. The line includes favorites such as the OTG (“On the Go”), the iconic 32-ounce Wide Mouth, and the Grip-N-Gulp sippy cup. Tritan is impact resistant, dishwasher safe and durable. It also withstands a wide range of temperatures and does not contain BPA. The new Everyday product line will be available in stores this week and at www.nalgene-outdoor.com later this spring.

“We’ve never been about one style of bottle or one type of material. We offer more than 8 different product lines in 7 different materials – the largest bottle offering on the market today,” said Eric Hansen, senior marketing manager, Nalgene Outdoor. “Consumers can now use the information available through Nalgene Choice to easily find the perfect bottle that fits their needs, from our classic bottles to the newest Everyday Tritan options.”

More Styles, Sizes and Materials for All Needs
For more than 30 years, Nalgene bottles and containers have been made in the USA, manufactured in Rochester, New York. Nalgene Choice celebrates this heritage and Nalgene’s product development ingenuity by showcasing a wide range of products and materials including six BPA-free bottles, four of which have been in the Nalgene family of products for decades.

“Today, everyone from hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to commuters and kids on-the-go are using Nalgene products to reduce the use of disposable bottles and containers,” said Kerrie Gross, marketing director, Life is good. “Nalgene is the first company to offer a comprehensive resource to help our customers make the best choice for their personal style and hydration needs.”

About Nalgene Choice
At Nalgene, it’s not just about making things; it’s about helping people simplify their lives while being kind to the environment. That’s why Nalgene created reusable containers of all kinds, made from a wide-range of materials to fit your personal choices, needs and lifestyle. So whether you need a virtually indestructible drinking bottle for a backcountry adventure, or you want a clean, green way of storing your dry pasta, Nalgene has a container for you. For more information, visit www.nalgenechoice.com.

While a comprehensive hiking or backpacking list depends on many factors (season, climate, terrain, distance, activities, and personal preference), certain outdoor gear is considered essential whether you’re heading off on an extended backcountry bushwhack or exploring the trails in your local woods.

For safer and more prepared front and backcountry travel, make sure you have the appropriate gear from each of the ten essential systems listed below.

1. Navigation

While the 10 essentials can vary depending on the trip you’re taking and whom you ask, a detailed topographic map and compass have been at the top of the list since its 1930s debut by The Mountaineers club. Now, navigation tools may also include a GPS receiver or altimeter, but those are in addition to a map and compass, which never need batteries and work even in dense tree coverage. Of course, these tools only work if you also have the know-how to use them. Consider signing up for a navigation course.

     Tips:

• Store your topo map in a ziplock or other protective case or waterproof covering.
• A compass with a sighting mirror works as a signaling device in an emergency.
  
  

2. Sun Protection

Sunglasses, sunscreen (for skin and lips), and appropriate clothing is necessary for sun protection year round, but is especially important when on water, ice, snow, and at higher altitudes. The higher you go the more ultraviolet rays you’re exposed to, increasing your risk of serious sunburn and skin damage, including cancer.

Sunglasses protect your corneas from ultraviolet light year round. Sunglasses, glacier glasses, and goggles also can help prevent snow blindness from sunlight reflecting off snow.

Sunscreen should be at least 15 SPF (though 30 is preferable), block UVA and UVB rays, and be applied anytime you go outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply frequently, including lips, particularly if you’re sweaty or wet.

Clothes supply varying degrees of sun protection depending on their material, weave, color, and moisture content (a wet, cotton T-shirt is practically useless). Some clothes are treated to absorb more UV radiation and come with specific UPF ratings, which can be useful for desert hikes and other very sunny treks.

    Tips:

• Carry a backup if you rely on contacts or prescription glasses.
• Carry an extra pair of sunglasses for group outings.
• Fashion emergency eye protection from cardboard or cloth cut with small slits.
• Wear a cap or brimmed hat to shield your face.
• Don’t forget to cover your neck.
  
  

3. Insulation (extra clothing)

You checked the weather forecast before you left the trailhead, right? Even if it calls for clear skies and warm temperatures down below make sure to pack at least an extra layer, usually including wind and/or rain gear. Weather can change quickly, especially above tree line.

What you bring will depend on the season and outing and could range from a raincoat and long underwear tops and bottoms in summer to an extra insulated jacket, pants, gloves, and hat or balaclava in winter. No matter the season, avoid cotton, which loses its insulating value when wet.

Still not sure what to bring? Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills suggests you ask yourself this question: “What is needed to survive the worst conditions that could be realistically encountered on this trip?”

    Tips:

• Extra socks can be used on feet and hands.
• Don’t judge by how you feel hiking uphill; you’ll cool off once you stop moving.
• Anticipate whether you’re likely to warm up or cool down and adjust layers in advance; your clothes will stay drier and your temp better regulated.
  
  

4. Illumination

It was supposed to be a short day hike with you at home before dinner, but somehow you found yourself out after dark. A headlamp or flashlight can make the difference between an inconvenient nighttime walkout and an emergency situation.

Headlamps are widely preferred by backcountry travelers for their hands-free design, compact size, and light weight. Even on short day hikes a light should be carried; small emergency ones can be easily stashed in a pack. Always bring spare bulbs and batteries that fit your model of light.

    Tips:

• A light can be used as an emergency signaling device; some have a strobe option.
• You can carry fewer extras if your light, camera, and/or GPS receiver use the same batteries (just be sure your headlamp and GPS won’t die at the same time).
  
  

5. First-Aid Supplies

First-aid kits range from the basic, suitable to treating blisters and minor cuts on a day hike, to expedition-worthy kits geared toward extended travel and large groups. You can make your own or buy a pre-packaged one, but at a bare minimum you’ll want: bandages in various sizes, gauze pads, disinfectant, over-the-counter pain medication, blister treatment, and any prescription medications.

Any first aid kit is useless without the knowledge to use it. Consider taking a wilderness first aid course and periodically brush up on your skills. Even if you’ve already passed a course, a small first aid guide inside your kit will help you—and your trip partners—deal appropriately with medical emergencies.

     Tips:

• Personalize your first aid kit to the individual medical needs of you and your party.
• Include feminine hygiene supplies if your group includes women.
• Include a pencil and paper.
• Store all first-aid supplies in a waterproof container or pouch.

6. Fire

Being able to start and sustain a fire, even in wet, cold, and windy conditions, is essential. A fire can help prevent hypothermia by providing heat for survival, allow you to make a hot drink, illuminate surroundings, act as a signal, and boost morale. Because fire starting is so important, but can be difficult to do in emergency conditions, especially if you’ve never practiced, you may want to carry more than one type of fire starter for back-up systems.

Windproof pocket lighters are easy to use, but don’t dismiss the value of having waterproof, windproof matches. A fire starter, as the name implies, helps ignite wet wood quickly. You can buy commercial fire starters or make your own from lint or cotton balls soaked with Vaseline. Store any matches and fire starters (even water- or storm-proof ones) in a waterproof container.

    Tips:

• As their name implies, strike-anywhere matches don’t require a special striking surface; safety matches do, limiting their usefulness.
• Don’t rely on flimsy packs of matches.
• Know how to build a sustainable fire beyond the first step of lighting the tinder.
  
  

7. Repair Kit and Tools

A pocket knife or multi-purpose tool can be used to repair broken gear, cut rope, prepare food, remove splinters, assist in first aid, and tackle other unforeseen challenges. Multi-tools include a range of implements beyond a blade—screwdriver, awl, pliers, and scissors—but each tool means more weight. You don’t need three screwdrivers, two wire strippers, and a corkscrew. Choose a multi-tool with a good knife and only the implements you’d reasonably expect to use.

     Tips:

• Wrap duct tape, the all-purpose fixer, around a water bottle.
• Zip-ties are small and light and can be useful for gear repairs.
• A sturdy sewing needle and thread, or even dental floss, can help you repair critical gear in the field.
• Consider carrying a maintenance and/or repair kit for stoves and other gear on longer expeditions.

8. Nutrition (extra food)

Even on day hikes, bring along extra food, like energy bars. That’s in addition to adequate food supplies for your outing. Your group may move slower or eat more than expected. For overnight trips you’ll want an extra day’s worth of food. Extra food should be easy to prepare, store well, and be high energy.

    Tips:

• Hungry people can be cranky people. Don’t skimp on snacks.
• Choose foods you and your partners enjoy.
• Carry out all trash and food scraps.

9. Hydration (extra water)

Carry enough water per person and know where water sources are located on your route. A general rule of thumb is to have 3 to 4 liters (or 1 gallon) of water per person per day. The amount of water needed varies widely though, based on factors like temperature, humidity, and personal fitness and exertion levels.

Water availability is another factor. A water filter, purifier or chemical treatment (like iodine tablets) will allow you to treat water on the trail and carry less on your back. Always treat water, even if it looks clean, unless you want to experience Giardia or other unpleasant bugs.

    Tips:

• Drink your fill and top off water bottles before starting out from the trailhead.
• Leave extra water in the car for your return.
• Monitor hydration through urine output—volume, clarity, and frequency should remain normal. Clear and copious is a good sign.
• On longer, more strenuous hikes and backpacks, sports drinks and gels help replace electrolytes.
• Dry air dehydrates you faster in winter.
• Have a way to melt snow for water in winter conditions.

10. Emergency Shelter

Shelter is a new addition to the classic 10 essentials list and what you carry will depend on the season and conditions. If you’re backpacking, you’ll probably already have a tent, bivy, or tarp, but even on day hikes you need to be able to fashion a shelter from rain, snow, and wind.

Consider carrying an ultralight tarp, emergency blanket, or lightweight emergency bivy sack. In winter conditions, emergency shelter becomes even more important and may mean carrying a four-season bivy or small tent, even on day outings.

    Tips:

• Each person in a large group can carry a heavy-duty plastic trash bag.
• In winter, know how to safely build a snow cave.
  
  

11. Common Sense

You’ve packed up all of your necessary gear, told someone where you were going and when you’d return, and are ready to hit the trail. Don’t forget the most important item of all—your common sense. The most-technical and award-winning gear available won’t keep you safe if you keep climbing into an oncoming thunderstorm or get swept away trying to ford a storm-swollen stream. Respect your limits and abilities—and those of your entire group—and you will come back to enjoy many more outdoor adventures.

Extras

A signaling device, like a whistle or signal mirror, can help rescuers locate you if you get lost or hurt. The better you’re able to make yourself seen or heard, the better your chance that a search and rescue team will find you. Make sure kids know that whistles are for emergencies only.

Don’t depend on a cell phone or other communication device for rescue. However, a cell phone or messenger device, like Spot, may allow you to alert others if you’ll be late or can help search and rescuers locate you. Keep your cell phone off until you need it though, and reserve it for emergencies only.  

Remember the insect repellent.

 
Editor's Note: To learn more about any of these essential systems or for in-depth information on all things mountaineering and backcountry travel, get a copy of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills (now in its 7th edition, 2004), published by The Mountaineers.

“We initiated this program with the Mountain Fund to continue our business goals in community outreach and sustainability, and can accomplish both with the Pass on the Passion program,” said Gareth Martins, director of Marketing for Osprey. “This program offers a wonderful avenue to essentially ‘recycle’ your old pack so that it may get many more years of use out of it and help the organizations and the people involved achieve their community goals and ambitions.”

The Mountain Fund works for mountain communities bringing health care, human rights, responsible tourism and environmental progress. Many of these programs need your old pack, including outdoor experience education programs for kids in Bishkek and outdoor leadership programs for women in Nepal. Once the donated pack is received and determined in good condition, the customer will receive an email detailing how the old pack is getting used, and how to purchase their new pack at the discounted rate.

To download the form to recycle your old pack and read more about the Mountain Fund and the organization that benefit from this program, please visit http://www.ospreypacks.com/OspreyLifestyle/PassonthePassion/

Who Should Attend?
Hikers, skiers, mountain bikers, bird watchers, hunters and anglers, conservationists, USFS and BLM recreation planning personnel.

Why Should I Attend?
We'll discuss managing public lands for the quiet recreation settings and experiences necessary to preserve our traditional American past times of hiking, birdwatching, hunting and fishing and other quiet recreational pursuits. The conference will address how we can protect and enhance the world-class natural settings and recreation heritage contained within our USFS and BLM lands of Idaho, and ensure long term, sustainable access to our public lands.

This exciting conference brings together sportsmen, conservationists, biologists, and other traditional-active recreationists to engage in a positive dialogue with agency staff about how to achieve quiet recreation opportunities in a network of connected, sustainable ecosystems, watersheds and quality wildlife habitat areas.

What is goal of the Quiet Commotion Summit?
The aim is to establish desired backcountry recreation settings that leave behind an untrammeled natural heritage to be enjoyed by future generations.

For more information: www.quietcommotion.org

In pursuit of the Desert Grand Slam, Karnazes, who is currently running the Atacama Desert in Chile (March 30 – April 7), will also run the Gobi Desert in China (June 6 –16), Death Valley in California (July 14 –16), the Sahara Desert in Africa (Oct 24 – Nov 3), and the desolate, arid plateaus of Antarctica (Nov 19 – Dec 5). Races range in format and distance from seven-day, 155-mile runs that require competitors to carry all their own supplies, to a crew-supported traverse of Death Valley in a nonstop, 135-mile push.

As he races across the four deserts of Atacama, Gobi, Sahara and Antarctica, Karnazes is taking part in “4 Deserts,” presented by Racing The Planet, a formal running series that encourages athletes to go beyond their athletic frontiers and explore the limits. The Death Valley crossing consists of Karnazes’ seventh running of the Badwater Ultramarathon (he has completed the race six times, winning it in 2004). “The Badwater Ultramarathon is one of my favorite races, and Death Valley will always be one of the ultimate testing grounds on earth,” says Karnazes.

“The opportunity to run five of the world’s greatest deserts in one year is an incredible experience," says Karnazes.

The Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2008 began Sunday, March 30th, with competitors representing 21 countries. Three competitors will be attempting to be the first to complete the “4 Deserts” in one calendar year: Paul H. Liebenberg, from South Africa, Jimmi Olsen, from Denmark, and Karnazes. "The epic scope of these runs and having three of us vying to do four in one calendar year adds an element of both competition and global camaraderie,” says Karnazes. “I’m honored and humbled to be a part of it.”

The Atacama course began on the edge of San Bartolo at an altitude slightly more than 10,000 feet following an old road that features ancient rock carvings dating back 1000 years. Competitors will pass ancient Incan ruins, narrow slot canyons, and the dreaded salt flats before ending up in the spectacular setting of Valle de la Muerte. The finish will take place in the Town Square of San Pedro de Atacama and the mayor will be present to hand out medals to those determined and fit enough to finish all six stages.

Each of Karnazes’ five desert runs will include its own unique challenges in what Karnazes describes as a “true test of endurance and human spirit.” Temperatures in the Gobi Desert can range from 40C to –20C. Chile’s Atacama Desert is widely agreed to be the driest place on the planet, receiving an average of only 1mm of rain per year. The Death Valley crossing, which covers a wide stretch of the Mojave Desert, begins at 280 feet below sea level, crosses two major mountain passes, and ends at Mount Whitney Portals, 8,360 feet above sea level. Temperatures will likely hover in the 120-degree range during the event.

In 2006 Karnazes completed The North Face Endurance 50, in which he ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days. He is the author of the bestseller “Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All Night Runner,” and the soon to be released (August 18th) “50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days-and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance.”

In an effort to raise global awareness for safe drinking water, The North Face and Dean Karnazes have teamed up with Blue Planet Run Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to raising global awareness about the lack of safe drinking water, and funding working solutions today for the billion plus people living without ready access to this life sustaining resource. For more information, please visit, www.blueplanetrun.org.

For information on and daily dispatches from The North Face Desert Grand Slam: www.thenorthface.com/deserts
For information and details on 4 Deserts: www.4deserts.com
For information on Dean Karnazes: www.ultramarathonman.com

This year’s annual event marks the 70th anniversary of National Wildlife Week. In celebration, people of all ages should get outside and spend time with nature by joining in the Nature Quest Wildlife Watch. Taking part in the Wildlife Watch program is easy and free. Just visit www.nwf.org/watch to download wildlife a watch list for your state, share your sightings online and even talk to other Wildlife Watchers.

“Through National Wildlife Week and the Wildlife Watch, it is easy for people across the country, in all types of communities, to spend time outdoors and develop an appreciation for nature. Watching for wildlife is simple, fun, and builds environmental stewardship,” says Eliza Russell, Director of Education.

National Wildlife Week was first observed in 1938 under the name “National Wildlife Restoration Week”. Past spokespeople of National Wildlife Week include Walt Disney, Shirley Temple, and Robert Redford.

Founded in 1936, National Wildlife Federation’s mission is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. The organization is currently developing programs to counteract nature deficit disorder in children by encouraging parents and other caring adults to help children spend more time outdoors everyday. Learn more at www.nwf.org.

The Primal Quest Sprint Series courses are specifically designed to provide something for every level of adventure racer.  Each race will provide a challenging, well-designed and managed course.  Each course in the series will provide great short duration, high intensity speed training for the elite expedition level racer; challenging race dynamics, skill-specific training and race strategy practice for the intermediate racer; and a great entry-level race for those that are new to the sport of adventure racing.

Race #1 - Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield, Va. - May 10, 2008
Race #2 - Moraine State Park, Pittsburgh, Pa. - Sept. 6, 2008
Race #3 - US National Whitewater Center, Charlotte, N.C. - Oct. 4, 2008
(with more races to be added)

The race course at Pocahontas is based around a “hub” that will serve as the Start, Finish, Run, Bike, & Paddle transitions as well as a central spectator arena so everyone can cheer you on during the Log PT’s and the Climbing Obstacles.  This unique design gives friends, family and spectators an unprecedented amount of time to see their racers during competition.  The design will allow PQSS Pocahontas to be a tremendously exciting venue in which to race, watch and volunteer!

Racers will begin the race with a mass start from the transition area, then continue to one of the following segments:

• 15 - 20 mile bike leg on a combination of single track and rolling fire-roads
• 8 - 9 mile scenic single track trail run over rolling hills (read: challenging elevation gains and loss)
• 4 mile paddle in inflatable 2-person kayaks
• An optional orienteering course
• And before celebrating at the finish line, teams will partake in the infamous Log PT and will then climb up, over, under and through the Climbing Obstacles to the finish.

Post race, each participant will receive a certificate of completion, a finisher’s award and a ceremonial photograph.  Each participant will then be invited to stay and cheer on their fellow competitors, enjoy the camaraderie of the adventure racing family, and have a bite to eat to complete the day.

For more information: www.primalquestsprintseries.com

Ask any number of winter backpackers and climbers what their favorite piece of gear is and they are likely to tell you, 'Sierra Designs Down Booties.' This simple, but indispensable piece of gear has developed a cult following among cold-weather backcountry aficionados.

To celebrate Sierra Designs Booties we will be giving away a pair of their Classic Down Booties every weekday in April. To win, simply upload the best photo of you with any of your Sierra Designs gear or apparel in action onto Sierra Designs' Facebook Page. Hiking, climbing, paddling, slacklining, camping and lounging photos are all eligible – any activity, trip or adventure where any piece of Sierra Designs gear or apparel became your favorite piece of gear.

At the end of April, Sierra Designs will review all of the winners and choose one contestant to win either a men’s Verde 20 or women’s Déjà Vu 20 sleeping bag. Both bags are part of Sierra designs Green Effect Program with 95% recycled content and feature an eco-friendly Cocona liner – creating a more sustainable sleeping bag without sacrificing any performance.

An avid backpacker and athlete, Coupounas founded GoLite in 1998 to help others experience the joy and simplicity of backpacking without unnecessary, overbuilt gear. An expert in ultra light backpacking, Coupounas popularized “alpine style” backpacking in 2004 when he walked the 480+ mile Colorado Trail from Durango to Denver with no re-supply of food or gear and water replenishment only from natural sources.

“Call me a masochist,” says Coupounas, “but I think this trip will be a lot of fun! It will call forth the very best physical, mental and spiritual effort I can put forth, and I am a firm believer that we need to test and measure ourselves on a deep level from time to time.”

Andy Burgess, GoLite Vice President for Product commented, “This is great product field testing – sick, but great! It’s useful to know how both equipment and technical apparel perform when pushed well beyond their design criteria.”
Asked about the seeming contradiction between co-founding a company named “GoLite” and carrying a 120 pound load onto a trail, Coupounas paraphrased Winston Churchill: “Never have so few carried so much to help so many carry so little.”

Coupounas has no idea how far he’ll get claiming “That’s part of the adventure!” but has targeted more than 620 miles, the current distance record. He added, “I’m carrying maps for over 1000 miles and considering that weight is an issue on this trip, it would be tragic to have carried something that far that didn’t get used!”

“Forty Days & Forty Nights” is dedicated to the memory of George Coupounas, Coupounas’ father, who co-founded GoLite with the couple. The trip will highlight the 10th Anniversary of GoLite, which will occur on April 13th, when Coupounas hopes to be closing fast on Damascus, Virginia. For more information, or to follow “Forty Days and Forty Nights”, visit www.golite.com.

The Sprout Award is given to companies that are supporting the environment, or are socially conscious. This can be with the company’s products, manufacturing processes, through education or in other ways. In the March issue, the Sprout is given to Sierra Designs for its Green Effect program, a five-part initiative that includes manufacturing, philanthropy and community outreach.

 The following five steps represent the blueprint for the Green Effect program for Sierra Designs:

1.    Build environmentally friendly products whenever possible
2.    Support environmental programs and organizations
3.    Grow programs that promote sustainable outdoor recreation
4.    Reduce costs and waste
5.    Enhance community involvement through its employees, reps, retailers and consumers

In its efforts to meet all of these goals, Sierra Designs purchases renewable-energy certificates to offset 100 percent of the power spent at its American headquarters and warehouse. Sierra Designs also uses sustainable materials and recently created an in-house Green Team to set and monitor the company’s environmental goals, which includes research into carbon offsets, recycling, green product development, and design parameters for a sustainable office space.

Sierra Designs will enhance its Green Effect program and create a blueprint to build upon its mission of practicing and promoting a harmonious relationship between business and the outdoor world.

Sierra Designs Verde 20

As part of Sierra Designs eco-friendly product development goals, the company is creating flagship pieces that use cutting edge green materials. One example of this, which will be available at retail for fall of 2008, are Sierra Designs’ Verde and Déjà vu sleeping bags, which use a recycled polyester shell fabric, a recycled Cocona liner and Climashield Green recycled synthetic insulation. All told, the bag is made out of 95% eco-friendly materials.

In addition, Sierra Designs’ product development team created the Cyclone Eco Jacket, which uses a recycled polyester face fabric, a solvent-free Drizone waterproof breathable laminate, and PVC-free seam tape.

Sierra Designs Deja Vu 20

The process doesn’t stop with a few flagship pieces. The designers then take what they learned from these pieces and apply that knowledge to other products where relevant. Because of their work on the Verde and Déjà vu sleeping bags and the Cyclone Eco Jacket, Sierra Designs was also able to create eco-friendly synthetic insulated jackets, like the Lava and Chockstone, thanks to their research into solvent free membranes and the use of Primaloft Eco.

Research into other sustainable materials has allowed Sierra Designs to incorporate innovations like the PVC-free seam tape into their apparel, tents and sleeping bags. Sierra Designs is also using Dye-Free Optic White Canopies in their tents. This greatly reduces the amount of water and eliminates harsh synthetic dyes in the production of the tent’s canopy. This feature and other eco-friendly materials like DAC NSL Featherlight Poles are available in many of Sierra Designs’ tents this year.

In addition to its green materials, products and service practices, Sierra Designs partnered with several organizations dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. Such partners include: 3 Phases Energy Services, Green Steps, Outdoor Retailer, Conservation Alliance, and the American Mountain Guides Association to name a few. Most recently, Sierra Designs has signed on with Native Energy to both reduce CO2 emissions and help build sustainable economies for communities in need.

Twice as efficient as average backcountry stoves, all EtaPower stoves utilize up to 80% of the heat generated when cooking. To compensate for the lost 20%, Primus forged a partnership with international carbon offset group BaumInvest and purchased carbon offsets for every EtaPower MultiFuel stove sold. Starting in 2008, the award-winning Primus EtaPower EasyFuel and EtaExpress stoves will join the EtaPower MultiFuel in the offset program.

“A camp stove is an essential piece of equipment for any outdoor enthusiast, and we have been working to make the EtaPower line of stoves as low impact as possible,” said John Smithbaker, president of North American Gear, U.S. importer of Primus. “Until the day when we can create a 100% efficient stove, offsetting the small amount of unused fuel is the most environmentally responsible action we can take.”

Primus EtaPower stoves utilize a proprietary heat exchanger system to achieve such a high level of fuel efficiency. Standard equipment on all EtaPower systems, the heat exchanger doubles fuel efficiency when compared to the average stove, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to pack half as much fuel into the backcountry while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The partnership between Primus and the German-based BaumInvest will fund an ecologically sound and socially responsible reforestation project in Costa Rica. In addition to planting over 1,100 acres of Teak and other native hardwoods, BaumInvest is also working with local farmers to develop sustainable agricultural practices and helping to maintain a bio-diverse nature preserve.

Primus is a Swedish innovator of multi-fuel and hyper-efficient camp stoves, lanterns, cookware and headlamps. Imported to the United States by North American Gear, Primus has been outfitting worldwide wilderness expeditions for over 100 years and continues to innovate and develop some of the finest outdoor gear available.

ABOUT PRIMUS: An outdoor gear innovator for more than 100 years, Primus creates premium backcountry equipment for true outdoor enthusiasts. The Primus collection includes stoves, lanterns, cookware and headlamps.