MERRELL.COM Blog

Meet Robyn Benincasa!

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:18:00 GMT

When you read Outside Magazine, or blogs about adventure racing, you can’t help but wonder; what type of person actually does this? Well, Robyn Benincasa, for one. And here at Merrell®, we’re incredibly lucky to have a great relationship with her. Robyn is the Captain of Team Merrell, a firefighter, a world class adventure racer, motivational speaker and to top it all off, a really really nice person.

Throughout the month, we’re going to introduce you to Robyn, through interviews and videos. So that you, too, can get to know her.

Take a look at the video below, for an intro into the world of Robyn Benincasa.

Let's Get Outside at the Merrell Oyster Racing Series!

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:04:00 GMT

This past Saturday, Merrell® got outside in Seattle at the Merrell Oyster Racing Series. Because we like fun, adventure and racing, one of our tech reps, Pat, and his friends decided to throw on their orange and compete with the rest of the field. Check out below, and what Pat had to say about the day.

What an awesome way to spend a Saturday in a beautiful city! The Oyster Race is a great hybrid of physical and mental exertion, paired with fun team work and unique challenges. I was a part of a relay team, so for much of the race, only three members would complete a challenge while the remaining members would rest up, recharge and enjoyed the setting!

As the race started, one of our teammates was selected to be “kidnapped”—they were blindfolded, put on a bus and taken to a random location. In order to begin searching for our teammate, we had to solve a logic puzzle (not easy early in the morning!). Once we solved the puzzle, we were able to reach our friend via cell phone, and decided on a place to meet. Our “lost friend” had been given the location of the next check point—a waterfall park in the middle of Seattle. After meeting up, we ran to the waterfall and got photographic proof of our stop. Then, it was back to the staging area to check in, and get our next challenge. The next leg of the race was to be completed by bike, we set out towards Volunteer Park—eventually climbing and counting the stairs of an old observation tower (again, much harder than you might think!) When we finally gave the proper number of stairs to one of the race officials, we were given the task of finding the grave of a person’s name in riddle form—Bruce Lee. Smart phones were Googling directions, and bikes were coming from all directions, converging on Lake View Cemetery; once again, for photographic evidence of our find.

We raced back to the staging area (this time downhill, thankfully!!) and received our next assignment—a lengthy bike ride towards Mathew’s Park that ended with team members paddle boarding to a buoy in Lake Washington. The paddle boarding was fun, but super challenging since our legs were totally beat from the ride. After returning to the staging area we headed back towards Fremont for our final challenge—beer pong! Our team performed beautifully and we were off towards the finish line in short order.

As we crossed the finish line, the we found ourselves in the midst of a cheering crowd, with pizza and good micro brewed beer in hand—not a bad way to end the day!

Happy Founder's Day, National Park Service!

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:01:00 GMT

As some of you might know, this year Yellowstone, the first of America’s national parks, turned 138 years old. After creating Yellowstone and understanding the need to protect and promote some of America’s most treasured lands, Congress continued to create parks in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Among them; Yosemite, Sequoia, Mt. Rainier, Glacier and Crater Lake, to name a few. The management of these parks fell on the shoulders of the Department of the Interior, which didn’t exactly have an organization within the department to oversee the parks. Without a governing body, the parks were vulnerable to competing interests, such as logging, water rights and road construction. Recognizing the potential problems at hand, activists Stephen Mather and Horace Albright successfully lobbied congress and on August 25^th, 1916 President Woodrow Wilson approved legislation creating the National Park Service.

The mission of the National Park Service was a simple one; conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

Stephen Mather, Mesa Verde National Park 1925

Throughout the 94 years of the parks service, the NPS has overseen major expansions, such as the creation of Great Smoky National Park, America’s most visited national park. The NPS has also taken ownership to preserve a number of historic battlefields, forts, and memorials. Today, the NPS oversees 392 units made up of National Seashores, Lakeshores, Grasslands, Prairies, Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Rivers and more. With help from the National Park Foundation, the official fundraising arm of the NPS, public land conservation and preservation is at the forefront of education about the parks. The National Park Service has an epic job, managing some of America’s most impressive and inspiring outdoor spaces; the Grand Canyon, Denali National Park and Acadia National Park, to name a few.

Here at Merrell®, we think that the outside is for everyone, and so are our national parks and public lands. Which is one of the reasons why we’ve teamed up with the National Park Foundation. We aim to inspire people to get outside and explore our nation’s amazing and diverse national parks, seeking to create access and awareness for all.

So Happy Founder’s Day, National Park Service! Here’s congratulating you on 94 years and wishing you many, many more. And now, we’re off to a park. We’ll see you outside!

Let's Get Outside at City Chase!

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:54:00 GMT

As most people know, at Merrell® we’re all about getting outside whatever way you’d like. For us, one of those ways is urban adventure races. The two that we really like are the Merrell Oyster Racing Series, which takes place in 6 sixties across the US this summer and fall. The other is City Chase. It’s a worldwide series, with a races held in cities all over the place. The winners from each city then compete in a national race, and those winners go on to compete for the worldwide prize. Not too shabby.

We’ll be at the race in Chicago this weekend, and we’re sending one of our Merrell staffers to compete. Since it’s a two person competition, she’s dragging her husband down and they’re going to spend their first anniversary, City Chase style. Because really, what is more fun than spending your first anniversary on city wide scavenger hunt doing crazy stunts? Take a look at the video below to see what kind of crazy action goes on at City Chase.

If you’re in Chicago, come down to the Merch Mart and say hi. We’ll see you there! Can't make it to Chicago? Take a look at the rest of the City Chase schedule, you'll thank yourself!

Let's Get Outside at the Merrell Oyster Racing Series!

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:24:00 GMT

Have you ever visited a city and thought how fun it would be to do off the wall things? Like diving in one of the tanks at the aquarium, going down a huge slip n slide in the city park or tasting a sampling of local micro-brews? (Okay, maybe that last one isn’t so off the wall). Well, we have, and thankfully, the Merrell® Oyster Racing Series has too!

The Merrell Oyster Racing Series is the Ultimate Urban Adventure Race. Not sure what that means? Basically, you take all of the fun of adventure racing; biking, kayaking, running, etc. and add in fun, quirky mystery disciplines. You know, like cruising down a mega slip n slide in the middle of a city park or diving in a tank at the aquarium. Something that might get you arrested if you tried doing it on your own. But unlike adventure races where courses are made and trails blocked off, this is in the city, where normal everyday activity is happening around you. No streets are shut down, no course directors there to tell you where to go next. You might stand out a little, wearing a bike helmet as you eat/drink local fare and try to decipher clues along the way. But hey, that’s all a part of the fun.

The race hits 6 cities this summer, with each course having crazy checkpoints to hit. Of course, you won’t know those checkpoints until you’re mid race and finding them out on the fly. To enter, you just need a team of at least 3, but up to 6 (depending on the category you enter in), your entry fee (a good portion of this goes to local charities) and a fun spirit. Oh, you’ll also need a bike, bike helmet, cell phone, small first aid kit (safety first!) and a digital camera. Check out the FAQ’s for any other info you might be interested in.

Last year, the Merrell team competed with Oustide Magazine in the Portland Oyster. We didn't win, but it sure was fun! So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and your bike and get ready to get outside and go racing, Oyster style! We’ll see you there!

Name the Next Merrell

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:11:00 GMT

Here at Merrell®, we’re all Outsiders. And we make no secret about it; we love to camp, run, hike, canoe, walk the dog and just plain get outside. So when it comes to naming our shoes, we all give it a solid effort, thinking of names that can best embody what the shoe stands for, and how we can best use it when we’re playing outside. When we were looking at our latest shoes, we had a brilliant (if you ask us) idea – why not let the rest of the Outsiders name some shoes. And so the Name the Next Merrell contest was born!

We figure we have a new lightweight, versatile, breathable, waterproof shoe that will be hitting the shelves; so – what would YOU name it? And why? What’s the inspiration behind the name? And nothing is off limits, just click, enter your submission and your choice is in!

We really value all of the feedback and creativity from the Outsiders. So let us know, what will you name the next Merrell?!

Let's Get Outside at the Outside Lands Festival!

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 02:02:00 GMT

A truly international city, check. Amazing cuisine, check. Great music, check. Iconic landmark, check. The opportunity to get outside and experience all of the above? Quadruple check. Held at Golden Gate Park, the Outside Lands Festival kicks off Saturday, August 14^th in San Francisco. The event features local cuisine (A Taste of the Bay Area), local wines (Wine Lands), great music and of course, all of the charm of San Francisco.

We’re excited to be a part of the Outside Lands Festival. In fact, we’re so excited to be a part of the festival, that we’re holding a VIP Party at our Merrell San Francisco store beforehand. The party is on Thursday, August 12^th and will run from 8-10pm. There will be food, music and giveaways every 15 minutes. We'll be giving away shoes, swag, and the grand prize - three VIP prize packs, consisting of 2 VIP passes to Outside Lands Festival, and head to toe Merrell gear.

So come on down, and bring your friends. To us, everyone is an Outsider and everyone is a VIP.

The details:

Merrell San Francisco

285 Geary St (In Union Square)

San Fran, CA 94102

415.834.9605

Get Outside with Merrell!

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:33:00 GMT

Here at Merrell® we’re involved in really cool things all year long. That schedule gets thrown into hyper mode during the summer months, when you can find us at a slew of outdoor events, all across the country. We’re everywhere from adventure races to urban chases to mud runs to food and wine festivals to music festivals and more. So, if you’re going to be having fun outside this summer, check out our schedule below and see where you might run into us.

April

4/17 – Little Big Adventure Series - Richmond, VA

4/25 – Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run - Los Angeles, CA

May

5/8 – 5/3 Riverbank Run - Grand Rapids, MI

5/8 – Project Athena Racing Series - San Diego, CA

5/8 – Red Tail Adventure Race (Big Blue Racing Series) Livermore, CA

5/8 – XTERRA Del Valle Triathlon (Big Blue Racing Series) Livermore, CA

5/15 – Collegiate Sports Nationals - Austin, TX

5/22 – City Chase - Philadelphia, PA

5/22 – Merrell Oyster Off Road - Glenwood Springs, CO

5/28 – Mountain Sports Festival - Asheville, NC

June

6/4 – Mountain Jam Festival - Hunter, NY

6/5 – National Trails Day - local events throughout the country

6/12 – City Chase - Boston, MA

6/19 – City Chase – San Diego, CA

6/20 – Burton Creek Trail Run (Big Blue Adventure Series) Tahoe City, CA

6/26 – XTERRA Tahoe City Triathlon (Big Blue Adventure Series) Tahoe City, CA

July

7/9 – Forecastle Festival – Louisville, KY

7/8 – Park City Food and Wine Classic – Park City, UT

7/10 – Ocean Blue Adventure Race (Big Blue Racing Series) Halfmoon Bay, CA

7/11 – City Chase – Seattle, WA

7/18 – Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run – Philadelphia, PA

7/31 – Lake Tahoe 24hr Adventure Race – Kings Beach, CA

August

8/3 – Outdoor Retailer – Salt Lake City, UT

8/5 – Steamboat Wine Festival – Steamboat Springs, CO

8/7 – City Chase – Washington, DC

8/13 – Outside Lands Festival – San Francisco, CA

8/21 – Mitchell’s Run – Rockford, MI

8/21 – City Chase – Chicago, IL

8/21 – Merrell Oyster Urban Adventure Race – Denver, CO

8/28 – XTERRA Incline Village Trail Run – Incline, NV

8/28 – Merrell Oyster Urban Adventure Race – Seattle, WA

September

9/18 – Project Athena Racing Series – Nashville, TN

9/18 – Little Big Adventure Series - Raleigh, NC

9/18 – Merrell Oyster Urban Adventure Race – Portland, OR

9/18 – Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Race – Truckee, CA

9/24 – Nor’easter Festival – Lincoln, NH

9/25 – Gazelle Sports Metro Trek – Kalamazoo, MI

9/25 – Merrell Oyster Urban Adventure Race – San Francisco, CA

9/25 – City Chase – New York City

9/29 – Emerald Bay Trail Run (Big Blue Adventure Series) Emerald Bay State Park, CA

October

10/3 – Project Athena Racing Series – Raleigh, NC

10/3 – Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run – New York City

10/10 – Merrell Oyster Urban Adventure Race – Austin, TX

10/23 – Merrell Oyster Urban Adventure Race – Nashville, TN

10/14 – USARA National Championship – Dallas, TX

10/31 – Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run – Sacramento, CA

November

11/5 – Iceman Cometh Expo and Race – Traverse City, MI

And the list doesn’t stop here. We’re always getting involved with local events all around the country. So if you want to see us, let us know and we’ll try to get outside with you!

Let's Get Outside at the Steamboat Wine Festival

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 11:29:00 GMT

Here at Merrell® we’re involved in different kinds of events, all year long, from adventure races to urban chases to wine festivals. Yup, wine festivals. This upcoming weekend we’ll be at the Steamboat Wine Festival in beautiful Steamboat Springs, CO. Going into its 7^th year, the Steamboat Wine Festival brings in over 3,000 people, all getting outside to socialize, enjoy the scenery and taste wine and spirits.

Not only do we love getting outside in unique ways like at wine festivals, but this year, the Steamboat Wine Festival helps to support the Steamboat Stars, the local adaptive recreation club. The Steamboat Stars provide adaptive recreational opportunities for disabled people. Be it skiing, biking or fishing, the Stars help people find and participate in their outdoor passions. And we’re all about supporting groups that help everyone get outside.

So if you’re in ‘the Boat’ this weekend, keep an eye out for us. We’ll see you outside.

An Outsiders Guide to Staying at RV Parks

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:15:00 GMT

Rob and Jan Wilson check in with their latest discovery on the road.

Expecting the Unexpected: Staying at RV Parks

Spending 90 days living in a Class B motorhome is more than an adventure. It’s a laboratory for learning about life - about people, about nature, about economics, about serendipity.

We bumped into serendipity during our stay at Kamp Klamath, along the Klamath River (what else) which borders a segment of Redwood National Park in northern California.

When we checked in, we were eagerly persuaded to not miss the big barbecue the following night. They would be grilling up fresh salmon, right out of the Klamath River. “It’s the best salmon you’ll ever taste,” was the promise. An all-you-can-eat buffet extravaganza. His enthusiasm was contagious. How could we resist?

We paid our $10 each and could hardly wait for the big event.

Armed with a bottle of white wine, we grabbed our light jackets to ward off the twilight coolness. We sauntered down to the barbecue and eating area under towering trees, just as the last bit of sunlight hugged the sky - not really sure what to expect. Sure enough, salmon AND chicken being grilled on a long barbecue set up, with big tubs of rice pilaf and mixed veggies.

The line was long but with all the gabbing going on among the campers, who noticed?

The salmon was pretty darn good (we’ll withhold the “best we’ve ever tasted” till we get to Alaska), and we could not resist the chicken, either. The beans were dynamite, and the rice pilaf pretty darn tasty, too. That cold bottle of wine washed it all down in short lip-smacking order.

Made some new friends at our round white plastic table with white plastic chairs, and got some good advice about driving to Alaska from an old pro. Amazing what you learn by asking a question or two and then shutting up - RVers love to talk and tell stories.

While surprised that this small camp could put on such a feast, a bigger surprise was the entertainment. Turns out that Douglas, the camp manager, is also a pretty talented guitarist and singer.

About an hour into the music, pitch dark outside, here comes another guy with a huge salmon he just caught in the river.

Thanking Douglas for his persuasive pitch to buy our barbecue tickets, we slipped back to the Sprinter Interstate and fired the beast up for our next stop.

Wondered all the way there what would come our way next.

It’s an adventure out here. Which is why you need to get up, get out, get going. See what the world has in store for you. And be sure to wear your Merrell gear. It adds a lot to the enjoyment factor.

The Group of RV Afficianados at the cookout.

5 Training Tips

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:05:00 GMT

It’s easy to get excited about getting in shape, and training in the summer. With the late evenings, warm weather, idea of being in a bathing suit and shorts, and oodles of other people outside doing things, people don’t seem as intimidated about getting back into shape in the summertime. As easy as it is to get excited about getting active and out there, it’s equally as easy to fall off track and lose momentum. Earlier, we introduced you to Travis Macy, of Team Merrell. Although we’re not all striving to be ultra-marathon snowshoe adventure racers, Travis offers up 5 great tips to help stay on track.

1. The 5:00 a.m. Rule
When you make a plan for a training session, particularly those early/late/cold/wet/miserable ones, create the plan ahead of time and stick with it. Don’t wait until the moment and then decide if you’re going to do it or not.

2. Carry a Backpack on all Bike Rides, Year-Round
I have found that carrying a pack of 20 pounds on all mountain and road rides increases strength and stamina in the legs, back, and arms. When you get to Primal Quest you’re back won’t explode, and when you enter short cycling races you’ll float like a butterfly–and maybe even sting like a bee.

3. Speed Work
Long, slow distance is crucial to any regimen, but high-end sessions and races are very important to increasing strength, stamina, and speed. In the winter/spring, in addition to a race every two weeks, I generally shoot for one session of uphill running fartleks per week, four-five by three minutes on with one and a half minutes off.

4. Snowshoe and Nordic Ski
If possible, spend time in the winter running on snowshoes and nordic skiing. These low-impact sports provide excellent cardiovascular training and full-body workouts. You’ll probably be even fitter than you were at the end of the summer.

5. Be Prepared
Since Danelle Ballengee’s accident in 2006, I have been more conscientious about telling someone where I’m going, carrying some type of connection to society (cell phone and/or Spot device), and bringing along contingency gear, such as a space blanket, medical kit, and waterproof jacket.

So there you have it. Training, and continued training isn’t easy. But with these tips, it might be more manageable. So what are you waiting for? Get outside and have some fun!

Let's Get Outside at the Big Blue Adventure Series!

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:05:00 GMT

Remember when you were a kid and you used to play in the woods, lakes, and on your bikes? If you’re like us, then you probably made up courses with your friends that combined all three and kept you endlessly entertained. Well, just because you ‘grew up’, doesn’t mean you have to stop doing all of those fun activities with your friends. In fact, we just call it adventure racing.

Prepping for the paddle at the Tahoe Big Blue

Adventure races take place every day, all over the world. The sport is booming (again, you get to play in the woods, ride bikes and splash around in water) and more and more people are entering races to join the fun. With so many adventure races out there, we’re really happy to be a part of the Big Blue Adventure Series. Based in the Lake Tahoe area of northern California, Big Blue provides a schedule of different races, for differing abilities. Not only is there a slew of races to choose from, but the scenery is nearly unmatched.

Lake Tahoe

So whether you’re just getting into adventure racing, or are a veteran of the scene who is prepared for the 24 hour race, the Big Blue Adventure Series has something for you. And Tahoe isn’t too bad either. The lake (average depth, 1,000ft) is known for being crystal clear and reflecting the mountains that surround it. The towns surrounding the lake all have great offerings, for families or people traveling without little ones. Heck, in South Lake Tahoe you can stand in Nevada and hit the casinos, or cross the street and you’re in California. Needless to say, there’s a lot going on. So what are you waiting for? Pick your race and get outside! We’ll see you there!

Racing in the Tahoe Big Blue

Meet Travis Macy

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:50:00 GMT

Last week, we talked about the amazing, inspiring athletes that make up Team Merrell. Over the upcoming months, we’re going to shine the spotlight on some team members individually, talking about their backgrounds, events they love, causes they support and some training tips they can offer. So without further ado……meet Travis Macy!

Growing up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Travis Macy was always outside. He played team sports as a kid, and started running competitively in high school on the cross country and track teams. In the mean time, he followed his dad, Mark, around to various races like the Leadville 100, Badwater Ultramarathon and Eco-Challenge. Travis enrolled at the University of Colorado at Boulder where he ran on the track and cross country teams, until the end of his college career, when his focus shifted to adventure racing. Needless to say, he hasn’t looked back.

Travis has competed in a countless number of races, in every season. He’s no stranger to being on a bike, in a kayak, on downhill skis or snowshoes. If there’s a race outside, he’s in it. He’s also a teacher at Denver Academy, and is published in various publications, including Adventure Sports Magazine.

When asked what motivates him, Travis’ answer is simple; “I am motivated to make the most of life.” Training and competing make him feel alive, as well as allow him to see different corners of the world. All combined, this is the fuel that makes him a better husband, father (almost – the baby comes in January!), teacher and athlete.

Let's Get Outside in the National Parks!

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:22:00 GMT

Have you ever wanted to take, say, 6 months off and drive around the country in an RV visiting various national parks? Well, meet Rob and Jan Wilson, a couple who are doing just that! After retiring they decided they weren’t done having adventures and figured that checking out America’s national parks was the perfect road trip. So off they went! We’ll keep you updated with Rob and Jan over the next few months to update you with their progress and location, as well as the many travel tips they’ll offer!

Check out below what they have to say about their journey so far.

A Day in the Life - On the Road with Sprinter Tour.

Ever wonder what it takes to visit 50 National Parks in 217 days? How much time we spend on the road? How much time in the parks? How we plan it? What our days are like?

Here are some answers.

In terms of road travel, we don’t spend that much time “on the road.” Our driving is from one park to another, and once there we stay put. So it’s not endless days of travel - so far we’ve made it from one park to the next in less than a day (with the exception of going from Big Bend in south Texas to Saguaro in Arizona.)

Total time spent on the road out of 217 days: about 60. That leaves us with roughly 150 days in the parks.

Simple math says that gives us a little over 3 days in each park. (150 divided by 50 = 3)

But it does not work out that way. We try to schedule more days in the bigger, more expansive parks. And fewer days in the smaller parks, like Saguaro and Carlsbad Caverns.

That gives us more time in places like Sequoia/Kings Canyon, where we are spending a total of 6 days. We did the same in Grand Canyon - 5 days total for that park. So we’ve already allocated a specific amount of time to a park before we get there.

The way we tackle a park is to do some basic research on the web about what makes the park unique. Why was it established? What is it that is being protected by the National Park status? What tips do we like in the “Things To Do” listing at the National Park website?

Then the first stop we make at the park is the visitor’s center. There we pick a couple of ranger’s brains about what they like most about the park, and their recommendations for off the beaten path stuff.

Then we “case the park” with a drive-through. At Sequoia/Kings Canyon, that involved a 90 mile drive from one end of the park to the other. That gives us an overview of where the trailheads are, what’s happening at the visitor centers (usually there is more than one), and the time it takes to get to the different trailheads and overlooks.

Finally we plan our days - which hikes to take, which scenic spots not to miss, which Ranger talks/walks in which we want to participate. And we always stay flexible for the unexpected opportunity or getting delayed while hiking.

Do we always do everything on our list? Unfortunately, no. There are always limits. Sometimes it’s weather, sometimes it’s how tired we are, or we find out a hike we had planned on is too strenuous, or it’s closed because of weather, obstructions, and so on.

But we usually do about 90% of what we plan. And we always are surprised by what unfolds as we go. The camera always gets a good workout, as does our eyes and ears and minds.

We know we can’t see it all. So we aim for the less traveled path, the places few people go. We’re here to explore and discover what the parks have to offer. That usually takes us places the public at large tends to ignore.

When we did the General Sherman walk, we took the loop trail through the grove areas, about a mile and a half long. Wonderful walk, a wide range of tree sizes/ages, groupings, creeks, wildlife (the birds simply never stop!)

Yet on our way out, we heard a fellow tell a woman “go back, it’s not worth it, it’s just more trees.” The woman turned around and went back to the Sherman.

On the Tokopah Falls hike in Sequoia, we overheard someone in a group complaining, “I didn’t know we were going to hike, I thought we were just going to see some falls.”

We see and hear that a lot. It’s called “drive by tourists.” If they can’t see if from their car, or as quickly as a McDonald’s drive through, they are not interested. Perhaps a function of the Disney World mindset, who knows. But most folks are missing the best parts of the parks.

Our goal is not to miss those parts, but to revel in them, to drink deeply from what’s been created for our enjoyment.

A typical day for us revolves around routines. This is what we’ve discovered RVing is all about; getting routines down pat so no mistakes are made and little time is wasted. By no mistakes, we mean keeping everything in its place, every time, all the time. And in confined spaces, you have to work with each other to allow room and time to complete the basics - showering, getting dressed, getting breakfast ready.

So it takes us about 90 minutes to 2 hours from getting up to departing the RV campground to begin exploring the National park we are at.

Usually, entrance stations are near the beginning of the park, and loooooooong drives to get to trails and main sights. That takes even more time. If we want sunrise shots, getting up at 4:30 am is a must. Sunset shots means a very late dinner, and late to bed.

Getting up and getting out there is fast becoming a way of life for us. The delights are all around us, and we keep honing our senses to notice it more and more.

All you need is the interest and desire, some good Merrell hiking boots and clothes, a Merrell backpack, lots of water and a trail map.

What are you waiting for? Get out there, gang - get up and get out there! The parks are waiting for you.

And there you have it – life in an RV, traveling around America’s natural playgrounds. Not a bad way to spend a summer if you ask us! Like we mentioned above, we’ll be sharing updates from Rob and Jan’s trip every couple of weeks. They’re a living example that if you’ve got the time, the possibilities are endless! And you heard them – the parks are waiting for you! We’ll see you outside!

Ladies and Gentlemen - Meet Team Merrell!

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:23:00 GMT

Here at Merrell® we think it’s pretty awesome that we make shoes and apparel for everyone; whether you’re walking your dog, training for a 5k, or an ultra marathon adventure racer. Although most of us fall into the first two categories, there are people out there (some might even call them crazy) who are ultra runners, marathon paddlers and adventure racers. In fact, we proudly support 11 of these uber athletes, who make up Team Merrell.

The Team Merrell Captain is Robyn Benincasa. To put it in one word, she’s amazing. In more than one word, she’s incredible, inspiring, motivational, a total badass and bionic. Bionic? Yes; she’s had both hips re-surfaced due to osteo-arthritis. So ya, she’s bionic too. She’s also a firefighter in San Diego, and was part of the first all female squad in America. Add to that 12 Ironman triathlons, Eco-challenges and participation in Primal Quests, ultra paddling and ultra cycling competitions. Oh ya, she’s also been the World Adventure Racing champion. Twice. Take away all of Robyn’s accomplishments and she’s just a woman that you’d want to be friends with. She always has kind words of encouragement and manages to make you feel like you can accomplish anything.

With the help of Robyn, Team Merrell rounds out with ten other inspiring athletes. Neil Jones, of New Zealand, is a three time Eco-Challenge winner and NZ Coast to Coast Champion. He also does things like marathon paddling, cross country running and orienteering. Like Neil, Travis Macy is an adventure racing maniac. He’s competed in Primal Quests as well as 24 Hours of Moab. He’s also a teacher in Denver.

Greg and Denise McHale serve as the husband/wife team on Team Merrell. Based in Canada, they are elite ultra runners and adventure racers, and each took first place in the Rock and Ice Ultra Marathon.

David Kelly likes to spend most of his time in the water. He’s an elite paddler who’s taken 1^st in the Texas Water Safari and also completed seven Eco-Challenges. Like David, Carter Johnson spends the better part of his days floating. He’s also taken first in the Texas Water Safari, along with first place finishes in the Missouri River 340 and Yukon 1000. (Yup, a 1000 mile paddling race). On top of that he’s also a Guinness Book World Record holder, paddling over 150 miles in 24 hours.

The remaining four members of Team Merrell are also members of Team Project Athena; a nonprofit aimed at helping women achieve their goals. Florence Debout has finished 12 Ironman triathlons and is an ultramarathon runner. She’s also a two time breast cancer survivor. Danelle Ballangee is a Primal Quest Champion, as well as the four time Pikes Peak Marathon champ and the World Snowshoe champion.

Melissa Cleary, when she’s not championing runs for women’s causes, takes time to run marathons, over 45 of them so far. She’s also taken first place in Racing the Planet, Vietnam and finished on the podium at the Coastal Challenge. Louise Cooper beat breast cancer to complete seven Ironman triathlons, seven Eco-Challenges and summit four of the seven summits (the highest peaks on each continent).

And that, in a nutshell, is Team Merrell. Eleven highly skilled, uber athletes that could be your next door neighbor. That’s what we think makes them so special. True, they compete in races that make most people’s knees shake just thinking about them; but they’re also all pretty normal, which is why we like them. In fact, it’s easy to be like them - at a scaled down level, that is. So what are you waiting for? Get outside and start having fun!

Team Merrell at Primal Quest 2009

An Outsiders Take on Outdoor Nation

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:32:00 GMT

Last week we talked about our involvement with Outdoor Nation, and all of the great ideas that came out of it. Below, Caitlin, another Merrell delegate shares her experience from the event.

I deem Outdoor Nation a huge success. Going into it, I really had no idea what to expect. When I arrived in Central Park, I was pleasantly surprised. After introducing myself at the very bustling Merrell tent, I was given the opportunity to just go and explore. I met representatives of non-profits and environmental agencies, and caught up with some other participants. We then made our way down to registration and entered a massive tent, filled with tables and screens set up for discussion. Here, we were asked to choose from a variety of categories that we were most interested in discussing. I chose "Outdoor Education and Recreation", and found my way to the appropriate table. We were given electronic remotes in order to enter our opinions and vote on particular topics. This voting system, provided by Mobilize.org, was incredibly efficient at allowing a large group of people come to a consensus on detailed discussions. Our table's response to ‘how to get youth more involved in the outdoors’ included statements such as "we must provide an early, consistent form of integrated environmental/outdoor education in our schools", or "we need to foster companionship in our unique outdoor communities". We were never stifled in sharing our opinions, and we were always given an opportunity to speak our minds. This truly was a youth summit, the first of its kind.

Instead of leaving the summit to fend on our own to carry out our ideas, perhaps the greatest reward was that we were given the opportunity to talk to government officials that carry real weight in making a nationwide difference. As part of America's Great Outdoors Initiative established by the administration, the secretaries of Agriculture, the Interior, Labor, and the Chair on Environmental Quality were all there (yes, physically!) to hear out our ideas, and yes, bring them back to Washington to be heard by the President! Our thoughts, statements, and opinions will be put in a report that "reviews successful and promising non-Federal conservation approaches, analyzes existing resources and programs that complement those approaches, and identifies an action plan" to meet the goals of the Initiative on America's Great Outdoors by November 2010. And, annual reports will be submitted by September 2011 and 2012 on progress in implementing the action plan. It is incredibly important in order to make a real change to get the nation as a whole, INVOLVED.

I am left now to make a difference in my own community, and the 500 other participants have been given the tools to do so as well. Grant money has been made available as well, which really can give us the push we need, especially in urban communities. It is tremendously inspiring! I can't thank Merrell enough for giving me this awesome opportunity, because now, I have DIRECTION. Direction towards making effective change to a healthier, happier, greener, outdoor nation. I am looking forward to seeing where this takes me, and of course, I'll be outside!

Obviously, we’re pretty stoked that everyone at Outdoor Nation had such a great experience and left with positive plans to help get America’s youth back outside. Because we think it’s so important, we’ll continue to keep you posted on what our Outdoor Nation delegates are doing, and how they’re putting into action the ideas and plans they left the summit with. Because we’re so inspired by Caitlin’s post, we’re going to go take a walk – outside!

Let's Get Outside at Outdoor Nation!

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:39:00 GMT

This past weekend, Merrell® had the awesome opportunity to be a part of Outdoor Nation, a summit bringing together 500 young Americans, tasked with coming up with passionate and actionable ideas for getting America’s youth re-engaged in the outdoors. Merrell was proud to send 5 delegates to the event. Read below what Lindsay, one of our delegates, had to say.

Last weekend, I joined hundreds of youth in Central Park to discuss how we can reconnect young people with the outdoors. We came from different places around the country and from different backgrounds. Although our roots displayed tremendous variability, we were all there to grow and cultivate future generations of people who value the outdoors. We identified and critically analyzed both the primary challenges in getting youth outside today and innovative solutions. Beyond learning from our peers, we had the opportunity to share our thoughts with representatives from the Obama Administration who are working on implementing America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.

I walked away from this culmination of outdoor energy with motivation to fuel implementation of my own ideas to get youth outdoors. I work for the University of Michigan’s Outdoor Adventures Program, which offers outdoor trip opportunities to students and community members. I would like to expand trip programming to include trips for under-served youth from the surrounding areas. I would also like to expand trip programming to include a spring break service trip, in which students and community members give back to the environment and the people that nourish us. I want to share my passion for the outdoors with as many people as I possibly can, so will continue to brainstorm innovative avenues for making that happen. I want to be part of the revolution that gets people back outside.

We don’t know about you, but we’re pretty excited that Lindsay, as well as the rest of the summit attendees, had such great experiences! We make it no secret here at Merrell that we’re very passionate about getting outside, and affording people the opportunities to do so is one of our main priorities. We can’t wait to be a part of Outdoor Nation again next year. Now Let’s Get Outside!

Merrell Barefoot Collection: Let Your Feet Lead You

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:09:00 GMT

In 1960 Abebe Bikila was a late addition to the Ethiopian Olympic team, set to run the marathon. When he didn’t like the way his shoes fit before the race, he decided to scrap them and race barefoot, the way he had trained. Two hours and fifteen minutes later, he was Olympic champion, the hero of a nation and the first big name in barefoot running.

Fast forward nearly 50 years, when Christopher McDougall releases Born to Run, a book about the Tarahumara tribe in the remote mountains of Mexico. Slowly, people started to talk more and more about barefoot running and the benefits that it brings.

Fast forward to now, where Merrell® is proud to announce a new partnership with Vibram®; exclusively collaborating to introduce a complete Barefoot Collection of shoes in the outdoor category. Basically, we’re putting together a collection of minimalist, lightweight, versatile and efficient footwear that will be available in February 2011; an entire category of barefoot shoes that lets your feet lead you into your outdoor passion of choice.

A lot of people aren’t sure what the hoopla surrounding barefoot running and activity is all about. Think of it this way - these new shoes will help create a more natural stride by moving you away from the heel and encouraging forward momentum, where you land at mid foot. This all makes for lower impact, and a more aligned and efficient gait. AND you get some health benefits wrapped in there. Because most people are so used to walking/running/moving with their heel striking first, this design will stimulate different muscles, helping to strengthen your core and agility. The whole idea that what you put on your feet - be it to hike, bike, run, walk the dog or just grab a coffee - can help improve your health and body is pretty awesome.

Remember the scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts makes Richard Gere take his shoes off and walk around in the grass? People love being barefoot because it creates a connection with nature and what they’re doing. But, since most people aren’t willing to walk to work, hike a trail or ride a bike completely barefoot and since most restaurants and shops won’t let you in completely barefoot, this new collection is ideal for people who are looking for that connection. On the men’s side, we’ve got the Trail Glove, True Glove and Tough Glove, all three super lightweight and versatile shoes that can take you from the trail to walking around town. On the ladies side, we have the Pace Glove, Power Glove and Pure Glove, all which follow Merrell’s belief of Performance Made Beautiful. Because we believe that shoes can fit incredibly well AND look good at the same time.

Needless to say, we’re really excited to be offering a truly unique Barefoot Collection. And partnering with Vibram makes us that much more excited. So what are you waiting for (other than February 2011) – we’ll see you outside!

Let’s Get Outside™ on National Trails Day

Tue, 25 May 2010 13:02:00 GMT

Here at Merrell®, we all love to get outside. Whether that’s by doing a 10k trail run, mountain biking, or just walking the dog, we all find our own ways of getting outside and enjoying what there is to offer. That’s why National Trails Day® is so important to us. Saturday, June 5^th marks the 17^th annual NTD, and it’s getting bigger and better every year!

Across the country there are over 200,000 miles of hiking trails, and according to the Outdoor Industry Association over 75 million Americans hike, backpack and trail run on them. People honor National Trails Day many different ways; by cutting or cleaning trails, by teaching and taking educational nature courses, by doing gear demonstrations, and perhaps the most fun, by dedicating new trails. Events like these take place all over the country; to find an event near you, visit the American Hiking Society website for a map of what’s happening. Those of us at Merrell will be at events from San Francisco to Savannah, so you just might run into us. We’ll see you outside!

Let's Get Outside and Build A Greenbelt!

Wed, 12 May 2010 17:57:00 GMT

Last weekend, we had the awesome opportunity to be a part of Hike the Lafitte Corridor in New Orleans. Along with Friends of the Lafitte Corridor and Massey’s Professional Outfitters, we brought to life an urban hike spread over 3.5 miles of unused space throughout the city. The space - some out of use railroad beds, some vacant lots - crosses through the city, connecting Louie Armstrong Park and City Park. We joined over 100 passionate people taking place in the urban hike, and it couldn’t have been a better day.

There are plenty of people out there who will argue that time and money are better spent on different projects. But we’re not among them. Seeing greenways come to life in other cities (Boston, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Miami – to name a few) makes us think it’s a very real possibility in most urban areas, especially in a city like New Orleans where there is a) the space and b) a group of highly dedicated people behind the effort.

So thumbs up and high fives to Friends of the LaFitte Corridor, what a way to get people outside. Just goes to show that the outside really is for everyone, everywhere!

A group of hikers, post hike.

Why You've Got to Have.....the Merrell Lenaia

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:57:00 GMT

It’s no secret that Merrell® footwear is awesome, and keeps getting better with every season. What is a lesser known fact is that Merrell also makes killer apparel. Think ‘going for a hike and want to meet up with your friends for dinner and drinks but can’t get home in time to change’ – well, we’ve got that covered; because we know that your clothes need to be active and flexible as you are.

Even though we think we do a pretty good job of making functional, active clothes look good, it always puts a smile on our face when we get feedback that we’re doing it right. We recently asked one of our retailers, Jill Seale, owner of Sierra Nevada Adventure Company (locations in, you guessed it, the Sierra Nevadas) to try out our Merrell Lenaia. The Lenaia is a versatile pants/shorts/skirt combo. Sound confusing? It’s a getup that can be worn as pants (that can be rolled to capris), shorts or a skirt – and if you’re feeling funky, a pants/skirt combo. Here’s what Jill had to say about it:

I wore the Lenaia yesterday & today as well. I really like 'em! Whoever the designer is, you have to tell them they did a great job on the piece. They're the most comfortable zip-off's I've ever had (in this business for 15 years, I've tried on A LOT!). The elasticized inside waist is great. The zip-off & the skirt are the right length & so are the capri roll-ups. How great it will be for travel too, since it's so technical - yet you can dress it up!

Needless to say, we were stoked when Jill gave us this feedback about the Lenaia, and wanted to share it. For all the ladies (and men if you want it), looks like you’ve found your go-to summer piece, perfect for traveling, camping, hiking and hitting the town. Now get outside and have some fun…Happy Merrelling!

The Lenaia in skirt mode. Find it on www.merrell.com

Rope Swing

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:13:00 GMT

Let's Get Outside on the Rope Swing

Earth Day....Week....Month....Year

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:51:00 GMT

Here at Merrell® we make it no secret that we’re all about getting outside. And because we’re so passionate about being outside, we think it’s a pretty big deal to conserve it. This year marks the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day, so Outsiders everywhere are taking it to the next level! Our friends over at the National Park Foundation have set up Parks Week to coincide with Earth Week. And, in an effort to help people get outside, admission to all 392 National Park units is FREE the week of 4/17 – 4/25. During this week, select Merrell retail locations will be donating $10 for every purchase of Merrell towards the National Park Foundation, to ensure that they can keep spreading the message of getting outside and enjoying the parks.

Our friends at Chaco are doing some pretty cool stuff, too. They’ve teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation, and for every pair of Chacos purchased in April, they’ll be planting a tree. You know, so your children’s children’s children can climb them one day.

Over at Patagonia Footwear, they’re a member of 1% For the Planet, which is a really cool organization that supports businesses donating 1% of their sales to environmental groups around the world. The organization keeps growing, which means more money to help the environment. That’s something we can really get behind.

Although Earth Day is circled on everyone’s calendars, we think it’s bigger than just one day. And we bet a lot of you do too. But we sure do think it’s pretty cool to see all of the great things done on Earth Day. To find an Earth Day event near you, click here.

We’ll see you Outside!

It's Earth Week - go ahead, hug a tree.

Time to Get Merrell Down and Dirty

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:16:00 GMT

Remember when you were a kid and jumping in puddles and playing in the mud wasn’t only totally acceptable, but super fun too? Well, thanks to the Merrell® Down and Dirty National Mud Run Series it’s not just acceptable anymore – it’s encouraged! The Merrell Down and Dirty is an event all about getting outside, having fun and of course, getting dirty! The run features 5k and 10k courses filled with military style obstacles, cargo climbs, water crossings and of course – MUD!

The first race of the season kicks off Sunday, April 25^th in Los Angeles. Go ahead, get outside and get dirty! To find other event attendees, become a fan on Facebook.

Merrell Proudly Supports the National Park Foundation

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 03:23:00 GMT

Smoky Mountain National Park at dawn, the view from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, dipping your toes in the frigid waters of Acadia – Merrell® believes the world would be a better place if more people had access to amazing outside experiences like these. That is why Merrell has teamed up with the National Park Foundation. Together we seek to inspire people to get outside, and increase access for all people to our amazing national parks – because the outside should be for everyone, everywhere.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Looking to visit some of the parks less traveled? Check out ten lesser known National Parks.

Ahhhh, the Memories....

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 23:16:00 GMT

Here at Merrell our employees really love to get outside. Whether it's weekend camping, day trips or week long excursions, people are always out doing fun stuff. One of the really cool things about this is that we all get to talk about what we're doing, and share fun stories and funny memories of trips. So we've decided to share some of them with you. And better yet, we'd love for you to share some with us! Send an email to merrellblog@wwwinc.com with fun stories and funny pictures so we can share your great memories too!

Amy Roder - Merrell Marketing Specialist

When I was in second grade, we got two cats. I named one Chips the War Cat, because I knew from the get go that he was a really awesome cat. My sister named the other one Checkers; she was pretty cool too. Fast forward two years, when my family was leaving for a fall camping trip to Acadia National Park in Maine. Somewhere along the road in Maine, we all started hearing a strange meowing coming from the back of the mini van. Sure enough, Checkers had managed to stow away while my Dad was packing. Now, along with the dog, three kids, five bikes, two tents and all of the other camping necessities, there was a cat added to the mix. That began the start of the camping trip where we looked like the crazy family who liked to bring their cat camping. Word to the wise, if you ever want to try and bring an indoor/outdoor cat camping in a confined tent in a National Park - good luck, it's no easy feat.

Aside from bringing one of the cats camping (a stand alone memory in its own right), I'll never forget how cool I thought it was seeing the sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain, the first place to view the sunrise in US each day. After a (very) early wake up call to see the sunrise, we rode our bikes around the park and checked out Bar Harbor. Although I've been back to Acadia and Bar Harbor since, nothing will top the memory of our first family trip there...cat and all.

If you're looking for some great family camping resources for this camping season, check out Outside Mag's National Park Guide. We'll see you Outside!

View from atop Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park

Why You've Got to Have...the Merrell CTR Cruise

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:46:00 GMT

Each season here at Merrell® we strive to keep our shoes innovative, fun and stylish. And we really nailed it with the Merrell CTR Cruise. We could talk (and type) all day long about how great the CTR Cruise is, so when our friends over at Fitness Magazine dubbed it the best trail shoe out there we were stoked. And we gave each other high fives, because really, who doesn’t like a high five?

“Sometimes trail shoes feel too much like hiking boots,” says Michelle Wesson, a competitive runner from Flagstaff, AZ. “The Merrell CTR Cruise is lightweight; it’s just the right amount of shoe.”

Water resistant with a solid midsole and slip proof heel, there’s even antimicrobial stuff going on to help prevent the stink….who wouldn’t want this shoe???

Merrell the Wonder Dog

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:57:00 GMT

Everyone – meet Merrell the Wonder Dog!

We recently received a really great letter from Michael F., one of our faithful Outsiders. After wearing out a couple of pairs of shoes from a brand that we won’t embarrass by naming, Michael convinced his parents to buy him a pair of Merrell® Chameleons. And that was the beginning of a beautiful love story. Now, seven pair and three people later, the family won’t dream of wearing anything but Merrell. Which, of course, we think is awesome!

As if that story isn’t cool enough on its own, last summer Michael was on a trip in New York and fell in love with a make even the most manly man mushy German Shorthaired Pointer puppy. Well, he brought that little girl home and named her the coolest name possible – Merrell!

Check out the photos below of when Merrell was just a tiny little pup, and some more recent shots. And because we think Merrell is a pretty cool dog, we’ll continue to fill you in on what she’s up to as she grows up - from puppy rambunctiousness to her rebellious stages until she's a wise old lady dog.

Happy puppy viewing!

Merrell the Wonder Dog in her first favorite hiding place.

Merrell the Wonder Dog at 6 weeks.

Merrell the Wonder Dog at 8 months.

Annual Tech Rep Summit

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:03:00 GMT

Here at Merrell we have a position in the ranks called a Tech Rep. These 13 Outsiders are scattered across different regions of the US and really live for Merrell and all of the awesomeness that comes with it. You can find them in our retail stores, at any of the bazillon events that Merrell supports or finding fun new ways to play outside. And these guys give new meaning to the term 'pounding the pavement'. They're like Jedi's when it comes to traveling across the country. If you run into them, don't be afraid to ask them any questions about Merrell. They're like Yoda when it comes to product knowledge.

Each March, all of the Tech Reps make a pilgrimage to Merrell HQ for 2 days of product insights and eventually, a little fun. Check out the photos below, just one way to get outside!

Dance moves atop a 4" beam 25 feet in the air.....

Lauren's rocking the helmet over hat look.

Calling All Junior Rangers!

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:04:00 GMT

When you were growing up, did you ever want to be a Park Ranger? Although some people (might) say we're grown up now, we still have dreams of being one, which is why we think this is so cool! The Junior Ranger Essay Contest is a put on by the National Park Foundation and is proudly supported by Merrell. Open to Outsiders ages 9-12 the contest asks:

If you were a National Park Ranger for a day, how would you describe the national parks to someone who’s never been before?

Pretty cool, if you ask us. Check out the Junior Ranger Essay page for more details on entering and the cool prizes up for grabs. Now get outside, grab a pen and start writing!

How's that for some inspiration?!

It's Events Season!

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:01:00 GMT

Here at Merrell we love to be involved in fun things. Because really, who doesn't like to get outside and have fun? One of the ways we get involved is by supporting lots of events all over the country throughout the year. You can find us at fun events like music festivals, like Outside Lands and Nor'easter; at food and wine festivals like the Park City Food and Wine Festival and the Wine Festival at Steamboat; and at adventure races like the Ocean Blue Adventure Race and the Red Tail Adventure Race. We're also stoked to be a part of the City Chase events, plenty of road races, the Merrell Oyster Racing Series and the Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Runs. The best part about these events is that just about anyone can participate. So if you're up for a little outside action, find the event nearest to you and we'll see you there!

Team Fighting Wombats / Merrell at the 2009 Merrell Oyster Race in Portland. Check out Outside Mag's blog about the adventure!

Why You've Got to Have....the Merrell Baltra Shirt

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:44:00 GMT

Here at Merrell we've been making awesome apparel for some time now. One of these awesome shirts is the Baltra. Outsiders can wear this shirt just about anywhere and look plenty sexy doing it. Obviously, we're not the only ones who think that it rocks; if Outside Mag's Adventure Issue says so, then it's got to be true.

HELLO, CLEVELAND!!!

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:47:00 GMT

And Miami and Ashville and Denver. And Seattle, Burlington, Augusta, Fairbanks, Austin and Bozeman, too. Oh, and everyone from here to Outer Mongolia and back. Welcome, bienvenidos, bonjour, hola, neih hou, guten tag, konnichi wa, caio, howdy.

Those of us here at the Merrell® Mothership (a.k.a. Rockford, MI) are proud to present (drum roll, please....) the Merrell blog!

The way we see it, there is some pretty cool stuff going on around here, and as much as we like to talk about it amongst ourselves, that gets boring pretty quickly. So, we've created a fun, new blog to tell you all about what's happening. And we're pretty excited about it, too! We plan on talking about all of the fun stuff that goes on here at Merrell, and in our favorite place - Outside!

So keep an eye out for fun updated on things like product launches, super cool events we'll be at, spotlights on Merrell team members, quirky, fun stuff that Merrell Outsiders (a.k.a. you- the readers) send to us, and just about anything else that we might think is off the wall enough for people to want to read. Best of all, we love your ideas! So please - send ideas, praise, thoughts and randomness to us and we'll do our best to address it. As you can see below, we get plenty of random stuff, so give us your best shot!

Now, Let's Get Outside!

Who says Merrell shoesboxes can't be used for product display? Photo taken on a street corner in Windhoek, Namibia.