Great Outdoor Blog

SLASH UP TO $50 OFF YOUR TOTAL YAKIMA PURCHASE

• Receive a $50 Rebate when you spend $500 or more
• Receive a $40 Rebate when you spend $400 to $499.99
• Receive a $30 Rebate when you spend $300 to $399.99

To receive your rebate, please download this form and follow the instructions.

Offer good on purchases made 8/15/08 - 8/30/08

» Check out the Yakima Rack Configurator

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

Another report from Vic (GOPC staff) & crew. They are traveling from California to Patagonia, Chile. Read more on their BLOG: http://southbound-horizons.blogspot.com

Peeking through the surrounding clouds within the sheltered pine forest, San Cristobal de las Casas welcomed us with a misty drizzle. We stayed at a lovely hostel and ventured into the colonial town of Chiapas to explore among the patter of the rain. The cool mountain air and small droplets gave us new energy on a trip full of sun and heat. Dancing among the puddles we wondered around amazing markets, met friendly artisans, sipped warm hot chocolate and ate tasty pastries. The nights gave way to new friends made in the comfortable hostel where pasta dinners, fresh juices, posh and tasty salads were split among new amigos from six different countries. Day trips to San Juan Chamula allowed us to take a look into an exclusively Mayan village, where animal sacrifices and old healing methods still take place within the church and colorful markets clutter the plaza square. Picture taking is forbidden for it steals the soul of the subject. Many hugs and emails were exchanged as we departed San Cristobal de las Casas and all the friendly travelers we met.

On the way to visit the jungle ruins of Palenque and Calakmul a long Zapatista road block stalled our progress along the mountain roads. A night in the jungle had us awakening to the calls of howler monkeys and an early entrance into the famous ruins of Palenque. Tall Mayan pyramids shadowed the jungle below as cool water creeks weaved in and out of the lofty structures. Walking among the tourists we headed out of the park, overwhelmed and looked forward to the less visited ruins of Calakmul. After a long drive through the canopy covered highway to the ranger station of Calakmul we made friends with the forest rangers and set up camp. With some enthusiastic natural history lessons and solid advice on a sunrise start to the ruins, we slept among wild mountain turkeys dreaming of exploring the 100 sq/km with 6500 structures, hidden like gems in the dense overgrowth. An alpine start had us on top of one of the pyramids for the sunrise over the rainforest where monkeys jumped through trees, howlers awoke the jungle, colorful birds flew toward the sun, and ones eyes lost focus as the jungle stretched beyond view in all directions. Playing explorer we had the ruins to ourselves to discover as we climbed tropical trees, uncovered hidden pottery, slept in Mayan mansions, yelled over the canopy, chassed wild turkeys and wandered the miles of overgrown trails. We finished a 12 hour day of running around the ruins with an amazing sunset as we sat atop of the jungle canopy looking towards Guatemala and reflecting upon our solitude within the ancient capitol city of the kingdom of the Serpents Head.

Leaving the Mayan ruins and thick jungle we departed Mexico after two months of travel through such an amazing country. A hint of remorse arose, yet was soon healed by the ocean breeze, crystal blue-green water and unique Caribbean vibes of Belize. With only a little trouble and many hoops to jump through at the border we were soon cruising down the Hummingbird highway, through fields of sugar cane and rows of citrus trees, with our passports stamped.

Reports just in from Vic (GOPC staff) & crew. They are traveling from S. California to Patagonia, Chile. Read more on their BLOG: http://southbound-horizons.blogspot.com

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1.19.08 - Chuck, Hola and greetings from Baja. Andrew, Anthony and I are down in Todos Santos… about 50 miles or so from Cabo San Lucas. We have spent the last 12 days or so bouldering, surfing and slowly making our way south through the Baja peninsula. We are planning on taking the ferry mainland in the next few days. - Adios, Vic

2.4.08 - Sunsets, sunburns, fish tacos, agavé fields, granite boulders, surf wax, fresh tortillas, papya and unexplored canyon walls… from hidden beaches to booming cities, we have made our way south through the rolling green hills of northern Baja into the sun-baked, boulder-strewn desert of central Baja, with its massive Cordón cactus, dusty roads and shells of trucks rusting into their final resting places. Here many days were spent with chalked hands, sore finger tips and wounds patched with climbing tape as the crew discovered untapped problems, hidden in the maze of the Cataviña boulder fields. Then it was off to the Sea of Cortez with its rocky peninsulas, beachside palapas and gorgeous islands within paddling distance. The wind blew strong, but our Black Diamond Megamid (thanks GOPC!) stood fast, sheltering us from dusty gusts. Moving south, the sun got hotter, the surf got better and we soon found ourselves on a ferry to mainland Mexico, with backpacks full of clothes washed in the ocean and cans of black beans, to visit with friends and family, explore the rivers and rope up on Mexican rock. With over 2,000 miles on the odometer, we rolled into the surf town of Sayulita, on the Pacific coast where towering palms, beautiful waves and friendly people were there to greet us. Here in Sayulita fate was on our side in meeting a traveling artisan, selling jewelry on the beach. He invited us to his home in Guadalajara where his crew of friends, putting up hard 5.13’s in the deserted climbing areas outside of the city, gave us a one week tour of the rock around Guadalajara which would put any guide book to shame. The experiences with the people here in Mexico have truly shaped our journey as we venture towards Central America and the vast unknown of overgrown rainforests, rutted roads and stretches of untouched landscape. - Vic

11.19.07 Update » Read Joe’s Blog on Stories from signing
Book Signing - 100 Classic Hikes in North Carolina
Thu, Nov 15 : 6:30-8pm - Cameron Village Shop

Stop the shop during the Cameron Village Holiday Open House for a book signing with local author/journalist, Joe Miller

» Joe Miller’s N&O BLOG

BOOK SUMMARY: North Carolina is the ideal hiking state: dramatic mountain hikes in the Southern Appalachians, lots of rolling trails near high population centers in the Piedmont, diverse hikes that few people know about on the Coastal Plain. The varied climates of the state make way for a wide array of hiking opportunities, sure to provide some favorites for everyone. Whether you thrive off of an intense heart-pounding climb with a sweeping vista as a reward or prefer a smoother terrain filled with interesting historical tidbits, there is a classic hike for you. Each hike is the cream-of-the-crop. Full color topographical maps, elevation profiles and over 100 stunning photographs. Trails-at-a-glance chart to help find the hikes you want quickly and easily. The most up-to-date info on public lands acquisition and regulations.

We are accepting donations of gently used luggage that will benefit local Rescue Missions. Folks who donate luggage will receive $25 OFF the purchase of a new wheeled luggage piece from Eagle Creek thru Nov 15.

Stop by your local shop to see our great selection of Eagle Creek Luggage

Exclusive Ladies Night at Great Outdoor Provision Co. Take some extra time for yourself to shop for your outdoor gear, and while you’re here, you’ll get a chance to win some great prizes. Meet Luanne Coulter and hear about how running has changed her life. Appetizers will be served. In addition, the first 20 women through the door will get a free Mountain Hardwear Tasha Scarf!

What: “From Africa to Alabama…and other challenges I have run thru!”

Who: Luanne Coulter, local Mecklenburg mom, runner, hometown hero

When: Wed, October 10th - 7:00pm

Where: Charlotte Shop - Park Road Shopping Center

FREE Mountain Hardwear Scarves to the first 20 attendees!

As patrons of the great outdoors, we’re very fortunate to live in the beautiful state of North Carolina. Unfortunately, we’re not alone. No matter how secluded an overlook, how secret a fishing spot, or how off-the-trail a campsite, we’re constantly being watched. And buzzed. And bitten. Mosquitoes, the bane of any outdoor experience, can make even the most seasoned hiker, boater, or fisherman cringe. Luckily, Great Outdoor Provision Co. stocks a full range of Sawyer insect repellent products. With a solution for bug problems in any application, Sawyer’s offerings are as diverse as the habitats of our state.

Permethrin Insect Repellent – This clothing application is actually a contact insecticide, killing mosquitoes and ticks on contact. Best of all, there’s no need to reapply. Simply treat your clothing then let it dry for two hours. Your clothing is transformed into a mosquito fortress that lasts through up to 6 washings! Great for applying before travel. Want even more protection? Combine the Permethrin clothing application with a topical repellent for ultimate bite prevention. $11.95

Broad Spectrum Insect Repellent Spray – Unfortunately, mosquitoes and ticks aren’t the only flying pests one runs into in the outdoors. This convenient pump spray combines the proven effectiveness of DEET to protect against mosquitoes and ticks with Sawyer’s R-326 formula to keep biting flies and gnats at bay. They also kept their Broad Spectrum repellent alcohol free in order to prevent fast absorption into the skin. $7.95

Topical Control Release Insect Repellent – Sawyer’s Control Release repellent is perfect for those not interested in frequent re-applications. Sawyer pioneered a chemical process that traps DEET capsules on the skin. Since the evaporation of the DEET chemicals is the process that deters the insects, this encapsulation process extends the life of your application by slowing the rate of evaporation. $7.50

MAXI-DEET Insect Repellent Spray – Sawyer is still the only company to offer a full 2oz. bottle of 100% DEET. They also offer the only low-odor formula available because they use the highest quality, purest DEET available. Maxi-DEET is designed for areas with dense mosquito and tick populations. Its 100% concentration is perfect for extreme conditions. $7.50

Daniel Grillo, Marketing Intern

School’s almost out and the dreams of summer travel plans can finally be realized! We’ve got a fresh shipment of products from the travel authorities at Eagle Creek to make sure you and your luggage arrive and play in style.

The pride of the Eagle Creek lineup is the Tarmac ES 25. This durable wheeled luggage just won Money Magazine’s Field Test award for lightweight luggage. A simple compression system keeps items from shifting in your suitcase and its ample pockets accommodate Pack-It accessories to guarantee you stay organized. The Tarmac ES 22 offers all the great features of the 25 in a smaller, carry-on ready package.

For those that prefer the no-nonsense durability of a duffel, Eagle Creek’s popular ES Cargo Duffle in 4 sizes to accommodate any size trip or family. The duffel even packs into an integrated stuff sack to disappear when it’s not stuffed with clothes and gear.

The Parent Survival Pack makes global exploration feasible for the entire family. Its removable changing board guarantees there’s always a place for changing and internal dividers keep baby toys and travel necessities separate and organized.

Adventure travelers and hostellers have even more specific needs and Eagle Creek meets all of them with their line of adventure travel packs. The popular Explorer line has been expanded with the introduction of the new Ultimate Explorer LT packs. Made for flexibility, these lightweight packs feature numerous comfort, security, and practicality features that take the worries out of rugged travel.

And of course, we stock all the necessary Eagle Creek travel accessories. Perennial favorite Pack-It Folders keep your dressier items wrinkle-free no matter how turbulent the flight. Travel safe and secure with the TSA 3-Dial Lock and Cable. TSA baggage screeners have a secured set of codes and tools to open Travel Sentry Certified locks when necessary for inspection…without damaging the lock. And we also have the Pack it & Nalgene Travel Bottle sets with TSA approved sizes for carry ons.

Great Outdoor Provision Co. has everything from hidden pockets to toiletries cases to outlet converters. No matter how specific your needs, come in and check out our products, ask our employees, and leave ready to hop a flight anywhere! Always remember to Explore Global, Shop Local!

Somewhere in all of our minds there is a dream to do something or go somewhere out of this world. Mine has always been Africa. I could see myself in my dreams on a safari, watching the giraffe walk across the African Plains, or the lions sleeping on the warm rocks. I’d take a walk in the crystal ocean waters and admire the people in their daily life. It’s funny how those dreams seem so far off and then in the blink of an eye they are there, taking place as you had imagined and in a moment’s time you’re spending your days remembering how amazing it was.
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