Wild by Cheryl Strayed

By CHRISTOPHER SOLOMONPublished: October 18, 2013

New York Times

Starting in desert chaparral near the Mexican border, the route climbs (and climbs some more) along the spine of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges as it pushes relentlessly northward. It crosses the western arm of the Mojave Desert. It traverses the lonesome high country of Sequoia National Park in California and Yosemite’s magazine-cover Tuolumne Meadows. It winds through stately Oregon forests near Crater Lake National Park and it skirts along the shoulders of volcanoes like Mount Rainier in Washington. Along the way, backpack-freighted hikers descend nearly to sea level (at the Columbia River) and tramp higher than 13,000 feet (at Forester Pass in the Sierra).The Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile hiking and equestrian trail that reaches from Mexico to Canada, has been called the Appalachian Trail of the West Coast. But that description does it a disservice, for the Pacific trail is longer, wilder, more punishing and also grander than its East Coast cousin.

As a memorable character, the trail is perhaps second only to Cheryl Strayed, 45, the author of the memoir “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” which has sold more than a million copies since appearing in March 2012.

Continue Reading at  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/fashion/the-call-of-Cheryl-Strayeds-Wild-on-the-pacific-crest-trail.html 

Employee Pick - Chaco Z2 Pro

Staff Member: Alyssa

Hey all! My pick of the week is the Chaco Z2 Pro sandal because you can never go wrong with a pair of Chacos! Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, Chaco offers suberb comfort and the proper support your feet need for long hours of standing at work, walking around town, or taking an all-day hiking excursion. Some people even choose to use these guys for long back-packing trips! Since being introduced to Chacos last year, they have become my most favorite shoe of all time. What some people don't know is that the webbing of the sandal is one continuous strap that can be adjusted to fit your feet as tight or loose as you prefer. Along with a wonderful guarantee and lots of fun colors, Chaco sandals are sure to be the best shoe of the summertime to meet all your needs.

Employee Pick - Arc'teryx Venta SV Jacket

Staff Member: Mark

I chose the Arc'teryx Venta SV because I feel that it is a product that blends casual wear with highly technical features. Arc'teryx is famous for creating innovative pieces for a ton of different outdoor scenarios - and this piece is no different. With Gore-Tex Windstopper technology I'll be kept warm in gusty conditions, but the softshell fabric is less crunchy than hardshell alternatives. I decided on a medium to give me the option of layering a fleece underneath for cooler autumn days ahead.

How to Identify Poison Ivy

Here's a great infographic we found to help identify that pesky plant, poison ivy!  Happy Hiking!

Outside Magazine's 2013 Hiking Essentials - ExOfficio BugsAway Bandana

Bugs bothering you?  ExOfficio has your solution!  Their BugsAway paisley bandana helps keep bugs at bay. Use it for yourself or your dog to keep those pesky mosquitoes and ticks from eating you alive on your adventure.  Outside Magazine has listed ExOfficio's BugsAway bandana as one of the 2013 Hiking Essentials!  The insect repellent lasts through 70 washings.  It repels mosquitoes (including those carrying West Nile virus and malaria), ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges (no-see-ums).  If you're going to a buggy area, come on into the store, we have a full line of ExOfficio's BugsAway shirts, pants and bandanas.