What an awesome trip it was.

The team (minus a few who were very much missed) hit the trailhead out from the Bear Valley and took a multitude of different trails from there, to Arch Rock, to our camp site, and back to BV trailhead.  The sky was clear, the sun was out, and we had one heck of a time taking out our bags in full force.

After a full day of fun, we had the pleasure of chowing down on some of Lyosha’s finest cooking creations and some good whiskey.  We shared stories about our favorite memories of being outside and how we all grew to love the outdoors in our own ways.

Once we returned to the trailhead, we had a day long discussion on Boreas.  The Boreas team is really looking forward to sharing what the future has in store from us to you—our friends.

I guess you’ll just have to wait and until then… We cannot wait!

For such a young company, Boreas has had superior recognition for the quality, design, innovation, and functionality our backpacks possess.  While we do out best to kick some tail Boreas—as every young company—still has leaps and bounds to grow.

A few months ago, we received some input from one of our early adapters in Oregon, Adam. Hi Adam! He had a suggestion for improvement of our Repack 15 and this is what he said:

“Hey all. I was an early adopter of the Repack 15. Overall I like the pack, but have some ideas for improvement. The biggest problem I have is that there is no real substance to the pack. Unless totally stuffed, the top compartment sags into the bag and makes it wear and look awkward. On the hip belt pockets, there is a semi rigid material that keeps the hip belt pockets bowed out a little. How about adding a ring of the same material to the top zipper to prevent this unsightly sagging? Just a thought. Keep on keeping on.”

-Adam T.
Eugene, OR
University of Oregon
Outdoor Program

Adam spoke, we listened. One of our head developers and master magic maker (not to mention a pretty great camp cook, but we’ll hear more on that later), Alexei “Lyosha” Tcherepanov, was ecstatic to be able to collaborate with our users. He decided that if we added a bit of material to the opening of the bag, this problem could be easily fixed.

Notice how a not so full bag slags a bit.  It happens, but we gave it a little more structure below.

We did some minor revamping to the Repack 15 and sent it on back to Adam to get his feedback. Here’s what he said:

“I got the pack last week. Thanks for sending me out the new version! It’s exactly what I had in mind with the rigid ring around the top zipper. I had imagined another ring of the material further “down” the pack to keep the shape even more, but I realize that when in use, the existing compression straps would cause this material to warp and bend awkwardly. So good job- pretty much just what I had envisioned the pack to look like… still super comfortable and it’s great for cycling!”

-Adam T.
Eugene, OR
University of Oregon
Outdoor Program

Thanks for the great feedback, Adam! Just another happy Borean getting to be as active as he possibly can with our bag on his back keeping him calm, cool, and comfortable along the way.

Do you have any bright ideas to make our great gear even greater? Give us a shout at info@boreasgear.com or a ring at 415-684-7514. We are here to listen, knock around ideas, and make the great products to get you going and keep you out there.

Bicycles.  Roller skates.  Space ships.  Boats.  Trains.  Light rails.  Ski’s.  Cars.  Unicycles.  Your own two feet.

What do all of these things have in common?  All of the above are modes of transportation getting us where we want to be.  Moving from place to place out of necessity or curiosity—we have to get there somehow, right?

We’re in the thick of summer in San Francisco and all over the Northern Hemisphere.  The succulent smell of barbeques and summer plans flow through in the air infecting us all with a lighter, more carefree attitude.  The buzz of ideas smarm around as our thoughts of weekend getaways, new bicycle adventures, and journeys that have been awaited by many of us for months fill our minds.  The season is upon us!

At Boreas, we get it. We all have different perspective of the perfect summer get away.  The myriads of roads and trails that get you to your paradise, the traveling you to do to weave together your ultimate adventure, and the path you choose to get there.  We love it all and want to help you get to where you want to be.  Over the next few weeks, we are going to talk about travel: our travels, those of our friends, how we decided to get there and why.

We make things for people in a constant state of motion.  Grab your helmet and buckle up.  We’re going there.

With great pride, Boreas announces our third Ambassador of Awesome, Dr. Thomas (Tom) Tayeri: ophthalmologist, mountaineer,  and champion of fellow man.  A few of us here at Boreas have climbed Mount Shasta and Mount Whitney with Tom.  Impressed by his unending energy, enthusiasm for community, and commitment to doing good we interviewed him as he is the essence of what it means to be #awesome.

I had the distinct pleasure of talking with the good doctor about his non-profit, the Fiat Lux Foundation, their efforts to raise 4 million for the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology, and how he came about combining his passions to better our global community.

To say that Dr. Tom Tayeri has a full plate would be an understatement.  Currently, he has is founder and CEO of his own practice, Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Stanford, Director at the Fiat Lux Foundation, husband and father of three to name a few off of the list.  All in a days work!

Dr Tayeri’s journey started in 2003 taking his first trip to Kenya giving medical attention to the underserved and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.  Every year since, Tom has done a volunteer trip fundraising for his mission along the way landing him in places such as India and Rwanda bringing vision to hundreds of well-deserving patients.

The past year in Rwanda, Dr. Tayeri assisted in performing the  first glaucoma and cataract operations ever performed within the country.  It’s hard to believe that some countries do not have access to these types of procedures but with 11 ophthalmologists for 11 million people (and only 4 surgeons), that would be 2 million eye balls for each doctor to work with—no easy feat.

The Fiat Lux Foundation, comprised of Dr. Tayeri and friends was formulated to combate these types of issues and is currently raising funds (4 million dollars to be exact) to help build an eye hospital, residency-training program and eye bank in Kigali, Rwanda — the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO).  Once established, the project will become self-sustaining and will not rely on external funding or expertise.  The emerging regional eye center aims to deliver quality comprehensive eye care for Rwanda and other parts of east and central Africa. The institute is based on a model that was successfully developed at the LV Prasad Eye Institute in India.

So, can 4 million in one year be done?  “Of course it can,” Tom said.

All in a days work, indeed.

Are you sitting there wishing you could do more?  Well, you can!  Check out more information on the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology and learn more about the Fiat Lux Foundation. Join the cause and/or donate here.  Help us spread the word!

Here are the details:

WHEN:
Friday, May 11th 3pm – 7pm
Saturday, May 12th 10am – 2pm

WHERE:
2505 Warehouse Showroom
2505 Mariposa Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

PLEASE RSVP on our Facebook event page so we can get a general headcount!
http://www.facebook.com/events/447148611965507/

Come pay us a visit!

From an ultralight headlamp with a 10 year shelf life to TSA approved Leatherman ready to fly the friendly skies with you, here are gadgets, gizmos, and Boreas “bare necessities” to take along with you on the trail, whichever way it leads.  All of which are now available on our website for your next adventure.  Now, it’s time to figure out where you want to go.

Light

Light enough to move faster, comfort levels to remain high, and possibly take flight.  Well, at least lift your feet up off the ground in more ways then one.

Grand Trunk Ultralight Travel Hammock

ALITE Cloverware Lite

Petzl E+lite

HumanGear Go Toob

Nalgene Wide-Mouth Cantene

Nite-ize S-biner Size #4

Dry

 Not like the awkward jokes your boss tells at the company picnic, but the no way my GPS is getting wet on this trip dry.

The Boreas Rain Cover

Aquapac –Mini Whanganui

Aquapac BeltPac

PodSacs large stuff sac

Safety first

In a perfect world we would all be trained in wilderness and travel safety.  How about the next best thing?

S.O.L. Scout

The Travel Medic

Leatherman PS (TSA approved)

We would love to know your thoughts on our recent additions to our webshop.  If you have any question, comments, queries, or missions for us… give us a shout at info@boreasgear.com or 415-684-7514.

Weighing in at just over two pounds, the Lagunitas and Bolinas backpacks are multi-use packs for the everyday adventurer.  With our revolutionary variable suspension system—SUPER-TRAMP (patent pending)—you can switch from a super-stable, back-hugging workhorse to a ventilated, weight-off-your-back pack.  Whether the journey leads to your office or an afternoon cycling the Marin Headlands, this beauty is your best bet—rain or shine.

We don’t let the weather report get in the way of our fun—and neither should you.  By using silicone rather than the standard polyurethane, these packs gain waterproofing without compromising fabric strength.  An added bonus: there’s an additional waterproofed pocket for your wallet, keys, or a snack for the journey.

The 30-liter roll top Bolinas and the 25-liter top loader Lagunitas are not only ergonomically sound but easy on the eyes to boot.  Coming in a range of colors, the sleek design of these packs are something to be admired on and off the trail—while remaining true to the needs of busy bodies that still have places to go even if it’s raining.

You may be thinking, “Smart? Functional? It must cost a small fortune and a second mortgage on my condo.”  Guess again.  The bags are modestly priced ranging from $129.99 to $139.99.  So, what are you waiting for?  We know you’re busy, so get to that hike, bike ride, or to the office with your wallet a little more full AND dry.

We know you have been at the edge of your seats (office chair or saddle) for our new line of innovative bags to be released into the wild.  Wait no further.

The new Spring 2012 line is here and ready for you to snatch up and show off to all your friends.

So many of you are intrigued by our new SUPER-TRAMP (patent pending) Variable Suspension System highlighted in our Lagunitas and Bolinas bags.  More commented on the sleekness of the Larkin or told us how perfect of a day pack the Valencia is for their next urban exploration.

Whatever bag suits your fancy—grab it now.  If you’ve see the status on the Lost Coast and Buttermilks  (90% sold out) then you know to grab one while it lasts!

This past Friday, Boreas co-hosted a little soiree with 2505 Mariposa Warehouse-mate ALITE Designs.  The Friday happy hour was in honor of the opening of the new showrooms Boreas and ALITE built in one week flat at our shared space in The Mission.

Fellow 2505ians, friends, neighbors, and passers-by came together to celebrate with us making for yet another incredible party.

Oh hey San Francisco—you wanted to be able to see our packs and try them on, right?  You got it.  We are now open to you on Friday’s from 10am until 3pm by appointment only for bag fittings.  Give Mary a shout and she’ll set you up at 415-684-7514 or mary@boreasgear.com.

Thanks to everyone at 2505 for kicking butt last week and everyone who made the even what it was especially:
@amymade
Alana Lindner
ALITE Designs
“Hey, Cookie!”, Christa Hill
lowercase designs
Namu Street Food
Nathan Ray, Raoul Ollman
Night Owl Photo Booth
Rona Lee Newth, Photographer & Graphic Designer
Scabby Robot, Jill Harrell
Spinnerty & Friends

Here are a few before and after shots…

Here at Boreas, we are pretty hip to doing good for the earth and each other which is why we are going to begin a new regular feature called the Ambassadors of Awesome.  An Ambassador of Awesome is someone who is bringing positive change into the world. Whether it is saving sea turtles or making the world feel like a small community, our everyday hero Ambassadors of Awesome (A0A) there holding it down for their respective cause.

The first official AoA is Wallance J. Nichols—a blue-minded, visionary marine biologist at  The Academy of Sciences right in our back yard. He’s this months Ambassador of Awesome with a project well worth sharing. At Boreas, we look up to our neighbors who bring us together to rep it for mother nature. Dr. Nichols, we salute you.  Boreas approved—check it out!