Trusty is stocked with great backpack options for campus. From labtop messenger bags to large trail worthy daypacks, your local shop can outfit you in style. Check out these links for tips & reviews:
by Gwen (Charlotte Staff)
Today I took the Hobie Mirage Revolution out for a quick spin in the Atlantic off of Hilton Head Isle. Just like standard sit-on-top kayaks, the Revolution is a blast in the surf and super stable but with the added benefit of having pedals. Once I paddled out in deeper water, I deployed the rudder with a simple pull of the down cable and off I went using the Mirage drive pedals. Returning to the beach was an easy event too, I just turned the rudder lever until I did a U-turn back to the beach. A few steering inputs with the rudder and I was lined up for a perfect straight in run. Once I was closer to the beach I kicked one foot forward to tuck the Mirage fins under the kayak, picked up my paddle and surfed the kayak onto the beach.
Next time I’m definitely taking my fishing equipment to see if I can hook a fish big enough that I will have to utter that famous line from Jaws…”You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
by Gwen Crabtree, Charlotte Staff
Having kayaked Landsford Canal State Park, SC earlier this week, I decided to invite some more folks to share the experience with me. Every year, between late May and early June, this park draws people who come to view one of the largest colonies of rocky shoals spider lilies. This Memorial Day weekend was no different; the park was packed with hikers, picnickers, and boaters. After unloading the boats and shuttling vehicles around for the take-out, we geared up and discussed the planned route.
With everyone in their kayaks we put in and played around a bit to give everyone an opportunity to settle into their boats. Today I was in the new Jackson crossover kayak, the All Water 9; designed for flatwater and whitewater, Jackson touts the All Water as a “do-all” kayak. Initially I was a little concerned about fit in the kayak since I’m on the upper end of the weight range for the All Water 9. Whatever concerns I had quickly went away once I was in the boat and on the water.
Boasting Jackson’s Sweet Cheek seat and their simple, but effective backband system, this kayak is comfortable. It has enough of a whitewater feel for beginners to expand their whitewater skills and enough of a flatwater feel that it simply doesn’t suck on slow moving sections. The All Water 9 was just as fast on the slower sections as some of the 12 and 13 foot kayaks in our group. However, the AW was more nimble and less prone to hanging up on rocks in the shallower sections of the river.
If you are looking for a kayak that can handle a variety of kayaking situations then this kayak may be just your ticket.
by Gwen Crabtree, Charlotte Staff
I took the opportunity to kayak at Landsford Canal State Park this afternoon to check out the spider lillies and get in some time on moving water. I’m still new to the moving water side of kayaking and really enjoyed the trip because it gave me a chance to practice some whitewater skills. The lillies are in full bloom and the view is great from a kayak.
My ride today was the new Pyranah Fusion, their latest crossover kayak designed for Class III+ and flatwater paddling. The kayak was very forgiving and handled the trip quite well. I really dig the hatch, which stayed nice and dry when I managed to swim once after setting up very poorly on a rapid.
At first glance it’s both intriguing and intimidating. Perhaps more than anything the one thing that strikes you is just how big it is. I’m talking about the new Jackson Dynamic Duo. At 12 feet long and a 140 gallons of volume this is anything but your “typical” whitewater kayak.
So, there it sat in our warehouse taunting us. We’d all seen the videos (see them below) from Eric Jackson and heard how easy this kayak is to roll. EJ claimed that even if the person in the bow can’t roll, as long as you have a kayaker with a bomber roll in the stern, this kayak will roll. If the person up front helps even just a little then the Dynamic Duo is even easier to roll. We all wondered it is was really that easy.
Last night was the moment of truth. It was our last roll clinic of the spring and we were going to attempt a few rolls in the Duo. Getting into this kayak is a breeze. EJ and his team hit the mark again with the brilliance and ease of their outfitting. Launching it from the side of the pool was another story, but fortunately we had plenty of willing students who wanted to see the potential of both Paul and I looking like idiots and swimming. Two of them quickly volunteer to launch us from the side of the pool.
After a quick warmup and some nervous joking, Paul and I were ready to give it a shot. The first roll we attempted while I leaned forward on the front deck and Paul, who was in the stern, capsized us. I can’t remember if my eyes were open or not, but I do remember that we didn’t stay under very long. Paul hit his roll the first time and even without my help we rolled sunny side up to a round of applause. Now it was time to add my roll to the mix. The first tandem roll we tried was a combo of Paul’s C to C and my extended paddle roll. By keeping his eyes open and watching my setup, Paul was able to time his roll to mine and we rolled up with very little effort. So far, so good. Next we moved to a tandem C to C. Our timing was a bit off on the first attempt, but the second one was spot on and we rolled up immediately.
Now the Dynamic Duo is back in the warehouse taunting us. We’ve conquered our pool rolls in the beastie, but we have yet to take it into moving water. Stayed tuned for the next installment in Charlotte’s Dynamic Duo saga. Will our kayaking super heroes survive the US National Whitewater Center in EJ’s latest creation? Or will this be the last we hear of our intrepid duo?
Check out the Dynamic Duo in person: Charlotte (retail and demo), Winston-Salem (demo only) and Raleigh (demo coming soon).
Carolina Godiva Track Club and Great Outdoor Provision Co. welcome Brooks Running to the 6th Annual Umstead Trail Marathon. All 26.2 miles of the marathon will be run within the borders of William B. Umstead State Park on Saturday, March 7th. We have 5 staff that will be running those miles in the Brooks Cascadia or Adrenaline ASR and SmartWool socks. Chuck Millsaps has considered one on each foot as he loves the performance of both shoes. “It’s a tough choice between the two. During my training I have used 2 pair of Cascadia and 1 pair of the ASR. I am currently running in the ASR but will it will be game day decision.”
Both the Brooks Cascadia (l) and Brooks Adrenaline ASR (r) are ideal for the terrain of the Umstead Trail Marathon. The course consists of some technical single track covering portions of Company Mill and Sycamore Trails. But most is on the park’s bridle trails which are the width of a single lane road and covered with fine gravel. It’s a challenging course with many hills and the sections of single track include features such as “The Devil’s Spine” and “Shut In Simulator” that exact a toll on the runners.
A couple of trivia points if you are curious.
Great video review of the UCO Camper’s Dream Ice Cream Maker in action.
This marvelous piece of gear is on Sale along with other Great Outdoor Gift DEALS. The regular size is $22 (reg $29.95) and the MEGA size is $28 (reg $39.95).
For those of you who admire the versatility of the Leatherman but are looking for something of a slightly different build and feel, Gerber’s new line of Multi-Tools are among the best alternative options in the outdoor retailing universe.
The Gerber Freehand Tool (1), weighing in at 13.6 ounces, is one of the heavier Multi-Tools available at Great Outdoor Provision Co. The Gerber website classifies the Freehand as a “heavy duty” Multi-Tool, a description I found to be quite apt. The assorted tools all have a “Saf-T Plus” locking system. Features of the Freehand include: screwdrivers (Phillips head and flathead) two blades (one fine edge, one serrated edge) and an “Industrial flathead screwdriver with a ruler.” Additionally, you get the standard pair of pliers and “V-cut wire cutters.” Rugged and durable, the Freehand performs well in almost any situation – and has the tools to boot. $99.95
The Gerber website maintains that “the Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Series (2, Pro Scout Model) is simply the best multi-function tool available today” – and, considering the quality of the build and the number of features, this statement is not an overstatement. Equipped with a pair of scissors capable of cutting through “all braided fishing line as well as light wire,” the Pro Scout Model is well equipped for any fishing excursion. A “carbide coated sharpener for fish hooks” rounds out this fisherman’s dream Multi-Tool. $67.95
My first impression of the Gerber Flik (3) was its size: compact while maintaining the physical integrity expected of a Gerber Multi-Tool. The Flik is small enough to fit in the palm of my hand with space left over – the entire contraption is a mere 5.8 inches when open, and all of 4.4 inches when folded! But don’t let the size fool you – this Multi-Tool consists of ten features in addition to the standard pair of pliers. Of particular interest is the unique combination of pliers, “outboard tools” including two flathead screwdrivers, and a wicked saw. $57.95
The Gerber Suspension Tool (4), more than any other Multi-Tool I reviewed, represents a break from the “status-quo”: the spring-loaded jaws, available exclusively in the Suspension model, permit an astounding degree of flexibility and controllability. Features of the Gerber Suspension include several blades (one fine-edged, the other serrated), a saw, a Phillips head screwdriver, a pair of flathead screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and a can opener. $37.95
Having already examined several of the Gerber Multi-Tools, the Suspension model was examined with a stronger degree of familiarity. But if there is one common thread that connects the four Multi-Tool models reviewed here, it is their versatility and their unique ability to surprise. Each tool possesses a wide array of trinkets, ensuring a model for nearly every taste. Stop by your local shop to check them out.
T. Fielder Valone
(Disclaimer – I like water bottles. Therefore, the opportunity to test some new ones has given me LOTS to tell you about! Stick with this post ’til the end and be sure to comment on how creative you are with your bottles!)
Think staying hydrated is only for the summer months? Think again! Hydration is important throughout the year and during colder months we tend to forget to stay hydrated. Let a new bottle inspire you to keep the liquids flowing!
Great Outdoor Provision Co. offers a variety of hydration motivators if you will. For starters, there’s the tried and true Nalgene, everyone’s got ‘em and we all love ‘em (there’s also a new style!). But be sure check out some of the newer guys, CamelBak, Nathan, and Klean Kanteen.
With the BPA (bisphenol-A) hype that’s come up recently, we’re all a little more conscious of what type of plastics we’re using. I’m happy to say that the new bottles in stock are BPA free and have giant stickers on the side gleaming with pride! If you still have questions about the BPA contents, ask us – we’ll be glad to help or point you to the right direction!
First up – let’s talk about Nalgene! While Nalgene makes bottles in a variety of compounds, the everyday line contains the most sought after bottles. Best of all, our shops should now have the newest member of the Nalgene family – the OTG (On-The-Go). The OTG is a great 24oz option that has a nifty, one-handed flip top – perfect for any on-the-go lifestyle. This guy joins the 16oz and 32oz wide and narrow mouth tops. Bottles from the everyday line can withstand temps from -40F-212F. Dishwasher safe on the top rack and microwavable too! My personal favorite is the narrow mouth 32oz since I’m often out on the trail or in the car driving – however, there are inserts you can buy for the wide mouth variety that provides the same non-spilling action AND preserves the large open mouth area for other uses (i.e. ice or food). I often use my bottles for soup, cheerios, and yes… dog treats. The wide mouth bottles are GREAT for packing crackers and other crushables (pasta storage anyone?). Be creative!
Hydrate or Die. That’s what my CamelBak bottle says on the side. There’s also a small morbid skull just in case I forget. It’s actually a pretty cool graphic but the message is clearly there. CamelBak bottles are a great choice for everyone, especially youth – the smaller bottles (yep, all BPA free!) are contoured and will readily fit in most vehicles’ beverage holders. They also come fully equipped with a straw and a neat little sucker apparatus they call a “bite valve.” With an array of colorful options and prints too, CamelBak is sure to please even the pickiest bottle fanatic! I tried out the Better Bottle (that’s right, the one with the skull) in the .5L size and found it to be a great every day bottle. In case you don’t really prefer that little sucker thingy I mentioned before, the Better Bottles also come in a wide mouth option that has a classic lid. The classic lid simply screws on and off. CamelBak also makes a really cool set up of hydration packs but I’m going to skip over that as it’s a category in itself!
Nathan’s steel printed bottles are a great addition to anyone’s water bottle collection – or perfect for a first bottle! While they’re slightly pricier than their plastic counterparts, the flip top straw and mouthpiece are great. There’s also a cool clip built into the lid so you can clip it to your pack. The prints are exceptionally cute but will also appeal to the men folks as well. Being made of steel, the bottles are easy to clean, pop ‘em in the dishwasher or stick ‘em in the sink and scrub away. Did I mention that I really like the lid on this one? It even has a straw! The 700ml variety is perfect for everyday use or a quick beverage on the trail.
Finally – let’s chat about the Klean Kanteen – my new personal favorite. Where do I begin?! In sizes ranging from 12oz all the way to 40oz, this bottle is the do-tall, take-everywhere bottle. It’s made of stainless steel and has a variety of cap options. The loop top plastic cap, the sports cap, the non-loop top plastic cap, and the stainless non-loop cap – oh and there’s also a sippy cap for the little ones. I tested the 27oz regular stainless bottle but there are also six new “kolors” available. One of my favorite things about this bottle is the size. It’s large enough to hold plenty of liquid yet slim enough to fit in almost any space from my day bag to the drink holder in my Honda. I also like that being stainless, if there’s even a speck of dirt in my bottle, I can see it because of the reflection inside.
One thing I noticed about this bottle was the metallic taste. I was bummed. I poured about a ¼ cup of white vinegar, filled it up with water, rinsed, repeated. Then I stuck it in the dishwasher, voila – taste was gone. It still smelled a bit metallic but that left after about three more washes. It was worth the little trouble. The opening on this bottle isn’t quite small enough not to spill while driving, so be careful there – but it is perfect size for ice cubes!
I may be a little biased towards the Klean Kanteen for now, but it’s great on many levels. The regular stainless variety (not the “kolored”) is great for camping for many reasons…one being that aside from just a great bottle (if you don’t believe me just try one!) it’s perfect to fill with water and stick over the fire for a short time to warm it up. I promise it won’t take long and voila, warm water for washing your face (because I KNOW all of you do that when you’re out enjoying the trails…). The sippy cup conversion is also a great option for eco-conscious moms out there who limit plastics for their children. Oh, and Kevin – try the insulated tote that promises to keep contents cool for up to four hours.
Ultimately – staying hydrated is the goal with any of these bottles. I wanted to highlight a few that I’ve recently had the opportunity to try out – and so far, I’ve been pleased with each. (Although I clearly have a favorite!)
I’d love your comments on what you put in YOUR bottles – water, snacks, pasta storage, soup, morning smoothies, shampoo…heck, maybe you catch fireflies and keep them in your clear Nalgenes! Whatever the case, fill me in – I’m always looking to expand my horizons!
Ginger Dail is a sales associate at our Greenville Shop
I am trying to sift out just why I like this sock so much. It’s called the Rebel Fusion, and it is revolutionary.
First, I am not unbiased; Wigwam extended me credit to carry their socks back in the early ‘70’s when the only credit I had was the 120 hours of college credit I earned to graduate. But then, Wigwams also always fit well, lasted a long time, and protected my feet better than just about any other brand. And, the worst washing machine I ever had could not kill them, although it regularly shredded shirts and underwear. But this sock goes to a whole new level. They’re part of Wigwam’s Ingenius series which is a sock and liner combined. This saves money, there is no chance for folds or wrinkles between layers, and of course they’re simple. But the real deal here is that the selective padding in the sock is just right for all day on your feet, running, hiking, working, or whatever used to leave my feet tired, blistered, or sore. They’re constructed with an olefin lining attached to the rest of the sock in such a way as to eliminate blister causing friction, and the outer sock layer is a blend of nylon, spandex and merino wool with loops to provide cushioning and yet not feel “squishy.” And they come in a “no-show,” a quarter top, and a full sized crew. Hands down they are the best I have ever used.
Trust me on this. I know I am loyal to the folks who helped me get started, but I can have any sock in the world in my drawer, and I do have just about any sock out there in my drawer, but the Rebel Fusion is the one I use. If you don’t like ‘em, I’ll buy ‘em back!
Tom Valone
Founder, Great Outdoor Provision Co.
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