In the February 2009 issue of Outside Magazine, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance was selected as one of The 100 Best Adventure Websites by Outside’s Editors.  Alongside other top retail sites, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is noted for Outside’s readers being able to buy new gear and support local retailers while traveling or at home.

Dave Matz, President of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance said of the highlight, “it is great to see us mentioned in a consumer magazine alongside top national retailers.  Consumers shop in a variety of ways, and we commend Outside for drawing a focus on local retail.”

The February issue hit newsstands this month, right in the middle of the winter retail season and leading into the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.  Twice each year, outdoor retailers, gear manufacturers and adventure athletes descend upon Salt Lake City, UT to showcase the outdoor industry’s latest products and innovations.  At this year’s Winter Market, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Retail Members will bring over 100 gear buyers to the show.  Grassroots Outdoor Alliance represents a cross section of Independent Outdoor Retailers from across 22 states and highlights the best in class of local outdoor retailers from around the country.  

Receiving a mention in Outside Magazine supports the importance of local retail and the fundamentals that the organization represents.  To see the original context of the listing, see the image below.  For the full list, head to your local news stand or sign up for the digital edition from Outside Magazine.

 

 

Tags: Magazine

The Ouray Ice Festival, held January 9 - 11, 2009, is an international gathering of ice climbers, gear manufacturing exhibitors, and ice climbing voyeurs simply thrilled to watch at a safe distance from the precipitous edges. The festival was first held in January of 1996 and promoted by ice climbing pioneer Jeff Lowe. In 2001 Lowe sold the Ouray Ice Festival to Ouray Ice Park Inc. (the local non-profit group that runs the ice park). The festival is now recognized as the premier international gathering of its kind.

 

 

 

Friends and Vendor Members of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Sponsoring the Ouray Ice Festival include:

Access Fund

Asolo

La Sportiva

Lowa Boots

Marmot

Mountain Hardwear

Optic Nerve

Outdoor Research

Patagonia

Rock and Ice Magazine

Smith Sports

Sterling Ropes

Vasque

This year the Grassroots Gear Closet included some great items from all of our Vendor Partners.  Throughout the year, we tested gear in all sorts of fun locations around Western North Carolina and beyond.  Here are some of our favorites in no particular order!

Outdoor Research Credo Jacket - MSRP: $165.00 USD

The Credo is a light weight softshell with micro fleece lining that is great in the moderate fall/winter conditions here in Asheville.  It stretches and moves well with your activities (especially bouldering) and is fashionable to wear around town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOWA Tibet GTX - MSRP $290.00

This is a great backpacking/heavy load boot that gets the job done.  Grassroots President Dave Matz says,“these are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn.” These long haul boots were tested in the Grand Canyon as well as the Pisgah National Forest.

 

 

 

 

 

Smartwool PhD Line of Socks

Earlier this year, Smartwool introduced the new PhD line of socks.  These follow in the line of great fitting socks from the industry leader in wool technology.  The PhD’s we sampled this year were among the office gear favorites and rarely leave our feet, save an occasional washing.  Great fit, warmth and wicking combine for a sock you can wear all day in the office or out playing in the woods!

 

 

 

 

Patagonia Ladies Down Sweater Vest - MSRP $150.00

The Sweater Vest is an item that we picked up for those cold days to keep the core nice and toasty.  It is extremely packable and lightweight.  It is a  winter staple, and will be on our backs for days to come!

 

 

 

 

 

Marmot Reactor Fleece - MSRP $75.00

This fleece is the most comfortable insulating piece we have tested.  It fits like a glove and is not too bulky to go under shells or to wear a nice sweater underneath.  The full zip is comfortable on the neck all the way zipped, and the fleece cover over the zipper saves the inevitable pull of the beard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain Hardwear Mountain Lifestyle Apparel

Mountain Hardwear is known for their Innovative and tough mountain performance gear; including durable winter shells, and gloves as well as tents and sleeping bags. Some of our favorites this year were from the Mountain Lifestyle lines which were all very comfortable clothing that suited us from Spring to Fall.

 

 

 

 

 

Smith Shoreline Sunglasses - MSRP $139.00

For looking cool and protecting your eyes, Smith Optics cannot be beat.  Lightweight, comfortable and very fashionable, Smith’s are always protecting our eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sweet sunny south. This year our Office Manager Hope Buttitta has worn her Shorelines everyday since getting them back in the Spring.  She says “I needed a pair of sunglasses that protected my eyes and looked good no matter where I am.  These look great in the woods or in town.”

 

 

 

 

Smartwool Baby Booties - MSRP $16.05

Smartwool made the list twice due to making a new parent’s best friend, socks that stay on the kiddo’s feet. Marketing Manager Tyler Donaldson welcomed a new little one to the team this summer (during Summer OR) and Smartwool Booties have graced the little one’s feet ever since. “We keep trying other socks in our closet, but these just stay on.” Every bit a Smartwool product, the Booties are warm and fuzzy and just too darn cute!

Thanks to all of our Vendors and Retailers!  2008 was a great year for product and service.  We look forward to a great New Year in 2009!