Great Outdoor Blog

Come help FMST extend the Falls Lake Trail to Durham!

Wake and Durham Counties - All land agencies have approved the MST routing from Old Boyce Mill Road to Rolling View (Phase II - 6 miles). The Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail (FMST) will host a work day at Falls Lake, a segment of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, on Saturday - see above dates from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day will also consist of new trail construction (natural surface - hiking only) such as clearing brush, moving logs, and picking up debris. Additional volunteers and volunteer groups are welcomed. Volunteers must RSVP to 919-868-6274 or jdbrewer@bellsouth.net so we can plan work projects and have enough tools. Tools needed for the day include loppers, bowsaws, and mattocks. The FMST will supply most of the tools for this event. Please wear work clothes and bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, work gloves, hiking boots, and sunscreen. Sorry no dogs allowed at our workdays for safety reasons. If you are under the age of 12, please consult us before attending workdays.

All interested should meet at the Rolling View State Recreation Area at 9:00 AM shart. To get to Rolling View take Highway 98 to Baptist Road (at Neal Middle School) and follow it to Rolling View. Look for signs on the road that say “MST Work”.

Great Outdoor Provision Co. will be providing Chick-fil-a breakfast for the workers!

Next workday - June 7, 2008 - National Trails Day

Local artist & Wilmington customer, James Davis, is sill going strong after seven weeks on the Appalachian Trail. He’s north of Hot Springs and his “hi-ly-larus” adventure (with pics) can be followed at his web site myxolydian.com

High performance meets high capacity. Mobilize your party with Jetboil’s latest cooking system.

Helios is an all-in-one cooking system that covers the gamut, from melting snow to prepping robust meals for you and your crew. Helios lights quickly and reliably with the click of a button. The system burns liquid fuel, so you can use every last drop in your canister and every boil is consistent. Clip on the windscreen for a steady burn in 10 + mph winds.

Includes:

• 2L FluxRing Pot (3L optional) with neoprene cozy
• Pot-supporting burner base
• Push-button igniter assembly
• Fuel can stabilizer
• Snap-on windscreen
• Lid and bottom cover that doubles as a plate (lid makes a good ‘flying disc’ for added fun around camp)

Features and Benefits:

• Easy to use, all-in-one cooking system for uses ranging from melting snow to preparing gourmet meals. For groups up to five.
• Liquid fuel canister injection for convenience, reliability, and consistent output
• High efficiency, low carbon emission
• High capacity cooking- 2 liter Fluxring Pot included with standard edition. Guide additional also includes a 3 liter pot.
• Heat-resistant nylon lid can be used as a plate
• Easy Push-button ignition.
• Lights quickly and reliably in 10 + mph/ 16 + kph winds
• Kit includes: 2 liter pot (3L optional), lightweight burner base, remote push-button igniter, fuel can stabilizer, and windscreen.

Technical Specifications:

• Boil Time: 3 min for 1L at 68oF
• Average Efficiency: 72% (24 1L boils per 230g / 8 oz canister)
• Boil Time Consistency: 23 sequential 3-min 1L boils
• Useable temperature range: -10oF – 100oF (measured range)
• Volume: 2 liters, with optional 3L pot as accessory or with purchase of Guide Edition
• Dimensions: Standard- 4.5” x 8.25” diameter, packed ; Guide - 5.1” x 9.5” diameter, packed
• Weight: Standard 28 oz; Guide 48 oz

Helios 2L system: $149.95

Released by Nalgene 4.9.08:

We are confident that Nalgene polycarbonate bottles, which contain the chemical BPA, are safe for their intended use. For many years, scientists, government officials, industry groups and consumer groups have examined the question of whether BPA poses a health risk to people. The great weight of scientific evidence from such studies demonstrates that the risks from exposure to BPA in polycarbonate bottles are negligible and theoretical.

The recent study reported in Toxicology Letters confirms our longstanding position that the amount of BPA released from polycarbonate bottles – regardless of whether the water in those bottles is hot or cold – is extremely small and far below established safety standards. The agencies that have set these standards include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Food and Safety Authority, and the Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

We have been making our polycarbonate products in the USA for more than 15 years; the safety and integrity of our products are supported by several key practices:

• We only use FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) compliant materials and resins.
• Our manufacturing facilities are quality certified by ISO; as a result, we believe we offer higher-quality products than those made overseas.
• All of our products are manufactured here, in the United States.

Therefore, we are confident that it is safe for you to drink from our bottles.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to those customers who are committed to our brand and products. We are, and have always been, deeply committed to creating a safe, high quality, environmentally friendly product to meet our customers’ needs.

We also recognize that our customers want a variety of choices and make their decisions based on a wide range of factors, including functionality, style, convenience and safety. As such, we continue to offer the broadest product line in the industry, with a range of choices (both with and without BPA) to meet the needs of every consumer.

Backpacker Get Out More Tour
Cameron Village Shop
Thu, April 17
4-5pm

Join Backpacker’s all-star Get Out More Team for an engaging 60 minute seminar full of trail-tested tips and the latest in outdoor gear and apparel. Seasoned tour hosts Sheri and Randy Propster will share their personal stories and extensive outdoor expertise to help you get the most out of your next outdoor adventure.

From packs, poles and sleeping bags, to jackets, socks and guides, Backpacker’s Get Out More Team will provide you with useful information about the gear and skills you need to get out more.

» MORE INFO

JUST IN: The Therm-a-Rest Comfort System represents the next generation of on-the-go comfort. This broad selection of accessories work hand-in-hand to usher in a new way of thinking about comfort away from home. Combined with your existing Therm-a-Rest products or with some new ones—like Fitted Sheets and Tech Blankets—you’ve now got the freedom to create your own, personal level of comfort, however you travel.

» More on the Therm-a-Rest Comfort System

This incredible new product just hit the shop today. Works great with all water bottles…we recommend Camelbak, Nalgene or Platypus.

» LEARN MORE

Gear Testimonials:

“My thanks to Great Outdoor Provision Co. and Bernard.  In fact, I will hereafter address him as “St. Bernard” given the life changing effect of his de-hydrated water.  On past hikes I would carry water for both me and my dog.  Now I simply strap a few cans of Bernard’s de-hydrated water neath the chin of my Malamute and we are on our way.  Happy Trails.”
– Yukon Jack, Yukon, Alaska

“I can’t believe how light my pack load is now…thanks GOPC!”
– Mike B.

“Dehydrated water is the best invention since the pop up tent”
– Susie T.

April 19. 8-9:00 a.m. registration, 9:30am

3- & 7- mile bike tours, 9:45am 4-mile Walk/Run. Music on Park trails and stage. On-site parking. Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh. Suggested donation $25 adults ($35 after 4/12), kids under $15 (free for spectators). Part of Earth Day Raleigh 2008.

Details, register, or volunteer, http://umsteadcoalition.org. 852-2268.

Note: This is an annual event that highlights and supports William B. Umstead State Park. This event is part of Earth Day Raleigh 2008
http://www.visitraleigh.com/visitors/outdoor_recreation/Earth_Day

Thanks for supporting William B. Umstead State Park!

Pictures from the March 15 Falls Lake Workday. Volunteers are needed for the next workday, Sat, April 12

» MORE INFO

Students at Martin Middle School are headed for the top of the world. With the help of interactive technology from MCNC, Cisco, and Arch Rock Corp, Martin Middle School students will stay connected to mountaineer and local Cisco engineer Ciprian “Chip” Popoviciu as he attempts to climb Everest this spring. The students here at Raleigh’s local middle school met Chip and his support team at an assembly this morning, March 10th. Chip will be supported by his Cisco associate, Tim Woods, who will coordinate base camp communications. Chip will also be monitored by Dr. Jay Stevens, M.D. Dr. Stevens is the President and Chief Medical Officer of the American Institute of Healthcare and Fitness. In the photo we see Chip and Dr. Stevens sharing with students about the equipment that is necessary to keep a climb safe in such extreme Alpine conditions. Stay connected with the expedition by visiting Martin Middle School link at http://martinms.wcpss.net/everest.html

» Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Climbing Everest