Posts tagged Columbia Sportswear
Grateful To Be An Inaugural #Omniten
3
I’ve basically already talked about this a couple weeks ago, but just the other day I realized I glossed over something that deserves more attention. Being chosen as one of Columbia Sportswear Inaugural #Omniten. (What’s #omniten? Find out here.)
Back in late 2011 I won a jacket and base layers from Columbia through twitter. I always want to share my views on products and brands I believe in so I went ahead and did a few blog posts about what was sent to me. Columbia never asked me to do this nor did I expect anything in return for sharing my thoughts. In early 2012 I received an email from Columbia asking to speak with me via phone. I was stoked but had absolutely no idea why they’d want to speak with me. It was during this conversation that the idea of #Omniten was discussed. They explained that it was in the early stages of planning, gave me a few vague details, but wanted to know if I would be interested if it came to fruition. I couldn’t say, “Yes!” fast enough. Knowing that there was a 50/50 chance of it actually occuring, I didn’t get my hopes up. And then it happened.
In early March 2012 I received my first box of goodies and accepted my place among Columbia’s Inaugural #Omniten.
Over the next 6 months I acquired some amazing gear (including a GoPro), was whisked off to Sedona for their 2013 Spring Preview, was present when they revealed Project Z as their new technology Omni-Freeze Zero, rubbed elbows with some of Columbia’s head honchos (and didn’t even know it until I was well into my conversation….ha!), sat among some of the best magazine editors, practiced a little vortex yoga, and hiked into the Grand Canyon with 20 people I had met only 48 hours before.
To say the whole experience with Columbia has been life changing is an understatement. The gear has been absolutely rad, but in reality it comes down the experience and the people. I was told by one of our Grand Canyon guides that my life would be forever changed. Little did I know he would be right. It was out there in the Arizona heat that I realized there was so much more to life. I literally went home and told D, “We have to move.” And so we did.
The inaugural #omniten season officially wrapped in mid-late 2012 signaling it was time to make room for a new crew. However, it wasn’t the end, only the beginning. New adventures await and I can’t wait to see where they take us.
Photo Credit Will Rochfort
I have no idea why I was chosen to be part of the #Omniten. No idea whatsoever. What I do know, is that it happened for a reason. The experience brought out of me something I never knew existed and lit a fire in my life. And for that I am truly grateful. If you would’ve told me in during my initial phone conversation with Columbia, just a year ago, that I’d be where I am, doing what I’m doing, I’d say you were crazy. And yet, look where I am.
Columbia took a chance on something that they didn’t know would be successful. In the end it has proven to be successful, and it’s pretty kick ass to say that I was part of the inaugural #Omniten crew. Thank you Columbia for choosing me and proving that some of the best results come from taking a chance.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
First #Omniten Reunion
8
The first Omniten Reunion was pretty darn fantastic! As usual, I’m having a hard time putting into words the experience. After our Sedona/Havasu trip in June we had hoped to reunite in the future. I’m not unsure if anyone really thought it’d happen. Thankfully we were able to personally come together and make a reunion happen, even though some could not attend. (No worries! I’m sure there will be more.)
Upon my arrival I was greeted at baggage claim by Heather and Katie. We then headed over the neighboring terminal to grab Jon. Gotta love when flight schedules coincide. After a few quick hugs we ventured out into the COLD weather (Holy crap, did I really ever live in this sort of climate?!) to be met by Will, ready to start our short road trip to Park City.
Will was volunteered for the task of organizing this adventure and to say he delivered is an understatement. Our lodging alone spoke for itself. I’ve always hoped to vacation in a lodge such as Timber Wolf Lodge and it finally happened.
Fireplace? Check. Hot tub? Check. Classic wood/cabin furniture? Check. Warm and welcoming? Check. Kick butt entertainment set up? Check. Pots, pans, dishes, and other kitchen utensils? Check. It was all that I had hoped. You better believe I chose to sleep on the couch and fell asleep by the light of the fireplace each night.
Once settled in we made our way to the market to grab all of our food necessities for our time in Park City. We kicked off our first evening with a gourmet meal from Will and called it an early night.
We woke up early the next morning in hopes of hitting the slopes at opening. After Jon and I grabbed our rentals at Park City Sport (High five to them. We almost didn’t acquire rentals for our lack of planning. They were super nice and understanding. Not to mention, they didn’t make me feel like a tool for my lack of knowledge.) we headed to Alta.
That would be the look of fear captured by Katie
I knew this, but wow, ski resorts out west are nothing like Ohio. Those aren’t just hills. Those are mountains. There are no words to describe the beauty.
Photo Courtesy of Heather
After taking a brief moment to take it all (brief, because it was flippin’ cold! I don’t know if I’m meant for cold weather anymore…), it was time to face the challenge I set before myself well over a year ago. That’s when the nerves kicked in. How in the world was I going to survive on these little toothpicks? Alas, I did it. First run of the day + no crashes = success. Woohoo!
Photo courtesy of Katie
Another photo from Heather
After several hours of runs we took a brief lunch and then headed back for a few more runs before calling it a day. The second half of the day was filled with even more beauty as we were surrounded by falling snow. So peaceful.
Alta is a pretty sweet mountain. The slopes were perfect for my lack of experience and I really fell in love with all it had to offer. Unfortunately those that are looking to snowboard must head to another mountain since it’s only open to skiing. However, the variety of green, blue, black runs provided enjoyment for the varying skill levels in our group.
We finished up the day with a quiet night in the lodge since the next day called for more skiing!
Day 2 of skiing lead us to meeting up with another member of the Omniten, Steve, and took us to Solitude. A bit quieter than most mountains, Solitude lives up to it’s name. With the sun shining and the snow falling consistently throughout the day, it was as though diamonds were falling from the sky. Can’t beat that. Unfortunately for me day 2 didn’t go as well as day 1 (more on that in the future). Even so, it was another beautiful day on the mountain.
That evening we had several Blends (blog +friends) come to our lodge to celebrate New Years and have dinner.
I love meeting blends in real-life. Heck, these are some of my best friends, so it’s always great when the opportunity arises. After dinner we hit downtown Park City to ring in the New Year.
The next day called for sleeping in, eating lots, checking out more of Park City, playing cards, and even some dancing. Before we knew it, nighttime had once again come and it was time to call it a day.
As expected, our final morning together was filled with cleaning, packing, and goodbyes. As always, time flew by faster than we imagined. Could it really be time to head home?
2012 was filled with adventures and experiences that were out of this world for me. 2 life-changing experiences included my Omniten family. In our short times together they’ve seen me at my highest and also at my lowest. They’ve provided inspiration to pursue my adventures and kind words or a shoulder to cry on when I’ve stumbled (both literally and figuratively) through these adventures. I really couldn’t imagine my life without them.
To friends and future adventures!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Grand Canyon Havasu Falls W/ @Columbia1938 & @GoPro
0September 7, 2012
You may remember back to when I received a GoPro from Columbia Sportswear and also my trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. I have finally gotten around to figuring out how to edit my GoPro footage. Of course I wish I had more, but that just means I have to go on some more adventures, right?
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Off-Road @Jeep & Lake Fun W/ @GoPro and @Columbia1938
5September 3, 2012
Finally took the time to learn how to edit GoPro footage. This is where our adventure took us this weekend. Many more adventurous videos to come….
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Is Columbia Omni-FreezeZERO Legit?
3August 22, 2012
in Reviews
Watch on to see my review of Columbia Sportswear’s Omni-FreezeZERO. Have you entered my giveaway yet?
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Be The 1st To Experience Columbia Omni-Freeze ZERO – Giveaway
57August 19, 2012
in Reviews
If you’ve been following my blog I had the awesome opportunity to venture out to Arizona in June to meet up with my fellow Omniten crew and test out a variety of Columbia Sportswear products. This trip is ultimately what lead to D and I relocating to Arizona. True story.
During the Spring 2013 Preview we experienced the unveiling of Columbia’s newest technology, Omni Freeze-ZERO. We then went on to put it under rigorous testing by hiking in the Grand Canyon. It performed amazingly well and is legit. Check out my full review where I go into much more detail.
If you work or play outside Omni Freeze-ZERO is something that needs to be added to your gear. Sadly, it will not be released to the general public until Spring 2013. However, if luck is on your side I can get you hooked up sooner. I have in my hands 3 coupons up for grabs that will not only allow you to be one of the first to purchase Omni Freeze-Zero shirts, but also at an exclusive, early access price. Even better? You can purchase up to 3 shirts with each coupon. Hot dang! Since I have 3 coupons that also means 3 different people make out on this giveaway…1 coupon per winner.
If you don’t win, have no fear. As I type this Columbia Sportswear ice cream trucks are on the move spreading Omni Freeze-ZERO love throughout the United States. Scope out where they will be next to get some free ice cream, a sample of the Omni Freeze-ZERO fabric, and coupons too!
Let’s get underway and get this giveaway going!
-Leave me a comment below. I’d like to know how you currently keep cool in this heat. What do you wear? What don’t you wear? Do you carry hydration when you exercise? Is water your preference or some other beverage?
-For an optional entry, tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment letting me know you did.
Something along the lines of “I want to get in on @BananaBuzzbomb’s #OmniFreezeZero giveaway from @Columbia1938. http://wp.me/p284Ry-12G #JustAddSweat”
This giveaway ends Friday, August 24th at 11:59PM EST. The winners will be chosen at random using Random.org and notified by the following Monday.
Make sure to check out Columbia on:
Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Pinterest
Stay cool, my friends!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Buzz: Dreams And Adventures? The Time Is Now.
43June 25, 2012
in Simply Happy, Travel
When I said my trip with Columbia Sportswear to Sedona and the Grand Canyon was life changing I wasn’t kidding. So life changing that D and I are relocating to Arizona. Yes, you read right. We are selling half of our belongings, loading up both cars with our menagerie of companion animals, and heading out west.
You may have seen my announcement on Twitter or Instagram Friday, but I promised to fill everyone in on the details. Things are still coming together but I thought I could fill you in on our progress so far.
The idea of us moving isn’t all that crazy. When we initially married D was serving in the Marine Corps in New Orleans so I packed my bags and relocated down there. After his enlistment we weren’t necessarily ready to move back to our hometown so we moved to Michigan for a year. After that year we were ready to moved “home”, bought a house, and set up residence. It felt good to be back.
Last year D and I found ourselves chomping at the bit to take off again. Unfortunately with our house and the additional “kids” we’ve added we decided it wouldn’t be our best move and booked a trip to Italy in hopes of satisfying our need for adventure. Although we had a blast in Italy we weren’t satiated. My friend Bex then posed the question: “What is your dream?” For weeks I asked myself this question on a daily basis. I asked it so much it caused me anxiety. With the an imminent job lay off in both of our futures you can guess that my anxiety was increased 10 fold.
Enter my trip to Arizona.
In Arizona I was able to see what else was “out there” once again and meet people who are living their dreams through their adventures. Something else that struck a cord was that many of them either carried no college degree or if they did they weren’t working in the specified field of their degree. Lightbulb moment!!
Bliss? Yes.
Over the past several years I have gone through so many transitions in my life from going vegan, to reducing our personal belongings, and changing my profession, just to name a few. Although transition is a normal part of life I can’t help but think I was specifically targeting these areas unknowingly that it was my hope of getting out there and doing the same thing as my new friends. I believe my dream is to not necessarily search for adventure, but live my adventure. Enough of this, “We have a house, we can’t do that….” stuff. That’s what keeps people doing what they’ve always done and getting what they’ve always got. Right?
After deep conversation D and I found we share the same dream. I think we’ve always shared the dream. It shouldn’t be a surprise to us considering we were always driving until we got lost and finding treasures along the way. We were always up for new adventures. Heck, I even have the word “Adventure” tattooed on my body.
But after our last move we became comfortable in our surroundings and somewhat lost a bit of our sense of adventure. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but at this point in our lives I think it may be one more missing piece to the puzzle we’re trying to build.
You may have noticed I haven’t been as active on social media lately and I’ve also had a lack of VLOGs to accompany my post. To say we’ve been busy is an understatement. Within the past week we’ve been googling like mad, found a reputable couple to rent our current house, researched different possible locations, decided on Phoenix (for now), secured a place to live, sold many of our belongings, and decided on a moving company to assist us with our move.
I’m sure these next few weeks will be quite insane because we are tentatively scheduled to move July 16th. Yes, that would be in 3 weeks….less than a month away. Some have said, “Whoa! You act fast!” Would you expect anything less from someone called Buzzbomb? 
Some may think we’re crazy. Although things are happening fast, trust me when I say that this is something we’ve thought about for well over a year, have done our research, and are just now acting on it. And when I put my mind to something you better believe I follow through and to the fullest extent.
There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll hit bumps in the road, but isn’t that what adventures are all about? As Brian, our guide from AOA put it, “What’s the definition of ‘adventure’?” Going into a situation and not knowing the outcome.” I’m ready for an adventure.
To be honest I’m not sure what type of content I’ll be posting here on BananaBuzzbomb.com. I may be straying away from my typical posting patterns but I invite you along for the ride. It’s sure to be fun! Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for real-time updates.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Pushing The Limits Of Omni-Freeze Zero….And Myself
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After such an exciting Day 1 and Day 2 of my trip to Arizona with Columbia Sportswear as part of Team Omniten I didn’t think it could get any better. I was in for a surprise.
The third day of our adventures started at 5:00a so that the 25 or so of us going on the extension could make the trek via bus to meet up with our Arizona Outback Adventures AKA AOA Guides to venture to the Grand Canyon. We even got to ride along Route 66 and made a stop in Seligman. Mark that off the bucket list!
Prior to my arrival I knew we’d be hiking to Havasu Falls. Even after some research I didn’t really know what it all entailed. I quickly found out that we would actually be hiking 10 miles from the Hualapai Tribe Reservation down to the Havasupai (Supai) Tribe Reservation. 10 miles? No big deal, right?
What I didn’t know is that the first mile of the hike consisted of a 1,000 ft drop into the canyon done through swtichbacks. Thereafter, the remaining miles of the hike consist of an addition 1,300 ft drop. All done in midday sun with little to no shade. In addition, we carried our own packs and it was recommended that we each bring at least 4 liters of water each to remain hydrated. The terrain started as gravel and as the hike went on we found that gravel changing to sand from being pulverized by the horse/mule traffic. I’m so thankful I overcame my issue with sand last year. If I hadn’t this would’ve been an absolutely horrible experience.
After 8 miles in we made a pit stop at the tribal village of Supai and then made our way on to the campground. Just when I thought, “How much farther can this be?” We came upon this….
Rock Falls
Gorgeous blue green water that looks oh so refreshing. The falls are this gorgeous color due to the high mineral content of travertine. And just a little ways more we saw it….
That would be Havasu Falls. Absolutely amazing. It took us all of a few minutes to jump in the water. It was chilly but refreshing. I made sure to bust out my GoPro and took some videos. (Coming soon!) The natural structure of the falls allowed for some climbing and cliff jumping into the pools below. Was this real?!
Rebecca, Me, Heather, And Jon
After our well deserved swim we walked a few steps to AOA’s permanent campsite equipped with a full outdoor kitchen area, picnic tables, Columbia tents, sleeping bags, pads, and our own little “private” access to more blue green water. Just a few steps away composting toilets were available. I kid you not when I say that they didn’t stink. I swear they smelled better than my home bathroom. I was amazed.
After settling in and getting to know our guides Brian, Chris, Jenn, and Sheldon a bit better we were served an absolutely fantastic meal complete with appetizers and dessert. Many of us asked, “Are we really camping?” What made it even better? I had special vegan dishes made just for me. Each meal I had what the others were eating but with slight changes to make them vegan. Throughout the trip they even asked me if it was ok to use certain products or cook it in a certain location due to cross contamination. I never get this “service” in a regular restaurant or eat this well at home. AOA rocked my world when it came to my food.
The first evening in the canyon we spent exploring caves. To finish the evening we sat quietly at the entrance of one cave with the stars glowing above. I’ve never seen such a clear sky. I once again found myself literally pinching myself making sure the experience was real.
Although it was warm at night I enjoyed it. Anytime I’ve been camping I’ve woken up to cold mornings filled with dew all over my gear. This didn’t happen in Arizona. After being served fresh fruit and vegan pancakes for breakfast it was time for another day of adventures.
We spent the day going in an out of water doing things I never dreamed I’d be doing. Like, climbing down near vertical walls to get to Mooney Falls. A little anxiety with that but I think everyone will agree I took it in stride and you wouldn’t have guessed I had never done anything like that before.
Mooney Falls
I am so thankful for my Columbia Powerdrains. I’ve already expressed my love for these shoes, but they performed seamlessly as we went into and out of water.
Later in the day Brian and Chris took us to a location with a hidden waterfall. Although many were cliff jumping from high above I chose to go with the 10 ft distance. I gathered my courage, took a deep breath, and jumped.
Photo Credit to Katie Boue’
We then crossed the water, hand in hand to support each other, and ventured on to a new location, New Navajo Falls.
Is this what Heaven looks like? After traversing the hurricane deck of the falls we found ourselves in the surprisingly warm “Paradise Pool Jacuzzi”.
It was just about time to head back to camp for dinner but we had to make a quick stop at Rock Falls. This is when I had a brave moment and thought, “I’ve done so many things outside my comfort zone on this trip. Why not one more?” So as Elphaba says, “It’s time to trust my instincts, close me eyes, and leap….” and so I did…..off a 30 ft waterfall.
Photo Credit to Katie Boue’
The thrill was unimaginable. There are not enough adjectives in the world describe the experience. I was flying high all night.
9 of 10 Omniten
Katie, Rebecca, Heather, Jon, Casey, Katie, Me, Gina, and Steve
Before I knew it 5am had arrived on our final morning and it was time to make our trek out of the canyon. The sooner we headed out the better off we’d be in order to avoid direct sun exposure. Katie and I teamed up and started our 4 hour journey.
I’m not going to sugarcoat this. I pride myself on being a pretty tough cookie, but the hike out was probably one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. Remember, I run/bike on pavement. I was totally out of my element. The heat + sand + incline + switchbacks called for me harden up. Although it was physically hard, it was also a test of my mental toughness. Katie and I had many o’ moments of bonding during those 4 hours.
But we did it.
I had a quiet emotional moment. I couldn’t wrap my head around what all I’d experienced in the past 48 hours. Pushing my limits, stepping outside my comfort zone, and soaking up every moment for all that it’s worth.
So, is Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero legit? After putting it to the test in some extreme conditions, heck yes! TOTALLY legit. I almost passed on taking my neck gaiter to the Grand Canyon and am SO grateful I took it along. I’m not normally the type to wear and gaiter but I think it’s safe to say that it was the favorite of everyone on the trip.
The “Angels” – Katie, Heather, And Me
When Omni-Freeze Zero is released in Spring 2013 you can bet I’ll be first in line to grab some more gear. No matter what you’re activity I think anyone can benefit from this technology.
After several hours in a bus to get to Phoenix and long showers we finished our trip by having a farewell dinner. I hated to see that our time together was coming to an end. These people, who I considered strangers just days before, were now some of the closest friends I’ve ever had. Needless to say the next 24 hours for me were quite emotional.
Just before beginning our hike into the Grand Canyon one of our guides told me that the hike would be a life changing experience. Little did I know, he was absolutely right.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
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Want to see more photos of my trip? Follow this link!
Calm & Cool Yoga In Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero
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Day 2 in Sedona called for an early morning wake up to start testing out our Omni-Freeze Zero gear. After sending in our RSVP to the Columbia Spring Preview we were asked to choose what activity we’d like to do: vortex yoga, mountain biking, or hiking. Knowing that we would be hiking into the Grand Canyon just a couple days later and also knowing that I lack mountain biking skills I went with yoga. However, yoga was still a new experience for me since I technically had never had an official yoga experience. We started the day all wearing our Omni-Freeze Zero shirts.
Heather, Katie, Jon, Me, and Katie
Katie, Katie, Jon, Me, Gina, Steve, and Heather
After a buffet-style breakfast we were taken via Red Rock Jeeps to our specified locations for our daily adventures. Although there were others that chose yoga, Katie and I were the only Omniten that chose this as our activity.
So what exactly is vortex yoga? According to YogaLife.net
Legend says that Sedona is one of the “power spots” of the world, and that its red rock country is a vortex of energy. Indians tell us that Sedona’s “towering crimson peaks stimulate sensitivity and are the home of the Great Spirit.” Amid red rock vortex country, people come face to face with themselves and the potentials of their nature. Author Dick Sutphen says psychic vortex energy in Sedona is “greater than anywhere else in the country,” and Sedona’s increased vortex energy rapidly expands higher consciousness.
In the 1970′s, a woman named Page Bryant located several major electromagnetic fields of vortex energy in the Sedona area: Boynton Canyon vortex, close to the ancient ruins of Palatki; Bell Rock vortex; Cathedral Rock vortex and Airport Mesa vortex. There are said to be additional vortexes on Schnebly Hill and Chapel Road close to the Chapel of the Holy Cross as well as in many other areas in Sedona. Some say that the whole of Sedona is one giant vortex or swirl of powerful energy.
Similar vortex energy centers have been cited in Stonehenge, England, Machu Picchu, Peru, and the Great Pyramids of Egypt. From as early as 1936, there have been writings suggesting that ley lines (grid lines deep within the earth) are “lines of power” linking prehistoric sites and sources of cosmic vortex energy within the earth. Nicholas Mann wrote about the the ley lines causing amplified energy in Sedona. The crossing of ley lines in Sedona is said to create a heightened vortex energy field much like the power of the meridians in the body.
Sedona has long been used by Native Americans for its healing atmosphere and sacred sites. The Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon area has been sacred to aboriginal people since prehistoric times. The Hopi, Navajo and their ancestors, as well as natives from Canada and Central America would journey here for healing and learning. Their sacred ceremonies and offerings of prayer have blessed the land with greater spiritual energy. dick Sutphen says that the Native Americans regarded Sedona to be “the wigwam of the Great Spirit.”
So there you have it. As with anything, I went into this experience with an open mind, ready to feel any forces if they were to arise. Johanna and Andrea met us at Bell Rock with warm, welcoming spirits. We started with a short hike to Bell Rock. a deep centering followed by aa clearing meditation with aromatherapy oils, and finished with yoga on one of the flat surfaces of Bell Rock.
One of my favorite photos from my new camera provided by GoPro
I didn’t have the sense of spinning like some do when on the vortex but I understand the forces of Bell Rock can wax and wane depending on the day. Not to mention, although I tried to shut off my mind to the best of my ability I was also attempting to document the experience through camera. It was a learning experience but more importantly I definitely felt centered following the meditation. I had that, “Oh! This is what it’s supposed to feel like.” How refreshing and what a fantastic first yoga experience.
Another GoPro shot
Johanna assisting me
Although the temperatures were in the 90s we all felt surprisingly cool in our Omni-Freeze Zero shirts. On our hike back to our transportation we randomly came across these people that were ready set our gear to full activation.
You see, when you sweat the Omni-Freeze Zero technology activates, but if you add actual water it kicks it up several notches. So not only were we feeling calm but also cool post yoga.
Following our activities we took a quick trip up to the Sedona airport that is located on top of a high mesa providing fantastic views of the city.
We then headed to arts and crafts village of Tlaquepaque for lunch on the rooftop veranda. Tlaquepaque is a small little area loaded with little galleries and boutiques that make you feel like you’re in another world. Once again. BeCore came through with my food options.
After eating some grub we were able to discuss the updated Drainmaker shoe line that will be available Spring 2013 with Adam Craig and see the footwear in action.
Many other innovators and designers were also available for us to learn about new gear and provide our feedback to be taken into consideration in the future.
Seeing Omni-Freeze Zero in action through the use of a thermal camera
We were even given the opportunity to discuss the possibility of sports bras containing Omni-Freeze Zero with Mick McCormick. Will these be in the future? Let’s hope so!
After a quick trip to the The Hike House most of us headed back to the Hilton Sedona Resort. Heather and I took advantage of our time and got a quick run in the resort gym.
Before we knew it dinner time was upon us. This time around we were shuttled to The Briar Patch Inn by trolley. It was these little details that made our already cool experience just that much more special. We once again had dinner outside under the stars, by candlelight, with Oak Creek flowing quietly below, being serenaded by acoustic guitar.
Team Omniten took the opportunity to get to know each other a bit more. And while many of the attendees of the Spring 2013 Preview were seeing their Columbia experience coming to an end, we all knew that our adventure was just beginning. The Grand Canyon was in our future….
Read more about our Vortex Yoga experience from Katie here.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Project Z Revealed
19
Several days ago I arrived home from my trip to Sedona, AZ and the Grand Canyon with Columbia Sportswear. I’ve attempted mutliple times to gather my thoughts and emotions from the entire experience. I must admit that nothing I say or write can explain all that we experienced. Yes, it was that amazing from start to finish. This week, and maybe even the next, I’m going to shift gears on my normal blog schedule to tell you all about it. Let’s face it, I’m a blogger, not a journalist. I’m going to cover this to the best of my ability, but I’d like to invite you to check out Trek Tech Blog and The Gearcaster for their fantastic recaps.
Let’s start at the very beginning (cue the Sound of Music soundtrack…..)
After an uneventful flight I was greeted by Columbia folks and quickly swept off in a Cadillac Escalade with Rhonda. Before I know it I was receiving a hug from a fellow Omniten Jon and we were off to Sedona.
The entire ride to Sedona was a blast. Having two midwesterners (Jon’s from Indiana) I’m sure we were quite a hoot with our random outbursts of “Mountains?!” Yeah, we don’t see those type of things where we’re from. We made a couple stops including a scenic overlook. About halfway to Sedona Rhonda pulled off the highway and we sat while she received further instruction on where to take us. Waiting on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, with this sign,
I can understand why Jon and I were a bit hesitant and wondering if we were about to be dropped in the middle of nowhere. I believe Jon’s words were, “I watch Bear Grylls, I know how this works.” But no worries, just a few steps away we encountered Columbia’s Oasis In The Dessert. Yes, an ice cream truck set up in the middle of the desert serving ice cream. This was the first of many surprises to get things kicked off for our adventure weekend.
Soon we found ourselves entering the Red Rock region of Arizona and were delivered to the Hilton Sedona Resort. Whoa. Not my typical accommodations. Each of us were given our own separate suite and were greeted by these packs upon entering our rooms. 
The packs then exploded and we found a ton o’ gear to cover us for the weekend. Woohoo!
After settling in a bit I headed down to the pool area for free drinks and munchies. Slowly Omniten members slowly began to trickle in and I can only compare it to a MTV Real World scenario. Although we had all interacted through the internet it was about time we actually met face to face. 
I think it was at this point all of us realized how big this event was going to be. While Jon and I knew magazine editors were to be present (something the rest of the Omniten had no idea about) we didn’t realize the extent of this event. Columbia didn’t provide a ton of details prior to our arrival, which is how I think they wanted it. We soon began to realize that this was HUGE…not necessarily in size but in experience. Self Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, ESPN Magazine, Running Times, Outside Magazine, Competitor…the list goes on. And this doesn’t include the individual websites that were also represented.
BeCore took care of the event planning for our entire time in Sedona and knocked it out of the water. It only makes sense that Columbia, a class act company would choose another company that does the exact same in their profession. Every part of the experience was well thought out, planned to a T, with no stones left unturned.
Within a few hours it was time to head out to dinner. 
After a small bus trip we found ourselves in a pristine location known as Rancho Los Lagos. We were going to eat outside with this as our backdrop?! Was I dreaming? 
During the cocktail hour we had the opportunity to converse and meet many individuals. It wasn’t until AFTER meeting people that I realized just who they were. For instance, Tim Boyle. Oh yeah, he’s just the CEO of Columbia. No big deal But that was the cool thing about the experience. Not knowing who people were allowed us to be ourselves. Even better, everyone was warm, welcoming, and down to earth.
After eating our fantastic meals we slowly made our way over the bridge crossing a creek to find ourselves once again under the stars to finally hear about the main reason we were in Sedona…..the big Project Z reveal.
Enter Omni-Freeze Zero. The innovation behind Omni-Freeze Zero is that it not only wicks away sweat, like every other “technical” fabric, but claims it cools you in the process. You see, the fabric has these small rings of polymer embedded in the fabric that absorb and slightly e expand when exposed to moisture, producing a prolonged cooling effect.
I remember when I was first introduced to Columbia’s Omni-Heat and wondered if it really worked. I quickly found that the products delivered exactly as they stated. So, would Omni-Freeze Zero do the same? Over the next several days the Omniten along with a handful of journalists would be testing the technology to the max through yoga, mountain biking, and hiking in, around, and out of the Grand Canyon in triple digit heat.
Stay tuned….more adventure recaps coming your way…..
In the meantime want to see more photos?? Follow this link.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
