As light as the feathers it's filled with and delivering 650-fill goose down warmth, the Isis Whisper Jacket will become your jacket mainstay. Made with downproof mini ripstop water resistant nylon that keeps feathers in and weather out, this jacket is the perfect layer under storm and soft shell jackets. With its own stuff sack and a unique quilted pattern, this jacket is your new best friend. Wear it alone or as a layer- in mountain towns, this is a year round jacket.

Dansko Clogs

Dansko clogs are known worldwide by waiters, chefs and other folks that work on their feet as the ultimate comfort shoe. They also have a cool, funky style that women and men love. Shop Pack & Paddle for a wide selection of these wonderful clogs.

Cute Womens Clothing

Did you know that Pack & Paddle is a great place to find cute womens clothing? We've got shirts, sweaters, pants, fleece, rainjackets and much more from Prana, Patagonia, North Face, Isis and Royal Robbins. We'll help you find the perfect thing, then gift wrap it - solving all your problems!

Ultimate Mens Sweater

The Glacier 1/4 zip from North Face is durable, washable, dries quickly and is warm without being overwhelmingly thick. Perfect for South Louisiana! The perfect solution for any man on your list!

Louisiana Wild Soaps and Lucy the Goat

If you haven't tried Louisiana Wild Goat Milk Soaps yet - you should! These soaps are hand crafted right here in Acadiana. They come in an array of wonderful scents and make your skin feel softer than it ever has. The perfect gift or stocking stuffer for anyone on your list!
Drop by to meet Louise Prejean and Lucy the Goat (the creators of Louisiana Wild soaps) from 10am to 2pm this Saturday December 19th, 2009.

Car Crashes, Friends and Lucky Horseshoes

As you may have heard, Pack & Paddle made the news last week. A freak traffic accident on Pinhook Road sent a Mitsubishi Galant into the front of our building. I thought that we would blog this week on the event so that you could see some photos of the accident.

Becky and I were out of town when we got a frantic call from Skip. "A car has crashed into the building! It's inside the shop!". Wow - you don't get a call like that everyday. Skip was with a customer only 8 feet away from where the car came through the wall. No wonder he was shaken up! Jamie said "I heard a crash and started walking towards the window. That's when I heard vrrrooooom and the car came through the window".

What happened was that the Galant was rear ended on Pinhook. The drivers foot became pinned to the accelerator, taking her over the grassy corner, through the parking lot, between two cars, over the bike rack, over the blue ski chairs, through the small cypress fence and through the wall of the shop.

911 was called and the driver was extracted from the car. Then the car was extracted from the building and our staff did their best to clean up the mess. Mark Menou put some plywood up to seal the hole for the night and everyone headed home.

In thinking back, it's amazing how lucky we were in how things turned out. First and foremost, nobody was hurt (including the driver!). Secondly, the car came through the building in an area with a high beam - so no structural supporting posts were knocked out. Lastly, we were surrounded by friends that helped us through the event. Thanks go out to Harold Schoeffler and Mark Menou who were on the scene helping us to get the building secured. Also thanks to all who emailed and called with offers to help clean up, hammer nails and do whatever it took to get us operating again. My brother called and said that his 6 and 8 year old sons had seen the news and wanted to give us their money and their help to get P&P up and running again.

The picture below is very interesting. Notice the car in the building. Take a closer look at the hood and you'll see a lucky horseshoe that fell onto the hood of the car as it came into the building. This is like a sign that all things eventually turn out for the best. We are surrounded by friends and a community that showed they really care. Our shop is now all fixed up and ready for Christmas. We are so appreciative to all of you and look forward to the future!

Kuhl Sundog Jacket

The Sundog looks like wool, but it's actually soft, cozy fleece. From the little company located in the Wasatch mountains of Utah, you'll have a look that's unique - and comfort you can't find in any other fleece jacket.

Gibbon Slackline

Slacklining with Gibbon is simple, fun and very addictive! This sport gets everyone moving! Whether in the backyard or in the park -within a few minutes any place turns into a big adventure playground. The Gibbon system eliminate knot tying and constant re-tensioning of your slackline. Get great balance, a great core workout and have a lot of fun while you're at it!

Injinji Yoga Toe Socks

Recommended by podiatrists and yoga instructors alike: the eco-friendly Yoga Toesock with individual toe sleeves utilize the Injinji unique patented construction. This design aligns the bones of the feet for better posture, gripping and balance. This allows you to move more freely and naturally like nature intended.

• Seamless five-toe construction separates toes, promoting optimal alignment and improving your posture and stance.
• Toesock provides the freedom of movement and flexibility of being barefoot along with reduced between-the-toes blisters and irritation.
• Slip resistant sole has raised treads for superior grip, maximum control and increased balance during exercise.
• Made with NüBamboo which is naturally anti-bacterial.
• Provides added protection for gym floors mats while keeping feet cool and comfortable during exercise.
• Contoured heel pocket and arch support stretch to fit the shape of your foot and reduce slipping and bunching.

Kavu Mini Keeper

The Kavu Women’s Mini Keeper Purse makes a great everyday carry-all as well as a handy tote for music festivals, long days on campus, or international travel. This casual purse features five different compartments for your makeup, wallet, keys and other essentials, as well as a magnetic closure and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Prana Pocket Scarf

The Prana Pocket Scarf is the perfect gift of the woman on your list. Warm and comfortable with unique pockets built right in to the ends of the scarf.

Rainy's Redfish/Seatrout Fly Collection

This collection contains 8 standard flies for fishing for Redfish and Seatrout. The perfect collection and amount for a day on the water. Fly assortment contains Bob Clouser's Deep & Skinny Water Minnows, Gold Spoon Fly, Bendback, Seducer, Copper Pee-Wee Pop, B-Ducer and Beadhead Redfish. All contained in a nice re-usable 5-compartment fly box.

A List of Flies Included in this Collection

• Super Spoon
• Grizzly Dea Ducer
Pee-Wee Pop
• Bendback
• Redfish Beadhead
• B-Ducer
• Deep Minnow

TFO NXT Fly Rod Package

A high-performance fly rod combination package that will enhance the learning curve, making it easier and more rewarding to become an active participant in this sport of a lifetime.

All NXT outfits include a rod, cast aluminum disc drag reel spooled with fly line, leader and backing packaged in a rod and reel carrying case.

Everything you need (except for flies) to go fishing is included in this great package. The best part? You get all this great gear for only $199.95!

Local Fishing Books To Expand your Knowledge

These two books are written about Louisiana saltwater fishing, by Louisiana authors. Both books WILL improve your fishing knowledge and apply directly to the fishing we do here in our home marshes.

The Fisherman's Tackle Box Bible combines Frank Davis' down-home humor with lots of basic information on inshore saltwater fishing. Learn how to fish points and pockets. Learn about lure selection. Learn when to use a popping cork and when to tightline. Learn about rigging for live bait. And much, much more.

Troutmasters is a series of chapters that each focus on a Louisiana fisherman that is well known for their ability to catch LARGE trout. You'll learn about the person - then about the techniques they use to find and catch big trout. A must read for any Louisiana kayak fisherman.

TFO Casting and Spinning Rods

TFO is a company that is known for delivering amazingly high quality fly rods at an amazingly low price. After dominating the Fly rod market for years, TFO is now moving into the conventional rod market.

TFO has collaborated on these rods with a person most fishermen will recognize instantly: Gary Loomis. Since the evolution of carbon fiber rodmaking, Gary has distinguished himself as a Master. He has been immersed in leading edge technology and design that when married, created fishing tools that have satisfied the most demanding of anglers around the world. This collaboration is a great match because like TFO, Gary believes that the Affordable – High Performance approach that TFO has used so successfully in fly fishing combined with their commitment to customer service creates a rod that is impossible to beat.

Gary probably said it best: "All I have ever wanted to do was build the best rods available for everyone to fish. Through TFO, I am able to deliver a true performance rod that once cost three times as much. Working with TFO allows me to put high-quality rods in the hands of potential anglers that otherwise would not have access to this kind of gear. It is these new anglers that through their enjoyment of the sport, will help us protect our threatened fisheries."

These rods will feature single foot guides with gold SIC inserts, skeletonized lower grips and fast/progressive actions. All at the amazing price of only $99.95!

Hobie Fish Grip

The Fish Grip is a fish landing device developed by an expert angler and used by fishing guides everywhere. The unique jaw design holds the lip of the fish without harming the fish and the wrist lanyard always keeps it close at hand. The Fish Grip glows in the dark and it floats!

Hobie Fish Finder Kit

The Hobie Fishfinder Package includes a Lowrance X50-DX, Ram Mount and an Installation kit. Everything you need to get set to catch The Big One.
	Lowrance X50-DS RAM fish finder mount Installation kit

Ram Rod Holders

Shop Pack & Paddle for a great selection of rod holders for your kayak. We carry models for fresh and salt water fishing for both conventional and fly tackle. We can custom mount any of these to your kayak.

Ram Aqua Box

RAM Mount Aqua Boxes provide sealed enclosure and protection for your handheld devices. The clear, touch through screen allows you to view your electronics as well as use their function keys while in place. There is even a place for a small lock to serve as a theft deterrent. This unique box will keep your portable devices safe, dry, and accessible.

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Mattress

The Insulated Air Core Mattress from Big Agnes offers the most comfort per ounce of any pad on the market. 2.5 inches of thickness give you a great nights sleep. The insulation inside the tubes insures that you are warm.

Here's some specs:

• Light and compact three season pad, with 2.5" of comfort
• PrimaLoft™ eco: synthetic insulation made from 50% recycled materials used in all 20" wide pads
• M3 synthetic insulation used in the 25" wide pad
• I-beam construction eliminates welded seams to reduce cold spots and ensures quick inflation/deflation, consistent air flow and stability
• 20" pads: Durable, lightweight 50D nylon diamond rip-stop top and bottom
• 25" pad: Durable, 70D nylon top and bottom
• Internal polyurethane coating
• Add a closed cell foam pad in colder temperatures for extra insulation
• Non-breakable brass valve with plastic coated EZ-Flate™ mouthpiece
• Store unrolled with valve open
• Includes stuff sack and repair kit. The repair kit is in a small pocket on the inside of the stuff sack. It's sort of hidden, so look twice!
• Each pad individually inflated and tested
• EZ-Flate Valve instructions: Twist black part of valve counter-clockwise to open. Blow into valve to inflate. Hold gray portion of valve in mouth while spinning black portion clockwise to close.

Black Diamond Trekking Poles

The Spire Elliptic gives unrelenting support on technical climbs and descents.

• Dual-density grip top, foam grip, non-slip foam extension and Nubuck strap
• 15-degree corrective angle
• Elliptic FlickLock® upper and Auto-Lock Binary™ lower adjustment
• Non-rotating shape for ergonomic comfort and strength
• Short Flex Tips and low-profile Trekking Baskets
• Compact is a shorter, 125 cm version with reduced grip size

Sea To Summit Folding Spork

Everyone loves a Titanium spork. The coolness factor is always way up there. What the Sea to Summit Spork brings to the table is that they've solved the problem of storing it inside your cookset by making it with a folding handle.

Lunastix are the hot new fun gift for this year. Keep the baton airborne with the two control sticks - and as you advance, you can learn lots of fun tricks. The possibilities are endless!

Great Books at Pack & Paddle

You'll find the perfect hard-to-find book for your hard-to-shop-for person at Pack & Paddle. With armchair adventure books, documentary books, how-to and guide books you'll have lots to choose from this Christmas.

Joby Gorillapod

When it comes to getting great shots, the Gorillapod doesn't monkey around! It wraps around nearly anything and grips onto nearly any surface.

• Unlike traditional tripods, the Gorillapod doesn't require an elevated flat surface for you to take the perfect shot
• Compact and affordable, this tripod is the lightest one on the market!
• Flexible joints help Gorillapod bend and rotate 360° to form the perfect shape
• Ring and foot grips provide extra gripping power to most surfaces
• Easy-to-use slim-line attachment stays connected to your camera; lock ring keeps your camera securely attached
• Safely supports a compact camera weighing up to 11.7 oz.

Mighty Mite Kayak and Canoe Cart

The MightyMite is small enough to fit through most kayak hatches—and it's the perfect companion for short portages from the car to the water.

• Inflatable rubber wheels with galvanized bearings have the traction to roll your boat down moderate terrain
• Kickstand supports cart prior to boat loading, improving loading time and reducing hassle
• Nylon tie-down strap with cam buckle to secures the boat to forward bar of the cart, increasing transport security
• Please note that this cart is intended for pavement, maintained paths and beach sand; it is not intended for use over rutted and rocky terrain

Kayak Wall Cradle

Store your Kayak quickly and easily with these new, easy-mount wall cradles. Built with strong, yet lightweight powder coated steel, the cradles come with mounting lag bolts for quick easy installation.

Hobie Kayaks

Hobie offers a very unique line of kayaks that allow you to use the strong muscles of your lower body to propel the kayak with amazing ease. Their unique Mirage Drive is easy, stable and fun. All Hobie Kayaks can be used with Pedal, Paddle and Sail power. Come by to see these unique boats and you can try the Mirage Drive for yourself right here in the store!

Click Here to read more about Hobie Kayaks and see some of the Hobie models we carry.

Yak Grips

Just slide a pair of Yakgrips onto the shaft of your paddle and experience all day comfort while paddling. These comfort paddle grips have the cushiest feel and follow the actual curve of your hands to reduce fatigue, prevent blisters and calluses. Yak grips ease the pressure on your palms and tendons of your hands so you can get a good grip on your paddle for more efficient paddling. You'll appreciate them even more for those aggressive bouts of paddling. Yakgrips are easy to install. For 2-piece paddles just wet the inside of the Yakgrips and slide on. The inner gripping design will keep them where you put them. If you want to remove them put some water under them and on the paddle shaft and pull them off. For one-piece paddles a Velcro version is available. Yakgrips can be left on ready for your next journey.
	Prevents Blisters and calluses Gives you a better grip for more efficient paddling Soft & comfortable Reduce fatigue on long paddling trips

Yakima Rack & Roll Trailer

The Yakima RackandRoll Trailer is a premium quality, high performance and super stylish alternative to carrying gear on your vehicle’s roof top. Simply the most beautiful and smooth rolling towing trailer available! It doesn’t matter what you’re carrying — canoes, kayaks, bicycles, cargo boxes, etc — the Yakima Rack and Roll towing trailer can carry it all. This Yakima RackandRoll kayak trailer / sports trailer includes a pair of Yakima crossbars.

Attach any gear carrier you prefer - such as kayak carriers, canoe carriers, cargo box, bike carriers etc - and you'll enjoy the convenience of loading and unloading all your boats and gear at a much more convenient level instead of way up on your vehicle's roof rack or a pickup truck rack. The Yakima Rack and Roll towing trailer allows you to safely and securely carry up to 250 lbs.

With a high weight capacity and long cross bars, you can carry multiple bicycles, canoes, cargo boxes, multiple kayaks or a combination of items all at ground level for the easiest loading and unloading possible. The included carry handle, conveniently located next to the hitch connection, turns the trailer into a hand cart, so you can simply roll your canoes or kayaks to the water’s edge instead of lugging them.

Pelican i1010 Waterproof Ipod Case

This new case allows you to bring your music with you while paddling, hiking or doing any activities in inclement weather. The perfect gift for almost any outdoor enthusiast.

Bogs Womens Neoprene Wet Weather Boots

Bogs boots are the perfect solution to wet, cool, mucky weather in South Louisiana. They are super comfy, super warm and great to pull on anytime you head outside.

• 100% waterproof and warm
• Comfort rated from +60 degrees to -40 degrees.
• Non-slip non-marking outsoles
• Four-way stretch upper
• Aegis anti-microbial insoles (prevent odor)

Bogs Neoprene Wet Weather Boots

Bogs boots are the perfect solution to wet, cool, mucky weather in South Louisiana. They are super comfy, super warm and great to pull on anytime you head outside.

• 100% waterproof and warm
• Comfort rated from +60 degrees to -40 degrees.
• Non-slip non-marking outsoles
• Four-way stretch upper
• Aegis anti-microbial insoles (prevent odor)

New Yoga Gear from Pack & Paddle

Drop by P&P to see lots of great items for your next trip to the Yoga or Pilates studio. We are carrying the most comfortable and popular workout pant on the market: The Prana Asana Yoga Pant. From sun salutations to savasana, your comfort is a sure thing in this soft, relaxed-fitting pant. Recycled performance fabric features full stretch to give you total mobility. The new Hope Tee is the perfect combination for your new yoga pants with its organic cotton comfort and peace dove graphic. Treat your feet to the gift of health with a pair of FiveFingers shoes. The new Performa is specifically built for indoor workouts giving you freedom of movement with your toes and excellent grip with the rubber pads built onto the bottom. The new Neo Natural Yoga Mat is Eco-friendly, biodegradable rubber. Cotton in the mix limits the stretching of the mat so your hands stay right where you plant them. Carry it in the cool new Prana yoga mat bag.

Pack & Paddle Tee Shirts In Stock Now!

For all of you that have been asking, our new T-Shirts have finally arrived!

The graphic is designed by Salida, Colorado artist and friend of P&P Jon McManus. A few months ago, Becky and I were in Salida eating dinner with Jon and his wife Ricky. I mentioned that we were looking for a new graphic and he immediately wanted to give it a shot.

We spent some time looking at pictures of trips on the Pack & Paddle website. Jon was immediately drawn to a photo taken on a Lake Martin sunrise paddle in November of 2008. The new graphic is an adaptation of this photo spliced in with our name and our "Inspiring Horizons" by-line.

The graphic was created with a style of drawing called "pointillism" which is created through the imprint of thousands of tiny dots. The effect is amazing - and we couldn't be happier with our new graphic.

Jon McManus lives in Salida, Colorado and specializes in drawings ranging from workmen to town scenes to the trees and mountains surrounding his cool little town nestled into the heart of the Rockies.

Hurricane Kayaks

Sleek, efficient, easy to paddle, comfortable and extremely lightweight defines what our newest brand of Kayaks are all about. With weigts starting at only 38lbs, these boats can be handled by anyone! Come by soon to see these kayaks that are perfect for day touring, fitness paddling and even overnight coastal kayaking. For more info, visit www.hurricaneaquasports.com.

Here are a few of the models you'll see when you come in the store:
Santee 11.6
What we love about the boat is the amazing paddling characteristics and the weight. At only 37 lbs, anyone can handle the Santee. But don't think that you are buying a low performance boat. This kayak will paddle efficiently and can keep up with boats that are much longer in length.

Phoenix 120
We've always had folks wanting the self bailing open cockpit of a sit-on-top style kayak - but just couldn't stomach the weight. With most sit on tops in the 65lb range, it is a breath of fresh air to offer the Phoenix 120 at only 37lbs. Also the slick, smooth finish of the boat makes it glide through the water amazingly easily.

Tampico 140
If you are looking for efficiency and light weight - the Tampico could be your boat. Designed as a touring boat - the Tampico provides you a stable, fast platform that you can day tour as well as light overnighters. As with all the Hurricane kayaks - it is light (42lbs).

Come by today to see the new Hurricanes and schedule a demo!

Vibram Five Fingers

Shop Now! We have just received a huge shipment in many models, colors and sizes.

The typical human foot is an anatomical marvel of evolution with 26 bones, 33 muscles and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons and ligaments. Like the rest of the body, to keep our feet healthy, they need to be stimulated and exercised.

That’s why we recommend wearing FiveFingers for exercise, play, and for fun. Stimulating the muscles in your feet and lower legs will not only make you stronger and healthier, it improves your balance, agility and proprioception.

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

This fall, we have introduced to P&P a lineup of GPS units specifically designed for outdoor navigation. All units can use downloadable maps and are designed to help you stay found in the field. We will show you the differences in the models and help you understand the function of the unit you select. We are carrying a selection of GPS units starting at only $149. Come by today!

Sufix Fishing Line

Sufix is know as an excellent fishing line in both Monofilament and Braid. My friend Jeshua Smith turned me on to Sufix, and I am glad he did. I have been using both for several months now and really like them.
The mono is very limp for the weight of the line. This reduces the instance of twisty line turning into wind knots as you fish.
The braid is super thin, very light are really, really strong. This stuff allows you to throw a country mile - and has very little stretch for a solid hook set.

Boga Grip

Quickly operated with the use of only one hand, this grip easily encompasses the lower jawbone of most species. It won't rub off a fish's protective slime layer, and provides a more hassle-free way of handling noteworthy catches for a few quick snaps of the camera before releasing them unharmed. The trigger sleeve slides along the main tube for fast opening, closing and locking. The main tube contains a precision scale which is calibrated using certified weights to ensure extreme accuracy. The stainless steel tube and components won't break down in saltwater and will survive years of hard use.

Rainy's Premium Flies

Rainy's is a name well known in fly fishing circles for high quality, durable flies. We are carrying a variety of saltwater flies such as:
The Merkin Crab for redfish
The Super Spoon for redfish
The Clouser Deep Minnow for Specks and Reds.
The Micro Me pop popping bug for redfish.
You can shop these and other saltwater flies along with some great fresh water bream and bass flies.