Shepherd & Schaller | Outdoors Starts In Here

How to fit and adjust: Osprey Frame Packs

The experts at Osprey have it dialed in. All content from Osprey.com

How To Fit Your Backpack

Learning how to fit your backpack doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by adding a little weight to your pack. It doesn’t have to weigh exactly what it would for your chosen activity but the closer it is to real life the better the fit. Carefully lift the pack onto your back from your knees. If it’s heavy then get someone to help you shoulder the pack.

Adjust the torso length

Most Osprey packs feature an adjustable torso length. These allow you to slide the harness up or down to perfectly fit your back length. You can guess at the right length for your back for now.

Once you have completed the following steps you should feel no gap between your back and the pack. If there’s a gap then tweak the back length and see if that solves it.

Fix & tighten the hip belt

Once the pack is comfortably on your back, the first attachment point is the hip belt strap. It’s essential that the hip belt strap is adjusted first as it distributes the weight evenly between legs and lower lumbar rather than the weaker points like the shoulders and arms.

Try to position the hipbelt over the upper half of your pelvis bone for maximum comfort.

Tighten harness straps

Next, the harness straps need to be pulled downwards so that the webbing on the harness is comfortably tight, much like the laces on your shoes.

The harness shouldn’t impede breathing or be too tight around the collar bone area.

Adjust load lifters

Load lifters, (the straps that connect the upper part of the main pack to the shoulder straps), should be pulled forward so that pack runs straight up and down your back. The close centre of gravity will allow weight to flow directly down to the ground.

The optimum angle for load lifters is around a 45 degree angle, this will ensure that the pack is straight to your back.

Clip & fix sternum strap

Lastly, fastening the strap across the chest (called the sternum strap), pulls the harness in to the chest and away from areas containing lots of blood vessels and nerves. If the harness is too tight it’ll restrict breathing, but if the sternum strap is too loose then you can end up with tingly or numb fingers!

That’s it. With ‘real life’ weight added you can adjust your fit by using these simple principals. Now get fitting!

Flatpack Portable Grill Small, Easy, Efficient

UCO FLATPACK SMALL PORTABLE GRILL & FIREPIT

Mini Flatpack Grill $39.99

Flatpack Grill $49.99

The Mini Flatpack portable grill & firepit serves 2-3 people and packs compact for easy transportation to the beach, campsite or barbeque. It is Stainless steel construction for durability and easy maintenance. It has a quick 30 second set-up and you are ready to go. All you need to do to set up this grill is unfold it and place the grates on top. Has a stable base for safe grilling. The sides of grill serve as wind break for grilling in windy conditions and it can be used as a firepit to help leave no trace when you are done. Dishwasher safe.

FEATURES

Durable stainless steel construction
Quick 30 second setup
Can be used as a Firepit
Stable base for safe grilling

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 2 lbs
Grilling area: 9″ x 6.75″
Packed dimensions: 9.5″ x 8″ x 1.5″
Warranty is 1 year

Ski Demo Day is March 2 in Wausau

Our 2024 Ski Demo is where you can try before you buy

Granite Peak Ski Area

and Shepherd and Schaller host Wausau’s annual consumer Demo

Feel the difference! Try new skis, as many as you like. Before you buy! Demo Day at Granite Peak features Shepherd and Schaller vendors new skis and snowboards for the 2024 / 2025 ski season.

Register in Sundance Chalet
Cost to participate is a $10 donation that goes to the Granite Peak Ski Team
Demo is available from 9am to 3pm, when all equipment must be returned
Demo gear is sized for adults, no race gear is available

Try as many new skis and boards as you can! Return them to the vendor booth in the Village by 3pm.

Then, pre-order from Shep’s for next season at a deep discount.

Buy your Granite Peak lift ticket here

Are ski socks necessary? Yes!

Why Ski Socks Matter

Ski socks add comfort, warmth and improve boot fit. They’re designed not to bunch up or slip down (saving you from the risk of blisters or sores) and can reduce shin bang while providing a hug that aids blood flow and energy, improve performance and stability. And yes, snowboard socks exist, and make the same positive contribution to your day on the slopes.

“Cold, wet feet will wreck your ski day.”
Robb Shepherd, Boot fitter

Darn Tough socks have a lifetime warranty. Woven to last a lifetime, they’ll improve the fit of your ski boots and keep you on the slopes longer.

Cushioning and Padding for Comfort

Many ski socks come with built-in cushioning and padding strategically located in high-impact areas, like the shin and ankle. These extra cushioned areas enhance comfort and minimize the shock of dynamic movements .

Perfect Fit and Compression

Grabbing the thickest pair of socks in your drawer is tempting in preparation for a cold day on the slopes. But a thick sock can impede blood flow and cramp your feet in your ski boot. Skiers should look for a sock that is snug, not tight and offers the right amount of compression and cushioning. Think of your ski sock more as a second skin than a loose layer that could bunch and lead to discomfort.

Finding the Right Length

The right length of ski socks is worth considering to avoid painful abrasions from your boot. Tube socks that stretch well above your boot, preventing it from chafing your shin, are good options.

Socks that are too short can slide back into the boots, creating blisters and discomfort during your ski tour. The right sock length will ensure your legs are protected and comfortable as you dominate the slopes.

Shop hundreds of in-stock ski socks at Shepherd and Schaller in downtown Wausau, WI, year-round.

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!