Translating GORE-TEX® Names

Which GORE-TEX^® is for you?

Until recently, I thought that all GORE-TEX® was created equally.  It was all the same to me.  As long as it had GORE-TEX® in it I was satisfied the product would do the job. However, this is not the case any more.  While researching the perfect ski jacket for myself I discovered that not only are there five different types of GORE-TEX®, but the technologies are all designed for a variety of specific jobs. Outdoor companies like Arc'teryx and Kokatat have been instrumental in the development of these materials and both companies applied them in their own designs to make a waterproof product for a day on the river or a day on the backcountry steeps. 

Performance Shell:

One garment, many activities. Whether you’re cycling, climbing, skiing or cruising around town, you can go from one activity to another but not have to change your jacket with GORE-TEX® Performance Shell. The Performance shell provides breathable comfort and durable waterproof protection in 2 or 3 layer fabrics. The 2 layer is supple and quite while the 3 layer is for more rugged use. (Panels in Kokatat’s Rogue Dry Top are Performance shell and ProShell offering maximum breathability and waterproofness.)

Kokatat Rogue

Paclite Shell:

An ideal lightweight companion for trekking, cycling, running, and other sports where weight and space are critical. GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell combines extreme breathability and durable wind- and waterproofness with minimum weight and pack volume. 

Arc'teryx Men's Beta SL Jacket

Soft Shell:

Freedom feels good. GORE-TEX® Soft Shell is the ideal fabric for a snowsport specific shell. The Soft Shell is durably waterproof, windproof, and of course super breathable. The less bulky GORE-TEX® Soft prevents that boxy feel other jackets get with multiple layering pieces underneath. 

Arc'teryx Women's Stingray Jacket

Arc'teryx Men's Sabre Pant

Active Shell:

Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® Active Shell are built for extreme breathability and provide durable waterproof and windproof protection for optimum comfort, guaranteed. Featuring a lighter weight, streamlined 3 layer construction, this completely new class of waterproof garments delivers extreme breathability and excellent next to skin comfort. Active Shell is ideal for all weather athletes seeking durable protection and comfort during highly aerobic activities completed in a day such as trail running, mountain biking, and fast alpine ascent.

Pro Shell:

For a rough day outside GORE-TEX® PRO SHELL is the fabric outdoor professionals and serious enthusiasts trust to perform in the face of extreme weather and tough conditions. Pro Shell has a specifically designed inner lining adding durability and moisture wicking. Made with the most rugged, most breathable, durably waterproof and windproof fabrics this GORE-TEX® is used in everything from mountaineering jackets to tough expedition grade drysuits. 

Kokatat Meridian Drysuit

Arc'teryx Women's Beta AR Jacket

Sweet's Prophecy Drytop

  

As always, thanks for reading. I welcome and questions or comments. Feel free to email me at: customerservice at kayaksed dot com. 

Cheers!

Angie

National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2012: Erik Boomer in Hood River

We couldn't be more excited that our friend and 2012 National Geographic Adventurer of the year, Erik Boomer, will present his expedition this February in Hood River at the Columbia Arts! Here's the press release:

Jon Turk & Erik Boomer

Join Columbia Center for the Arts on February 29, 2012 as it proudly presents professional sports

adventure photographer and National Geographic adventurer of the year Erik Boomer with his

slideshow presentation of his 1,485-mile circumnavigation of Ellesmere Island in Canada with fellow

adventurer Jon Turk. There will be a reception beginning at 7:00 p.m. presentation begins at 7:30 p.m.

with a question and answer session following the show.

The journey around the world’s tenth largest island, which took Turk and Boomer 104 days on skis, in

kayaks, and on foot, was considered by polar experts to be the last great unattempted polar expedition,

so daunting due to its remoteness and dangerous ice conditions. No one had attempted it before this

summer. In May, the duo began by dragging their 220-pound, 13.5-foot kayaks 800 miles across flat ice.

As the ice broke up with the spring thaw, they were forced to jump over cracks and between unstable

ice floes. By midsummer, they were able to paddle through slivers of open water.

Tickets are $10 for this event and are available at Columbia Arts and Waucoma Bookstore in Hood River

and online at www.columbiaarts.org. Columbia Center for the Arts is located at 215 Cascade Ave. In

Hood River. For more information visit our website www.columbiaarts.org.

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This is also a reminder to vote for Boomer in the National Geographic People's Choice awards! Want to see if he's worth your vote...? Check out Turk & Boomer's story here! You can vote every day between now and January 18th! 

Fishing Modifications to a Hobie Revolution 11 : Part 1

Recently we were given the very exciting opportunity to do a custom modification for a customer on a Hobie Kayaks Revolution 11, transforming it into one of the meanest fishing kayaks out there! The Revolution 11, the little brother of the always popular Revolution 13, is a new addition this year to Hobie's line up. Though it's smaller size allows this boat to be more nimble and easier to transport than the Revolution 13, it hasn't taken away from it's stability and has only slightly reduced it's on-water speed. With fishing accessories already built into it's DNA, such as two molded-in rod holders and a location for Hobie's Livewell system, it was the perfect boat to use as our customization platform! Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking you along with us as we install the following (and more!):
* Lowrance Structure scan
* Lowrance HDS Fish Finder
* Lowrance Sirius Satellite
* Lowrance Sonic Hub
* Ram Fly Rod Mount
* Hobie Anchor Trolley
* Hobie eVolve Motor

Arc'teryx Theta AR Jacket Review

Theta AR Jacket

Strato Jacket

The Theta AR Jacket is one of the classics from Arc’teryx, with good reason. Not only is the cut flattering and efficient but when paired with the Strato Jacket or any other Arc’teryx mid layer I’m ready for anything. This shell is great for cross country skiing, a hike in backcountry, or a jaunt around town. The Gore-Tex is super waterproof, breathable, and windproof. I’m 5’6” and at 130 lbs the Medium is a perfect fit. I have enough room to layer and the fit prevents the boxy feel. I have an exceptional full range of motion in it too. What really sets this, and all Arc’teryx jackets apart, though is the hood. I’ve always had problems with not being able to get hoods to fit my head right. The patented Arc’teryx hood fits my bare head, a helmet, or a toque easily, adjusting quickly and securely, it says up even in the biggest gusts. The pockets are well placed and don’t get in the way of my daypack. The bottom of the jacket comes down far enough that I have protection from wet chairs but not so far that my mobility is affected. Arc’teryx continues to impress me and provide me with exceptional products.

Have questions for me? Feel free to email me at customerservice [at] kayakshed.com

- Angie

Cyber Monday : A Little Something For Everyone!

FREE SHIPPING On All Orders Over $50*! Buy A Pair of FiveFingers... Get A Free Vibram T-Shirt!   Shop Vibram > Use code CMVFF at checkout + specify M/F & S/M/L/XL in instructions.     Buy An Arc'teryx Coat... Get A Free Arc'teryx Beanie! Shop Arc'teryx >   Use code CMARC at checkout + specify beanie choice in instructions. Buy A Jackson Coosa... Get An Astral Camino!   Shop the Jackson Coosa > Use code CMCOO at checkout + specify PFD color & size in instructions.

The Shiva Is Coming, The Shiva Is Coming!

Just in time for the holidays, Pyranha's newest steep creek boat is on the way! Pryanha consistently turns out boats that live up the hype surrounding them and we expect the Shiva to be no different.  An all out creeker with a soft edge, here's the beta on how the Shiva stacks up to Pyranha's ever-popular Burn:

Shiva	Burn
Progressive rocker : easy to boof and flair over features	Aggressive rocker : for great boofability
Forgiving rounded hull : gives softer landings on big drops	Dynamic flat hull : planning surface for surfing and ferrying
Smooth stern chines : no rails to trip you up but chines for driving forces	Hard carving rails : precision carving capability around the river
High volume bow and stern : rides easily over features, re-surfaces quickly	Medium volume bow and stern : punches through features
Rounded profile with low deck : easy to roll	Low profile deck : easy to roll
Stern release edge : allows really fast lines	V'd deck : sheds water and re-surfaces with control

Ready for a little Shiva eye candy now? We thought so! Enjoy!

Translating Arc’teryx Names & Abbreviations

Have you ever wondered what all the names and abbreviations of Arc’teryx jackets mean?  As a new employee at the Kayak Shed, getting to represent Arc'teryx for the first time, it sure confused me! Once I learned the system though, I realized how straight-forward and helpful it is, and I thought I'd pass my new found knowledge on to you so that you can make the best purchase for you when shopping for new gear.

Models

Women's Alpha SV Jacket

Alpha: Technical focused high-end items ex: Alpha SV Jacket

Theta: All around oriented.  Gore-Tex hard-shell (Skiing inspired, usually 3 layer Gore) longer cut, powder skirt, waist draw cord and extra chest pockets ex: ThetaAR Jacket

Beta: Trimmed down, minimalist.  Gore-Tex hard-shell (climbing) Cut shorter, with 2 hand pockets ex: Beta AR Jacket

Gamma: Soft-shell (mostly Polartech Power shield fabric) ex: Gamma LT Jacket

Sigma: Windstopper ex: Sigma AR Glove

Delta: Mid-weight insulation- fleece-like ex: Delta LT Jacket

Men's Phase SV Comp

Rho: Base-layer ex: Rho LTW NeckGaitor

Phase: Base-layer ex: PhaseSV Comp LS Zip

Epsilon: Lightweight/ breathable, moisture-shedding hard fleece ex: Epsilon ARJacket

Hyllus: Mid-layer, highly breathable, high-loft, insulated ex: HyllusHoody

Acto: Highly breathable, air permeable, mid layer hooded hard fleece jacket that provides bulk-free warmth for all day activity ex: Acto MXHoody

Covert: Breathable fleece jacket with a casual design ex: Covert Cardigan

Abbreviations

Men's Atom SV Hoody

SV: SEVERE WEATHER
Designed for use in the harshest conditions. Most durable materials, full coverage garments with hoods.

AR: ALL ROUND
Mid-weight materials, most features for versatility.

MX: MIXED WEATHER

Designed for mixed weather and dynamic movement. Durable, highly mobile stretch materials, breathable and moisture shedding

LT: LIGHT WEIGHT
Lightest materials, streamlined feature sets

SL: SUPER LIGHT
Predominantly made with lightweight Paclite® textiles, also may be the lightest weight garment in a series

SK : Ski and Board specific

Have questions? Give me a hollar!

- Derek