I'm pretty sure you could tell something was up as we arrived at the airport. All five us were carrying our packs (mine might have smelled a little worse for wear) as we checked in. I'd never been adventuring in Colorado so I might have been the most excited. In fact, "giddy" might have been a more apt description.

In Denver we were met by the Deuter team and whisked off to the bustling metropolis of Longmont. "Is it named after the same person as Longs Peak? Who is Longs Peak named after?" I fear my usual inquisitive nature may have been a little pushy as we drove the hour or so to the hotel. (BTW: Yes, "Longmont" is roughly "Long's Mountains" and Longs Peak is named after Stephen H. Long, an explorer in the early 19th century. (Thank you Wikipedia.)

The next morning was spent at the Deuter USA headquarters. I definitely got a deeper appreciation for the history of the brand and the design philosophy and a list of new packs I just must have. We also got introduced to Deuter's sister brand, Ortovox, and a short Leave no Trace session. This was the first "working" part of the trip. And for "work" it was still pretty fun.

But come on, we're adventurers. We don't go on vacations. We go on adventures! A big part of this trip was the opportunity to get to know the other ambassadors in our natural setting: nature. Next stop: the YMCA.

Yeah. That was kind of my initial reaction. "The YMCA?" No, not just any YMCA. The YMCA of the Rockies. Instead of a gym in the city think of a resort in the mountains. We had a house to ourselves that comfortably fit 25 adults and 10 kids. And there were a bunch of these houses available for rent.

Even better, it was literally right next door to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Even more better (because what is better than "better"?), it was snowing. Not a little, but a lot. So much there was a concern we wouldn't be able to fly home on Sunday. Aw, shucks.

The next few days were spent watching the snow pile deeper and deeper while getting to know the others.

First was a short walk to Bible Point. It was the first time the kids had hiked above 8,000 feet and they felt it.

The next day we spent climbing Deer Mountain in the Park. Clara got her first 10k peak and we got a tiny tease of a view that sold us on what might be seen even though we were in the storm all day.

Our final day, with more than three feet of new snow on the ground, was a quick trip to Bear Lake (once again in the Park). The snow was unbelievable and the slacklining was addictive for the kids.

Sadly, the storm abated enough for us to make our flight. We got home and returned to work and school. The only downside to an adventure like this is the hangover. After so much concentrated fun there was sure to be a crash. We all experienced it, but we all agree it was worth it.

And if you have questions about backpacks, don't hesitate to ask. I might have one or two or a whole bunch of suggestions for you.