Buffalo River Magic
This week I wanted to share a wonderful spot to take the entire family for a great low key adventure. The Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas is a free flowing National Wild and Scenic River with crystal clear water, imposing bluffs, beautiful gravel bars and some of the best canoe camping in the nation. The Buffalo has Class 1 (and the occasional easy class 2 on the upper section) rapids for some excitement as you paddle. At night, gravel bars become your home as the sun drops behind the bluffs and the fireflies emerge in the forest line. The ...
Fishing, Football and Fathers Day
With Fathers Day approaching quickly, I thought this would be a good time to give you a view into my dad and a few of my memories and stories from growing up. I apologize in advance to my Dad who I am sure doesn't want me writing this. You see, he was never one to want to take the spotlight. But looking back through my 47 years, I can see how much his gentle guiding hand has affected my personality and my life. Known to most folks simply as "Doc" (he was a childrens dentist in our pre - Pack ...
Patagonia Continental Pants – Mens and Womens
A new pant that we've gotten a great reaction to is the Continental Pant from Patagonia. The Continentals' virtually indestructible polyester and nylon blend (53%/47%) has a slight give for freedom of movement, dries quickly, and wicks moisture. All of this makes it a perfect travel pant with a pedigree of toughness that will keep it looking great for years ...
Get That Great Shot with Great Camera Accessories
We've got some great accessories that will make your camera fit into your summer adventures even better. The Exposure camera pouches will attach to a belt, pack hipbelt or shoulder straps. They also come equipped with a shoulder strap for carrying the pouch around your neck. Perfect for a variety of point and shoot cameras. The best shots come from stable platforms, so using a tripod or monopod will produce outstanding results. The Joby Gorillapod is lightweight and can be used almost anywhere. It also makes it easy to take self-timed group shots. The Sherlock hiking staff converts to a ...
Brunton Optics for Louisiana Birding
We are stocking some excellent binoculars for local birding - at a price that will surprise you! We carry these binoculars in 8X and 10X magnification, making it easier to find birds and then to follow their movements - especially if you are in a moving boat. Choose from several models made by Brunton: The Echo Waterproof is perfect if paddling and birding are your specialty. These binoculars are super clear, small enough to tuck into your pocket, waterproof in case of a rainstorm or accidental dunking in the lake and with fully coated optics for long term durability. The ...
Summer Trip Ideas Part 1 – Southeast Adventure
Becky and I just got back from a very interesting trip to West Virginia. This makes a perfect summer road trip with things to do packed in all along the way.Via FerrataHere is a basic write up of exactly what the Via Ferrata is:Via Ferrata is a type of mountain climbing route which has a safety system permanently installed, making the climb suitable for persons without prior training and using minimal equipment. The climber is attached at all times to a steel cable which runs along the entire route; no climbing rope is generally required. Steel rungs, ladders, bridges and ...
Fish Nets, Morse Code, Gift Wrapping and Mothers Day
Joan at her Desk in the 70's at Pack & Paddle Growing up, my family had 2 older sisters, me and two twin younger brothers. This was a handful I am sure for my parents. When I starting thinking about Mothers day and what I could blog about, it occured to me that we had a very unique upbringing that helped to form who and what we are as a family, and in turn formed a lot of what we all are as parents now. As a younger kid, I can remember always being involved in projects that my mom ...
Ex Officio Sun and Bug Resistant Clothing
This new collection of clothing has much more to it than just its ability to repel insects. The shirts are SPF 50 sun protected fabric that is light, cool and ventilated in the back. Perfect for trips all over the world, this unique shirt will protect you from the sunburns and bug bites leaving more time for birding, hiking, paddling and touring. The Buzz Off bandana and hat help keep gnats away from your face ...
Royal Robbins Womens Cool Mesh Collection
The Cool Mesh collection from Royal Robbins is a favorite for women all over Acadiana. This 100% cotton mesh fabric is open enough to feel the breeze blow through as you walk. It will be your favorite clothing on the hot summer days ahead. Choose from short sleeve and sleeveless tops as well as capri length and the new Bermuda length pants and shorts in a variety of colors ...
Get Outdoors with the Kids This Summer!
Our son Matt is now 22 years old, married and about to graduate from college with a degree in physics. He is in every sense of the word a success story for his parents. We feel so lucky for things to have turned out like this. The challenges of raising kids in the 21st century are so daunting that I just don’t know how we would have done it had Matt been born 10 or 15 years later. It seems like families need something to be at the core of who and what they are. Something they can enjoy together ...
Native Watercraft Magic 12 Kayak
(Shown above with optional accessories) We have a new boat in stock that we feel will meet the needs of both recreational paddlers and kayak fishermen. The hallmark of the Magis is its extremely efficient and stable hull. This boat tracks well and is extremely comfortable to paddle longer distances. The sculpted boat sides provide stable water entry and exit. The First Class Seating chair allows air flow under the seat making this the most comfortable boat on the market. The "Plug and Play" accessory system utilizes integral channels molded into the side of the boat into which you can ...
Jetboil Helios
High performance meets high capacity Mobilize your party with this collective-conscious 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 ...