Great Outdoor Blog

** the Jan 18 Adventure Talk in Winston-Salem is RESCHEDULED for FEB 8 due to weather.

» Adventure Series featured in the Winston-Salem Journal

FREE Slide Shows & Films presented by PATAGONIA
The Garage 110 West 7th Street, Downtown Winston-Salem Arts District
Every Thursday at 7pm January 4th-25th

January 4: Patagonia Paddling Ambassador, Jon Bowermaster
OCEANS 8 Project: Since 1999, Jon and his expedition teams have been sea kayaking around the world one continent at a time, studying both the health of the seas and the lives of people who depend on them – plus having a fair amount of adventure along the way. Having completed seven of the eight expeditions, with only Antarctica to go, this promises to be a captivating tale, with awe-inspiring imagery, of his adventures thus far.

January 11: Alaska Night with Rich and Lisa Chisholm and Rod Hunter
Two Views of Denali: This pair of videos, narrated by Rich and Lisa Chisholm, feature Denali, the highest peak in North America The first chronicles an endurance climb of the West Buttress in 2004. The second details a steep alpine-style ascent of the West Rib in 2005. This evening presentation will be followed by a question and answer session, including tips on how to get started in mountaineering.

Grizzlies in the Wild: If you’ve ever wanted to get close to wild grizzlies – without threat to life and limb – this is your chance. In this film, Rod Hunter recounts his July 2006 backpacking trek through Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, a rugged coastal region known for its volcanoes, pristine waterways and large, animated bears, including an 800-pounder frolicking in a mud bath. Come early or stay late to meet members of the local Sierra Club chapter. They’ll have information on current campaigns and how you can get involved.

January 25: Randy Jacinto
Refresh Your Perspective: With no itinerary and no expectations, Randy Jacinto explores Southeast Asia by bicycle, just embracing impulse, the beauty of different cultures and living a surreal adventure.

February 8: Jeff Brewer & John Pugh
From Mountains to Sea: What is a thousand miles long and two-feet wide? It’s North Carolina’s Mountains to Sea Trail (MST), the state’s first and only linear, multi-use trail stretching from Clingman’s Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. Follow Jeff for a photographic tour of his fall 2003 thru-hike. You’ll also learn where construction and maintenance work is taking place on the MST, and how you can help. » MORE INFO

John Pugh (GOPC Staff) will be presenting a slideshow from his 2175 mile Southbound Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2000. Slideshow will be followed by a AT Prep Overview (he will have his pack!) and Q/A session. This is a great event for aspiring Thru-Hikers, past AT hikers or those who love the outdoors! » MORE INFO

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE. For more info call 336.727.0906

* Stay afterwards for live music and libations on select nights. For a detailed schedule, visit www.the-garage.ws

Sportswear at Great Outdoor Provision Co. is selected with an eye toward construction integrity, comfortable fit, colors that have the fashion legs to last as long as the garment, and have that hard to describe “something” that will make our clothing your favorites. Check out these TOP PICKS for that special someone on your list:

Mountain Khakis : $45-65
- Hearty canvas pants built for mountain lifestyle. These relaxed fit, hardworking pants withstand the toughest elements and continue to look great.

Four Shadows Beanie : $35
Identified by the classic Nordie tassel, this versatile stretch-woven beanie conforms to any elevated heart rate activity.

Jibbitz : $2.50
- Accessorize their Crocs with Jibbitz Shoe jewelry. Over 30 pieces to choose from!

(more…)

UPDATE 3.13.07 - Gregory Z55, Jade 50 have been named Best All-Around Weekend Pack by Backpacker

INTRODUCING THE JET STREAM™ SUSPENSION SYSTEM

• Lightweight, perforated framesheet combined with AeroTech® mesh backpanel to promote air flow across the back
• Padded scapula and lumbar pads for positive load transfer
• Z 55™, Z35™ and Jade 50™ all feature the all new Jet Stream™ Suspension System

Z 55 : $189

Jade 50 (Women’s Specific Fit): $189

Z 35 : $159

» MORE GREGORY PACKS

Power of a Purchase
When you buy hemp you’re doing more than adding a luxurious, linenlike item to your wardrobe – you’re also supporting sustainable agriculture. The hemp plant requires no artificial irrigation, is naturally inhospitable to pests, and thrives without the use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. The plant’s deep taproots protect precious soil from erosion. And the tenacious yet supple hemp fibers are equally well suited to a low-impact, long-wearing life span. Patagonia’s hemp collection comes in two weights: a light Island weight and Hemp Roving, a heavier hemp denim.

As it happens, very little is pure or natural about cotton when it is raised conventionally. Conventional cotton crops in six California counties alone are dusted every year with 57 million pounds of chemicals. And research shows that extensive and intensive use of synthetic fertilizers, soil additives, defoliants and other substances wreak terrible havoc on soil, water, air and many, many living things.

There is, of course, an alternative. Growing cotton organically bolsters biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, improves the quality of soil and often uses less water. Growing organically takes more time, requires more knowledge and skill, and, for now, costs more. But it is worth it.

In 1996, Patagonia converted thier entire sportswear line to 100% organically grown cotton. The move didn’t compromise quality. Rather it improved the feel of the fabric and provoked a fundamental change in attitudes about agriculture.

» MORE GREEN MULE items

When getting water to pump through a water filter or add iodine tabs for treatment, lower the number of pathogens by collecting the water from a still pool or center of the lake where the bacteria and amoebas will have had a chance to settle out. Never collect water from the inviting froth of waterfalls. Some wilderness travelers get water from the center of lakes and forgo treatment! Although such practice would be unwise as a regular regimen, it may help in a pinch.

Tom Valone - Owner

Usually, we look for about a finger width between your longest toe and the front of the boot. This allows you to walk down hill without banging your toe into the front of the boot. If there is any question regarding the fit, please come by any of our stores to have one of our sales associates check it for you. Please bring the socks you intend to wear with the boots. Also, it is a good idea to walk for about 30 minutes before coming. That way your feet will swell to the size they would be on the trail.

Bill Mauney - Charlotte Manager