I’ve been asked a number of times how to attach an umbrella to a backpack. This allows your hands to be free for using trekking poles. Read on to see how simple this is: 1) Get 2 cordlocks and 2 pieces of bungee cord about 6 inches long. 2) Loop the bungee cord through webbingRead more
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Becky and I just returned from a memorable weekend that was shared by 16 hardy souls on Black Creek. Just south of Hattiesburg, Black Creek runs clear and cold through DeSoto National forest. Our route was to take us from the small town of Brooklyn down to the USFS take out called Cypress Creek. ThisRead more
The new year is always a time to look forward to things to come. But it’s also a time to look back and reminisce about things past. I find myself particularly nostalgic for the year that was 2008. Over the last year, we’ve seen the Outdoor Community of Lafayette grow. Lots of new folks areRead more
As some of you may know, I grew up here at Pack & Paddle. The store was founded by my parents in 1974 in a small Acadian shack on the edge of the Vermillion river. I was 13 years old at the time. Since that year, Pack & Paddle has in many ways defined thisRead more
The large sized Smith Knowledge OTG Turbo Fan Goggles with a Mirror Lens fit easily over your glasses, and a micro-electric fan helps prevent fogging. With a mirror lens, these goggles increase depth perception and cut down on glare. The silent, lightweight fan has a low speed for cruising, and a high speed toRead more
The North Face Kanga Fanny Pack is great for all day trips on the weekend, with enough room for necessities to see you through to the home stretch. Featuring a large, divided main compartment, a zippered front pocket and two mesh water bottle pockets, the Kanga is equipped with an easy, quick-release buckle, aRead more
The Furlong vest and jacket bring the functionality of softshell technology to a style that is feminine and comfortable. The softshell material that Marmot is known for keeps you dry in snow and sloppy weather and is a great windblock. The faux fur gives the Furlong a great look for skiing and around-town use.Read more
High loft insulation layering pieces are just the ticket for anyone getting outdoors on a regular basis. High loft is lighter and more compressible than fleece, plus it is much more wind resistant. Add to that its ability to stay warm when wet and you have the perfect layer for hikers, hunters, fishermen, cyclists andRead more
The Petzl e+LITE is the first full-featured headlamp that you can truly can carry everywhere. It weighs less than 1 ounce (27 g), but features two brightness levels as well as red and white strobe modes. It is also waterproof down to 1 meter! The Petzl eLITE headlamp is reliable in any environment, can shineRead more
Recently, Becky and I spent 37 days on the Colorado Trail. We traditionally have brought chemical water treatments, but for this trip, we wanted the immediate satisfaction of gulping that cold clear Colorado water when we came upon a stream. Basically, you fill your waterbottle, pull the Steri Pen out and turn it on, placeRead more