Brrrr! Thank goodness for those fabric tubes that cover your face.

There are so many names: gaiter, neck-up, neck-tube. And, what about that thing people wear over their head and face? At Shepherd and Schaller we call it a Balaclava, or Clava. And we recommend them for bitter cold and hot sun.

There are so many names: gaiter, neck-up, neck-tube. And, what about that thing people wear over their head and face? At Shepherd and Schaller we call it a Balaclava, or Clava. We stock and wear them year round!

An investment of $15-$50 will protect your ski and keep you warm and dry.

Windproof panels, moisture-wicking fabrics, easy-fit sizing, multi-function from CTR. So, they’regreat for outdoor workers, athletes, everyone!

Quick-dry power-stretch fleece in kids and adult sizes. These things cover just your face or all the way over your head. Flexibility and crazy patterns rule!

Our year-round favorite: Merino Wool. The perfect fabric for cold, bitter cold and even sunny, hot weather. Shop all these and more in Downtown Wausau at Shep’s.

Merino Wool Greatest Hits:

  • It’s Odor resistant-Antimicrobial properties of merino wool means it kills bacteria . So, wear it repeatedly before washing. No matter how hot it is, you’ll feel fresh all day long. Your merino wool T-shirt or shirt will not smell – like cotton shirts do. On top of that, you don’t need to wash it each time you’ve worn it. Just hang it in the open air and enjoy it again the next day.
  • Merino Wool is Quick drying- a surprisingly fine fabric, that releases water easily. It’s dry long before your other garments are. Just put it in the machine, dry flat or place it on a hanger and wear it again in no time!
  • Merino Wool is Wrinkle resistant- The elastic properties of the merino fiber make it extremely wrinkle resistant. If you hang your garment to dry, ironing becomes optional. And when you’re travelling with a packed suitcase, just get out your merino wool clothes, hang them for half an hour and you’re all good. No annoying wrinkle damage from seatbelts or backpacks any more. It’s the ultimate on-the-go companion.
  • Merino Wool is Washable-The naturally protective outer layer of your merino wool shirt or T-shirt will prevent stains from being absorbed. However, when your favorite item is dirty, just wash it on low temperature. Not sure how to start? Check the care label inside your garment!
  • Merino Doesn’t itch-
  • Superfine merino wool fibers are only 17 microns thick, compared to a human hair which is between 60 and 180 microns in thickness causing them to be more flexible and less coarse against the skin. They also don’t fray as much as other fibers (thanks to their flexibility).
  • Merino is Durable-Merino wool is 6 times stronger than cotton. Each fiber can be bent back onto itself over 20.000 times. In comparison: cotton breaks after 3.200 times.
  • Merino UV resistant-The natural UV barrier of the fabric keeps you safe from damaging UV radiation from the sun – unlike synthetics and cotton. Sheep don’t get sunburn, right? Hello, worry-free summer times!

Be a Hero This Father’s Day: Gift Ideas Dad Will Love

We’re really good at figuring out what guys want, and it’s rarely a new tie.  Here’s a few ideas for playful, outdoorsy,  adventurous and on-the-go dads to inspire you.  Be a hero this Father’s Day.  Come home with a gift he’ll love from Wausau’s favorite Outdoor Store, where discounts in every department will make you wish you were a dad!  Good stuff starts at only $10.

Is dad always up for a game of catch, running with the dog, or a round of disc golf? If he’s the type who loves to get out and have a good time, he might fit into this category.

Playful dads will love these fun gifts:

  • Relaxed, comfortable clothing by Duer Jeans, Kavu, TNF, Kuhl, Patagonia, Quiksilver
  • Casual kick-around sneakers from Olukai.  He can just slide into these.
  • Disc Golf gear, indoor-outdoor Pocket Disc or Footbag
  • Spirit Accessories like fun flasks or even Pocket Cocktails for on-the-go celebrating

Outdoorsy dads want dependable, durable, helpful stuff

If dad stays out from dawn till dusk enjoying all that nature has to offer, he’s probably the outdoorsy type. Maybe he packs a bag and hikes, takes the kayak out, pedals the local bike trails. He just loves to be out and breathe in that fresh air.

Gift ideas include:

  • Performance apparel from Kuhl, Kavu, Patagonia or The North Face
  • Stable, supportive, water-friendly footwear from Teva or Salomon
  • A Pack to hold his gear from Osprey, Patagonia, The North Face
  • A handy Slingshot, flint or rescue bracelet 
  • Hydroflask Waterbottle
  • Adjustable hiking poles
  • A headlamp
  • Comfy Smartwool Socks (buy 3 get 1 free!)

Adrenaline Junky dads will get a thrill with these gifts

Is faster & more dangerous the way dad lets off steam? If he lives on the edge, you see it all over his face: he craves adventure. Feed his craving with some cool toys on Father’s Day.

Gift ideas include:

  • A bike. Yep, he probably wants new one. (Plus you get a Free Tune Up, Free Check-up and 20% off bike accessories to make it an awesome gift!)
  • A wakeboard, waterskis, wake surf, or wake skate from Hyperlite or HO
  • An HO neoprene vest or Accurate rope for behind the boat
  • Sun Bum sun protection (he’s going to need it)
  • Ski or Snowboard gear.  Our remaining winter 2018 gear is 40-50% off retail price! 

On the go dads need useful, durable travel gear

He travels. Maybe it’s for work, maybe its for play.  Either way, he needs tools to keep him organized and endure the trials and tests that all travelers encounter. Durable bags, helpful tools.  He’ll think of you whenever he’s on the road or trail.

Gift ideas include:

  • Duffle bags and luggage from Patagonia, The North Face, Dakine
  • Waterproof stuff sacks and phone cases from Outdoor Research and Croakies

Dad loved the handprint picture frames you gave him as a child (it’s probably sitting on his desk), but he’ll love quality gifts tailored to the things he loves to do. Well done you!

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet on Winter

I love winter!

It’s a statement that I proudly declare every year as it begins to get cold.

But I’ve been straight up lying to myself!

I don’t love the dark mornings and even darker nights. Or trying to muster up the mental strength to get out of my car or even walk the dog!

But I do love the things associated with this chilly season… hot chocolate, movie nights, cozy blankets, and of course winter fashion!

So let’s get right to it, how the pros stay warm during the winter months (and how you should too).

An effective layering system is the key to staying comfortable throughout these notoriously cold Wisconsin winters. Everyone feels the cold differently, for example, I’m a freeze baby and am cold even on 70 degree days but then I walk outside and see people in shorts when it’s a whopping 14 degrees outside! Luckily a basic layering system will work for everyone.

1) First things first.. a good base layer

A base layer is your first line of defense against the cold. Base layers are designed to regulate your body temperature and should be close fitting to trap a thin layer of warm air against your skin. A base layer will also ‘wick’ away perspiration from the skin to keep you dry. Why is being dry so important? Because dry = warm. When it comes to base layers, read the tags! You’re looking for something that says Merino wool or Polyester. STAY AWAY FROM COTTON! Cotton holds moisture, therefore, you’re cold and crabby. Merino wool is popular as it’s naturally warm and has antibacterial qualities. Goodbye B.O.! Despite what you may have thought of wool in the past, merino wool is not itchy! So don’t let that scare you away, you’ll stay warm, dry, and itch free. I promise! Merino is your answer if you’re a freeze baby like I am, going hunting, going to a Packer Game, or doing something where you’re not working up a sweat. Polyester isn’t the warmest base layer but it’s great if you’re planning on being more active because it adjusts to the wearer’s heat and humidity. Walking the dog? Cutting wood? Ice Skating? Throw on your polyester base layer.

2) Mid layers – aka my favorite layer!

Just because you want to stay warm, doesn’t mean you have to look sporty all the time. Dress your mid layer up or down as much as you want! An effective mid layer will provide great insulation by working hand in hand with your base layer to trap air between layers, resulting in enhanced warmth and comfort. Fleece is the ideal mid layer, as it is lightweight and highly breathable. Warmth without weight is important otherwise we feel super restricted and no one wants that. It’s all about comfort, right? You don’t have to go out and buy a special mid layer either. Do you have a wool sweater in your closet? Maybe a cute down vest? Just don’t put the cotton shirt underneath it!

3) Last but surely not least, the outer layer

The outer layer is just like the windows in your house. You may have the best heating system in the neighborhood but if you’re by a window you’ll still get that unwelcoming chill. So naturally, what do you do? Shut the window curtain, right? It’s that one extra layer that helps keep the cold outside, where it belongs! Just think of the curtains being like your jacket. You can have the best jacket and snow pant in the world but they won’t do anything if you aren’t properly layered underneath, just like closing the curtain won’t keep you warm if you don’t have the furnace on. The base and mid layers wick away moisture and trap body heat while the outer layer is your main defense against the brutal Wisconsin elements. This snowproof, waterproof, and windproof layer is a lifesaver during those below zero windchill days! If you’re a freeze baby like I am, look for an insulated jacket and snow pant. This gives you one more layer of extra warmth. If you’re more active or are that person that wears shorts all year round, think about getting a shell. They have a similar feel to a rain jacket so they don’t give you extra insulation but they do protect you from the outside elements.

4) Don’t forget to accessorize!

Listen to your mom! Cover your head, neck, and hands, it makes a world of a difference.

And there you have it, the 411 on how to survive the winter months that seem to last a lifetime in the midwest.

Click Here to shop some of our favorite layering pieces this season!

Jack Wolfskin is at Shepherd & Schaller

Meet the family: Jack Wolfskin

“We respect the diversity of nature and all living things. Our earth is simply the most beautiful place in the universe and we only have this one. We do everything we can to protect it and we want to experience it and share it with others.” -Jack Wolfskin

And that is exactly what they do!

The brand’s entire product collection is 75% PFC-free (PFCs are pollutants that do not break down when released into the environment) and it’s a percentage that is continuing to rise. With that being said, in January 2016, Jack Wolfskin was the first brand to win the ISPO Eco Achievement Award, a distinction that, until now, only specific products had been recognized for.  It was awarded because of Jack Wolfskin’s sustainability commitments, including exclusively using Organic Certified Cotton since 2013 and attaining the Fair Wear Foundation Award (labor conditions) multiple years in a row.

Outdoor enthusiasts around the world are recognizing this brand that started only in 1981, in a small German town. Jack Wolfskin is not only the largest outdoor brand in its home country, Germany, but also in Austria and Switzerland, and is in the top three brands in China.

But if this company is so renoun, why haven’t we heard about it in the United States?

Jack Wolfskin only brought this company to the states less than a year ago and it’s about to take off with outdoor chains itching to get their hands on it! As of now, there are only a handful of stores that carry this brand and Shepherd & Schaller in Wausau is one of the few! We are the only store in Wisconsin carrying the brand and we’re excited to share it with all of you!