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Diamond Brand’s Sarah Merrell suggests families take a day pack and hydration pack on their adventures. The Camelbak Scout hydration pack is shown at center and the Deuter Junior Pack is at right. Carleigh White models with the packs and other gear available at the Arden store. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT
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for the season. “We recommend taking along a day pack and a hydration pack,” says Sarah Merrell, marketing manager with Diamond Brand Outdoors in Arden. “Our favorites are the Camelbak Scout hydration pack and the Deuter Junior Pack.” Merrell notes that quality footwear for hiking is also a must. “If your feet hurt or get wet, you won’t have any fun,” she says. “For kids, we recommend the Keen Pyrenees waterproof hiking boot, and don’t forget a good pair of merino wool hiking socks.” Since the weather can be unpredictable, Merrell suggests packing a good rain shell such as the North Face Resolve Jacket for kids and the North Face Venture Jacket for parents. If you’re ready for some paddling action on the river, Diamond Brand also sells water shoes that are quick drying, durable and come in fun colors kids love. The Patagonia Cap 1 Stretch Tee is also a great choice as it offers 50+ UPF sun protection. If camping is on your agenda, Merrell recommends the Mountain Hardware Mountain Goat Adjustable sleeping bag for kids. “This bag grows with your child thanks to an internal drawstring,” she explains. “And stay comfy sleeping outdoors with the Big Agnes Air Cord Pad.” Merrell notes that since kids tend to grow quickly, Diamond Brand offers a Trade Up Program. “When your kids outgrow a product, just bring it in, and we’ll add it to our clothing donations,” she explains. “In return, you’ll save 35 percent off the new version of the product for your child.” Baby backpacks are always a hot item in outdoor gear stores, and Kurt Shoemaker has found what he calls “the most comfortable carrier in the industry.” Shoemaker, a manager and buyer for Black Dome Mountain Sports on Tunnel Road in Asheville, is the father of Rowan, who, as a baby, enjoyed the outdoors from the comfort and safety of Dad’s back. “The Deuter Child Carrier has a fit that is comparable to a real backpacking pack, and it completely opens from the side,” he says. “It makes for a much easier transition in and out for both of us.” Shoemaker and his son also love a good paddle but never leave shore without their Patagonia PFDs for safety and their Patagonia Board Shorts for comfort.
TOP 10 ESSENTIALS FOR FAMILY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Pack a daypack with these essentials and keep it handy so you can grab it for spur of the moment outings. You’ll never be caught without a critical item if it’s already in the pack!
1. Map 2. Compass 3. Sunglasses and sunscreen 4. Rain gear/extra socks 5. Flashlight
LOCAL OUTFITTERS » Diamond Brand Outdoors, www.diamondbrand.com » Black Dome Mountain Sports, www.blackdome.com » REI, www.rei.com » Rightline Gear, www.rightlinegear.com » Second Gear, www.secondgear wnc.com
“Patagonia is an environmentally friendly company that makes some of the best outdoor apparel on the market for all ages and their products are guaranteed for life,” he says.
Books and more
If your kids are old enough to get involved in the planning of your outdoor adventures, consider a bit of reading beforehand. Brianna Simpson, manager at REI in the Biltmore Park Town Square, suggests “Outdoor Parent, Outdoor Kids,” by Eugene Buchanan, a guide to getting your kids active in the great outdoors, or “Campout!” — the ultimate kid’s guide
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6. First aid supplies 7. Fire starter 8. Matches 9. Knife 10. Extra food SOURCE: BRIANNA SIMPSON, REI
GREAT AMERICAN BACKYARD CAMPOUT Put your gear to use on June 23, the Great American Backyard Campout. Visit www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/GreatAmerican-Backyard-Campout.aspx. » For other upcoming family friendly classes and events, check out www. rei.com.
from the backyard to the backcountry. “REI also carries a family adventure journal that has suggestions for kidfriendly hikes,” Simpson says. “Kids can download a Kid’s Adventure Journal from our website where they record their adventures.”
Transporting
Once you have all your gear in order, how do you get it to the river, campground or trailhead? Loran and Sue Evans, of Rightline Gear in Candler, have two collections — PackRight and CampRight — designed to help you get into the great outdoors with ease. “We originally designed the CampRight