Pole, Pack and Paddle  54th  Edition

          Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Canoes & Kayaks

 

Carolina Mountain Sports…since 1998                Mar.  27, 2008  Newsletter

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

Tues-Fri  11-7pm,       Thurs until 9pm ,        Sat 9-3

 

New Packs and Sleeping Bags… new from the North Face are a redesigned Crestone Internal Frame Pack and a new sleeping bag, the Orion.

              The Crestone pack has some excellent new features including lighter weight; improved, cooler back panel; stretch water bottle pockets with dual access; side panel pack access and more…all for $209…excellent features and load carrying capability without a premium price.

            The Orion bag is setting the new standard for synthetic sleeping bags with the new Climashield insulation (say goodbye to Polarguard).  Climashield is a little lighter, a good bit more compressible, greater longevity (i.e. ability to reloft to it’s original thickness for more years) and deals better with moisture (both from the inside and outside); plus it has a vaulted foot box for great toe room.   The 20 degree rated Orion weighs only 2.5 pounds and stuffs into a ridiculously small siliconized nylon stuff sack…$189 

           

New Camelback Water containers …We’ve just begun stocking the Camelback brand of water bottles.  They are excellent bottles, tough, spill proof etc.  and offer some benefits and features not found on the popular Nalgene bottles: leakproof drink spouts, rugged cap loops for clipping to carabiners, and some are BPA free (for folks concerned about that chemical…). We’re also beginning to stock the Camelback Omega Hydrotanium bladders and hoses.  These have an excellent warranty and anti-microbial technology.  Check out these new hydration bottles and accessories. 

 

Special SALE!!!  North Face Cats Meow…For years the #1 selling synthetic sleeping bag in the country…this is the 2007 model…was $159 and $169…now only $99 and $110.  These are great prices for a premium bag…only a couple left.  The 2008 Cat’s Meow will be made with the new Climashield insulation…will weight about 2 oz less and will also cost $10 less…

 

Sales for Late Feb…all of our North Face and Columbia Gloves 50% off;  select winter coats are 60% off;  Tilley’s winter wool hat 50% off;  Zero Degree Sleeping Bags… the Kelty Taku (normally $150) now at 40 % off.    Costa Del Mar sunglasses 25% off

 

Hiking Club Interest?...A couple of folks in Statesville are working to start a hiking club…and there seems to be sufficient interest.  If you are interested, let me know and we’ll pass the information along.

 

One Night Stand…Our one-night-only tying classes have started again.  These are geared for folks that are already tying and have a reasonable working knowledge of tools and techniques.  Each month is a new set of flies or new techniques.   April’s class will be mid to late month on a Tuesday.  If interested, let me know.  

 

New…Polar Bottle…looking for a cold drink?…look no more.  Get the “bottle with the bear”.  These have just arrived….24 oz double wall insulated keeps heat out and cold in.  Plus a foil layer reflects solar radiation for even more efficiency.  Slightly longer than a bike bottle, with a wide mouth and pop-up drink spout….and only $9.99

 

New…Trout Map…The new NC Trout Fishing Maps are here…and only $12.50!   This is a much improved and more easily read publication.  It shows county by county the designated trout streams.  Combine this with a DeLorme Atlas and you’re on your way to finding some new water to fish.   This is the 2nd edition … first printed quite a few months ago.

 

Rain Gear inspection…Most of today’s waterproof/breathable rain gear benefits from a washing and re-treatment of the outer fabric.  But many folks neglect to inspect the seams on the inside to see if the seam sealing tape is peeling away.  This is easy unless your jacket has a built-in/loose hanging mesh liner.  If so, that mesh liner makes it difficult or impossible to evaluate the condition of the seam tape.  In that case, it may be reasonable to carefully separate the stitching on one of the liner seams about 6-12 inches.  Then you can turn the jacket inside out…find and repair areas where the tape is peeling away.  This is important.  An unsealed seam can let in a lot more water than you may realize and it happens when you least expect it.  It’s still winter in the mountains …and wet, cold conditions are prime opportunities for hypothermia.

 

New Fishing/Wading Jackets…Just arrived are the new Simms Freestone ($199)  and Redington Stratus ($130) waterproof/breathable rain jackets.  These are both very popular jackets and are just the ticket for spring fishing when the weather can turn windy, wet and wild.   Big pockets for fly boxes; zinger attachment points; rings on the back for nets etc.; and excellent hood for maximum protection. 

                                               

Fishing Classes        

Intro to Fly Fishing Apr 9 (or 11) (7-9:30 pm)In-store “classroom”……Apr 12 Outside casting Sat. morning   (7:45am-8:45 am).  …$35   (Topics: gear, lines, knots, flies, techniques, locations etc.)  Please register in advance.  Next class April 23 (or 25th)

Individual Casting Classeswhen requested and scheduled…improve techniques; correct problems; double-hauls; correct practices drills, increase distance etc.   $15/hour

Knots...knot problems…we’ll help with one or two knots…just about any time…and it’s free.  Want an evening Knot Clinic?…just call to schedule…clinch, blood, surgeons, Bimini twist; lock knots; Uni & Duncan; non-slip loop; Albright etc. 

On-Stream Clinic Sundays or Mondays only; with reservations rigging, reading water, deep nymphing, dry flies, wading, casting,  droppers, streamers,  landing and releasing fish and more…4 hrs.   $85 per person.   1:45 from Statesville  10am-2pm approx.   Personal, intensive instruction for 1 or 2 people.     

 

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