Last Minute Gift Ideas

Man or Woman. We all need pants. So they might as well be pants that look great, wear like iron and fit like a glove. We carry a great selection of sizes for both men and women - and have great feedback from all the customers that purchased them. A guaranteed winner! Starting at $65





We are carrying lots of great sweaters from North Face that make excellent gifts. They are unique, comfortable and with the North Face logo, your recipient will know that it is top quality. Starting at $39.95






We all have that Gadget Freak on our list. A lightweight LED headlamp is perfect for using around the house, working on your car, in your toolbox or tackle box, for your hurricane kit or for the next camping trip. Starting at $27.95





We have a great selection of hats and and scarves with the ubiquitous Life is Good Logo. Give a gift that not only warms your body but warms your heart. Starting at $19.95 Each






This may be the perfect kayak paddle. It is a two piece touring paddle that features a bent ergonomic shaft for a comfortable wrist position. The locking 3 position adjustment allows you to feather left or right or to paddle with the blades aligned. And, if you stay out past dusk, the blades glow in the dark for better visibility for other boats. $209.95 (other kayak paddles starting at $49.95)




Inherit the Atchafalaya
One of this years most popular gifts, this new book from Greg Guirard makes a beautiful gift that anyone would treasure. $29.95






Slippers make a perfect gift for almost anyone. We have a great selection from Acorn and UGG for men, women and kids. Starting at $39.95 (kids start at $24.95)






For the dayhiker or cyclist on your list, a Camelbak hydration pack is a perfect gift. We carry a selection that includes simple hydration packs, hydration fanny packs and dayhiking packs with hydration systems. Starting at $29.95





A Woolrich blanket is a gift that lasts a lifetime. This useful gift is perfect for keeping next to the couch while you watch a movie or taking to a football game or picnic. Starting at $59.95






From Cloudveil, these amazing gloves have a Gore Windstopper laminate layer sandwiched between two layers of fleece. A simple Pittards leather grip on the thumb and fingers makes them great for driving, cycling or hiking. $37.50





This has been the year of the tall, funky sock from Smartwool. These beautiful merino wool socks are great in Lafayette all winter long. They are as fun to give as they are to receive. Starting at $14.95






Snuggle Socks are a perennial favorite. Soft as butter, it's great to slip your feet into these amazing socks when you get home at the end of a long day. The only thing better than a pair of snuggle socks is 3 pairs! $9.95






The perfect gift for almost anyone on your list. It's the perfect first knife for the young boy on your list. The keychain classic knife is perfect for any pocket or purse. For the outdoor enthusiast, choose the Hiker or Climber model. Starting at $19.95





These unique new purse bags have been an instant hit and are a great idea for the outdoorsy woman on your list. Starting at $64.95







Perfect for the fisherman, hunter or paddler that wants to bring anything they want to keep dry out on the water. Put cameras, cell phones, small video cameras and GPS units in these easy-to-access boxes. Rubber lined for protecting your things. Starting at $15.65





One of the most popular brands on the market, this makes a great add on gift for the North Face enthusiast out there. Mens and Ladies. Starting at $19.95

Lake Martin Book

This beautiful book of photography brings our local treasure, Lake Martin right into your living room. This book makes a wonderful gift for anyone that loves Louisiana's bounty of natural life.

Here's an editorial review of this book:

As springtime approaches in southern Louisiana, colorful colonial wading birds flock to the rookery at Lake Martin to breed, nest and raise their young.With thousands of egrets, Roseate Spoonbills and herons of many types being hatched each spring, this area is said to have "one of the most spectacular wading bird rookeries in North America."

That’s the description used by nature photographer and writer Nancy Camel in her new book, The Nature of Things at Lake Martin: Exploring the Wonders of Cypress Island Preserve in Southern Louisiana.The book is a pictorial and a documentary dealing with Lake Martin and Cypress Island Preserve, of which the lake is a part. Containing some 130 color photographs – most notably of the birds, the mammals and their environment – the book describes the personalities and mating rituals of the birds and tells the history of Cypress Island Preserve.

Throughout the year there are more than 200 species of resident, migratory and wintering birds; 1,200 to 1,800 alligators; and wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, snakes, turtles, squirrels, beavers, nutria, otters, foxes, rabbits, deer, raccoons and other furry animals.The book includes maps of the Lake Martin area and preserve, tips on photographing birds and other animals, and lists of the more than 200 birds identified in the area.

A resident of Baton Rouge, Ms. Camel’s work has appeared in National Wildlife, Outdoor Photographer, Birdscapes and Wetlands International, as well as on Audubon calendars.

Newari Sweaters

A Newari Sweater from Icelandic Designs is a beautiful gift that will last a lifetime. These wonderful sweaters are hand crafted and each one is very unique. This is the perfect gift to put under the tree for her this year.

Green Label Organic Tee-Shirts

The highest quality, most sustainable apparel brand on the planet. These shirts are domestically made in the United States with 100% certified organic ring spun cotton,
dyed with low-impact reactive dyes, and printed without the use of plastics. Plus, the designs are just plain cool.

Did You Know?
Throughout most of human history, all farming, cotton and otherwise, was basically organic by default: there were no synthetic pesticides or insecticides.
That changed with the World Wars and the first large-scale deployment of chemicals specifically formulated to eradicate life.
The descendants of these deadly chemicals were later applied to farming.

In the case of cotton, this is part of a war on weeds and pests that attack cotton. And, just as in any other war, many innocent bystanders, including plants, animals, and humans, are wounded and killed -- a tragedy that continues to this day.

Pesticides used in conventional cotton farming can enter the human food chain. Because cotton is grown primarily for its fiber, it is regulated as a non-food crop.
In fact, the majority of the cotton plant, by weight, ends up in our food supply. Cottonseed oil is used in processed foods. Beef and dairy cows are fed cotton straw, cottonseed meal and waste from cotton gins.

Life Is Good

Life is Good is about much more than just tee shirts, and you'll find a wide array of products that make perfect gifts. For the LIG fan, the new Life is Good book reprises many of their most popular drawings paired with wise sayings on each page. Unique jewelry at inexpensive prices for men and women are perfect stocking stuffers. Life Is Good mugs in ceramic and aluminum are great office and party gifts. Or buy a Life is Good frame, install a photo that you share with your recipient and you'll have a wonderfully touching gift.

Prana Pompom Sweater

This sweater bridges the gap between earthy and cool. It's a hoodie that has a little of the "hippie chick" look while maintaining enough of a quality feeling that you'll love wearing it for nearly anything. This sweater would make a great gift for any woman that's young or young at heart.

North Face - Windwall Fleece

The Windwall 1 is possibly the perfect full zip jacket for our climate. The fleece is not overly thick, but is reinforced by a windproof layer to keep the breeze from blowing through. This layer also traps heat effectively inside the jacket for more warmth. The best part? At only $99.95, the Windwall is an unbelievably great deal!

Baby Wooly's

We've got something for every person on your list at Pack & Paddle. Even the newest additions to your family! These Baby Woolies from Smartwool utilize butter-soft merino wool for a warm no-itch fit. The baby in your life will look better and have more fun in a pair of Smartwool Baby Woolies!

Crash Pads

Perfect for the climber on your list, we carry Crash Pads from Mad Rock and Black Diamond. Set one of these thick mattress style pads up on the ground below where you are bouldering, and you can drop off without fear of twisting an ankle. Use at the gym or on the crag. Handy carry straps are built right in!

Garmin GPS

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!

Ocean Kayak - Venus 11'

The Venus 11 may be the perfect sit-on-top for women. It is lightweight, stable and easy to transport at only 40 lbs. The roomy cockpit is comfortable and designed to accommodate a female's center of gravity. The Venus is as fun to paddle as it is to give as a gift.

Becky - Mountain Khaki Cottonwood Cord Pants

I love these pants because of the amazing stretchy super comfortable fit. These pants stretch - making riding my bike to work a breeze. After we're done, they look good enough to for John to take me out to eat at Antoni's, Guamas or Hub City Diner. They are so comfortable that I could even head out during the day for a quick yoga class if I wanted to.

John - Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 tent

Ya'll know that I love using a tarp, but we're going with a tent for our thru hike of the Colorado Trail. The Seedhouse SL has plenty of room for Becky and I and has a large vestibule placed in front of the tent. I like the Vestibule in front so that I can cook while I lazily lay in my bag. The best part? The weight is a feather light 2lbs, 14 ounces. Just about perfect!

Jamie - Cloudveil Inertia Peak Softshell Jacket

This is my favorite new thing because of its sheer versatility. It's easy to use this jacket in the fall and spring months because its breathability and lack of insulation keep you from being overheated. The Inertia peak is perfect for layering with just enough room for light to midweight fleece or (my other fave) Compressor Jacket from Mountain Hardware. All in all, I love the simple streamlined design - technical, not over-done and still with a strong, outdoorsy style.

Loren - Native Watercraft Manta Ray

I love this boat for its speed. The hull is fast and sleek with just the right balance of maneuverability mixed in. The seating position is super comfortable. The bucket-like seat has great back support and drops lower in the boat to improve the feeling of stability. An added bonus is the extra big foot braces that are comfortable all day long in the boat.

Amy - Ultra Comfy Smartwool Socks

The name says it all - these socks are Ultra Comfy. They are the perfect blend of wool and synthetics that balance the temperature of my foot from winter to summer. The socks are built with thinner tops and cushier bottoms that allow me to have enough room in my shoes to keep my feet from feeling cramped like other warm socks do. The best part? I love all the unique colors and designs that run from basic to cute to crazy that make me smile every time they peek out from under my pant leg.

Fall Horny Toad Clothing in Stock Now

We've recieved our fall shipment of Horny Toad Clothing for fall 07. Perfect for our area with its casual styles that work well in our moderate temperatures, Horny Toad is rapidly becoming one of our most popular lines. Check out a couple of items in stock now:



The new Katy Skirt is a light cord with flattering angled stitch lines. It's shown here with the amazingly comfortable Lana top. Here's what Horny Toad has to say about the Lana:

Made out of our seductive winter weight Mambo, a blend of eco-friendly Modal® and spandex, it is a silky breathable mix with cat-like stretch and effortless pin up girl glamour. The velveteen ribbon along the deep-cut placket and our famous scrunch in front create a soft feminine line with a let's-go-dancing look.

For men, we are showing 2 looks: Dress it up with the Balboa Long Sleeve Shirt or stay casual with the new Ty Pullover shirt. Both are extremely comfortable and fit great. We brought back the Clutch Pants for another year because of the overwhelming response we had to the fit and feel of this pant last year. You gotta try 'em on to see why!

Cloudveil Now Available at Pack & Paddle

There's a cool brand out of Jackson Hole Wyoming called Cloudveil that we have recently added to our fall product mix at Pack & Paddle. They call their clothing "Inspired Mountain Apparel". Hmm... We think it translates extremely well to the South Louisiana bayou as well. Their designs are innovative, functional, aesthetically clean and great fitting. Some of the Cloudveil is ski-oriented, but most of our selection crosses over very well to Acadiana's fall and winter weather. Here are just a couple of the styles in stock now at Pack & Paddle:

The men's 16 Penny Barn Coat is an updated classic uses that uses tough and quick drying nylon on the outer fabric that feels like a quality canvas. The interior is lined with the new Thermore insulation for a thin, but warm feel. The rustic feel of the 16 Penny Barn Coat gives it throwback appeal for those men who spent formative years in the outdoors. Big front pockets, two-snap cuffs and a snap-over-zip front create a men's classic cabin style that resonates from Tupper Lake to Lake Tahoe.

The Women's Neve Hoodie is one of Cloudveil's most popular designs. The butter soft synthetic fleece has a fine sweater finish that looks more like a fine wool than a fleece. The style sits somewhere between retro chic and progressively modern, making it a perfect layering piece to pack for weekends away that include both active days and fashionable gatherings.

Ahnu Footwear Arrives at Pack & Paddle

Ahnu is a new company specializing in lightweight, functional shoes and sandals. We had an interest in Ahnu because of their interesting styles that lend themselves towards casual use and travel. For anyone that's on their feet a lot and does a lot of walking, Ahnu is worth a test drive. Their unique midsole and outsole construction combine to make an amazingly comfortable walking shoe. Add on quick release lacing systems and you may have the perfect shoe!

The mens Tamalpais (shown in Carafe) features the QuiteLite Webbing Lace system into a comfortable and supportive shoe for walking, travel and casual use. The womens Benicia (shown in Major Brown) is a really cute mary jane style with a simple webbing closure. It's super comfortable and great for trips that involve lots of walking!

Womens Vitaliti Pants by Patagonia

The fall clothing is just starting to arrive at Pack and Paddle, and there's a pair of pants that's getting rave reviews from all the women on the staff. Patagonia's Vitaliti pants hit that perfect mix of "not too loose - but not too body hugging". They are amazingly comfortable, stretchy and just nice to put on. They are equally at home in your morning yoga class as they are for a night on the town.

My-Ti Titanium Spork by Brunton

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

Ultra-Sil Dry Sack by Sea to Summit

These amazing stuff sacks are super compact and ultra lightweight. They feature a watertight hypalon roll top closure to keep moisture out. The soft and flexible material has a slippery finish - making it easy to pack. These sacks are perfect for everything from your sleeping bag to food sacks that you can hang in a tree and will have a good level of waterproofness. We've found this to be a favorite accessory for hikers, paddlers and travelers.

Exstream XR Personal Water Purifier by Katadyn

The Exstream XR gives you something all of us love: Instant gratification. Walk up to any water source, scoop up some water, screw on the lid and squeeze safe water right into your mouth. Effective agains Giardia as well as viruses and bacteria, this is the perfect bottle for hikers and paddlers. Travelers in foreign countries have loved this product as well for its convenience and small size. $49.95

Evolv Climbing Shoes

Pack and Paddle is now your source for Evolv Climbing Shoes. Evolv is a US based climbing company that produces some really amazing at a great price (these models run $79). We're now carrying the Defy for men and the Electra for women.

Here's what Evolv has to say about the Defy and Elektra:

The DEFY is one of our most popular shoes and became an instant hit as soon as we released it. It combines the benefit of a comfortable multi-purpose shoe and the convenience of a hook-and-loop fastener performance shoe. With the feel of a sensitive slipper, the DEFY will smear on any slick sloper or stick on overhanging faces while being comfortable enough to wear on long multi-pitch routes or gym marathon-training sessions. Climbers of all abilities and styles will truly appreciate these shoes after just one day with them. The DEFY is a must-have for every climber who wants a comfortable shoe that fits and performs superbly out of the box.

Here's a couple of reviews on the Defy and Elektra:

“Superlight and highly flexible, yet with a relaxed, flat last, the Defy is a steep rock sport and gym shoe for climbers who loathe the acute foot compression associated with down-turned, banana-shaped performance shoes. That said, the Defy, because it is soft and lets your foot lie flat, requires more foot strength than stiffer-soled shoes and softer models that compress your toes. … However, the Defy did shine on severe overhangs, where foot pressure is lighter.” Rock and Ice Magazine, Issue 143

“While many climbers have the misinformed belief that hook-and-loop fastener-style shoes must be fit abusively tight and are only for high-end climbing, EVOLV's Defy proves otherwise. For moderate climbers doing everything from training in the gym to long, mellow multi-pitch outings, the Defy is a sound choice. It solidly blends sensitivity and support, and features a protective, durable upper and a micro-fiber lining.” Climbing Magazine website review

Sherpani Viso

Tired of seeing all those black, boxy, IBM style laptop bags ladies? Sherpani changes everything with their new Viso Laptop Bag. This bag is a compact mobile office that has equal measures of form and function. The Viso is designed as a shoulder carry bag that can be slung over the shoulder or carried in your hand. One side zips open to form a nice workspace while sitting in an airport or at a coffee shop. The other side stores your laptop while you're on the move. Best of all - it looks femininely professional. Perfectly suited for anything from school to trade show to the board room.

Timbuk2 Commute Computer Messenger Bag

I don't know why, but I have a soft spot for Timbuk2 messenger bags. To me - they are just so cool looking and reflect a relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing how well it works in real life. No bag carries as well as a Timbuk2 with its adjustable strap and padded back. The Commute offers a laptop compartment that's accessible without opening the main bag. If you prefer, you can place the laptop inside in a separate compartment. There's lots of pockets for coins, pens, pencils, IPOD's and even a spot for an ID.