EXPED Gemini IV + Outer Space = Mansion in the Wild

The photo at the top shows an Exped Gemini IV with an Outer Space attached to the back door. With this combination (4 person tent with BIG vestibule + add-on vestibule) you may never need to return home. Just keep going down the trail...

A word about Nature from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

We agree. Go outside and play!

There's just something about hiking with friends

EXPED Seattle office: all well in springtime

Just a quick note to let everyone know that all is well here. Nothing out of the ordinary...

Testimonial from a desert adventurer: Lightning 60

Photo: Jacek Macias




Here's a testimonial from Dave in Tucson - a longtime desert adventurer who has put some miles on the new Lightning 60 pack:


Let’s cut to the chase: the Lightning 60 is an awesome pack. Need a pack that is very light, yet handles heavier loads with ease? Look no further than the Lightning 60. This pack is amazingly comfortable.

Hey, I’m on board with the notion of packing light for sure, but here’s the rub: I love backpacking in arid regions of the southwest like the Grand Canyon. On warm and dry backpacking trips, water is the one item that you cannot skimp on in order to save weight – life depends upon maintaining adequate hydration. When faced with the prospect of having to carry enough water for a dry camp in hot weather, it is not uncommon to load up with 8, 10 or even 12 liters of water before leaving a reliable water source. This means that pack weights can easily approach or exceed 40 pounds, even if you have taken care to keep the base weight under reasonable control. Maybe it is just me, but I have had problems carrying weights like this in packs with an inadequate suspension; an aching and sore back being the main problem. I want a pack that is both light and will support heavier loads.

Well, here is where the Lightning 60 really shines: the suspension does a magnificent job of handling heavier loads even though the pack checks in at a very reasonable 2 lb. 8 oz. Turns out you can have your cake and eat it too! The shoulder straps are quite comfortable, the hip belt is surprisingly well padded and luxurious, and the simple adjustment system makes it easy to get a perfect fit. My suspension hero is the single aluminum stay, which is incredibly effective at moving heavy loads off the shoulders and onto the hips. At 2.5 pounds, this pack rivals the comfort of packs I’ve used that weigh much more than twice as much. Another bonus of the single stay design is that it allows tremendous freedom for the hips to rock up and down under a load even when the hip belt is snugged up tight -- great for bushwhacking and various other canyoneering maneuvers. 

I must also mention a few other nice touches. The overall profile of the pack is nice; clean and not cluttered with unnecessary features. The roll-top closure is just the ticket; saves weight and works great. The stretch side pockets mounted on the hip belt are almost perfect: not too big, not too small, smooth zipper action – very useful.

Nice job!

EXPED/Seattle team: volunteer day with WWTA in San Juan Islands

This past weekend a few of us from the Seattle office enjoyed a day of volunteering with Washington Water Trails Association, joining forces with several other good folks. We removed invasive plants from tiny Blind Island in the San Juan Islands. There are several WWTA campsites on the island, which is situated in the middle of the San Juans. Great place and great day of giving back to one of the places we cherish. Good times and good work!

EXPED SynMat 7 on the Appalachian Trail

Here's a bit of a testimonial from a customer of ours who used the SynMat 7 (size M) on the AT a few years ago:


In 2009 I spent 5 and a half months Hiking the Appalachian trail on a southbound trip from Maine to Georgia. For anyone who has thought of doing the AT all i can say is DO IT.  It was an experience that is life changing.  There are wonderful people to meet and such beautiful landscapes and towns that entice excitement for even the most apathetic hiker (they do exist!).  It's beautiful, rugged and tame all at the same time.  An experience that cannot be summed up in words but must be experienced on it's own.  

 I bought the Exped 7 on a whim because I was in dire need of a mat after trying a an accordian style foam pad (bad idea all around) despite its desirable weight. I kept a piece for a quick trial seat. I am not a gear junkie and just wanted a good nights sleep. I figured with while still having some cool nights the Exped 7 would be a good insulator and even found it comfortable as the eastern summer hit with force.  There are many important things that I discovered while on the trail the main one being that without good sleep hiking was less fun.  So I was glad to have carried the Exped 7 over 2000 miles and slept on it for months at a time.  And it grew on me just like a good trail beard.  I used it in my tent, on the floors of shelters, in hostels and upon returning from the trail continued to use it for camping trips, traveling cross country and I've even used it as a primary mattress until we could afford a mattress when we moved into our house!   I owe many good nights of rest to my mat.

All of my trail buddies were jealous as they spent 10 minutes or more blowing up there mats (feeling a little light headed towards the end) and I had my space in the shelter claimed and my sleeping gear set up before they had their mat half way blown up.  That integrated pump is where it's at.  Can't say enough great things about this sleeping pad.  

Cheers to a great nights sleep.

Nick

EXPED Comfort 400 reviewed in Men's Journal Gear Lab issue

EXPED Mountain Lite 20 pack - video

Ted talks with Marc, Exped's pack designer, about the new Mountain Lite 20.

EXPED Mountain Lite 30 and 40 video

Ted talks with Marc, Exped pack designer, about the Mountain Lite 30 and Mountain Lite 40.

EXPED Lightning 45 and 60 - video

Ted discusses the new Lightning 45 and 60 packs with Marc, Exped pack designer.

EXPED packsack selection chart, USA collection, 2013

When the sun shines in Seattle...

When spring sunshine arrives at the EXPED/Seattle office, the lunchtime exercise toys line up for take-off.

EXPED tent selection chart, USA collection, 2013

Climbing in the Tatoosh Range, Mt. Rainier National Park

Mt. Rainier National Park is within sight of the Exped/Seattle office, and over the years we've made many trips to it's slopes for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, backpacking, winter camping, and cycling. It's an amazing playground that never gets old. This shot is from a climbing trip on Lane Peak, just south of Mt. Rainier. What a view!

EXPED backpack selection chart, USA collection, 2013

Here is a selection chart for the backpacks available in the USA in 2013.

A little something for everyone.

EXPED MegaMat reviewed in Sunset Magazine

Here's their rundown on the MegaMat in the May 2013 issue:

SUPER-COMFY SLEEPING PAD - The MegaMat self-inflates, can be tethered to another one to create a queen-size bed, and rivals any "real" mattress for comfort.

Sleep like a baby indeed!

EXPED Alpine 125 Trekking Poles reviewed by Adventure Gear Review

Adventure Gear Review recently reviewed the Alpine 125 trekking poles and rated them 15 out of 16 points.

Click here for the full review.

Grab your pack and get out there!

Team EXPED's preferred meeting room

OK, we admit, it doesn't happen every day, but we're heading in that direction...

Haju and his Venus II...without poles!

Giorgio Land – they call him Haju – has hiked for years and thousands of miles through Europe.  A while ago we received the following email from him: 

“… a terrible thing happened to me, I lost my Venus II UL poles in a bus on my way from northern Portugal down to the Algarve. So I’ve improvised in the mean time with amusing results”

Hmm, can’t call the Venus II UL ultralight anymore with those poles and it won’t fall into the compact category, but hey, the guy knows how to make things work in a pinch! These days, Haju has a new set of real poles and can enjoy his tent again in its full splendor and lightness. 
Happy travels!

Exped/Seattle is hiring a Customer Service Specialist. Now.

Here's the job posting that just went live a few minutes ago: 

Seattle based Exped LLC, a subsidiary of Exped AG in Switzerland, is looking for a self-motivated, dynamic, service oriented person to join their team as a full-time Customer Service Specialist.  We are a small, tightly-knit group and the person we hire will have an immediate impact on the success of the Exped brand across the USA.

The ideal candidate will have:

· Two or more years outdoor industry customer service experience 

· Or three years retail experience in outdoor specialty shops

· Excellent written and verbal skills

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Provide phone support for dealer and consumer customers

· Accurate order entry and shipment processing

· Responding to customer emails in a timely manner

· Resolve customer warranty claims

· Become knowledgeable about all aspects of Exped’s product line 

· Assist in maintaining company databases

· Assist in developing and improving processes/procedures

· Facilitate the shipping of returns and parts

· Facilitate industry professional purchase

· Process and mail invoices

· Assist repairs department

· Attendance may be required at industry tradeshows

· Support and assist sales management and sales representatives

· Responsible for opening and closing office

All duties and tasks will be performed in a positive and professional manner, according to Exped LLC policies and procedures.

Required Skills: 

· Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, Lotus and order management systems)

· Excellent written and verbal skills

· Strong organizational and communication skills

· Strong data entry skills

· Teamwork and flexibility are crucial to this position

· College degree preferred

Additional Information:

· This position reports to the Director of Customer Service & Logistics

· Job location – Tukwila, WA

· Competitive salary 

· Medical and dental insurance paid 

· Paid vacation 

Resumes can be submitted by email (service@exped.com) or mailed (12600 Interurban Ave S.  Bldg. A, Suite 100, Tukwila, WA 98168). No phone calls, please.

EXPED LLC

Seattle WA USA| Phone 866.326.4586 | Fax 866.633.2406 

www.exped .com | www.expedlife.com

EXPED 2013 Trekking Pole Selection Chart - USA Collection

Overland Journal reviews Exped MegaMat 10 - EDITOR'S CHOICE!

"Each of our testers, who didn't just lay down on it, but rather melted onto it in a puddle of blissful relaxation, reacted the same to the MegaMat. Almost ever first response was, 'oh, yeah, this is nice.' It's a marvel of sleep engineering with several creative elements working together to create the ultimate in luxurious comfort."

Overland Journal | Spring 2013

New videos for EXPED Mira II and III tents

EXPED Outer Space - video tour of features

With all our recent posts including photos of the Outer Space we figured it's time to get the video posted.

EXPED email has been down since March 29

Update on Tuesday, April 2, 8:15 am Pacific Time:

We are back up and running - receiving and sending email. However, if you sent us email on Friday, please contact us again as we're still trying to retrieve email from that day. Cheers!

______   _________  __________   _________

We're experiencing an issue with our email at the moment. We've been unable to receive email since Friday, March 29. If you sent us a note during this time or need to get in touch with us today, April 1, please give us a call (USA) at 866.326.4586.

We'll be back up and running with email shortly.

EXPED Outer Space add-on vestibule with Venus II

New for 2013 is the Exped Outer Space, an add-on vestibule for Exped Gemini, Mira, and Venus series tents. Shown here is a Venus II being fitted with the Outer Space (same set-up for the Venus III).

This particular combination - Venus II + Outer Space - creates a superb rough weather haven. The Venus II is low to the ground and very wind stable and the Outer Space provides a massive space for cooking and storing gear. In an extended storm this is a great set-up!

For a cathedral-like combo, pair a Venus III with Outer Space and just sell the house and move in!

Specifications:

Max Height: 55"
Length: 84.6"
Max Width: 94.5"
Covered Area: 42 square feet
Average Minimum Weight: 1100g/38.8 oz.
Packed Dimensions: 15.75 x 4"
Material: 30 denier ripstop polyester, silicone PU coated, factory seam taped
Pole: DAC 9.5mm TH72M

EXPED Outer Space add-on vestibule with Mira II tent

New for 2013 is the Exped Outer Space, an add-on vestibule for Exped Gemini, Mira, and Venus series tents. Shown here is a Mira II being fitted with the Outer Space - without the fly for a view to the main body of the tent (same set-up for the Mira III).

Outer Space gives you the option of turning your lightweight backpacking tent into a luxurious basecamp shelter or roomy car camping home away from home.

Specifications:

Max Height: 55"
Length: 84.6"
Max Width: 94.5"
Covered Area: 42 square feet
Average Minimum Weight: 1100g/38.8 oz.
Packed Dimensions: 15.75 x 4"
Material: 30 denier ripstop polyester, silicone PU coated, factory seam taped
Pole: DAC 9.5mm TH72M