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 

Patagonia Introduces Legacy Collection

In celebration of their 40th anniversary, Patagonia is creating a Legacy Collection of retro-inspired pieces that hearken back to their early beginnings.  These items will be as cool as your dad's old jacket, just not as smelly.  The collection will include old-school sweaters, jackets and pants.  A few of our personal favorites are the Post Foamback Cagoule, the All-Wear Down Jacket, the Diamond Quilt Snap-T Pullover and the Stand-Up Pants.  You can see the whole line in the Patagonia Legacy Lookbook

Be sure to scroll to the end of the page to see a cool video explaining the Legacy Collection and to see pictures of the entire line.

These pieces will be made to the exact specifications that were made forty years ago-right down to the vintage logo.  The Legacy Collection will be extremely limited and we were only able to get our hands on a few items.  However, you'll be able to snag the Diamond Quilt Snap-T Pullover in Gray from the shop, pictured below.

Be sure to check up with us often to make sure you don't miss out before we sell out!

                               

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!