I’ve tried space heaters near my desk, but they tend to make either my feet or face uncomfortably warm, depending on where I position them, leaving the rest of me cold. I’ve tried sweatshirts, bathrobes, turtlenecks, bulky scratchy wool sweaters, but while some of these worked to warm me up, they left me feeling less than professional. Maybe it’s just me, but I have a hard time staying in work mode if I’ve got something on that I wouldn’t wear to even the most casual workplace. (Those Snuggie things? Not going there.) And while coats and parkas leave me toasty, they conjure up that “I’m about to leave now” feeling, which affects my concentration.

Short of investing in a new, more energy-efficient heating system or moving to South Florida, I was at a loss for a solution. When I discovered my husband’s down vest, I thought I’d found it. The only problem was that the down made me too warm; when I shed the vest, I was cold again in an hour, and the cycle went on and on. I was like Goldilocks, only I couldn’t find something “just right.”

Not long ago, I finally found what I’m optimistic is the answer to my cold-natured prayers: a SmartWool sport-knit zippered cardigan in a gorgeous espresso brown. This sweater isn’t even available yet—it’s due to roll out in the fall of 2012—but thanks to the friendly folks at Outdoor Sports Marketing I’m getting to beta test one. Like all merino wool garments, it’s soft and sleek, so the finish is very professional looking. The cut of this particular sweater is also feminine and wouldn’t look out of place in an office. Of course, it’s super-warm without making me roast like down does. Worn over a turtleneck, it’s all I need to be both warm and comfortable. I can honestly say my productivity in my chilly little basement office has gone up since I started wearing this sweater!

Suzanne M. Wood, a freelance writer in Raleigh, NC, is married to Scott Wood, a buyer at the Great Outdoor Provision Co.

“Vasque Mindbenders should be renamed Mind Blowers!

My first run in them was a 32 mile technical trail run over very rough terrain.  It was 49 degrees and raining the entire 8 hour run.  I crossed several rivers and climbed 9,000 feet.  Needless to say, I was extremely nervous about how my feet would hold up.

I am thankful to say the shoes exceeded my expectations.  They are light, very stable and responsive.  However, the stability is not synonymous with stiff when it comes to the Mindbender.  It is surprisingly flexible.  The low, flat (heel to toe) midsole discourages heavy heel striking and in my opinion improves the stability.

I am happy to report that my feet have no blisters (despite being wet for 8 hours), all toenails still attached, and no leg pain.  In summary this shoe has it all: stability, speed, protection and comfort!”

More info on Vasque Trail Runners can be found here or by contacting your OSM Sales Rep.

The five man crew during Saturday's rain-soaked trail run from Jones Gap to Table Rock.

Shipping fuel canisters via small package carriers like UPS and Fed-ex means you will pay a $25.00 per case hazmat fee. Avoid paying this cost.

If you buy 3 cases or more at one time, we can ship freight at a lower cost than going with individual cases via UPS/Fed-ex. A case consists of (24) canisters. Additionally, if you include other CDI products with your fuel purchase we can ship LTL freight and further reduce overall shipping costs. Here are the details on LTL Freight shipping…

Ship via LTL:

• No per case-pack charge like UPS/Fed-ex.
• Freight includes hazmat fees.

Consolidate your needs:

• Order three cases or more to offset fees vs small package carriers.
• Add other Cascade Designs products to your fuel canister order.
  • Up to 155lbs will have same freight cost for an East Coast shipment.

Stocking MSR Isopro fuel is an important, value-added service to your customers. Buying in bulk and shipping via LTL freight will also ensure our fuel is not only your best performing canister fuel, but also your most profitable.

MSR added three new stoves this year to our fast-growing canister fuel category. Contact your Sales Rep to learn more about the new MicroRocket, WindPro II, and WhisperLite Universal (2012 Backpacker Editor’s Choice Award), which are quickly building upon our success with industry favorites in the PocketRocket, Reactor, and Superfly.

As you consider your fuel and stove needs, please keep in mind Fall 12 Preseason deadlines are approaching for the best possible discounts and dating.

As I ran in 20 degree temps on a dark Wednesday morning, I realized how much I appreciate and take for granted SmartWool’s features and fabric. My morning runs have gotten easier thanks to SmartWool. The temperature management capabilities and athletic fit mean I can wear less layers and be more comfortable, focusing on my run, not on my clothes.

Off shoulder seams, flat lock stitching, athletic cut, various weight options, cord holes for headphones, thumb holes… it all adds up to a thoughtful garment I don’t actually have to think about!

SmartWool’s New Zealand sheep deserve much of the credit as well. Merino Wool’s natural temperature regulation keep me comfortable at the start of the run when I am most cold, but then allows moisture to escape in the vapor state to keep me dry as I heat up towards the end of my run. Less sweating combined with wool’s anti-odor properties means SmartWool stays cleaner and fresher longer than any synthetic fiber. So my shirt, jacket, hat, and gloves are all ready for the next run.

My favorite layering combinations:

Sub-50 degrees. I grab a microweight tee and arm warmers. You should be set.

Sub-40 degrees. Pull on some tights, training gloves, training beanie, and a lightweight zip tee. About 20 mins in, pull the zip and run harder.

Sub-25 degrees. Tights, gloves, a cuffed beanie, and a microweight tee topped with a TML Midweight zip. A combination that will make all your cold, clammy running friends jealous!

Sub-15 degrees. What New Year’s Resolution? I didn’t have any New Years Resolutions…

No matter the weather or your next activity, put on a layer of SmartWool to appreciate a comfortable, hard-working fabric, fashionable design, and a piece of apparel made with purpose.

Travis sporting SmartWool during his fly fishing trip to Pisgah last week.

Well, recently I made up a batch of Papa Cooke’s Chicken Soup and heated up a bowl or two after a nice trip down the river with friends.

- Spencer Cooke, Effort Inc.

Chris Gallaway and Ray Cotton run a rapid that is very transit.

Ray Cotton, good friend. In Ray's career-paddling days everyone knew him as "Bubba" and he was regularly seen in kayak films and publications. Now he is regularly seen at Michelin where he is a test driver and engineer. And sometimes he is still seen in kayak films.

Sky, water, rock.

Chris Gallaway of Horizonline Pictures drives off the lip of a nice waterfall.

Chris Gallaway has the pleasure of stirring Papa Cooke's Chicken Soup, just before having the pleasure of eating Papa Cooke's Chicken Soup.

Myself, about to enjoy my very own Papa Cooke's Chicken Soup

We wanted to take this opportunity to share a photo journal and some notes about a recent event where OSM played a very large role.  If you were not aware, the East Coast of the United States, more specifically the Outer Banks of North Carolina was the location of the Valley Kayaks Presents: 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking.  A beautiful venue, Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, hosted 100 of the world’s premiere surf kayakers from nations such as Australia, Japan, England, Portugal, Basque Country, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Canada, Argentina, Italy and more.

So where does OSM fit in at the world’s biggest surf kayak competition?  It’s hard to miss if you check out the photos.  Apart from our connection with retail partners and event co-sponsors, Kitty Hawk Kites and Savannah Canoe & Kayak, our vendors came to bat to help make competitors more at home on the NC coast and enjoy a safe and fun time on and off the beach.

Tent city is built with two parts Osprey, one part SmartWool and one part blue giant with Jackson Kayak banner...

Each competitor was provided some beach essentials from Cascade Designs. Here, event organizer, Joey Hall updates the website from the beach while protecting his smartphone with the e-Case.

Darren Bason from Team England speeds out of a bottom turn in front of Jennette's Pier and one of its iconic wind turbines. The brand new pier is actually up to spec for LEED certification with it's three wind turbines that offset up to $850 worth of electricity per month. The pier also uses reclaimed water in the restroom facilities and keeps recycling bins at easy access points all over and around the pier.

Volunteers from different countries helped stuff the competitor packets, which were all nicely arranged in Osprey's reusable grocery bags.

Competitor packets included an MSR Spork, Plate and Coffee Cup, a Platypus Water Bottle, Seal Line E-Case, Waboba Ball, Shred Ready Laniard with event pass, and a coupon from Kitty Hawk Surf Company. Fancy.

Dan Crandall (pictured left, red hair, viking figure) from the USA West team poses as a bouncer while KC, Shari and Caroline set up for competitor checkin under the SmartWool tent.

Left to right: volunteers, Caroline, Shari and KC (of osm fame), ran the competitor checkin.

US West Coast Champion and Valley Surf Kayak team member, Galen Licht, shows off his Osprey bag and his Valley Rush.

Nigel Law, US East competitor and owner of Savannah Canoe & Kayak, screams down a steeeep left off of Jennette's Pier. - photo Lynn Usher

Wave, beach, kayaks, competitors, spectators, SmartWool, Osprey. Aaaand scene.

Competition central aside Jennette's Pier

KC and SmartWool held an event called Perfect Pair after the opening ceremony. Here KC poses between a pair from England and Canada. Who would have thought they would be perfect for each other? SmartWool apparently...

The way it works is that everyone gets a sticker with a number on it, as featured, and you have to find the other person at the event with the same number. If successful you each win a pair of SmartWool socks. Good fun and a reason to socialize and make some new friends.

Competitors were able to get plenty of practice rides before the competition. - Photo Russ Buskirk

Going back and looking at all the photos, the MSR Tent seemed omnipresent. This is where the beach marshall distributed colored bibs to the competitors prior to competition heats.

Event volunteers, KC and Al, taking a break on the sand.

Edu Etxeberria of Basque Country suits up beside the Osprey tent. Edu became the 2011 World Champion in the long boat division.

Edu Etxeberria of Basque Country finds the sky in a practice ride before the competition.

On October 2nd conditions a mighty beautiful swell arrived, as did some cool weather. Nigel Law of Savannah Canoe & Kayak checking out monster surf from Jennette's Pier.

US East Coast Team Member and two-time World Bronze Medalist, Lindsay Usher bombs straight toward the pier.

Event headquarters with the pier, wind turbines and perfect surf in the background.

Soundtrack by Small Brown Bike from the album Fell and Found.  The song is called “All of us” and it can be found at No Idea Records.

Our second night in Pisgah we loaded everyone up in school buses and mass transported the OSM Invitational to the Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville NC.  The brewery is next door to the OSM showroom (showroom video here) on Locust Street, which some of you may already be familiar with.  The night at the brewery was not only an enjoyable gathering of our friends but also presented a unique learning opportunity and a time to relax.

More brewery photos are available at the OSM Facebook page. Please visit and tag yourself or your friends.

Everyone enjoys a good game of throw-two-balls-tied-to-a-string-at-the-red-white-and-blue-bars. They have that game at the Southern Appalachian Brewery. These two inmates appeared to have a great time in the prison yard.

Tony from The Mann Group gave an inspiring and interactive talk to everyone at the brewery.

The Oatmeal Conspiracy, indie rock from Raleigh NC, entertained for the rest of the evening.

Pertinent Links:
The Oatmeal Conspiracy http://theoatmealconspiracy.com/
The Mann Group http://www.manngroup.net/
OSM Showroom http://www.outdoorsportsmarketing.com/site/about/
Southern Appalachian Brewery http://www.acbrewery.com/

- photos by Spencer Cooke of Effort Inc and Chris Gallaway of Horizonline Pictures.