Pole, Pack and Paddle  34th  Edition

          Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks

 

Carolina Mountain Sports…since 1998     Mar. 16, 2007  Newsletter

123 W. Broad St. Statesville, NC  28677      704 871-1444       www.carolinamountainsports.com

Tues-Fri  11-7,  Thurs until 9pm , Sat 9-4

 

 

Osprey Packs are here!… Just in are the Aether & Atmos…excellent choices for backpackers.  At only 4 lb. 12 oz and 3lb 13 oz  both  are very light but still capable of comfortably hauling 4400- 4200 cubic inches of gear. They feature the “coolest” back designs and a range of adjustments to fit a variety of body shapes and sizes.

       ALSO the North Face  Skareb 55, Terra 60 and Crestone 60… updated and lightened as well.   All represent a shift in industry and consumer preferences toward lighter packs, reasonable capacity, desire for new designs and features,  and  higher quality. 

 

Kelty Packs… still very popular.   We carry 4 models of externa, adjustable frame packs (which work great for growing kids and are quite popular with many adults) and 4 models of internal frame packs.   Just in is the new Kelty Agile 3lb 13 oz and 4500 cu.in..  Getting great reviews for it’s lighter weight  and excellent  features, capacity and carry. 

 

FIT TIP:  torso measurements and charts are only one aspect of proper fit.  Length of neck, thickness of chest and shoulders and other body proportions all enter in to the pack fitting equation.   Try a pack on with weight; adjust it properly; wear it around for several minutes or more; then try on another model…and then another.  Select by comfort…not price, advertising, reviews or someone’s recommendations.

 

PACK TIPMany folks can get a pack too small when trying to go lighter…thinking they’ll just tie or strap gear to the outside.  Although many come with lash and tie-in points, that defeats  a key advantage of an internal… and that practice should be avoided.  To quote one leading  manufacturer “make a point to get gear inside the pack…. Odds and ends strapped on all over the outside of the pack wreak havoc with balance…”

 

TENTS for ’07… The new North Face Roadrunner 23 is a great tent for this area and weighs only 5 lbs.   Even lighter…the new North Face Vario 23 at  4lb.   Trying to save weight?...without getting too “severe”…these  are well worth a look…  Sierra Designs make some of the best (the best?) tents.  Their Lightning is a great 2 person model weighing under 4 lbs.!   We are continuing the MSR Hubba Hubba, a 2 person model weighing 4 lbs.   At under $200, the SD Electron is a great value and comes with footprint, coffee sling and attic.   And, always popular…the Kelty Gunnison 2 and Teton 2 are excellent quality, lightweight and $150 or less.    We can also order or have in stock Eureka, Alps Mountaineering and Coleman. 

 

Tent Tips: our website has more tent selection guidance.  2 person tents are our best sellers…since often the weight is not much more than solo tents and they offer more convenience, comfort and versatility.   Tent weights and dimensions are often “optimistic” so read the specs carefully; ask questions;  and evaluate wisely.  

 

 

Special Clinics…in the store…FREE…about 1-2 hours…please pre-register NLT 1 week prior…

        Knots to Know…Mar. 27…7pm”hands on”…bowlines, half hitch, stopper knot, trucker’s, sheet bend…

                Canoeing & Kayaking…Mar 28…7pm…what to look for,  prices, accessories etc. 

                BackpackingApril 4…7pm…selecting gear…planning that 1st trip…going light but right…

 

 Fresh/Salt Fishing School…We’re closed Sat. March 31 instructing at NC/SC Sportsman magazine’s  school in Columbia, SC  Schools are excellent and  instructors/guides cover all aspects of salt and freshwater … www.southcarolinasportsman.com.  ... want to  carpool?...

 

Guided Fishing Trips… We book with some of the best guides in the SE for trout, smallmouth and muskie fishing…and prices are the same as going direct…just let us know. 

 

Virginia Fly Fishing Festival Apr 21-21…not as big as  Charlotte show… may be worth the drive to Waynesboro, VA, up I-81 (3 hrs? from Statesville).    Bob Clouser is scheduled and offering casting lessons…also names familiar to readers of Fly Fish America like King Montgomery and Beau Beasley… check vaflyfishingfestival.org.   If interested… carpool?

 

SALES  (updated)   most Winter coats, hats, gloves are half price !!!!

            AND  Rainpants…1/2off…. MSR Duralite cooksets….40% off;    Eureka  Tetragon 8 Tent  (4 person)  …was $115…now only $85…. W. Mountaineering 30 Degree down bags…30% off….also check our half price rack for deals…

 

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Fly Tying Classes…more classes are planned in late March and April.   Let us know what you want…even if you think your name is on a list from last year…it’s time to update. 

 

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Fishing Classes       

        Intro to Fly Fishing…Richard Griggs….  Mar 21(7-9pm)….casting Mar 24 …$30

                        (equipment, lines, knots, flies, accessories, techniques, locations etc.)

                        (classroom in the store and casting outside on the grass)

 

NEW!....On-Stream Clinic…Mar. 25 rigging, reading water, deep nymphing, dry flies, wading,                                  casting,  droppers, streamers,  landing and releasing fish and more…4 hrs.   $75

                         On Helton Creek in Ashe County 1:45 from Statesville  10am-2pm … 2-4 people

 

Please remember, advance registration is important due date changes, weather, etc.

 

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        Thanks for shopping local… with the proliferation of chain stores and internet shopping, we sincerely appreciate our customers who seek specialty equipment, local knowledge, first-hand experience and service.  Your business is important to us.

Thank you!