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!
BOA’s dialed-in precision fit is redefining “peak performance” in alpine skiing. Wauasu’s historic ski shop has the largest selection of in-stock alpine ski boots in Wisconsin, including BOA boots from K2, Salomon and Atomic.
BOA’s dialed-in precision fit is redefining “peak performance” in alpine skiing. Wauasu’s historic ski shop has the largest selection of in-stock alpine ski boots in Wisconsin, including BOA boots from K2, Salomon and Atomic.
Whether tearing down the piste or taking on the backcountry, athletes are constantly seeking ways to gain a performance edge. Technological innovations have played a pivotal role in that. The BOA® Fit System, known for its groundbreaking contributions to multiple sports, has now ventured into alpine skiing, promising a scientifically proven performance advantage. In partnership with the world’s leading ski brands, K2, Salomon, Atomic.
IMPROVED PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION:
A 13% reduction in peak pressure on the top of the foot while still delivering a precise uniform fit, micro-adjustable in millimeter increments.
IMPROVED RESPONSIVNESS AND POWER TRANSFER DURING TURNS:
Up to 6% increase in peak forces underneath the foot and 10% improvement in the rate of force production at turn initiation.
BOAfit.com
Shep’s boot fitters are trained to help you choose the best boots for your situation. Preview our ski boot inventory at shepssports.com then visit us in downtown Wausau where we can serve you best.
One of the most beautiful sights in winter is trees with freshly fallen snow. The Pine. The Spruce. The Maple. The Birch. All decorated with the intricacies of the snowflake. The silence echoes the beauty of nature’s call to us.
Our forests have been an integral part of Wisconsin history reminding us that time passes around us as quickly as the winter wind. Sometimes we forget how lucky we are in Central Wisconsin to enjoy the many types of trees that we have. We take for granted what trees have done for our lives – from logging to conservancy, from building to planting. Trees continue to reign over our lives.
When we travel through the winter forests, we are passing not just through the trees but through a wonderland of beauty and communities – from the trees themselves to the animals they shelter. Skiing or snowboarding through the trees provides an opportunity to enjoy their majesty. Snowshoeing on a winter’s eve with a full moon is breath taking. Having the opportunity to enjoy such a playground is a blessing, one to enjoy and one to protect.
We here at Shepherd & Schaller salute the trees. We embrace the winter wonderland they provide. We encourage everyone to go out and smell the crisp air, listen to the song playing in their wind-blown branches, whisper back to them all of your secrets and wishes. They will guard your secrets well.
The forests beckon to us. They call our names. They are part of us. They are one of the many reasons we do what we do. We are here to encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors and the trees as we do. We are here to assist in your journeys. We are here at Sheps to gear you up and send you on your journey. We are here because of the trees.
Wisconsin. The land of beer, brats and the Packers. The place where everyone can find something to love.
And in the winter, Wisconsin is full of….well, snow!
Wausau has the unique advantage of being almost dead center of an entire state of fun (and we love the state of fun). Within a few hour’s drive from here you can enjoy a plethora of winter activities:
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing – what a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenes created by the snow fall. Each hill you top, each corner you make, opens up an entirely new scenery for you to not only enjoy but to share with others. Marathon County Nine Mile Forest has gorgeous trails through the woods geared for a every level of skiing and offers many beautiful spots for winter photos.
Dog sledding – we all love our furry friends. And they love to play with us. How better to enjoy them and winter than to go dog sledding. A mere hour’s drive from Wausau gets you to Crocker Hills Horse and Dog Sled Trail System in Elton, WI.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding – if you need a bit more speed and an adrenaline rush, strap on your helmet and chase your rush down Granite Peak Ski Area.
You can also go ice fishing, Skijoring (yes that’s a thing), snow tubing, ice skating, snowmobiling and of course fat tire biking. Central Wisconsin has an abundance of wintery things to do and Shepherd & Schaller encourages you to get out there and enjoy them. (We can help with gear too!)
Of course, when the day is done and everyone is tired, happy and hungry Wausau has numerous places to eat, drink and sleep so you can start all over the next day.
That’s what we do here at Shepherd & Schaller. We live. We play. (We have thrown a few snowballs!). We eat. We drink. We sleep. And then we do it all again. Winter outdoor life Sheps way!
Even non-skiers have fun on the sun decks at Granite Peak Ski Area in Wausau.
Our take on Winter Dressing explains how the fabrics and layers you choose make a real difference in how you feel.
That chill you get, the one that hangs on even after you’ve gone inside. We know why it happens and how to fix it!
Clothes protect you from the elements, like a building, right? A tent might suffice for dry, mild weather but wood or brick are preferred for more severe conditions. The insulation between you and the elements depends on your location (Florida? Wisconsin?) The other layers inside your home affect your comfort too, including flooring and curtains. See where we’re going?
The key for warmth in cold winter weather is to stay dry and it’s not just about snow.
Cotton holds moisture. This makes cotton the enemy of winter dressing. Sorry cotton! Save it for hot weather when you want to feel cooler. (PSA:That means no denim. Leave those great jeans in the closet when you venture outside, and never wear jeans under snow pants.)
The number one chill-causing fabric in your closet is cotton. Successful winter dressers know this: NO COTTON!
Why? It holds moisture: liquid and vapor. When cotton is wet, it stays wet. When it’s damp, it stays damp. Have you ever rolled a cotton sock off your foot after a day in shoes, ending up with a damp, icky sock donut? Body vapor + cotton is the problem! You don’t want that in winter because even if it doesn’t feel wet, cotton is holding moisture against your skin, which disperses body heat and makes you cold. Because our bodies create moisture in a vapor state, even if we’re not actively exercising and perspiring, winter fabrics must to dry while you’re wearing them. Read labels.
What to wear instead? Polyester, wool, silk, nylon. These all repel moisture and dry quickly. Chances are you have a lot of these in your closet.
Is it cold or wet enough for a jacket? Outerwear should be labeled Waterproof-Breathable. (Not just waterproof) This is really important! Think about it: a plastic bag is waterproof, but it’s not breathable. If you wear a plastic bag as an emergency rain cover it’s only a few minutes before you feel clammy underneath. That’s because it’s trapping your body vapor or perspiration underneath. Over time you’ll be as wet on the inside as the outside which isn’t comfortable and could become dangerous. Instead, Waterproof-Breathable fabrics keep snow and rain out while letting your personal humidity evaporate. It’s a technical solution. (There are many brands, including Gore-Tex and eVent.) A waterproof-breathable jacket or pant may or may not be insulated so what you wear underneath is just as important.
Base Layer fabrics range from silk to merino wool, polyester to bamboo. What they have in common is moisture-management. Today’s base layers look good enough to wear in public.
Step 1: Base Layer. We call what you wear next-to-skin Base Layer, but you may know it as long underwear. It could also just be your outfit for the day. The fabric you wear next to skin must wick moisture, dry quickly and provide insulation appropriate to your activity. For example, if you’re cross country skiing you can expect to sweat (there’s that moisture problem again!) A light-weight, stretch polyester or bamboo fabric that moves moisture quickly is a great way to go. You’re warmer because your heart rate is up, so dryness is the goal. Ice fishing? That requires a highly insulating fiber of course. Merino wool is our favorite because it insulates while it’s moving moisture. Working the drive-through or have a cold office? Skip the cotton shirt and pants. Merino wool is our year-round favorite fabric. Read more from the experts at Smartwool here. Socks are part of your base layer. Wear merino wool socks. You’ll thank us later.
Your Mid Layer might be a fleece or wool sweater, synthetic or down-filled jacket, or even both. What mid-layers have in common is that they insulate but don’t necessarily protect you from the elements.
Step 2: Mid Layer. This is your insulation. It might be a lightweight fleece sweater, a thick wool sweater grandma made, or a puffy down-filled jacket. Wicking and insulation continue in the mid layer. Ideally, the fabric you choose here will work with your base layer. Wool, polyester fleece, natural down are all great choices for different reasons. They are all mid-layers if they are not built to keep out wind and water. This is where our great brands have come up with some awesome advancements in recent years. We can show you when you visit us!
Outerwear is the exterior siding of your home in the weather. It might be a “shell” or it it could be insulated. It often has vents and special features.
Step 3: Outer Layer. Your winter jacket. We finally got to it! Here you have a multitude of choices. A winter jacket, parka or pant is the siding on your house. It’s your curb appeal around town. It’s the garment that helps you withstand the wind, snow, rain, and and cold.
Choose a “Hard Shell” jacket if you like flexibility. It’s is not insulated at all (think rain jacket) so you wear different layers underneath depending on the temperature outside and your activity level.
An insulated jacket contains temperature regulating insulation (like your home) to keep you warm even when not in motion and should have zipper vents to let extra heat escape. This layer must also have that waterproof/ breathable membrane/laminate we described to really keep you comfortable.
So come see us. Let’s talk about winter dressing, and all the great places to enjoy the outdoors in Central Wisconsin!
Discover Wisconsin thinks Winter in Wausau is the Best!
