The Spark received an Editors Choice Award in the June issue
of Trail Runner magazine….some of the highlights and comments
are below!
“The Spark is SCARPA’s first stab at a lightweight,
performance shoe- and they nailed it”
“a stiff midsole and flexible rock plate provide ample
protection from trail obstacles while allowing ground feel”
“the Spark has the best traction of any shoe I have tested”
Jeremy Duncan - tester
“light enough for short races and durable and comfortable
enough for treacherous mountain ultras”
“I was blown away by the superior traction! The Spark is
definitely my go-to shoe for technical, rugged trail conditions.” Blair Speed -
tester
Some additional comments below,
from Ueli Steck on our blog……….who has been training in the Spark in
Europe and the Himalayas:
“I run it mostly on single
(track) trails in rocky terrain. The grip is just outstanding, it’s the perfect
density – not too hard and not too soft,” Steck says. “The shoe gives a stable
feeling because you are very close to the ground, but still offers enough shock
absorbing. It’s a shoe to run in the hills, and once you use it in the
mountains you understand what it is made for,” – Ueli Steck.
Microbreweries from coast-to-coast are looking to Yakima, Wash.-based Liberty Bottleworks for a new way to sell their suds, whether as conveniently sized, durable mini growlers or special packaging for limited edition brews and events.
In the last six months, more than two dozen breweries across the country have partnered with Liberty to create customized bottles, including Dogfish Head, Austin Beerworks, Left Hand Brewing, Black Star Brewing and, most recently, one of the largest microbreweries in the country, Boulevard Brewing.
“We’re passionate about our product and the way we produce it and we’re passionate about good beer; it’s really our ideal match,” said Liberty Bottleworks Co-Founder and Executive Vice President Ryan Clark. “Working with these great breweries is incredible for us because it connects us to people who are invested in their art and invested in the value of American craftsmanship the same way we are.”
Made entirely of recycled aluminum and 100 percent BPA-free inside and out, Liberty bottles are made from start to finish in America on American-made machinery.
“Dogfish Head strives to support American based companies as well as companies with sustainable products and practices as often as possible,” said Delaware-based Dogfish Head Brewery’s Lindsey Falkowski.
This photo is from a great day of mixed climbing on Mount Lady Washington, RMNP CO, two days ago. The climbing was great fun, very moderate multi pitch mixed climbing (M4-5 ish) in the sun with great pro and great views to the east face (Diamond) of Longs!
I must tell you that after so many years of not wearing Gore-tex I am really loving the Alpinist Jacket and Pant! Really loving them, they are so stretchy and dynamic, and quiet - this is a huge change from the Gore I remember. It is nice to know that I can be dry all day alpine climbing and comfortable at the same time!!! If, like me, you have only been wearing soft shell for the past half decade, it is worth having another look at hard-shells with stretch.
As you can see I am also wearing the SCARPA Phantom 6000s - amazing boots, as you know, they climb so well, as well as any single boot I have ever worn - and you know that I have worn many pairs over the past 25 years! I anticipated going to a NE facing route that day, otherwise I would have been in my Phantom Guides, but we saw the chance to climb some mixed routes that form infrequently, and being south facing and warm we jumped at the chance - it is cold in Rocky Mountain National Park at this time of year in the shade. I had the AAO Athlete Ambassador Baffin Jacket with me in my pack at the base, but it was not needed up there.
Thanks so much for all the support over the years!!!!
Fabrizio
BOULDER, Colo. - 
