Feel the love this June at Wausau’s favorite outdoor store.
10%, 15% or 20% off is yours on new 2024 clothing, footwear and bags (including hiking packs).
Spin our Discount Wheel through June 23, 2024.
Discounts available in-store only. Visit shepssports.com to preview our live inventory.
Spin the Wheel discount is not retroactive and may not be combined with any other discount or promotion. It is not applicable to bikes, optics, water sports, camping gear or snow sports equipment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
UCO FLATPACK SMALL PORTABLE GRILL & FIREPIT
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
