Great Outdoor Blog

It’s Finally here! We have it in all our shops as of 9.4.07

The revolutionary new Reactor is the fastest-boiling, most fuel-efficient all-condition stove system ever made. It offers unprecedented performance in challenging conditions, including superior wind protection and consistent flame output at all temperatures, elevations, and fuel levels. It’s also compact and easy to use, comprising a patent-pending canister stove and a high-efficiency 1.7-liter pot that makes it great for everything from solo trips to cooking for groups of up to three people.

• Unrivaled Boil Time:
  Outperforms the competition in lab tests—boiling 1 liter of water in just 3 minutes—with an even greater advantage in challenging conditions.
• Maximum Efficiency:
  Patent-pending radiant burner and heat exchanger make the Reactor the most efficient all-condition stove system, so you carry less fuel.
• Unmatched Wind Protection:
  Radiant burner head is enclosed by heat exchanger for total protection in even the windiest conditions.
• Integrated System:
  State-of-the-art stove and high-efficiency pot are combined into one compact, easy-to-use system.
• Consistent Flame Output:
  Internal regulator equalizes fuel pressure for optimal performance in all conditions and at all fuel levels.

Minimum Weight: 21 oz. (595 g)
Packaged Weight: 21.6 oz. (612 g)

PRICE: $139.95

PICS are up (more soon) on FLICKR

UPDATE 9.6.07 : Chuck interviewed for Joe Miller’s BLOG

The last time I ran at 3am was the night before my wedding. And that run was not by choice. This time I actually volunteered…and my wife of 20+ years is cheering me on. I’ll be with a team of veteran “night runners” as we embark on the Blue Ridge Relay, one of the longest running relay races in the United States. The course takes a windy mountainous route thru the Blue Ridge as it makes the 208-mile journey from Grayson Highlands, VA to Asheville, NC. www.blueridgerelay.com

PHOTO: Leg 12 - About 45 miles into the 208 mile Blue Ridge Relay (huff, huff) just north of Blowing Rock on the BR Parkway

I scouted “Leg 12″ this past weekend. The course description labels it: “Very Hard”. It is. Yet not nearly what my friend, teammate and our team Captain Jim has assigned to himself in “Leg 32″ - “Mountain Goat Hard”. Endurance runs have a way of bringing out the best. Jim is among them. And as “Hood to Coast” veteran Tara Ruotolo says, “It takes a certain kind of person who wants to run through the night, and after 30 hours together you know who you can be lifelong friends with.” I look forward to both the miles and the memories.

GORE-TEX® Pro Shell is the premier solution for professional outerwear use in extreme conditions. Engineered with the most rugged, most breathable, durably waterproof and windproof fabrics, 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shells meet the demands of outdoor professionals and serious enthusiasts.

A specific GORE-TEX® membrane is firmly bonded to a tough outer material and a robust breathable lining. GORE-TEX® Pro Shells are the professional’s choice for another tough day outside.

Stop by the shop and check out W’ Beta AR Jacket & M’s Theta AR Jacket from Arc’Teryx

» VIEW our complete Arc’Teryx Selection

If you could cut your fuel consumption in half for the price of a pot, would you do it?

Gearheads everywhere have been drooling over all the integrated cook systems emerging in the past few years. Jetboil’s revolutionary stove, Primus’ EtaPower, and the soon to be released Reactor from MSR have all made giant leaps in fuel efficiency and boil times. Their only caveat has been their exclusive “integrated” setup, requiring the purchase of an entirely new cookset designed around their apparatus. Primus now offers an option for those who crave more efficiency but can’t make the leap to a whole new system. The same EtaPower pot that is included with their new stove system, featuring their new heat exchanger, is now available for purchase in both 1.7L and 2.1L capacities. While it can’t offer the burner stand and integrated windscreen of the complete system, the pots will increase the efficiency of your current setup by up to 50%. Plus they are compatible with any liquid or canister fuel stove on the market. The secret lies in the pot’s ability to minimize heat loss in the gap between stove and pot. By enveloping the flame with their heat exchanger, they channel heat into the pot before it can dissipate into wasted heat. The accordion coils of the exchanger still allow oxygen to get to the flame assuring a consistent flame until you’re out of fuel. So don’t be afraid. Embrace technology. And start enjoying the benefits of the EtaPower pots on your next trip.

» Check out the EtaPower Stove System

Greetings,

I am searching for a lightweight solo canoe for use on large rivers (wind /
waves), lakes, estuaries, smaller rivers, creeks, marshes.  Tidal rivers; no
whitewater … perhaps to be used on long distance marathon paddles /
perhaps with portages.

I prefer using a kayak paddle, but do not particularly care for the low seat
placement as I like extended paddles and prefer the ability to adjust feet,
knees, etc.

I am 6′, 240; may do some camping.

What do you suggest?

—————————————-

Both the Magic and the Merlin II are excellent flatwater canoes. If you are
planning to spend most of your time on bigger lakes or intend to push the
canoe to it’s upper hull speed often (racing, for example), the Magic is the
better choice. When paddled aggressively, the Magic will be quicker.

The Merlin II is probably the more versatile of the two for Southeast use,
as it is easier to turn and will be a better choice on creeks and smaller
rivers (commonplace in our area). You won’t notice much of a speed
difference between the two when cruising at a normal, relaxed cadence.

At 240 lbs, you would be fine for camping, provided you have a background in backpacking and keep you gear to about 40-50 lbs. This applies to both the Magic and the Merlin II.

If you want more capacity, consider the Wenonah Encounter. This canoe is
specifically designed with a high volume hull and suits larger paddlers very
well. At 17′0″ and very little rocker, the boat requires some skill to
maneuver in tight creeks; however on the flat stretches the Encounter is
very efficient.

FYI, all the above canoes are considered very specialized for our market.
Consequently, we do not stock these as part of our regular inventory.
Special orders typically run 6-8 weeks on these models (either
manufacturer).

I think you are on the right track and are looking at very good designs. Any
of these will be very enjoyable for you to paddle on 90% of your intended
use. The remaining 10% of your use will need to be considered carefully to
explore all the nuances and complete your selection. I’ve tried to focus on
the key differences, even though there are more similarities than
differences across these models.

Thanks for your inquiry.
Take care,

Bittu Ali
Great Outdoor Provision Co.

A FEDERALLY DESIGNATED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER!

Wilson Creek, which flows 23 miles from Grandfather Mountain to the Johns River in Caldwell County, is one of only 4 rivers in NC designated as National ‘Wild and Scenic’. Wilson Creek is also designated as an “Outstanding Resource Water” by the NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources, the state’s highest water quality classification. It is one of the most pristine bodies of waters in NC and is a popular destination for anglers and paddlers.

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I have had the pleasure of working at the Great Outdoor Provision Co. Offices for two summers now. Aside from the obvious pleasures of basement dwelling life, I’ve been lucky enough to see the enthusiasm of the entire staff from administrators, to retail staff, to warehouse staff. That excitement about the outdoors, gear, and service often draws analogies involving our youth. “I felt like a kid in a candy store.” “More grown-up toys!” “I can’t wait to play outside…” Along with keeping salient our overarching goals of providing gear and advice for fun and safe outdoor adventures, these statements serve as reminders of a time when the outdoors were more than a break from the stress of 9-5. Being outside meant independence in a world that pampered us. It represented an environment so dynamic that no two trips were ever the same. And its power was so great that it was the catalyst for a lifetime hobby.

Today I got to see first hand the excitement and wide eyes so many “adults” here emulate. Playspace in Downtown Raleigh graciously hosted a special talk about camping for an enthusiastic, if at times a bit rowdy, crowd of 3-5 year olds. The Playspace staff were kind enough to divide the group of twenty into two (read “slightly”) more manageable groups of 10. We didn’t quite get to cover the intricacies of priming a liquid fuel stove at high altitude, but they did get a crash course in camping essentials: roll around in a sleeping bag, experiment with all the buttons on a few headlamps, spin around with the compass until you’re dizzy, and make sure to stretch out the trekking poles until they’re taller than you. Their favorite activity, however, was testing the veracity of Nalgene’s mythic claim of invincibility. I don’t think any other group of people averaging under 70 pounds could have put lexan water bottles to such a test. And to their (and my) delight, the bottles didn’t break!

Sure, they probably didn’t go home and start arranging food drops for their next thru-hike. But maybe the next time Mom or Dad gets a tent out they can tell them something they learned. Or maybe they’ll just remember the excitement that they felt when they first got to play with these “grown-up” toys. I know I do.

Great Outdoor Provision Company helps YMCA Campers Prepare for the Classroom

Raleigh, N.C.—While children are enjoying the last days of summer vacation, many parents are worrying about how to pay for back to school supplies. Experts estimate the cost of those supplies if at least $100 per child.

In an effort to help families on limited budgets get their children well-equipped to start school, the Great Outdoor Provision Co. is joining forces with the YMCA of the Triangle to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to nearly 300 elementary and middle-school students in Raleigh. Participants have dubbed the effort Operation Back to School.

The students selected to participate in Operation Back to School have been attending Camp High Hopes, a Central YMCA Summer Day Camp located in Raleigh’s Combs Elementary School. Camp High Hopes is a day camp for families living in low-income housing communities. Donations to the YMCA of the Triangle’s annual WeBuildPeople Campaign make it possible for these children to experience camp.

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We have a great new line of outerwear from Patagonia in the shop. Stop by your local Great Outdoor Provision Co. soon for the best selection.

» Patagonia - Featured Items

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Adventure racing is the latest fad in competitive outdoor sports. It borrows a bit of its popularity from the recent surge in endurance events, but offers more opportunities for novice outdoor folks to get involved in competition. The great thing about adventure races is that you get the comradery of competition while still being able to choose your level of commitment: team or solo events, short or long races, and training only as intense as you make it. Plus multisport events are a bit more forgiving to those of us who are Jacks-of-all-trades, masters of none. You can afford to be weak in a few disciplines and make up for lost time with your strengths. And if you need any more motivation to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, an impending race is great incentive.

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