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Are you stuck for gift ideas this Holiday Season? We here at ScoutTech want to lend a hand and highlight a few of our favorite store items... If we love them, chances are you (and yours) will too! 

Kayze: For those people who always have cold feet, check out the Thermacell Heated Insoles. They're a top seller for us- great for those who work outdoors.

Darrell: Helly Hansen base layers work great under everyday or active clothing. They're super warm, but so thin that you won't the bulk of wearing layers.

Bronwyn: Water Bladders are definitely worth it! The big zip from platypus opens completely at the top, making cleaning a breeze. They're lighter and more compact than bottles, plus you'll end up drinking more.

Daniel: The Outdoor Research Ninjaclava is a winner this winter. It will cover your cheeks from those harsh winds, and keep you warm. It comes in kids sizes too! Perfect for skiers, or anyone who's out on a blustery day.

Bill: I like the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm mattress. A great upgrade for the camper who is extending their camping season into the winter months. It's superlight and highly packable.

Steffi: Check out the PowerTraveller Solarmonkey Extreme, for charging on the go. More people are taking their electronic gadgets into the woods- and those gadgets need to be charged. A perfect companion piece for the techy-gearhead.

We've all been EXTRA NICE this year, and we know you have too, right? Here's hoping Santa leaves just what you are hoping for under the tree.

- Happy Holidays from the Scouttech Team

We've Got A Base Layer & Bag For You!

Winter warmth starts from the inside out. Your skin is the best breathable membrane around, but let's face it- it just doesn't cut it in the winter time. You need to wrap yourself in a base layer, something warm and wicking- that will pull the moisture away from your skin so that you don't feel wet and cold.

A few different materials are capable of doing this job effectively. There's polypropylene, a synthetic material which keeps you warm by keeping you dry. And then there's merino wool, a natural stretchy (and non-itchy) choice which draws moisture away from the skin and provides some insulation. Plus it's anti microbial properties help keep your base layers from absorbing the scent of "adventures past."

Check out our options for WOMEN and MEN. 

Sleeping out in the Cold? 

While we stress the importance of dressing appropriately for sleeping out in the fall/winter, you can't underestimate the importance of a good sleeping bag that is designed for the temperatures that you will be exposed to. We've just brought in two new lines of bags for all budgets from ALPS Mountaineering (including their Browning bags for roomier sleeping) and Rab, giving you even more options to find the bag that meets your needs at a price that makes you happy! 

Be prepared for the cold, and you can make friends with winter and enjoy the experience of having the whole park to yourself (until everyone else catches on!)

WINTER IS COMING, keep the summer 

HEAT IN YOUR FEET!!

Trust us, you don't want to mess around where foot comfort and warmth are concerned. Planning to spend some time outdoors this fall/winter?

Did you know that wearing cotton socks in cold conditions will increase your chances for cold feet and frostbitten toes? Cotton locks in the moisture and loses it's insulation when it's wet... you'd be better off going barefoot in your boots.

Or better yet- you can go with a wool/synthetic blend sock from Wigwam.

Outdoor Gear Revival- 

How to Refresh your Favourite Rain Wear

So, you’re sporting your faithful rain jacket, the one that saw you through the British Columbia drizzle, that heavy cloudburst on the prairies and the steady pour that lasted for days in northern Ontario… and you realize that your trusted pal isn’t keeping you dry like it used to.

New jacket time? Maybe. We all like the allure of something new, dirt free and ready to perform just like the manufacturer states. But you might not have to give up on old faithful- why not try to bring it back to life and save your cash for that pony you always wanted?

How’s your DWR? It stands for durable water repellent and is used to make your waterproof breathable fabric hydrophobic- it causes that beading effect that you might remember from your jacket’s early days.When the rain stops “beading” off of your jacket, it’s harder for the waterproof-breathable fabric to do it’s job.The fabric get’s “wetted out” and the sweat from your body has a hard time escaping and water will seep through it’s membrane leaving you NOT DRY.

NIKWAX to the rescue!  Nikwax is the maker of several outdoor gear maintenance and rescue products, including a Tech Wash and T.X. Direct.

First you want to make sure that you wash your jacket with a cleaning agent designed for outdoor gear (tech wash).Ordinary detergents cause the outer fabric to attract water (hydrophilic) which will compromise the fabric’s ability to breathe. In order for your jacket to breathe, the rain needs to bead off it.

Next, you should use a treatment that adds DWR to your fabric, like NIKWAX T.X. Direct.  It comes as a wash in or spray on, but for items that need an all over DWR revival, we recommend the wash in.

Last, let it dry and do a rain dance so that you can go outside and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Be proud and go puddle jump with your new pony, in the rain.

ScoutTech is HIRING!

We are looking for a new family member to fill in some evening and weekend hours.If you are into the outdoors and travel, and are looking for a part time/full time job, LOOK NO FURTHER!

Top 10 Reasons why YOU should work at ScoutTech

10. It’s a locally owned business that gives back to the community, so you can feel good about your employer.

9. You get to work with other adventurous fun loving people on a small yet diverse team.

8. You get to represent some of the top brands in outdoor and travel gear.

7. You get to meet and talk to a lot of different people who have interesting stories about their travels and adventures.

6. Your work day is varied and never quite the same- no sitting down at a desk for long stretches over here.

5. The store is easily accessible by GO train and Mississauga Transit, and we have a secure place to lock your bike.

4. You get to see and weigh in on what’s new in camping and travel technologies before it’s available

3. Our schedules are flexible- we can be very accommodating if you need to change up your hours a bit.

2. NO UNIFORM- no silly visors or vests over here.We dress casually and comfortably.

1. Product Testing- Your opinion counts!Our customers trust our recommendations and it’s important to us that you build a familiarity with our inventory. Nothing speaks louder than personal experience.

Please submit your resume along with a statement of why we should choose you to:

sales@scouttech.com 

ATTN: Darrell

Or come by the store and meet us in person! 

We, as outdoor and travel enthusiasts, are all guilty.

Sometimes we get so focused on the latest and greatest packs, the driest jacket with the best venting, the flashiest new cook stove with the speediest boiling time. But ask yourself, when is the last time that 'extra minute spent cooking your dinner' detracted from your experience? How about soggy, chafing, hot and uncomfortable underwear?

EXACTLY. Let's take a minute to talk about base layers- no you can't always show them off, but you will feel the difference, and feel better for it!

Gross right? Except that it's not.

The synthetic material used are quick drying so you can wash them and have them dry before you know it. Here are some great reasons to make the switch: They're...

• Moisture wicking
• Ultra quick drying
• Odor resistant
• Lightweight
• Breathable

The only thing that matches its performance is your own skin- and well, sometimes we need a little more than that.

With so many different styles and colours to choose from, it's easy to find something that you like, that fits your body type and feels good. Heck, pretty soon you'll be replacing everything in your top drawer for these high-performance, super comfy pieces.

SAVE 15%

Why not give them a try? Here, we'll give you a little incentive. Offer valid for regular priced Exofficio items. Use coupon code "base15"or mention it in the store.  Offer expires July 5th, 2014, or while quantities last.

Father's Day is almost here! Yes, it's true- your love IS enough to show dad how much you appreciate him. But why not take advantage of the occasion (and the great timing) of Father's Day to spoil him with a little camping/outdoors gear that he will love. Not sure what to give him? Don't worry; we can help you out in that department.

The Fishing Dad: He LIVES to fish...

Aparaho Fishing Vest - A popular choice for fishers all around the world. This handy vest fits right over your PFD (safety 1st!) and is equipped with more pockets than I would know what to do with (but he'll know, trust me.)

Colombia Bora Bora Booney Hat - You don't have to be reeling 'em in Bora Bora to enjoy the benefits of this ultra-breathable Omni-Shade™ hat-but no complaints if you are, right? Blocks out 98% of harmful UVA and UVB, it's more than your average fishing hat. An Omni-Wick® sweatband combines with mesh vents to keep you cool and the sweat from dripping in your eyes.

Bushline Filet Knife - every fisher needs a dedicated filet knife, and this one will do just the trick with its 7" blade and easy grip rubberized handle. The price is nice too, at only $11.99!

The Techy Dad: Is your dad the one with the latest gadgets for the great outdoors?

Powertraveller Solarmonkey Adventurer portable solar charger- He's got to charge all those gadgets right? And this way he can do it in an environmentally friendly and dad-approved gadgety way!

Nemo Helio Pressure Shower - Unlike traditional gravity fed camp showers that need to be hung overhead and produce dismal water pressure, Helio rests on the ground and delivers the pressure you need to wash hair, do the dishes, or rinse off gear...or water your plants, or wash the dog...

Dad of the Woods: He'd rather be camping, out there communing with nature.

Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero - Your dad's not put off by a little bit of rain, in fact he's out there in all conditions. Enter the Seattle Sombrero, a full Gore-Tex wide brimmed hat that will keep him dry.

Outdoor Research Foray Jacket - It repels even the most inhospitable wet weather. Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex fabric easily withstands the wear-and-tear of the trail, hem-to-bicep zippers provide ultimate venting when excess body heat needs to escape.

Hennessy Expedition Hammock - Sometimes dad's need a little alone time, out of the family tent. This hammock system is bug and rain proof, super comfy and durable. A great choice for dad's who like to hang out in the woods, or anywhere else outdoors, for that matter.

Your Dad: gifts that any dad would LOVE

Ex-Officio Underwear - Comfy to wear and easy to wash on the fly. Just toss these in the laundry or wash them in a sink or lake. Within hours he will have a fresh, dry pair of underwear. Breathable, lightweight, odor resistant and long-wearing, perfect for camping, travel and daily use.

Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail T-Shirt - This is a great shirt for dad because it acts like an athletic shirt, without looking like one! The fibers distribute moisture over a large surface, so that it evaporates more quickly and the top feels comfortably dry.

Columbia Global Adventure Travel Jacket - It's great for the city and where ever else he may go. It performs as nicely as any other technical rain jacket, without making him look like he is going mountain climbing. It has as clean, street-savvy design featuring tons of pockets for everything dad needs to take along.

Whatever you end up choosing to do for your dad, make this year a special one. He'll appreciate even the smallest gesture, but a sweet gift might get you some brownie points!

- Steffi Bourke

Sleep Systems- you don’t have to go it alone!!

Ah- camping for two? Gaps in the mattresses, individual cocoons lying side by side, slip sliding away from each other while trying to get close- sound familiar? It doesn’t have to be that way. Camping couples have some great options when it comes to doubling up inside the tent. Here are two options that meet the needs of two different kinds of campers who face the same issues.

1. Basic System- When weight and pack size are not an issue

The Outbound Double Deluxe is a great option if you are not limited by what you can carry. It’s a hooded, flannel lined, baffled sleeping bag that’s filled with 6 lb of Quadratherm hollow fibre and packs up nicely into its own duffel bag. It’s rated to -7 C and will take you all the way through the summer and into the shoulder seasons. It weighs 10 lbs 2 oz.

An alternate option is the Woods Rendezvous, it weighs 14.5 lbs due to its heavy cotton canvas outer layer and thick cozy flannel lining. This option will take you further into the shoulder season as well, as it is rated to -12 C.

Chinook makes a series of double wide mattresses that provide some very comfortable options. The Trailrest Double Wide series comes in three thicknesses 1.2”, 2” and 3” so you can choose the right comfort level and R-Value for your needs. The mattresses have two valves for quick inflation/deflation and have fully bonded foam-fabric construction. It weighs between 4-10 lbs, depending on thickness and measures 72x48 inches.

2. Deluxe System- Cutting down on weight, not on snuggles

The Exped Dreamwalker Duo Syn 160 M is designed to be partnered up with either 2 sleeping mats with a coupling kit or one double wide mat. Its bottom sheet snaps around the mattress and provides a bed-like feeling- a sheet with a synthetic filled duvet on top. The duvet snaps around the sheet, so you can adjust how much you’d like to open your covers. It’s rated to be comfortable down to 8 C and only weighs 3.5 lbs. It can also convert to a single bag or be worn as a poncho around camp! Talk about versatile.

Also from Exped is the Synmat UL Duo 7 which makes a great partner in this system. It can inflate to a maximum thickness of 2.8” but has 2 individual channels. This way, the odds of malfunction are reduced and each person can customize their comfort zones. It weighs 4lbs 6oz, including the bag and pump and measures 72x49.

Regardless of what you choose, there are finally some great options out there to keep you close to the one you love.  And what's more special than sharing your wilderness experience with your special someone?

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, are you feeling a little stressed looking for that perfect gift for your most special lady? We here at ScoutTech have got some ideas for you for any budget, so look no further.

Outdoorsy Mom- She loves to get outside no matter the weather.

Top Picks:

• Mountain Hardwear Plasmic Geo Rain Jacket.

Your adventurous mom will love this.It will keep her comfortable no matter how active she is. This jacket features improved breathability and a drier interior feel without pit zips. It’s both durable and windproof, and comes in three different patterned colours.

• Lowe Alpine Eclipes ND22 Daypac

New for 2014, the Eclipse ND22 is suitable for any outdoor activity imaginable. Small and light, it is a great choice for those women looking to move fast and adventure further. Great colours, packed with features and clean and simple lines, this is one pack that will do everything she needs.

• Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat 

We have so many great wide brimmed hats that it’s tough to pick just one.We like the Sombriolet for its lightweight design, adjustable sizing and great ventilation. It will keep the sun off her face without causing her to overheat- and it’s stylish!

• Darn Tough Socks.

 It seems like an odd gift idea, but that’s just because you’ve never worn Darn Tough socks.These socks are cushioned and comfortable, made from a Merino Wool blend.Best of all, they have a lifetime guarantee so you’re giving her socks for LIFE. The only bad news is that she won’t need new ones next year.

Urban Hiker Mom- She might not be gutting fish, but she’s out and about and active.

Top Picks:

• Jack Wolfskin Picona Backpack.

She needs to pack a few extra things, but doesn’t want the bulk of a full sized daypack? The Picona is comfortable and well designed to snuggle up to the back with its wide shoulder straps.The graphic detail makes it nice enough to wear through the city as well. It’s big sister Ancona is a little larger, with an extra front pocket.

• Columbia Skorts

 Moms will love these skorts because they look great; they’re lightweight, wrinkle resistant, comfortable and stretchy. With shorts built into them, she can do just about anything, from lunches out, to hiking, biking, travel and handstands! ($49.99-$64.99)

• Micria T-Shirt.

We like this shirt for mom, because it is both technical and feminine in the details.Too often, performance shirts end up being boxy and ill fitted.Not this shirt! It’s ideal for high energy activities with its odor resistant, quick drying and moisture wicking fabric. Available in three colours for $39.99.

Your Mom- She’s your mom, any mom would appreciate these great gifts.

Top Picks:

• Columbia Prima Agua Dress . 

Mom will love this in the hot weather. She will be cool, sun protected and comfortable in this universally flattering summer dress. The lightweight jersey gives it great drape and stretch, which makes finding her size very easy. UPF 50 sun protection is built in.

• Montrail Molokini Flip Flops.

Mom will love them because they’re so comfortable, without looking too sporty.They have innovative, heat-moldable foam soles which will contour to her feet.

• Columbia Coolhead Visor.

Your mom doesn’t wear hats?That doesn’t mean that she should risk sun damaging her skin.The Coolhead Visor features a women’s specific fit, as well as advanced Omni-Freeze® ZERO technology in the sweatband, which reacts with sweat to lower the temperature of the material. Regular $24.99 but ON SALE for $14.99.

• Nalgene Multidrink.

Water bottles have come a long way in the past few years. Gone are the days of sloshing water down your front as you try to sip from a wide mouth opening.Meet the multidrink.Mom will love it because she can sip from it daintily on the go, or gulp from it when she’s got serious thirst.

We know that your mom will love whatever you decide on for Mother’s Day.But before you present her with that “re-gifted” candle, you should recall all of the amazing things she has done for you, and spoil her a little this year.