Midwest Mountaineering's Outdoor Adventure Expo

The Midwest's preeminent outdoors gear shop is hosting their winter weekend wonderland.  If you like to play outside, you need to check this out.  Sales in the store and tents out back stuffed with manufacturer and destination booths, you can't help but lose track of time.

I have to admit that this kinda' snuck up on me this year, but there is still plenty of time to check it out for yourself.  Yet tonight you can take in the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour presentation.  Tomorrow from 11:00am to 5:00pm you can meet reps from companies like: Duluth Pack, Granite Gear, Cooke Custom Sewing and Cashe Lake Camping Food.  You can also chat with outfitters and resorts like: Bear Skin Lodge, Lutsen Mountain Resort and Border Lakes Outfitters.

Check out their list of presentations going on throughout the day.  Don't be afraid to bring the kids.

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Keen Obsidian WP - Stealthy Rugged

It's official.  The snow has arrived here in the Great White North and that means a footwear upgrade.  I am looking for a number of traits in a pair of winter shoes.  The Keen Obsidian WP covers all the bases.  

They are warm and dry thanks to the KeenDry lining and waterproof seamlessly constructed outer.  Whether hiking a trail or shoveling the walk, the grippy tri-density footbed keeps you firmly planted. 

Super easy to keep clean and looking good, these shoes go from the slush and slop to a night out in about 30 seconds.  Just wipe the off with a damp rag and they're good as new. 

The asymetrical lacing system is more than just a design element.  The angle seems to provide a more adjustable fit and eliminates the pinch across the top of your foot found in most traditional lace designs.  The heel and toe are protected from gnarly trails by stone bruising plates.  These light waterproof hikers are yet another great addition to the Keen line-up.

MSRP: $125.00

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Mountain Khaki & Steamboat Resort Sweepstakes

Check out the sweet setup going to the winner...

Grand Prize Winner plus a Guest receive a 5-day/4-night stay at the Steamboat Resorts + Ski Vacation!

• Steamboat Resorts®: (1) room for (4) nights (based on double occupancy), (2) 3-Day lift tickets, (2) 3-Day ski/snowboard rental packages
• Mountain Khakis®: (4) MK pants of choice, (2) MK belts of choice, (2) MK hat or visor of choice, (2) MK T-Shirts of choice
• Smartwool®: (2) Head-to-toe outfits
• Dragon® Optics: (2) Pairs Rogue™ Signature Series goggles, (2) Pairs The Jam™ sunglasses
• Ariat®: (2) Pairs Boots of choice up to $300 each
• Backcountry Magazine™ (BCM): (2) Pairs G3 skis with custom BCM graphics available in 2011, (2) Annual BCM subscriptions, (2) BCM beanies
• Genuine Guide Gear® (G3®): (2) Bindings of choice
• The Sweetwater Grill: Dinner for (2) up to $150

Sign-Up Here

Sweepstakes Package Value $7,940

*   Sweepstakes ends at 11:59:59 pm EST on January 17, 2011.

** Winner & Guest pay any/all travel expenses and make their own arrangements

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prAna – Sutra Pants

Nearly 20 years ago prAna set out to make clothing that worked for both climbing and yoga. What they found was that their goods worked for a wider range of activities than they originally thought. With a natural feel and global style their clothes are as at home on the street as they are in the yoga studio.

The Sutra Pants epitomize the prAna brand. They are incredibly comfortable, easy to move in and loaded with plenty of style. These 53% hemp – 44% recycled polyester – 3% lycra pants, which wore like linen without the wrinkles, were the basis for my lounging attire for the bulk of the summer. A drawstring waist, 1 back and 2 front pockets and that’s it. No unnecessary frills.

As the temperatures here in the frozen tundra of the north drop, the Sutras will have to spend more time in the closet. I will, however, pack them first when the time comes to escape the snow. Throw in a few t-shirts and my flip-flops and I’ll be good to go.

MSRP: $64.00

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