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Summer 2012 Gear

Posted

Summer gear, 2012

By Molly Baker

Keen Shasta WP Light Hiking Shoes

The Shasta WP (waterproof) light hiking shoe is ideal for weekend hikes, urban treks around town or brisk walks with friends on your favorite local trail. It offers all the benefits of a serious hiking boot in a sleek, non-bulky profile with an affordable price tag. Built on a women’s last for a superior fit, the Shasta WP is ready for year-round adventures with a waterproof/breathable membrane and tough, trail-ready mesh venting panel.

Where to Buy:

Sportsman’s Chalet

2420 James St., Bellingham

360/671-1044

sportsmanchalet.com

Columbia Trail Fire Jacket

A new jacket made for women, Columbia’s Trail Fire is lightweight, breathable, and wind and water resistant. “The jacket is a great temperature

regulator,” said Cynthia Flora,

a buyer for LFS Marine and Outdoor. “The Trail Fire

is perfect for active women and changeable weather.”

The shell is ideal for hiking, biking, or trail running.

Lined with Columbia’s amazing Omni-heat fabric, it reflects back your body’s own heat when you need the warmth.

Where to Buy:

LFS

850 Coho Way, Bellingham

360/734-3336

800/426-8860

lfsinc.com

Jackson Villain Whitewater Kayak

Jackson Kayak’s new Villain is ideal for everything from hardcore creeking to casual river running. It’s fast, stable and easy to roll.

“The Villain comes in two sizes for larger and smaller paddlers, and the outfitting is super comfortable, easily adjustable, and it is made out of super tough polyethylene plastic to handle the abusive rivers in the Northwest,” said Ryan Bayes of Western Canoe and Kayak. “Stable and forgiving enough for a beginner, the Villian is also a favorite amongst pro paddlers. The Jackson Villain is a boat you won’t soon outgrow, which is good because the Pacific Northwest has enough whitewater to last a lifetime.”

Where to Buy:

Western Canoe and Kayak

1717 Salton Road

Abbotsford

604/853-9320

866/644-8111

westerncanoekayak.com

REI Arete 3 Tent

Washington summers can be sunny, but you can’t always count on blue skies. If heading out for an over-nighter, a durable, all-season tent is essential. The REI Arete 3 is the happy medium between a light three-season tent and a heavier four-season shelter, perfect for summers with a chance of rain or snow in the high country.

“The Arete 3 trends away from the ultralight tent frenzy, but let’s be honest – it rains in the Cascades so it’s nice to have a more heavy duty shelter,” said Patrick Kennedy of Bellingham’s REI. “The tent weighs in just under six pounds and can handle anything – rain, snow and the occasional sunny stint in the Pacific Northwest summer.”

Where to Buy:

REI

400-36th St. (Sehome Village)

Bellingham

360/647-8955

rei.com

Cilo Gear 30:30 Guide Service WorkSack

Cilo Gear is a small company that makes packs on demand in Portland. The Cilo 30:30 is a lightweight pack that can hold about 40 liters of summer hiking and climbing gear. With its removable bivy pad, the 30:30 will transform the remote wilderness or a friend’s lawn into a comfortable sleeping space.

“They are versatile backpacks that can do it all, from ski touring, to mountaineering, to climbing, to lightweight backpacking traverses,” said Tess Golling of Backcountry Essentials. “My Cilo Gear 30:30 worksack will be my best friend this summer.”

Where to Buy:

Backcountry Essentials

214 W. Holly St., Bellingham

360/543-5678

backcountryessentials.net

Arbor Timeless Pin Bamboo Longboard

“The Timeless Bamboo is really lightweight and quite a bit stronger than other boards I’ve ridden. It turns and corners really fast and is an all-around cruiser,” said Wes Shoemaker, Hidden Wave’s buyer and store manager. “It is made for going faster on the streets, cruising in the summer down in Anacortes out by the water with the huge scene of kids out longboarding every day.”

Original artwork makes for a stylish board, but Arbor also uses recycled wood by-product, water-based finishes and recycled glass re-grip on the deck. Sustainable, artistically appealing and a smooth ride make this bamboo longboard, well, timeless.

Where to Buy:

Hidden Wave

896 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington

360/757-4998

hiddenwave.net

Liquid Force Envy Kiteboard

The Liquid Force Envy is great kiteboarders of all levels because of its smooth pull, easy relaunch and intuitive safety system. It also happens to be one of the most durable kites on the market,” said David Johnson, store manager of Bellingham Kiteboarding. “It is easy to use when you’re learning kiteboarding, and it also allows for rider progression to a very high level of riding. Many pro riders use the Envy as their go-to kite of choice.” The Envy’s unique design makes this kite perfect for all conditions and types of kiteboarding – whether you are kiteboarding on the water or snow, the Envy will deliver amazing sessions.

Where to Buy:

Bellingham Kiteboarding

2620 North Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham

360/775-2741

bellinghamkiteboarding.com

Specialized Stumpjumper 29er Evo

A competent climber and frenzied downhill animal are the qualities that make the Stumpjumper so sought after by summer bike junkies. A hydroformed alloy frame with 29er EVO geometry, 135mm of travel and tapered head tube, the Stumpjumper fits into the all-mountain bike category.

“It’s a great do-it-all bike,” a Fairhaven Bike and Ski shop bike mechanic noted. “The geometry

is dialed, making it an all around bike that climbs efficiently and then corners really well.”

Where to Buy:

Fairhaven Bike and Ski

1108 11th St., Fairhaven

360/733-4433

fairhavenbike.com

Evergreen Spirit SUP

The 11’2” x 31” Spirit stand up paddleboard by Evergreen Boards has been designed in Bellingham for the Pacific Northwest paddler looking to do a little of everything. Whether you are catching your first wave or are exploring the waters of the area’s numerous bays and lakes, the stable design of the Spirit makes it easy for everyone to progress. Evergreen Boards are built with bamboo to withstand the rigorous Pacific Northwest climate while maintaining the natural beauty accented by bamboo. Using bamboo eliminates one layer of fiberglass, increases the board’s durability and gives each board its own unique look.

Where to Buy:

Kite Paddle Surf

2620 North Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham

360/775-2741

kitepaddlesurf.com

Perception Expression Kayak

Whatcom County’s many lakes, rivers and position on the Salish Sea affords the local paddler with a wide array of options for paddling. The Expression from Perception is the company’s latest offering for the day touring kayak paddler.

“The Expression blends the stability and comfort of a recreational kayak with the performance and safety of a sea kayak in an affordable package,” said Dylan Rees, Ski and Paddle Shop manager at Yeagers. “The roomy cockpit provides ease of entry and the zone outfitting offers cushy, adjustable seating. Dual hatches provide ample storage capacity and essential flotation for safety in rough conditions. The Expression is rudder capable and comes standard with a drop skeg that improves tracking and minimizes the effect of wind. Whether your goals are short paddles on Lake Whatcom or excursions in the islands the Expression is the boat to get you there.”

Where to Buy:

Yeager’s

3101 Northwest Ave., Bellingham

360/733-1080

yeagerssportinggoods.com