Sherpa Christmas

Because Christmas is all about the gifts right? Right... so here is the list of items I've put on my Christmas list this year and how your outdoor pursuits could also benefit from choosing wisely. Keep in mind, it's not always all about running, this years list echoes those sentiments as I look to strengthen my outdoor horizons. It's so much more fun with the right gear.

Garmont Momentum Snow GTX Winter Boots
Garmont's Momentum hiking boot is a lightweight design built for wintery weather. The roomy toe box provides space for thick socks, while Gore-Tex lining wards off water and 400-gram Thinsulate keeps you warm in sub-zero temperatures. This boot also includes specialized lacing to accommodate snowshoe bindings, and a D-ring for attaching a gaiter. Garmont's G-Grip dual-density outsole features soft, textured lugs that remain pliable for reliable traction no matter how cold it gets. The upper is abrasion resistant suede with mesh to allow foot cooling airflow through the waterproof membrane TPU spine cushions and stabilizes in the mid and rear while flexing easily in the front Vibram TSO sole wears hard and aggressive lugs maintain traction on everything from steep climbs to off camber corners.

Hey... No more Plastic boots! YEE HAW!

Salewa Firetail GTX Hiking Shoe
The Salewa Men's Firetail GTX Hiking Shoe represents an evolutionary step forward, the missing link between a technical approach shoe and a lightweight trail runner. Specially-designed Vibram outsoles, climbing lacing, protective rands, and a customizable fit enable the state-of-the-art Firetail to handle approaches and descents on the most technical trails with ease and, thanks to the Gore-Tex insert, in any weather. They weigh 15 oz. and are lined with micro-fiber. Hot Damn!

Petzl Gri Gri
The Petzl Grigri Belay Device's self-locking system has made it a staple item at sport crags from Smith to Rifle to the Ceuse. Its internal cam locks when a sharp pull occurs to help you catch your partner's monster whipper when he skips one clip and botches the next. It also makes it much more comfortable to hold tension while he hangs and works out the moves. Aid climbers love the Grigri for belaying long A4 leads. The Petzl Grigri Belay Device's lever releases the cam to allow smooth lower. It's 7.8 oz and auto-locking with a 3 year warranty.

Petzl Ecrin Rock Helmet
Shock from falling debris will by absorbed by the durable polycarbonate shell. Keep your cool with the 14 ventilation holes while your is cushioned by the 2 foam headbands. Adjust the headband fit with the adjustment wheel while you adjust the position of the strap at the nape of the neck with a second adjustment wheel

Specifications: Weight: 156 ounces

Head circumference: 21-25 inches


Flip Video
If you don't have one of these yet, get one. The 8GB model comes with image stabilization and 2 hours of recording time and battery life. This camera is the size of a smartphone and fits comfortably in any pocket. They're customizable and come with editing software all ready loaded onto it. Check them out here!

Races
Want to spend your money on quality races. Here are a few amazing options I highly recommend.
50K = Pineland Farms in New Glouchester, ME
50 Mile = Grand Teton Races in Alta, WY
100K = Laurel Highlands in Penn
100 Miles = Spend it on The BEAR!