THEY'RE HERE!! The North Face has arrived!

 Any have you been coming into the shop and asking "WHERE'S THE NORTHFACE!?" Well folks, it's here and we've got plenty of gorgeous styles for ladies and some fly lookin mountain styles for men. Let's not forget about the kiddos, keep them toasty in some great two piece insulated suits! Have a look at what we brought in. But remember, come and get em' fast because Old Man Winter waits for no one!

Miss Metro Parka

Keats Down Delux

Thermoball Full Zip *available in womens*

Seaworth Jacket

Toddler Girls Chimmy Jacket

Toddler Boys Geo Block Jacket

This is just a taste of what we've got in. Come check out all the jackets and their features and fits before they're gone! 

The S Word...

It's almost time. Almost time to whip out the balaclavas, mitts and of course, your hardware of choice. Coming to Freddy just in time to stoke you up before the white drops, is a film by the same creators as the award winning All.I.Can. is "Into the Mind" by Sherpa Cinemas. 

On November 15th, the UNB Ski & Board Club has rented out the Cellar Pub on UNB Campus to screen a film that takes you inside the mental processes of what it takes to drop down big lines in the Himalayas, Alaska and more. Stunning visuals of crisp white peaks and HUGE bails will leave your jaw on the floor (though the beer might play a role in that too). Watch these athletes risk their lives for the thrills of the mountain and get inspired for the upcoming ski season!

Get your tickets now through Radical Edge, Picaroons Brewtique or through any member of the Ski & Board club. $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
Check the trailer out below. 

Pray.For.Snow.

Buying via Buyers Guides

I love getting mail. There is nothing more exciting than opening the mailbox and seeing something that is not a a Rogers bill telling me I've used up my all my MBs watching gear review videos. But even more than getting mail, it's like Christmas getting the Outside Buyers Guide and the Backpacker's Gear Guide twice a year. What is the best of the best? What is the best value? What do I need to save my hard earned dollars for this year? Then I think...are these buyers guides an accurate appraisal of the best of the best on the market, or is it all rigged? To be honest, I'm not sure but I think it is a little bit from column A and a little from column B. Regardless I like to know what's up and coming and I can always make an excuse for replacing gear. 

The great thing about these issues are the first few pages of the 'zine showing tiny little thumbnails of the gear-testers doing something outdoors-y, so you know they've got street cred (or trail cred?). They have a little blurb underneath saying what their area of expertise is so you feel like you can really trust these people as the best person possible for the job. Though, many of these gear testers haven't lived a full winter on Canada's East Coast. 

I 'll have your best ice chisel, please!

When it comes to picking the test gear obviously the top name brands in the industry will be considered; like Merrell, Osprey, Wilderness Systems, Suunto...etc. BUT it's also where the small businesses try to break through. I've got lots of love for the little guys; especially going up against big names like TNF and Arcteryx. There is nothing I love more than someone taking the chance on testing a pack in the field that very few people have heard of; it could fail horribly or be the next big thing. That is why it is so important for consumer feedback after roughing up some gear for an extended period of time!

Our UTMB Hero's Shoe of Choice. 

As a consumer, I love reading the gear guides because I like to hear what people say about certain products; Its the same reason I love having long conversations in the shop about what you wore on your feet when you hiked the Footpath, or on what stove you cooked your Backpackers Pantry? Based on reviews - am I going to buy that? But when it comes down to it, we're all different people. When I strike up a conversation with someone, we have a different build, possibly a different gender and different things that annoy us. A pack that fits you perfectly might not fit me. I might love flick locks on poles and you might like twist locks. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a consensus on a lot of products and that is the gear you know is done right, but when it comes down to it, the Gear Guides and Buyers Guides are a great stepping stone to buying the right gear for you but are not the be all end all to what you need to buy this season.

So here are some Radical Edge In-Store Staff Picks for this upcoming Season that we think are must-haves!

Head-To-Toe:
Insulating Midlayer Down: Westcomb Cayoosh Hoody

Insulating Midlayer Synthetic: Arcteryx Atom LT Jacket

All In One Winter Jacket: The North Face Plasma Thermal

Multi-day Hiking Boots: Salewa Alp Trainer Mid 

Gear: 
Sleeping Bag: Sea To Summit Talus III

Sleeping Pad: Thermarest XTherm

Headlamp: Petzl Tikka RXP

Winter Stove: MSR Reactor

Happy Dreaming!
Let us know what you've used that you've either loved or hated. We love the feedback. As always, you can upload gear reviews to any of the products you find on www.radicaledge.ca!

Gone Hikin'

Hi Everyone,
Sorry it has been such a long time since we've posted on the blog. We've been lubing our chains, repairing our packs and resoling our shoes in prep for the gorgeous fall we have ahead of us.
We've been working hard to make sure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to easily get outside and explore; let us tell you how...

This year, we've teamed up with some of our best selling brands in packs, sleeping bags and other gadgety must-haves and have created a gear rental program where you can get a full backpacking hookup for a sweet deal.

The top of the stairs is the limit! Then, more stairs! Then, Everest!

When it comes to rental gear we know that stuff is going to be put through the ringer, and that is why we carefully tested products before coming to our decisions on the best gear for the job. None of this no-name, heavy but flimsy stuff; you're getting the cream of the crops my friends!

First up, everyone needs something to sleep under, and up for rent is the Marmot Limelight 2 & 3 tent. This tent boasts extreme durability, three season warmth and is extremely packable weighing in at 5lbs max for the 2 person and 6lbs 11oz for the 3 man. This tent is great for family camping or splitting the load between a group. No worries about getting wet either because this thing is rain proof at 3000mm PU. So go ahead, pitch it and see for yourself. Marmot Limelight 2 or 3 Weekend rental = $30.00

Marmot Limelight 2s in action. 

With those tents in tow, you'll probably want something pretty sturdy on your back to carry it. For that, we are sending you out with the Osprey Volt 60/Viva 50. Now this pack may be new, but it is already legendary for comfort. In the shop we fit tons of people for backpacks and the Volt/Viva turn up winners 8/10 times. Though this pack is the entry level for Osprey, and their first fully adjustable torso system, it fits like a dream. Set it exactly to your size and away you go on another adventure - just don't forget the Clif Bars! Wash those bars down with a 2 litre hydration reservoir which sits in an a dedicated outer compartment on the pack. The drinking tube has a handy little magnetic sternum strap so it is always close by for quick gulps. Osprey Volt/Viva Weekend Rate = $25

Once you've spotted a good camp and have set up the tent, you'll need a place to rest your head. Cozy up in either the Klymit Static V or the Inertia X Frame for an ultralite option. Both sleeping pads weigh in at under 20oz and pack down to almost the size of a pop can. Talk about a space saver! We've raved about the Inertia for a few seasons now and it is a great option for the ultra light thru hiker or even if you want that extra bit of cushion on top of your existing pad. Static V/Inertia Weekend Rate = $14

Despite your sleeping pad choice, there is no comfier way to camp than in a Sea To Summit Trek I DryDown Sleeping Bag. Light as a feather, stiff as a......no wait. This thing is ultra comfy! Let the 650+ treated down surround you and keep you toasty right down to 0 degrees. Pack it up in the morning and you won't even feel 2 pounds on your bag (1lbs 13oz for those counting) and it compresses down to an XS Ultra-Sil Sea To Summit Stuff Sack! Weekend Rate= $18

Now we'll hook you up with more than just that! We have water filters, camp stoves and kitchen essentials all packed and ready for you to take it into the wild. With all that awesome gear, don't ya just want to hit the trails? 

Weekend Gear Rate =$ 87.00

Actual Price in Fun Dollars = $0

Check out www.radicaledge.ca for more information on gear reservations and prices. 

I Am Ambit.

I am not an adventure racer.  I am not in the military.  I am not training for a marathon, but I still LOVE MY AMBIT; let me tell you why. 

This isn’t a tool I only wear when going for a hike, run or cycle.  This is my everyday watch.  Unlike a lot of GPS enabled sport watches, the battery holds a charge long enough that I only need to plug it in to my computer once a week.  Even then it is not drained of battery.  I can hear you right now, “You know Brian, $12 Timex’s don’t ever need to be plugged in to your computer, what’s the big deal?”  Fair enough, person I created for this paragraph, let me answer your question. 

I may not be a diehard adventure racer, geo-cacher or marathoner, but I am a fairly dedicated trail runner and hiker and all around gear geek.  The Ambit scratches all of these itches.  The setup and interface on the watch is easy to scroll through and explore: after five minutes of out of the box tinkering, I already knew how to set it up to map my run and toggle between the different information it is acquiring as I go.  So that’s exactly what I did, I went.

Most other fang-dangled watches would make me do this. Not the Ambit.

At the trail head I clicked the AMBIT to the exercise screen where my options were as follows: running, skiing, trail running, trekking, cycling, indoor training, mountaineering or other sports.  Each setting has different specs and offer different readings intuitive of what someone would want to keep track of while doing their particular activity.  So I clicked trail running and hopped into the woods. 

The satellite picked up in a matter of seconds and was ready to go.  I have used this thing in some really thick and dense woods and have never once lost a signal.  I didn’t know how much I would like my distances, ascension, speed and time being meticulously gauged as I was trying to relax and run.  Would I focus too much on the watch and not enough on the run?  As I got a few kilometers into my run I realized that I was really interested in what was going on, on my wrist, but it enhanced the experience.    

Knowing how far I had gone, or how high a hill I had just grunted up, having immediate access to that info made me want to push my limits because for the first time ever I had actual data on what my limits were. 

During exercise you can gauge your activity, set goals and really keep track of what you are putting your body through.  Let’s get to post exercise.  After my runs or hikes I sit down in front of the computer and plug in my Ambit.  It has this sweet, little clip to USB cord that clasps on to three little diodes encased in the bottom of the watch.  The first time you plug the AMBIT into your CPU a start-up wizard walks you through downloading the necessary plug-in that allows your watch and computer to talk to one another.  Every time there is either a firmware or a software update for the Ambit, when you plug your watch in it will tell you there is either a necessary or optional update available.  In the four months I have owned my AMBIT there have been significant improvements to the firmware and software.  I can now export GPX and KMZ files to use alongside programs like GOOGLE EARTH and STRAVA.  Inside of my watch there are new exercise options and additional features. 

Suunto uses MOVES COUNT to store and view all of the data your AMBIT collects.  It is super simple to navigate, personalize and organize.  Check out my public profile HERE to get an idea of how it works.  From Moves Count you can also see other SUUNTO user’s exercises or MOVES.  A down side to MOVES COUNT is you can ONLY view other SUUNTO user’s moves.  Get lost Garmin. 

Now what do I do with all this data once I have looked at it?  In all honesty, not much.  I do enjoy looking at the mapped run or hike I just went on and throwing the file into Google Earth.  I like having all my runs stored in a folder with the GPX file and map image together.  I am collector.  You should see me organize my comics, it’s a type of madness, one I derive much joy from. 

The biggest benefit for me with the stored data and files SUUNTO so easily collects for me is sharing it all with people in my Trail Running Club – THE FREDERICTONFLIGHT CLUB.  I have the ability to show people exactly where we have gone, where we are going next, what kind of distances and time lengths to expect with each particular run.  Finding trail heads is no problem either.  With the navigation functions in the AMBIT, I can drop a pin and revisit that location anytime I want.  The AMBIT can even guide me back to any stored location with the push of a button. 

Fredericton Flight Club! All are welcome!

This magical, wrist top wonder machine is my favorite toy, most used tool and coolest piece of gear I own.  That’s saying something too, because I have been selling top tier gear for five years now and my gear shed is busting at the seams.

Other features include: Military Grid Reference (MGRS) Navigation Option, internal exercise logbook, stopwatch, 100 storable points of interest, route navigation, heart rate monitor (optional), current location, altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer, alarm, dual time zones, you know what, this blog is long enough.

Go go gadget Ambit.

The SUUNTO AMBIT DOES IT ALL.     

Float Your Boat - June 8th

Some mornings, I wake up angry.
Usually, any day waking up with the sun shining in the window and the birds chirping is a good day. I pour myself a coffee and I walk my usual path to work along the glassy St. John River and it starts; I feel angry that I'm not sipping my java, gliding in a kayak.
We live in one of the most beautiful cities. Period. It is perfectly nestled on a river bank, and we are central to some of the best river runs in the Maritimes like the St. Croix and the Miramichi. Many of our friends have cottages on Grand Lake, Yoho or the Head Pond and we just itch for a weekend where we can jump into (or onto) something that floats and forget about everything on dry land.
If you have been thinking about getting into the wet stuff this summer, but you're unsure of your weapon of choice; we've got an event to help you put your water wonderings to rest.
On Saturday, June 8th from 12-5pm, The Radical Edge will be setting up camp at Carleton Park (click for directions) with Wilderness Systems, Mad River Canoe & StarBoard Stand Up Paddle Boards. This is a free day of fun to get you on the water and testing out some of the best products on the market. We will be there to answer any and all of your questions and guide you towards making the best possible purchase for your summer floatation needs, be it an angling kayak or a seaside SUP.
We'll be providing paddles and PFD's, all we need you to do is show up ready to ride the river.

If there is a particular kayak in the Wilderness Systems line that you've had your eye on paddling, or you want to make 100% sure that you get onto a SUP or whatever floats your boat, call Kaylee at 459-3478 ext 2 to make a reservation.

Let's Get Specific, Ladies.

Imagine it now. Your perfect camping trip is approaching; you have two weeks off this summer to cut out all real-life distractions and get back to nature. Maybe you're thinking of hiking the four peaks of Mount Carleton park, or making it to the summit of the start (or finish) of the Appalachian trail's Mount Katahdin. Regardless of where you are dreaming of going, having comfortable, and functional gear is crucial to your adventure. It not only keeps you exploring, it keeps you safe from injury. Getting outfitted in the right gear can be time consuming, with all the review reading and spec comparing and it's even more tedious for the gals! There are tons of ladies that like to get just as dirty as the boys, but the gear that your guy hiking buddy has may not specific to the female form.

     For years, us gals have been subject to the ole "shrink it N' pink it" theory of making women's specific products. Although pink shows up nicely when I've dropped my utility knife on the mossy foundation of Fundy National Park, I don't want the entire contents of my pack (and my pack!) to be a smaller pink version of my hiking partner's fully functional, fast-packing Osprey Atmos 60.

Cute, but can it hold my trekking poles, stove, potset & sleeping bag? 

     Ladies also need fully functional gear, but the fit, construction and features may change drastically in comparison to men's gear. In a backpack, gals need to take into account their "girls" when strapping in, as well as the width between the shoulder straps for narrower backs. In hiking poles, generally you'll notice that the circumference of the handle will be smaller than that of a men's pole for smaller hands; though not every chick has tiny hands and would require a smaller handle girth, its an available option. Average height for women is shorter than men's so sleeping bags made for women are a few inches shorter and slightly wider through the hips in a mummy bag when compared side by side. When it comes to clothing, there are the obvious differences of fitting those baby-makin hips that just won't stick into men's multi-pocket convertible pants.

Thankfully, companies in the last few years have taken the hint that we need all the fantastic features of "guy-gear" and tweaked it a bit for the petites, made it not pink (but there are still pink options..hey, it's visible!) and women's specific gear has been very well received.
Here are some of our shop favorite women's gear for hiking & travelling!

Osprey Women's Packs:
Osprey is just one of those companies you can't help but love. Especially now that they've taken their best-selling Kestral and created the Kyte. They've taken the same sweet bag that we love, and tweaked it so that it fits smaller frames. The biggest difference that you'll encounter with the women's specific Kyte is that the literage is different from the Kestral. The reason for the difference between the bags (by two litres) is to consider women's gear - smaller clothing, smaller sleeping bags...etc.

Thermarest Women's Trail Lite:
It's greatly appreciated when sleeping pads make women's specific mats, like the trail lite for women. If you look at the construction of the inner foam, you'll notice a different pattern than the guys pad. The foam is structured so that there is more padding below women's hip area, as well as the cutouts are created diagonally rather than straight through to trap the air and make the pad warmer. Women generally have a lower core temperature than men, so most times women's specific pads will have a slightly higher R-Value. This is great for ladies, but its also great for guys looking to have a slightly warmer pad with a bit more cush.

Hiking Pants: Kuhl Bandita Convertible
You've read the reviews and heard your guy friends talk about how great their Kuhl Liberator pants are for hiking and travelling - well guess what, they've made some for chicks too! These pants a) do not scream tourist if you are on a whirlwind tour of Europe, and b) they are quick dry and lightweight for those multi-day hikes. Not to mention, they fit like a dream. They zip off at the calf to make a capri style for when you overheat or want to make it look like you're wearing more than just one pair of pants for 3 weeks. 

Travel Bag/Purse: Pacsafe Travel Handbag
These handbags are stylish, yet completely functional. You have all of the essential pockets for your ipods, phones, wallet, dermatone...etc, but with the added safety of theft proof construction. Zippers in these bags are thread locked, so pens or knives can't break through the teeth and the bag itself is SLASHPROOF! Between the layers of fabric is a weaved stainless steel wire mesh, keeping your belongings safe. The bag is still super light, that even with their "Exomesh" you don't feel like you are carrying a pipeline on your arm.

We've got tons of women-specific products in our shop and if you or any of your lady friends need help finding what is the perfect product to take on a hike, bike or excursion, we have very knowledgeable ladies on staff to answer your questions. Of course not every women will find that women's specific products are right for them, but it is good to know that the industry is taking care of the ladies that can benefit and have a better adventure with the right gear! 

What are your favorite women's specific products?