Once again we’re getting revved up for Outdoor Retailer, and since our collection of all the hip and happening events was so popular last time around, we figured we’d do it again! Keep checking back as we’ll be updating leading up to the show. And if you’ve got something that should be on here, track us down at @undersolen or leave a comment on this post. (PS: yes, that is a Swedish flag made out of backpacks at the winter show… We’re hoping it makes an appearance again this time around!)

Ongoing

Conservation Alliance Sale

WHAT: Tons of Conservation Alliance member companies have sweet gear up for sale, with part or all of the proceeds benefiting the Alliance. You can check out the full list of offerings over on the Conservation Alliance site.

WHERE: All over!

Help Save Elephants! And Win Gear!

WHAT: Elephants are being killed by poachers at a rate of 10 percent per year. With just 470,000 elephants left in the world, it means that in just a few years we might lose our wild elephant populations. So, this winter, the Epicocity Project is embarking on a forensic biology expedition to the remote jungle of the Democratic Republic of Congo with the goal of saving wild elephants from the illegal ivory trade.

Take Action right here at OR!

1. Become a Fan of the Elephant Ivory Project on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/elephantivoryproject

2. Donate to the cause! Every little bit helps, and every single dollar goes directly to our cause — whether it’s $5 or $50.

WHERE: Visit one of these three booths and drop off your donation and a business card in the box:

Osprey Packs, Booth # 5010

Mountain Khakis, Booth # 34181

Adventure Medical Kit, Booth # 13019

AlpineAire Foods, Booth # 140

WHEN: If you need some extra incentives to take action, we’ve got some sweet gear up for grabs. On Day 3, August 5, we’ll pick 2 lucky people to win two awesome prize packages, including an Osprey Packs Raptor 6 Hydration Pack with Mountain Khakis, an Adventure Medical Kits First Aid Kit and some snacks from AlpineAire! So c’mon! Save some elephants today!

Monday

National Geographic Monster Fish: Jungle Catfish TV Premiere

WHAT: The Epicocity Project teamed up with Monster Fish man Zeb Hogan to explore a forbidding 400-mile-long river: the Rio Roosevelt. They’ll have to navigate Class V rapids, avoid potentially violent tribesmen and survive in one of the most unforgiving places on the planet. The team hopes to find giant piranhas, painted catfish and perhaps even a new species of fish unknown to science.

WHERE: Lumpys 145 W Pierpont Ave

WHEN: Monday, August 2, 8pm

Tuesday

Moving Comfort Smoothie Bar

WHAT: In celebration of fit and powerful women, Moving Comfort is serving fruit smoothies — a refreshing treat following a pre-show run or something healthy to start the day.

WHERE: Moving Comfort Booth # 36149

WHEN: Tuesday, August 3 and Wednesday, August 4, 9-11 am

Happy Hour with Arc’teryx and the Conservation Alliance

WHAT: Come raise a glass to celebrate conservation! Buy a $3 raffle ticket while you’re there and be entered to win a sweet Arc’teryx jacket! All proceeds support the Conservation Alliance.

WHERE: Arc’teryx Booth #1019

WHEN: Tuesday, August 3, 4 PM

Waterkeeper Alliance/ Save Our Gulf Happy Hour

WHAT: Beer and a limited sale of the new Forge Pro at $20/pair. All proceeds to Waterkeeper Alliance/Save Our Gulf.

WHERE: Teva booth #7001

WHEN: Tuesday, August 3, 4–6 pm

Sierra Designs Revival Pack Party

WHAT: Sierra Designs is launching a new line of technical backpacks at ORSM 2010.  To celebrate, we’re giving away a trip for two to Ecuador with international guide service Alaska Mountain Guides.  Stop by, grab a beer served in a custom made Sierra Designs pint glass, and enter for your chance to win SD swag, a new SD backpack, or our grand prize Ecuadorian adventure.  You must be present to win.

WHERE: Sierra Designs booth # 26036

WHEN: Tuesday August 4, 4-6pm

Keen SP11 Launch Party

WHAT: What’s bright and fun, with a small footprint and big social impact? Come party with KEEN to find out the answer and kick off our biggest giving effort yet. Drinks + food!

WHERE: KEEN booth #31183w

WHEN: Tuesday August 3, 5-6pm

Outdoor Retailer Industry Party: Taco Tuesday + Merrell Beach Volleyball Challenge

WHAT: Briggs & Riley Travelware, Brooks Range, CamelBak, Green Guru Gear, Hi-Tec, ITW Nexus Global, Merrell, Outside Magazine and Patagonia are all hitting the sand in this benefit volleyball game for the National Park Foundation. The game is in honor of Yellowstone’s 138th birthday, so study up on your National Park trivia, as there will be plenty of prizes to give away.

WHERE: Pierpont Avenue, which is being turned into a beach volleyball court

WHEN: Tuesday August 3, 6-8pm

Wednesday

Keep It Wild: Take Action for Conservation!

WHAT: We all know that if we want to get wild, we’ve got to protect our playground. So visit eight member company booths to take action on behalf of a Conservation Alliance grantee. Take action at all eight booths, have your Keep It Wild passport stamped and be entered to win a fabulous prize package! Click here for details.

WHERE: All over!

WHEN: All day Wednesday, August 4th

The Conservation Alliance Breakfast: A Talk by Historian Douglas Brinkley

WHAT: I know, I know, 7 a.m. comes early, but mark your calendars for this event. Arrive tired and leave inspired! Click here for details.

WHERE: The Marriott

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4th, 7-8:50 am

Conservation Alliance Fundraiser

WHAT: Conservation Alliance Happy Hour with Outdoor Industry All Star Band. Purchase KEEN product to raise money for the CA. Enter to win an ultimate gear package including a $500 AMEX gift card to travel to the HybridLife destination of your choice.

WHERE: KEEN Booth # 31183w

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 4:30 pm

Chaco Mimosa Morning

WHAT: Custom Z/1’s for $25 with a portion of proceeds going to the Conservation Alliance AND free mimosas! What better way to kick off day 3?

WHERE: Chaco, booth #34127

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 10am

Kelty Vintage Pack Bash

WHAT: Kelty has gone to the archives to design a new line of vintage-inspired packs and bags for Spring 2011.  To get this new category off in style, we’re throwing a party to benefit the Conservation Alliance.  For a $20 donation, you will receive an individually numbered, one-of-a-kind Mockingbird backpack.  All proceeds go to the Conservation Alliance.  We will also be serving micro brewed beer in custom made Kelty pint glasses and giving away vintage-inspired swag.

WHERE: Kelty Booth # 28017

WHEN: Wednesday August 4, 4-6pm

First Descents Book Signing

WHAT: Catch up with The Epicocity Project and have them sign your copy of First Descents: In Search of Wild Rivers — a chronicle of the best writing and most daring adventures in whitewater paddling to date.

WHERE: Wilderness Press/Menasha Ridge Press Booth # 32108

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 2pm

Paddlesports Industry Night

WHAT: Join NRS and Canoe & Kayak for free drinks, industry awards and paddling movies.

WHERE: Pierpont Plaza, 163 Pierpont Ave

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 6 to 9pm

Woolrich Adventures Party

WHAT: Woolrich will be celebrating the launch of Woolrich Adventures with the drawing for a trip for two to the Canadian Rockies.  Woolrich teamed up with Travel Alberta, Via Rail and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for this exciting trip.  Stop by for some Canadian beer,  product giveaways, and a chance to win a trip of a lifetime.  Must be present to win.

WHERE: Woolrich booth # 19001-20001

WHEN: Wednesday August 4, 5-6pm

Kamchatka Project Happy Hour

WHAT: Bryan Smith, Kamchatka Project filmmaker/lead expedition kayaker. Slideshow presentation / q&a from his whitewater kayaking expedition in remote Russian. Free Beer!

WHERE: Outdoor Research booth #26015

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 5pm

Teva Mountain Games Happy Hour

WHAT: Celebrate the Teva Mountain Games and Teva’s new Gnarkosi with the Vail Valley Foundation. Music, beer and a C4 Waterman iSUP board drawing.

WHERE: Teva booth 7001

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 4-6 pm

Teva Party

WHAT: Teva’s Pair for a Foot launch party with Dilated Peoples at Club Elevate. Invitation required. Suggested $10 donation to Waterkeeper Alliance/Save Our Gulf.

WHERE: Club Elevate

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, Doors 9 pm

Thursday August 5

15th Annual Wasatch Wobble 5K Fun Run Badrock Battle – A Superhero Theme

WHAT: Why wouldn’t you kick off Day 3 of the show with a trail run? Montrail is proud to announce that the Wasatch Wobble will be back again for the 15th running of this fun 5k trail run. Dress up in Superhero costume for a chance to win the costume contest! Stop by the Montrail booth #25001 on Tuesday or Wednesday, August 3rd or 4th, to register and receive your runner goodie bag! All proceeds support the Conservation Alliance.  Click here for more details.

WHERE: Bonneville Shoreline Trail.  Start is just north of Red Butte Gardens, Salt Lake City

WHEN: Thursday August 5, Run Starts at: 6:45AM Check-In: 6:00-6:30AM

Waffles for Wilderness

WHAT: Clif Bar is celebrating Winter Wildlands Alliance and their new seasonal flavors with Waffles for Wilderness. Join us for some great morning waffles and support Winter Wildlands Alliance.

WHERE: Clif Bar booth #7026

WHEN: Thursday August 5, 8:30-10am

Book signing with Eugene Buchanan

WHAT: Eugene Buchanan will be on hand in the Kelty booth signing copies of his new book, Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids from 2-3 on Wednesday.  Do your part to help raise the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts by stopping by for your copy of this very informative instruction manual for getting your kids active in the outdoors.

WHERE: Kelty booth # 28017

WHEN: Thursday August 5, 2-3pm

Dam Busters: Save Our Wild Salmon

WHAT: Snake River salmon swim more than 900 miles inland and climb almost 7,000 feet to reach their spawning grounds — the highest salmon spawning habitat on the planet, and the largest and wildest habitat left in the continental United States. These one of a kind salmon travel farther and higher than any other salmon on Earth — not to mention tackling eight massive dams along the way. Come celebrate these amazing fish and catch a glimpse of their epic migration first hand with a film trailer from the Epicocity Project and an amazing photo exhibit from the International League of Conservation Photographers. The filmmakers, photographers and Save Our Wild Salmon crew will be on hand to answer questions and help you take action to protect these one of a kind fish. FREE beer and smoked salmon!

WHERE: Patagonia Booth # 13027

WHEN: Thursday August 5 from 4-6pm

American Alpine Club Happy Hour

WHAT: Osprey hosts the American Alpine Club Happy Hour. Enjoy a gin and tonic and keep a commemorative rocks glass. Enter to win a climbing pack and schwag from Osprey and the AAC.

WHERE: Osprey Packs Booth # 5010

WHEN: Thursday, August 5, 4:30pm – 6pm

Mountain Khakis-KEEN Block Party

WHAT: Go fast and have more fun with KEEN trail shoes at the KEEN and Mountain Khakis block party. 3 Legged Races, Frisbee golf, Corn Hole beer and prizes!

WHERE: KEEN Booth # 31183w

WHEN: Thursday, August 5 at 4:30 pm

Teva House Fiji Happy Hour

WHAT: BULA! Teva House Fiji adventure with Tui Tai and OARS. Head-to-head industry insider drinking games… Think “boat races.”

WHERE: Teva booth #7001

WHEN: Thursday, August 5, 4–6 p.m.

We love parties, especially parties that benefit awesome causes. At Epic Wheel Works’ Live the Revolution party last week, $950 was raised for Portland’s Bicycle Transportation Alliance. There were a lot of people that came together to make that happen, and they all get big thank yous here.

Want to see just how fun raising money can be? Check out these fun photos and video from the evening.

Thank goodness we have a personal wheel-builder. How else would we have any Portland street cred? But we’re not the only ones that heart Jude Kirstein of Epic Wheel Works in a big big way; she’s been building wheels for all kinds of people around the country, inspiring people to live better lives on two wheels, and now it’s time to celebrate. Epic is hosting one kick-ass anniversary party to celebrate its first official year in business and we couldn’t be more excited to take part! (And either should you)

What: In celebration of exactly one year of custom designed, locally hand built wheels, Epic Wheel Works is throwing a benefit bicycle throwdown! “Live the Revolution” will be all about celebrating and supporting bikes and wheels, honoring Epic’s first year of work and the company’s commitment to not only putting people on great wheels but also supporting the local cycling community.

“Live the Revolution” will feature an art show of our favorite photos, limited edition t-shirts, a wheel changing contest and more. We’ll also be raffling off some sweet goods from people like Nutcase Helmets, Plywerk, Gracie’s Wrench, Portland Design Works, and Madison’s Grill, with all proceeds benefiting the Bicycle Transportation Alliance’s educational program Safe Routes to School. And did we mention that Metrofiets will be bringing their bike bar??

Where: Madison’s Grill, 1109 SE Madison, PDX

When: May 13, 2010, 6-9pm

More info here.

Photo by Matt Leidecker

Save Our Wild Salmon and Mountain Khakis are running a pretty cool contest during the month of April that’s 100% focused on river love, and all you have to do in order to take part is submit a shot of your favorite river. If you do, you score the chance for a pair of MK’s newest Snake River Pant. And of course, you’ll get some much deserved fame.

If you want to submit, check out the SOS blog (hint: it’s as easy as uploading to a Flickr pool).

Good luck!

Living in Portland you practically have to like biking in order to have any street cred. Here at Under Solen, we happen to love biking (we’d love it even without the street cred) and we love cycling culture even more.

In fact, I happen to have such a love at bikes that nearly half of my photos taken while traveling are of bikes… sound familiar? Well then there’s the perfect opportunity for you.

Our friends over at Epic Wheel Works are hosting a pretty kick ass photo contest in conjunction with their 1 year anniversary party in May. The party will benefit the Bicycle Transportation Alliance’s youth education programs through Oregon’s Safe Routes to School.

The contest is themed “Live the Revolution” and all you have to do to participate is upload cool bike-inspired photos to the Epic Wheel Works Flickr pool or send your photo(s) as an attachment to epicwheelworks[at]gmail[dot]com. Selected photos will be displayed at the event, and one photo will even be selected and used as inspiration for a set of custom hand built wheels and auctioned off. More info here.

Now go track down some bike photos. Hop to!

On Saturday we got the chance to dress up in the fanciest of spy gear and support the Kamchakta Project at their casino night fundraiser party, and it rocked. Hosted at Keen Footwear, there were plenty of glamorous, as well as ridiculous, outfits — think gold spandex and Russian wigs. Here at Under Solen, we just love a good reason to get fancy and support a good cause!

Thanks to Erik Boomer for taking photos, and Keen for putting together this video:

Photo by Jennifer Koskinen

We do love a good photo contest, mostly because it gives you the excuse to peruse your old travel and adventure photos and take a few minutes to reminisce, but also because there’s usually the chance to win something really good. Enter the Mountainfilm Photo Contest. Leading up to this year’s festival, Mountainfilm is celebrating by hosting a three month long photo contest, complete with awesome gear giveaways and a grand prize of a Mountainfilm VIP Festival package.

Sound too good to be true? It’s not. All you have to do is submit photos inspired by Mountainfilm’s mission, “educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving and conversations worth sustaining.”

Just submit your photos to the Mountainfilm Flickr pool, complete with description, and you’re good to go! This month there are some Osprey Talon 44 packs up for grabs. Seriously – enter one simple photo and you have the chance at a sweet backpack? Yes, please!

And if gear wasn’t enough for you, there’s a little bit of fame involved too: every week Mountainfilm will be featuring on of the submitted photos on their blog. Why wait? Submit now! You can find more info about the contest here.

Perhaps these are most apparent during the Opening Ceremony when we can view nearly every nation in the world represented in one place for this grand event. The tradition, the collaboration of nations and the journey of athletes from all corners of the globe make the true Olympic experience a hard one to beat.

So, we’ve come up with five reasons why we like the Olympics:

1. We live in a wonderful world — Athletes from nearly every nation in the world travel to one city to compete in this one event. It’s hard not to be moved and inspired by watching these people come together peacefully. We live in a wonderful world, with amazing people — it’s good to be reminded of that on occasion.

2. Patriotism (the good kind) — People cheer on their country. In most cases, people choose to not root on a specific team, but their nation.

3. Competition — We live in a competitive world. The Olympics remind us that each country cannot win at everything, and in fact that’s a positive thing. It teaches us that it’s okay to lose, if we lose gracefully. These ideals are further expressed in the Olympic creed:

The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

4. Positive thinking — When much of our world news focuses on the negative, the media surrounding the Olympics is overall positive. And those people tuning in  from around the globe are focused on something positive — viewing what is good in the world — even if it’s just for two weeks.

5. Ilanaaq — The Inuit people of Canada’s Arctic have stacked rocks in human form for thousands of years to create the inukshuk, a steadfast guidepost that provides direction across the vast horizons of the North. Over time, the inukshuk has become a symbol of hope and friendship, an eternal expression of the hospitality of a nation that warmly welcomes the people of the world with open arms every day.

One thing we have to say. We firmly believe that women should be able to compete in the Olympic ski jump.

From TIME:

Lindsey Van holds the record — among both men and women — for the longest jump off of Whistler, B.C.’s normal ski jump, built for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The 25-year-old skier trains six days a week, 11 months a year and has been jumping for the past 19 years. But when games kick off on Feb. 12, the 2009 women’s ski jumping world champion will be nowhere in sight. That’s because women aren’t allowed to ski jump in the Olympics.

Sign the petition to let women compete in the Olympic ski jump.

In other news, it’s been an uber busy week here at Under Solen. We re-launched with a new website this week — and a new kick-ass team. Make sure to check out what we have going on. Then, we recommend taking some time to chill…

I took this photo in Las Penitas, Nicaragua from a palm tree perch with a glass of rum in hand. Not a bad way to end a day of surfing and beach yoga… Loved this place. So, this weekend, even though it’s winter in Portland, I plan on taking some serious time to chill. I suggest you do the same.

Happy Friday!

Have a soft spot for James Bond movies? Never had the chance to channel your inner spy? Now is the time!

To raise money for their upcoming expedition, the Kamchatka Project is throwing one fancy fundraiser party. It’s an evening of gambling, salmon and espionage, with great door prizes and sweet gear on raffle. All the action happens March 13, 2010 and you’ll want to get your tickets now; they’re $35 in advance and get you complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and an opening stack of chips for the casino. Buy them here. And the best part? Ticket proceeds go to funding the Kamchatka Project, which happens to be a 501(c)3 — your tickets are 100% tax deductible!

Where: Keen Headquarters

926 NW 13th Ave, PDX

When: Saturday March 13, 2010

Attire: Formal, or dress as your favorite 007 character. Best two costumes win door prizes!

See the full invite here.

All proceeds support the efforts of The Kamchatka Project to raise awareness about salmon conservation though exploration.

[Photo: Brocco Lee]

For our Portland friends, here’s an event you’ll definitely want to check out. We’ve mentioned Mountainfilm before, but what’s really cool about the film festival is that they take the whole thing on tour, giving people that can’t make it to Telluride to experience some of the amazing films and inspiring messages. Mountainfilm on Tour will be in Portland this Thursday, January 28, 2010, hosted at Portland State University. Check it out!

What: Portland State’s Outdoor Program and Portland Mountain Rescue are hosting the Mountainfilm on Tour festival on campus. It will include four hours of films that celebrate the great outdoors—especially mountains and mountaineering culture. In addition to the festival screenings, the Outdoor Program will hold a raffle and silent auction. Both Portland State students and the public are welcome to attend.

Where: Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom, SMSU 355

When: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 6-10pm.

Cost: Students $7 advance, $10 door
Faculty and public $10 advance, $12 door

More info here.