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!

Girl, do you even VSCO?

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You be you. That’s what we love about the outdoors:no judgement, no comparison. Just encouragement and appreciation. So we’re excited that the performance gear we love is being embraced in fresh ways. Our brands demonstrate an unmatched commitment to the environment and positivity all around.

We see you VSCO girl!

Come see us in downtown Wausau, WI for Hydroflask, Fjallraven Kanken, Kavu Rope Bags, Patagonia, and so much more. This must-have gear and clothing will be your favorites for years to come, regardless of trends.

Tag us in your social posts! We’re Wisconsin’s favorite outdoor store @shepssports.

Of course you can shop us online too.