Great Outdoor Blog

Columbia Omni-Shade® Clothing is specifically designed and tested to be comfortable while offering protection from the sun in the hottest conditions.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a measure of the percentage of ultraviolet sunlight that reaches your skin. Omni-Shade® clothing protects you by blocking harmful sun exposure. Your safety increases with the UPF. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a rating of UPF 30 or higher. Columbia Sportswear was the first global apparel producer to earn the organization’s seal of recommendation.

» Featured Omni-Shade products

» Stop by your local shop to see more

Gear Up for Summer (from Garden & Gun Magazine)
By: Carter Worrell - April 21, 2008

It’s not clear if Hawaiians invented the flip-flop, but they should have. OluKai sandals, from the Hawaiian words olu, meaning “comfort,” and kai, meaning “ocean,” are designed to imitate the pleasant sensation of walking on wet sand. Constructed with an anatomically correct sole molded to the natural curve of the foot, the sandals mimic a high-end running shoe, but they’re more like surfer shoes on steroids. While cheaper flip-flops break down over time, OluKais are built to support weight, aiding your posture in the process. And with the company’s cofounders hailing from Nike and Quiksilver, it’s not surprising that they look as cool as they feel. Pictured: Hiapo - $100

Olukai sandals are available in Charlotte, Raleigh, Chapel Hill & Wilmington shops

Coat Swap - Starts TODAY

Dig out your old coats! The 3rd Annual Great Outdoor COAT SWAP starts Oct 19, 2007. Bring in your used coat and receive 20% off the regular price of new coat from Great Outdoor Provision Co.

Here’s how it works:

1. Brings in a clean used jacket to your Local Great Outdoor Provision Co. starting Oct 19, 2007
2. Get a “Voucher” for your old jacket (includes Tax Receipt for your records)
3. Voucher entitles you to 20% off the regular price of a single purchase of outerwear*

*purchase must be made by November 11, 2007

Our buyers and product testers spent over 18 months of research to determine this fall’s outerwear collection. After working with the industry’s best designers and clothing manufacturers we are excited to introduce a terrific selection of jackets from Arc’Teryx, Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia and The North Face. There are jackets for everyone’s tastes, from the classic Covert Sweater Cardigan by Arc’teryx to the minimalist Down Sweater from Patagonia featuring top quality European goose down. We invite you to stop by the shop an find the jacket that best fits your needs for winter adventure. Take advantage of our Coat Swap offer and Save 20% off the regular price of a new jacket.
» CLICK HERE to see Featured Items

Icebreaker is fussy about their fibres. They procure the best pure merino available, direct from the mountains of New Zealand. And then make their own fabrics using icebreaker technology. Originally they had to, as no-one could supply what they wanted. Then it turned into a passion and a source of innovation. They have set up contracts direct with the farmers who grow the wool. They currently work with just 30 of the best growers in the world, mainly scattered around the Southern Alps of the South Island.

» Stop by the shop to give it a try. Merino can be worn in all conditions…especially nice when we hit record 90 degree highs in October!

Skin 200 - $70
BodyFit 260 - $80

Great Outdoor Provision Co. has a question that not too many folks consider. Are you’re pants holding you back? Before you self-consciously withdraw, take a moment to consider. Are you confident that they’ll hold up to whatever you throw at them? Can they survive drenching, drying, baking, freezing, and washing? Are they designed to move? Are seams double or triple stitched? Knees and seat reinforced? Would you dare go out in those same pants after a day in the outdoors?

If you answered “no,” or even a hesitant “yes,” to any of the preceding questions, read on about our selected lineup of work pants (or as we like to call ‘em, play pants).

» View our Selection

We fell in love with Horny Toad’s Cashmoore and Velush fabrics the first time we felt them. Dense, super soft and fuzzy, yet surprisingly breathable, these luscious fabrics are perfect for fall, winter, and spring.

We brought in a ton of styles because we know once you try them on, you’ll know what we’re talking about. And while you’re here, check out our full selection of Horny Toad sportswear.

» See the goods

In the early ’90’s, Columbia Sportswear developed MTR (maximum thermal retention) Fleece to meet the needs of active outdoor enthusiasts. The result was a garment that could be worn like a sweater or light jacket, either by itself or as part of a layering system. The original MTR fleece was hypoallergenic, non-piling, soft next to the skin, quick drying, machine washable, and very warm for its weight and bulk.

Much like the Jeep developed during World War II, and constantly evolved to it present state of performance and comfort, MTR evolved from its inception into a much higher performance fleece today. And, unlike the Jeep, MTR fleece is less expensive today than 17 years ago due to Columbia’s efficiencies in sourcing. Looks great. Feels better. Easy care. Tough. Warm. Ideal garments for life outside.

View our complete selection of Columbia Fleece Outerwear

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

» Shop Locations

Fall is fast approaching and Great Outdoor Provision Co. has The North Face outerwear to keep your kids warm and dry on the walk to the school bus or a weekend adventure. Plus they’re so cool you won’t have to tell them twice to wear a jacket…Shop now for best selection. Adult styles from The North Face are arriving daily!

»Click for a preview