Dress for Summer Success

By Caroline Nelson

Softgoods Guru

Columbia T-shirt with Omni-freeze™

Now that summer is in full swing I hope you are all out and about enjoying everything this planet has to offer. From hiking mountains to rafting rivers it’s important to have the proper equipment, starting with the ones on your back. With all the advances in textiles it can be overwhelming to know which products to pick. The key to dressing for any type of adventure is layers. Starting from the base layer, moisture management is essential for hot or cold conditions. For hot weather, brands like Columbia and Mountain Hardwear have developed a way to utilize your sweat as a cooling agent. It can be identified by little circles covering the inside of the garment; these circles soak up sweat and help with cooling and quicker evaporation. (Omni-freeze™ & Cool.Q™ Zero) When it comes to colder weather, it’s important to stay warm and dry. Weather you prefer natural or synthetic fibers the product you pick should wick moisture, insulate, and be anti-microbial. Under Armour has a technology called UA infrared which is a thermo-conductive coating that absorbs your body heat to keep you warm. In summary, look for products made of polyester or wool and stay away from cotton. You can’t go wrong with brands like Smartwool, Hot Chillys, or Under Armour. They started out making base layers and they continue to be the best.

Moving on to clothing technology, depending on what activities you’re involved in there are many different ways to protect yourself from the elements. Everyone knows about sunscreen and bug spray but did you know that there are clothing items with this as well? UPF sun protection comes in all types of clothing as well as different degrees, ranging from UPF 15 to 50+. Insect Shield is a licensed technology used by many brands to repel bugs of all kinds. Clothing infused with insect shield is a great alternative to harmful, stinky sprays. Products range from shirts to socks and hats. Lastly, weather proof clothing; many brands have applied a DWR coating to pants and hoodies to help repel liquids. Brands like The North Face and Prana have done a great job of combining everyday style with technical function.

Marmot Rainwear

Last, but usually the most important, the outer layers. For summer it is essential to have good rain wear, something waterproof, breathable and durable. Most well priced rainwear is coated with polyurethane and fully seam sealed. Higher end jackets and pants are made with a waterproof laminate layer which is a water proof material in comparison to a waterproof coating which over time will break down and will need to be re applied. Water molecules are much larger than vapor molecules with allows vapor to escape and water to be repelled. A simple way to think about it is if you throw softballs at a chain link fence they won’t go through but marbles will. With that in mind dirt and oils can clog the pores of the material which can make it less breathable. Which is why it is important to wash and dry your rain wear, this will also reactivate any PU/DWR (polyurethane/durable water repellent) coating. Gentle cycle with a tech wash and tumble dry on low heat.

The North Face Thermoball™ Vest

For insulation layers I’ve found synthetic materials to work best in wet conditions. Most commonly used, thinsulate works like down but stays warm if it gets wet and will not weigh you down. A new technology from The North Face (Thermoball™) is a synthetic insulation that looks like hundreds of tiny cotton balls and functions better than down and typical continuous filament. The North Face encases the Thermoballs™ in little squares which trap and hold warm air better than non quilted jackets.

Buff Headwear

Don’t forget accessories, ranging from hats and neck gators that protect you from the sun to bungee belts which simply keep your pants up. Buff brand makes a neck tube that you can use many different ways, for example a hat or full balaclava. The summer ones all have UV protection plus many other great features like insect shield. Arcade Belt Co. is a new little company out of Lake Tahoe, started by skiers and outdoor enthusiasts who wanted a belt to not only keep their pants up but function better than any other belt out there.  What makes this belt so different and spectacular you ask? It is made of a highly durable elastic which moves with you and won’t stretch out. People have said “it’s like turning every pair of pants into sweatpants”. The buckle is made of a high density plastic with a quick release snap, which makes it a perfect belt for travel since it has no metal you won’t have to take it off at airport security. It has a low profile and comes in many fun patterns, making it not only comfortable but fashionable.

Arcade Belts

I hope these few facts about modern outerwear will aid you in finding exactly what you need for the adventures ahead of you. As a world traveler and adventure seeker I can tell you, with the right equipment it can make any experience more enjoyable. 

Camping Preparations

By Andrew Clarke

Summer/Winter Sports Sales Manager

Night Time at Crosby Manitou State Park, MN

Many campers had their first camping experience as part of the Boy/Girl Scouts of America.  Because these organizations introduce so many to camping, Joe's Sporting Goods offers 10% off retail to any scouts when gearing up for the next adventure. Whether it's a glorified “car” camping experience or two weeks backpacking in the back country of New Mexico, scouting has been working hard to keep camping a mainstay in our technological age.  One issue I see often when gearing people up for a trip is what gear to bring on a camp out.  Depending on if you are car camping for a weekend at a state park with your family or backpacking for a week in Isle Royale with a few friends, your gear list will vary on where you are going and what you are expecting to face on your journey.  Though there are a number of lists out there (we are no exception to that) to give you ideas on what kinds of camping gear to bring, there are a few truth's learned from my own days hoofing it on the hiking trails to make any camping experience a success.

Isle Royale, MI

One of the most important things to keep in mind is something I learned from my own Boy Scout days… Cotton Kills.  While cotton is a comfortable material at home, when it gets wet, it stays wet.  Cotton is hard to dry and cold when the sun sets.  This is where nylon, polyester, fleece, and other synthetic fibers come into play.  Any of these synthetic or blended soft goods dry quickly when wet, are lighter weight, and can still keep you insulated even when wet.  Wool is a perfect natural material with the same properties as fleece and other synthetic materials and has never let me down, even after falling in a river.

Base Camp, Philmont Scout Ranch, NM

Next, you will want to make sure that you bring only the things that you need.  Pack ahead of time and shake your gear down to make sure everything is working as it should so you don’t get surprised when you arrive at your camp site moments before a rainstorm hits.  Leave the tech toys at home.  It does not matter if you are going to the Superior Hiking Trail or even a drive-in site at William O’Brien; make sure that the things you bring will help you enjoy your time outside.  When you stop and enjoy the world around you, all of the problems you once faced melt away and you have a sort of freedom that otherwise would be lost to the electronics you play with at home every day.

Crosby Manitou Park, MN: preparing for a cool night

Finally, when you are all packed up and your trip has ended, Leave No Trace.  Police your camp site(s) one last time before taking off and ensure that you did not leave anything behind.  Even small things like a misplaced tent steak to a piece of Pop Tart wrapper from that morning’s breakfast need to be picked up.  The Leave No Trace's motto is “Take only pictures and leave only footprints.”  This motto is LNT's core principle and allows the next group (like you) to enjoy the land just as the people before you.

Deep in the forest at Philmont Scout Ranch, NM

There is a lot to take in when you go outside and rough it.  For a final bit of food for thought, the two things to make any trip a success is to prepare you and your gear and most importantly, have fun.  Some of the greatest memories you can make are those that are set apart from your norm. 

And until next time, GET OUTDOORS! 

Family Camping Checklist

Personal Gear					Crew Gear
	Day Pack					Tent
	Sleeping Bag (30° or colder)					Ground Cloth
	Sleeping Pad/Cot					Stove (2 burner)
	Flashlight/Headlamp					Cooking Gear
	Socks					Stove Fuel
	T-Shirt(s)					Meal seasoning
	Sweater/Fleece					Dishes
	Pants/Shorts					Rope
	Underwear					Carabiner(s)
	Stocking Cap					Toilet Paper
	Gloves					Food
	Long Underwear					Cooler
	Pajamas					Sanitation Supplies
	Rain Jacket					First Aid Kit
	Hiking Shoes/Boots					Ax/Saw
	Camp Shoes					Lantern
	Camp Towel					Matches/Lighter
	Tooth Brush/Paste					Water Filter (area dependent)
	Insect Repellent
	Lip Balm
	Sunscreen
	Comb
	Deodorant
	Medication (if needed)
	1 qt water bottles (2-3)
	Medication (if needed)
	Dirty Clothing Bag
	Watch (w/ alarm)
	Toiletries
	Optional
	Trekking Poles			Sunglasses				Pillow
	Camera			Money				Hammock
	Camp Stool/Chair			Multi Tool/ Pocket Knife				Book

Backpacking Checklist

Personal		Ex	Qty:		Pack & Bags		Ex	Qty:
	Stocking Cap	Wool/Fleece	1			Internal	> 60L	1
	Gloves	Wool/Fleece	1			Daypack	< 32L	1
	Cap	Ball/Brim	1			Pack Cover	For Pack	1
	Base Layers	Shirt/Pant	1			Ziploc Bag	1-2 Gal	6+
	Mid Layer	Fleece Pullover	1			Ditty Bag	Smellables	2
	Top Layer	Wool Jacket	1
	Rain suit	Waterproof	1		Crew Gear		Ex	Qty:
	SS T-shirt	Synthetic Blend	2			Tent	2-3 person	1
	Zip Off Pant	Synthetic Blend	1			Ground Cloth	Tarp	1
	Long Pant	Synthetic	1			Water Filter	1L min +	1
	Underwear	Synthetic	3			Backup Filter	4+ crew	1
	Socks	Wool Blend	2			Stove	1 burner	1
	Liner Socks	Synthetic	2			Backup Stove	4+ crew	1
	Boots	Ankle High	1			Fuel Bottle	ISO/Liquid	2
	Camp Shoe	Any	1			First Aid Kit	AMK	1
						Duct Tape	Repairs	1
Misc Personal		Ex	Qty:			Para Cord	100 ft	1
	Bowl	Metal/Plastic	1			Insect Repel	Ultrathon	1
	Mug/Cup	Metal/Plastic	1			Trowel	garden	1
	Spoon/Spork	Metal/Plastic	1			Toilet Paper		2
	Water Bottle	1 QT Bottles	4			Compass		1
	Pocket Knife	Up to 3.5"	1			Carabiner	Load Bearing	2
	Matches	Waterproof/BIC	1			Bear Bag		2
	Headlamp	LED	1			Dining Fly		1
	Toothbrush	Any	1			Pots/Pans	Cooking
	Toothpaste	>3oz. Tube	1			Chef Cutlery	Cooking
	Soap	Biodegradable	1
	Towel	Quick Dry	1
	Sunglasses	Polarized	1
	Watch	Alamed	1
	Foot powder	Any	1
Sleeping		Ex	Qty:
	Mummy Bag	30°F or <	1
	Stuff Sack	For Bag	1
	Sleeping Pad	Any	1
	Sleep Clothes	Only for Tent	1

Backpacking the North Shore

By Andrew Clarke

Summer/Winter Sports Sales Manager

We here at the Joe’s love stories relating to our outdoor pursuits.  No matter what you do or where you go, the best stories you have are the memories you take away when only footprints remain.  A buddy of mine and I have been backpacking since we were Boy Scouts and every year we have made it a point to get to the Superior Hiking Trail.  Last year I thought I’d try something different and take my dog with on what would have otherwise been a standard North Shore backpacking trip.  Joe’s had just taken in a shipment from Granite Gear and Mountainsmith with new products and in the pile I saw something new even for us, dog backpacks.  I have a Yellow Lab (Molly) that has been my faithful pheasant hunting companion for years and never considered taking her on the trails with me so I figured “why not, how hard could it be.”  My buddy and I made plans for a weekend trip in June to George Crosby State Park, an out of the way trail managed by Tettegouche State Park, which are full or rugged somewhat maintained trails with my friend, our collective gear and Molly with her new rig.
 

I was shocked at how well she did on the trails with her food, treats, bowls and other necessities a lab has to have strapped to her back.  Last year was a rough one in terms of downed trees and other blockages on the trail.  Even so, Molly jumped over some downed logs, ducked under others and managed to breakthrough the brush without too much trouble.  It didn't take her long to start smelling out the trail and leading the pack.  We would break as we hiked to take advantage of the scenery and Molly, being a retriever, would always find something to have me throw.  The weekend excursion took us from one end of the park to the other with clear skies, rugged terrain, a few goodly hikers on their most recent leg of the Superior Hiking Trail and one happy, eventually worn out Yellow Lab.  The best part was after eight miles of trails and who knows how many times Molly found something for me to throw, including our frisbee cutting board, by the time the stars were out and my friend and I were taking night time photos, she was staring at the tent flap whining to go inside and to bed.

The next day we saw clouds start to move in and broke camp early to make the return hike to the car. The hike was made easier by moving uphill right away when we were fresh and took the longer smooth route the rest of the way.  I could not believe that even after the night before when Molly was so tired, she was back at the front sniffing out the trail, only getting side tracked when a grouse was clucking and thumping on a log.  By the time we got back to the parking area, it was still morning and we saw a few people milling around their camp sites near the parking lot. We found an empty table by the small lake, broke out our stove to have a hardy breakfast of Mountain House Eggs and Honey Stinger waffles.  Once we got the car packed up and started making our way back south, the skies opened up with heavy rain.  Before we even made it to Silver Bay, my pup was sawing logs.  Molly slept all the way home and well into the afternoon as I was unpacking and airing out my (and her) gear.  If you ever backpack and have a dog that listens to your commands, consider taking them with.  I have been backpacking for over 10 years now and can say without a doubt that the first weekend I took my dog on the trail with me was one of the top 5 backpacking experiences of my life so far.

Until next time, GET OUTDOORS!