Who Rents What & Where!

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Admin

A question we often get at the store is “Does anyone in the valley rent [blank]?”  So we decided it would be nice to put this info together and make it easier to find!

Below is a list of places we know of that rent gear.  Under these places are lists of what they rent(as far as we know).  If you have something to add or change about this list or have questions, please post a comment below so that we all may know.

The Ashland Fly Shop:

  • Waders
  • Boots
  • Fly Rods

Ashland Mountain Supply:

  • Cross-Country Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Snowshoes

The Ashland Outdoor Store:

  • Alpine Touring and Telemark Ski, Boot, & Pole Demos
  • Classic & Skate Cross-country Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Snowshoes
  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Crampons
  • Ice Axes
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Backpacks
  • Pack Covers
  • Tents
  • Ice Box (for igloo making)

Bear Creek Bicycle:

  • Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
  • Comfort-Hybrid Bikes

Blackbird:

  • Alpine Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Cross-country Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Snowboards & Snowboard Boots
  • Snowshoes

The Fifth Season:

  • Alpine Skis, Boots, & Poles – Rentals & Demos
  • Alpine Touring & Telemark Skis, Boots, Poles, Skins, & Ski Crampons
  • Snowboards & Snowboard Boots
  • Cross-Country Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Transceivers
  • Shovels
  • Proves
  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Ice Axes
  • Crampons
  • Helmets
  • Packs
  • Gaiters
  • Sleeping Bags & Pads
  • Tents
  • Stoves

Get N Gear:

  • Bicycles
  • Cross-Country Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Snowshoes

Kokopelli:

  • Cross-Country Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Snowshoes

Mt. Ashland:

  • Alpine Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Snowboards & Snowboard Boots
  • Helmets

Mt. Shasta:

  • Alpine Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Snowboards & Snowboard Boots

The Northwest Outdoor Store:

  • Snowshoes

Rogue Ski Shop:

  • Alpine Demo Skis

Shasta Base Camp:

  • Alpine Touring, Telemark, & Split Board Demos
  • Alpine Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Snowboard & Snowboard Boots
  • Cross-Country Skis, Boots, & Poles
  • Snowshoes
  • Gaiters
  • Boots
  • Ice Axes
  • Crampons
  • Helmets
  •  Shovels
  • Adjustable Poles
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Sleeping Pads
  • Tents
  • Stoves
  • Kayaks
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Skis less than 95mm under foot belong in a museum!

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Admin

With advances in ski technology, non cross-country skis that are less than 95mm under foot are obsolete.  They should be retired.  If they are well under 95mm, they belong in a museum, on your wall as decoration, or as part of a ski fence!

Your thoughts?

Tell us your thoughts below or, for a more thorough discussion on the subject, join our forum and chime in on this topic.

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Fischer Silent Spider

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Admin

Cross Country SkisIn our rental fleet, we have the Fischer Silent Spider Nordic Ski mounted with Fischer BCX NNN bindings.  There are six 169cm pairs, eight 179cm pairs, and six 189cm pairs.  Their side cut is 62-52-60(tip-waist-tail in mm).  These are classic cross-country skis made mainly for on piste use but can be taken off-piste if conditions are right.  They are scaled or “wax-less” skis, so the use of kick wax is unnecessary.  This makes them a great intro ski.  Just an FYI, “wax-less” skis still need to be treated with glide wax from time to time!

Fischer BCX4The boots we rent for our Cross-Country skis are the Fischer BCX 4.  These are a basic cross-country boot great for those new to the sport and those wanting to go into the backcountry.  We have sizes 36 – 48.

To read more about what cross country skiing is, click here.

Fischer Silent Spider Recommended Skier Weight:

  • 169cm -> under 130lb
  • 179cm -> 130lb-170lb
  • 189cm -> over 170lb

Click Here for pricing and information about the AOS rental department.

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Fischer SC Skatecut Skis

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Admin

Fischer SC Skatecut SkisThe skate skis we rent are the Fischer SC Skatecut with the Fischer R3 NNN Skate Binding.  They are a Nordic Race Skate Ski featuring a hightec light core with carbon laminates, power edge for better grip and safety, and a stonegrind ultra finish for top speed. We have sizes 172cm through 192cm.

Fischer RC5 CombiWe offer Skate Boot rentals that compliment our skate skis.  The skate boot we rent is the Fischer RC5 Combi.  Combi boots and skis are made for doing both skate and classic cross-country skiing.  In our rental department, we have these boots in sizes 37 to 46.

The skate poles we rent are Fischer Air Carbons.  They are very light weight and made for skating, not weighting.  We have 120cm through 170cm with the exception of 140cm.

For more information about the difference between skate and classic cross-country skiing, read our cross-country skiing post.

Cross Country Skate SkisRecommended Sizing Guide:

  • 172cm fits 90lbs – 130lbs
  • 177cm fits 110lbs – 140lbs
  • 182cm fits 130lbs – 155lbs
  • 187cm fits 140lbs – 160lbs
  • 192cm fits 155lbs – 200lbs

Click Here for pricing and information about the AOS rental department.

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Cross Country Skiing

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Admin

Cross-Country (XC) Skiing is a sub-category of Nordic skiing in which one uses skis and poles to tour across snow covered areas.  Historically, XC skiing was used as a method of transportation during winter.  While still used as transport by some, today it is mainly used for recreation and sport.

There are 2 main types of cross-country skiing: classic and skate.  As a side note, telemark skiing came from classic cross-country skiing and is loosely classified as a type of cross-country.  However, with modern skis, bindings, and boots, telemark skiing is on par with alpine (downhill) skiing.  It now resembles alpine touring more than cross country.  After all, telemark is just another style of turn for going downhill and has little to do with actual touring.

Classic XC skiing usually involves the use of a groomed trail(piste) with a set of established tracks.  Some Classic XC skis are built a little larger for off-piste(off trail) use but still benefit from a nice piste route.  The Classic XC technique is essentially a kick and glide.  The kick compresses the camber, or bend, of the ski allowing for either wax or scales in the middle of the ski to grasp the snow and the skier to push off.  The skier then uses that momentum to glide on the other ski.  The process is then repeated with the skier alternating which ski is kicking and which is gliding.  This is combined with a pole plant on the opposite side of the kick.

The use of wax or scales on the ski is based on which type of ski you are using.  A ski with no scales needs kick wax to grip the snow.  The type of kick wax used is based on the temperature in which you will be skiing.  Skis with scales on the bottom do not require kick wax for touring.  The scales do all the gripping while still allowing the ski to glide.  This has led to the term “waxless skis”.  While this type of ski does not require kick wax, they still require glide wax just like every other ski!!!

Skate skiing is done exclusively on piste or very firm snow.  Instead of relying on kick wax or scales, skate skiing uses the edge of the ski to push off of.  All the weight is then transferred onto the other ski, which is allowed to glide at an angle before repeating this modified kick and glide/skating motion.  The whole process looks a lot like someone ice skating.  Skate skiing can be done on both classic cross-country gear and specialize skate skiing gear.  Skate skis are usually stiffer and shorter than classic skis.  Skate poles are typically longer than classic poles.

At the Ashland Outdoor Store, we rent both Classic and Skate skis and poles.  None of our rental cross-country skis need kick wax for use.

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MSR Lightning Ascent

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Admin

MSR LightningThe MSR Lightning Ascent is “The pinnacle of light and aggressive all-terrain performance.”  They come in 22, 25, and 30 inch long models.  In our fleet, we have 3 pairs of 22′s and 3 pairs of 25′s.

For sizing, refer to the recommended load in the specs below.  Notice that it says load and not weight.  This is because when determining the correct size, you need to not only account for your weight, but also for the weight of any pack you’ll be carrying.  Furthermore, all of our Lightning snowshoes can MSR Lightning with Tailsbe equipped with tail attachments to increase the recommended load.  Tails do this by increasing the overall length of the snowshoe.  The recommended load with tails attached is also listed in the specs below.  Another consideration for sizing snowshoes is the type of snow you will be in.  For hard pack, almost any snowshoe size will do.  However in soft powder, you might want to consider up-sizing or adding tails to give yourself some extra flotation.

MSR Lightning Side View

From the MSR website:

Now compatible with the all-condition adaptability of our Modular Flotation tails, our most aggressive snowshoes are built on a solid foundation of our advanced, 360° Traction™ frames and deliver a level of ultralight security that tubular frames simply can’t—especially on traverses. New, dual-component, PosiLock™ AT bindings offer our most secure attachment, while aggressive steel cross members, Pivot™Crampons and new, easily-engaged Ergo™ Televators back you up with every step.

Lightning Ascent 22 Specs:

  • Length: 22in
  • Width: 8in
  • Weight per Pair: 3lbs 12oz
  • Footwear Size Range: 35.5 – 49.5
  • Recommended Load: Up to 180lbs
  • Recommended Load w/Tails: Up to 250lbs

 

Lightning Ascent 25 Specs:

  • Length: 25in
  • Width: 8in
  • Weight per Pair: 3lbs 14oz
  • Footwear Size Range: 35.5 – 49.5
  • Recommended Load: 120lbs – 220lbs
  • Recommended Load w/Tails: 120lbs to 280lbs

Click Here for pricing and information about the AOS rental department.

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MSR Denal/EVO Snowshoes

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Admin

MSR EVO Showshoes

The EVO is made for “Essential performance and versatility over rolling terrain.”  The Denali is an older generation of the EVO.  The progression was Denali, then Denali EVO, and now it is the EVO.  In our rental fleet, we have some of each.  These snowshoes are heavy-duty and have great traction.

MSR EVO Bottom View

 

Also in our fleet, we have a couple pairs of Denali Ascents and Denali EVO Ascents.  The big difference in these and the regular Denali/EVO’s is the presence of a heel riser.  The heel riser is used on steeper terrain for added traction while minimizing calf strain.  This can be a nice feature if you are planning on doing something more than rolling hills.

MSR EVO with TailsAs for sizing, both the Denali and EVO come in one size: 22in.  These have a recommended weight of up to 180lbs.  For individuals needing more than that, there is a tail attachment which takes the recommended weight up to 250lbs.  It should be noted that the recommended weight means your weight plus your packs weight.  Also consider snow conditions.  In packed snow, size doesn’t really matter.  However in powder, it is advisable to up-size to minimize the amount you sink into the snow.  It is absolutely no fun to post hole through snow with incorrectly sized snowshoes!

MSR EVO Binding, Right FootThe Denali/EVO’s do have a left and right.  This can be determined from the harness system.  The harness consists of a couple of straps on one side and metal D’s on the other side.  The side with the metal D’s should go on the inside of your feet.  This way the tails of the straps don’t cause you to trip while walking.

From the MSR website:

It’s no mistake that you’ll find the same UniBody™ Traction of the utilitarian Evo snowshoe as the foundation for some of our most aggressive models. The best traction when heading up or down even modest slopes in less than ideal conditions is something everyone can appreciate. We hold the same standard for control, and the weather-resistant, three-strap PosiLock™ binding delivers it in spades on rolling terrain, while Modular Flotation tails make this the hands-down best value going for trail walking and all-condition day use.

Denali/EVO  Specs:

  • Length: 22.2in
  • Width: 8.2in
  • Weight per Pair: 3lbs 10oz
  • Footwear Size Range: 4.5M/5.5W – 15M/16W
  • Load: Up to 180lbs
  • Load w/ Tails: Up to 250lbs

Click Here for pricing and information about the AOS rental department.

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Fleece is Dead!

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Admin

Fleece is dead!

Long live soft shell and synthetic insulation!

Your thoughts?

Comment on this below or get more involved by joining our Forum discussion about this topic.

Update 1/7/12 – Several people have started chiming in on the Forum.  Don’t forget to check it out!

Posted in Gear Reviews, Opinion | Leave a comment

Favorite Outerwear Piece

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Admin

Looking around at all the cool outerwear currently at the store, the AOS staff started talking about our favorite outerwear pieces.  Everyone seemed to chime in with their own story of an awesome garment and why they thought it was the best.  It lead to quite a conversation.  So we thought it would be fun to open this discussion up to everyone!

Now the question is: What is your favorite outerwear piece?

To enter in to the conversation, either submit a comment in the comment box or join our forum and delve deeper into this discussion!

Posted in Gear Reviews, Opinion | 3 Comments

Black Diamond AMPerage

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Admin

Black Diamond AMPerageIn our demo fleet, we have the 175cm Black Diamond AMPerage.  We have one pair mounted Alpine Touring and one pair mounted Telemark.

For telemark, we mounted the Black Diamond O1 bindings with the Ridiculously Stiff cartridge.  This can fit boot sole lengths 295-360mm.

For Alpine Touring, we mounted the Fritschi Diamir Freeride Pro bindings size Medium.  This allows a boot sole length of 285-340mm and a maximum DIN of 12.

About the AMPerage from the Black Diamond website:

Drawing inspiration from big-mountain powder lines, technical comp skiing and everything in between, the Black Diamond AMPerage is a hybrid fun shape that turns any terrain into a creative blank slate. Its deep sidecut, 115 mm waist, full tip and tail rocker and underfoot camber add up to a floaty ski that’s as comfortable sending backcountry booters as it is smearing through windbuff or arcing on groomers. The everyday ski of choice for Black Diamond athlete Callum Pettit, the AMPerage is the closest thing you’ll find to the mythical one-ski quiver.

175cm AMPerage:

  • Dimensions: 141-115-123
  • Weight Per Pair: 9lb 8oz
  • Turn Radius: 21m
  • Skier Weight: 150-180lb

Click Here for pricing and information about the AOS rental department.

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