Merrell Launches FKT Documentary on Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail

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Endurance athletes and Merrell ambassadors Jason Antin and Mike Chambers set out in March 2018 to complete Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail by foot in the fastest known time, a challenge of both temperature, endurance and demanding terrain. With Merrell Thermo Rogue boots on their feet, the duo completed their trek in three days, 12 hours, and six minutes.

“When Mike and Jason came to us with the need for footwear that could carry them through their Arctic Circle journey, we knew our forthcoming Thermo Rogues were the only option,” says Steve Workman, VP of Product at Merrell. “With the combination of our exclusive Vibram® Arctic Grip Dura for the best possible traction in winter conditions and the ultra-lightweight PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Aerogel for warmth in freezing temperatures, there’s simply not another product on the market that’s better suited for this type of adventure.”

Jason Antin, a native New Englander who now calls Colorado home, focuses his time on striving to achieve the ultimate work-life balance. Beyond helping launch a handful of outdoor focused start-up companies, Jason spends much of his time working as a technical Mountain Guide for Denver Mountain Guiding, and also as a strength and condition coach at The Alpine Training Center in Boulder, CO where he prepares his athletes for the physical and mental rigors of the mountains. Off the clock, Jason shares his home in Golden, CO with his wife Jenny and two-year-old daughter Avery. He enjoys moving quickly in the mountains over all mediums that mother nature shares with us whether that be trails, rock, ice or snow.

“Preparing for an adventure like this is no easy feat,” said Jason Antin. “Through determination, the right gear, and ideal winter weather conditions in Greenland, we were able, and thrilled, to accomplish the journey in our goal time.”

As a mountain athlete and social entrepreneur, Mike Chambers’ work is inspired by the human spirit and our capacity to endure and improve.

“There’s definitely an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment that goes along with completing an FKT,” said Mike Chambers. “Even more so, the time this trek gave me to disconnect with daily life, connect with my good friend, Jason, and reflect on all my upcoming life events, especially the recent welcoming of my first child, was invaluable.”

His passions for adventure, social justice, and storytelling have brought him around the globe, from the highest mountains in the Himalaya, to the most remote villages in Africa and Latin America. He’s led dozens of high-altitude climbing expeditions, including two on Mt. Everest, and is the creator and co-host of Beat Monday on Outside TV, an adventure travel show designed to reimagine the weekend. Mike is also the cofounder of Summits Education, an organization that operates a network of 41 primary schools in Haiti’s Central Plateau serving nearly 10,000 students. When not in Haiti, or in the mountains, Mike and his wife spend much of their time in Kenya where they run Flying Kites, a leadership academy for orphaned and critically poor children.

Inspired by athletes like Jason and Mike, Merrell took on the challenge of introducing a new winter boot designed to go faster and further. The new Thermo Rogue is an athletic two-season hybrid boot suitable for any hike, in any winter conditions.

Featuring state of the art PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Aerogel, the boots provide unprecedented protection in the face of extreme cold conditions. The ultra-lightweight technology maintains its insulative properties even when compressed, making it ideal for all day comfort.

Maintaining traction in intense and fast-changing winter conditions calls for a specially designed outsole — meet Merrell’s exclusive Vibram® Arctic Grip Dura technology – combining the most durable wet ice grip compound and specialized lug geometry, the Thermo Rogues provide best-in-class traction when experiencing winter conditions on varied outdoor and mountainous terrains.

Features

• GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane, exceptional breathability and waterproof performance
• Mesh and TPU upper
  • Metal hook and lacing eyelet for secure lacing
  • Bellows tongue keeps debris out
  • Protective rubber toe cap
  • M Select™ FRESH antimicrobial agents reduces shoe odor
  • 100 grams of Primaloft® Aerogel lightweight, low bulk insulation traps in heat even when compressed
  • Kinetic Fit™ BASE insole is contoured like your foot and provides flexible, intuitive support for connected and protected movement
  • Molded nylon arch shank
  • Merrell Exclusive Vibram® Arctic Grip® Dura for added durability and grip on wet ice
  • 5mm lug depth

For more information on the Thermo Rogues and other Merrell products, visit rei.com/merrell.