We hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! Check out these deals from Looking Glass Outfitters now through the end of January:
15% Off All Outerwear from Mountain Hardwear, The North Face, Montbell & Mammut
20% Off All Mountain Khakis
20% Off All Climbing Harnesses by Misty Mountain, Black Diamond & Arc'teryx
10% Off Cams by Metolius and Black Diamond
20% Off Evolv Approach Shoes & Technical Climbing Shoes
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/27/10
12/25/10
Merry Christmas from LGO!
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/23/10
101 Uses for my Thermawrap Parka
This is my second winter with my beloved Montbell Thermawrap Parka, and I thought I would give you an idea of how I have used it:1) Bouldering at Rumbling Bald
2) Touring waterfalls in Dupont State Forest in December
3) Ice Climbing on 215
4) Picnicing at Black Balsam
5) Hiking near Sam's Knob with 16 degree temps
6) Christmas shopping in Brevard
7) Snowboarding in my backyard winter '09/'10
8) Outerlayer for quick trip to Brevard Rock Gym
9) BBQ Party at the Jones' house
10) Attached to my harness "just in case" on The Odyssey
11) Laurel Knob Adopt-a-Crag
12) Walking the dog with the in-laws in Highlands
13) Shoveling snow in above mentioned winter
14) Making S'mores at the Red
15) Belaying in the Stephen King Library
16) Attending the NRG Rendezvous
17) Exploring Panthertown Valley
18) Perusing Pearl Street in Jackson, Wyoming
....well you get the idea. It is a pretty spiffy jacket!
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
Nice Work Travis!
Check out this video of Travis Gray crushing at the North End Boulders of Looking Glass via Deadpoint Magazine.
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/22/10
Doughton Park Ice Climbing
Via Carolina Climbers Coalition
Doughton Park Ice Climbing Closed for 2010 Ice Season
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/21/10
Winter Trail Running in Pisgah
Many of the trails in Pisgah National Forest still have snow and ice on them, but they are worth trekking nonetheless. The ethereal beauty of the forest in winter is maximized by the strange ice formations, white patches, long range views and amplified silence.
I headed up to the top of John's Rock recently and enjoyed the trails very nearly to myself. The more shaded areas of the trail are still a bit icy, crusty and sometimes slippery. But, with some sturdy footwear and careful stepping, you can certainly still get in a good hike or trailrun.
The views of Looking Glass from the top of Johns Rock are always worth the the uphill climb, although you definitely have to be doubly careful at the top thanks to patchy ice. It is pretty windy up there at times, so the dogs and I didn't stay long before continuing our loop over near Cat Gap and back to the Fish Hatchery.
If you are headed into Pisgah, be sure to pack layers and wear shoes built for the terrain. The temperatures on our run vacillated a good bit as we ran our loop. Gore-tex is your friend this time of year, so a GTX Mountain Masochist by Montrail is perfect for trailrunning, while the Scarpa Kailash will keep you supported and dry on the hike.
Happy Adventures!
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/16/10
Hot Christmas Items
These items have been a big hit this Christmas. Great ideas for you procrastinators, but act quickly, as they won't last long!
Montbell Down Parkas & Thermawrap Jackets
Ice Screws & Ice Tools like the Black Diamond Cobra
Mountain Hardwear & Black Diamond Gloves
Happy Holidays!
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/14/10
Hiking Panthertown Valley
Although the towns of Cashiers and Highlands, NC can get pretty quiet in the winter, Panthertown Valley is still a wonderful place to hike this time of year. Grab some hot drinks at Bucks Coffee in Cashiers and head out for a fun day in Panthertown. As you head into the main parking area, you will pass beautiful Christmas tree farms and jaw-dropping views of Laurel Knob and assorted rock outcroppings.
Saturday I made a loop by hiking:
Panthertown Valley Trail>Deep Gap Trail>Great Wall Trail> Big Green Trail>Mac's Gap>Granny Burrell Falls>Great Wall>Deep Gap>Panthertown Vall
eyIt sounds more complicated than it really was, and the loop can be done in 2.5-3 hours. This loop walks near the base of the Big Green climbing area, but does not cross near the summit. The Granny Burrell Falls Trail was particularly fun, with lots of icy patches mixed in with the falls. With the leaves down, this loop gives you several views of area rock faces.
It is a good idea to wear bright clothing and keep your dog in check, as we did pass a hunter as he towed a buck to his truck. Still, the area is quite breathtaking. Enjoy!
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/9/10
Outdoor Stocking Stuffers (& gifts under $20)
Who doesn't love a good stocking??Montbell Chameece Glove $19.99
Light My Fire Spork $2.99
Guyot Designs Squishy Bowls $14.99
18 oz Klean Kanteen $16.99
Metolius Ultralight Curved Nut $10.99
Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Sock $19.99
Pelican Micro Case $14.99
Yaktrax Walker $19.99
Espresso Lessons by Arno Ilgner $19.99
Black Diamond Oval Wire Gate Carabiner $5.99
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
Looking Glass Outfitters is a full service gear shop specializing in hiking, climbing and camping equipment located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and around the corner from Hendersonville, Brevard & Asheville.
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/8/10
Rumbling Bald Bouldering
Last Saturday's cool temps and mediocre forecast sent us packing crash pads and heading to Rumbling Bald. You usually find us climbing on ropes one way or another, but when the days are short and/ or particularly cold, we often dust off our lonely crash pad. We headed to the Cereal Boulders and had a good time until the rain forecast for 3:00 set in just after noon.We headed out for another Hoffmann rarity- a Saturday afternoon spent watching football. Still, we were pretty surprised to see the Rumbling Bald parking lot completely full. My worries that a rain cloud had set in only on our area where squelched as we backed out of our spot and saw a stream of climbers and boulderers heading to their cars in our rear view mirror. This Rumbling Bald season promises to be busy rain or shine!
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/6/10
December on the Parkway
Brrr! December in western North Carolina is off to a chilly start. Nevertheless, my friend Jenna and I headed up 215 to do a little exploring yesterday. Indeed, the Blue Ridge Parkway is currently closed south of 276. So, we accessed the Mountains to Sea Trail from 215. As we parked the car, the thermometer read about 24 degrees. Still, the sun was out, the dogs were eager, and off we went.
The big question right now is whether or not there is snow on The Parkway. We saw no snow
on the road at all, but much of the higher elevations are dusted with an ethereal white covering. The pine trees on ridgelines are totally white and the trails look covered in sugar. It snowed gently while we hiked on icy, crusty paths, but it looked more like glitter than big, puffy flakes. The trails are not at all deep, but the ice is sometimes deceptive, making it a good time to pull out true hiking boots or treking poles for added support.We also took a peak at the ice forming on 215, and it looks like mid week could yield some great ice climbing conditions. Hopefully, the wind will go away. By the time we got back to the car via Flat Laurel Creek Trail, the car thermometer read 16 degrees. If you are headed up on T
he Parkway, remember that it can be a good 15-20 degrees cooler than in Brevard and Asheville. Plus, the winds can make it seem a good bit colder and the sun quickly ducks behind ridgelines on these short days. So be sure to pack ample layers, water and snacks. Enjoy!Cold Weather Hiking Gear
Pisgah Forest Map
Darn Tough Socks
Black Diamond Access Glove
Marmot Wool Beanie
Montbell Thermawrap Parka
The North Face Hydration Pack
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
12/2/10
The Shreaded Wheat Rack
If you only climb one trad route at Rumbling Bald, you should consider Shreaded Wheat. It is truly one of the most superb 5.11s in North Carolina.Metolius TCUs
3 Blues
1 Yellow
1 Orange
Black Diamond C4 Cams
1 .3
1 .4
2 .5s
1 .75
1 #1
1 #2
Long Slings & Handful of Draws
ATC & Locking Biner
Nut Tool (for good measure)
Technical Climbing Shoes
1 Skinny Rope
Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com
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