2021 Tax Free Weekend

Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, 2021 is Missouri’s Sales Tax Holiday for qualifying back to school purchases. For parents looking to get high quality apparel, shoes and gear that will actually make it through not only this school year, but also years to come, Alpine Shop is the place to shop! 

To qualify, apparel and footwear must be under $100. As long as our price tag says it’s under $100, it qualifies for no state sales tax!

If you’re shopping on-line from outside Missouri, you already won’t have to pay any sales tax. If you’re inside Missouri state lines, the same qualifications are in effect for you as if you stepped inside one of our stores.

On the subject of school gear like backpacks, we understand that very few of our backpacks meet the under-$50-threshold the state requires for the tax holiday. However, we would like to point out that we’re fairly sure most of those under-$50 backpacks you’ll find somewhere else also won’t come with a lifetime guarantee. 

Check out this story on our marketing director’s son’s backpack that lasted not only his kindergarten school year, but all of grade school and high school, too.

Like we’ve said: Why buy them gear that’s built to barely survive one school year when you can outfit them in gear meant to last an entire school career?

Official Paddle Store & Official Paddling Experts of the MR340

On Tuesday, July 20, 534 boats holding more than 800 participants will leave Kaw Point Park in Kansas City, Kan., for the 2021 Missouri American Water MR340, the world’s longest non-stop river race.

Paddlers will have just 85 hours to navigate 340 miles across the state of Missouri, nearly all on the Missouri River, from Kansas City to St. Charles. Chances are at least a third of those participants won’t make that deadline.

Not only is Alpine Shop the Official Paddle Shop of the race, but we are also proud to have a number of employees participating in the event.

We asked a few of those paddlers (and ground crew) to give us some insight into why they compete in the MR340 and what they’d recommend you do if you decide to try it yourself one year.

Jarrid Snyder:

1. What has drawn you to this event? A: The paddling community. Especially within the shop. The support is incredible, and everyone wants to see you finish. 
2. Have you participated before? A: I started the race last year and didn’t make the finish. Ready for the haul to the boathouse this year.
3. What are your goals for this year? A: My goal is to make it to my best friends wedding. The rehearsal dinner is Thursday night, so 60 hours or bust! You could say this is an unfortunate scheduling mistake on my part.
4. What kind of boat are you using? A: I’m paddling a boat I’ve spent less than 2.5 hours in. Some surprises led me to a teammate a couple weeks ago and I just bought a 40 year old Wenonah Jenson Kevlar Canoe. 
5. What kind of paddle are you using? A:  My trusty Wenonah Black Lite Elbow and when I’m feeling like churning out some quick miles, an Aquabound Whiskey Straight Shaft double blade.
6. Paddling with Teammates?  Yes! Eric Evans from the shop. Last minute change from a solo canoe.
7. What tips and tricks would you suggest for first time participants? A: Don’t think of this as a race to St. Charles. Break it into smaller pieces. Your brain is powerful and can psych you out so just think of what needs to happen in the moment and you’ll get there!

Jarrid Snyder
Alpine Shop Program Director

Teri Rudelic:

1. What has drawn you to this event? A: The opportunity for an affordable adventure. 
2. Have you participated before? A: This will be my 4th time. 
3. What are your goals for this year? A:  My goal is to enjoy my time on the River and finish Thursday night. 
4. What kind of boat are you using? A: 18 1/2” Wenonah fiberglass Jensen
5. What kind of paddle are you using? A:  52” bent shaft Bending Branches wood paddle
6. Paddling with Teammates?  I am paddling with the same girl I’ve paddled with the last three times. 
7. What tips and tricks would you suggest for first time participants? A: Just don’t quit. Everyday you’re a little closer to the end and it’s a little easier mentally. 

Teri Rudelic
Alpine Shop Facilities Manager

Eric Evans:

1. What has drawn you to this event? A: The challenge to finish such an epic race and the commrodary of the competitors, volunteers, and the ground crews.  It's the longest continuous river race in the world!
2. Have you participated before? A: Yes.  Twice.  And I'll keep competing until my body says "NOOOOOO, don't do it again!".
3. What are your goals for this year? A:  To get Jarrid to his buddy's wedding on time!
4. What kind of boat are you using? A: 1981 Wenonah Jensen
5. What kind of paddle are you using? A: Black Pearl II canoe paddle and Werner Cyprus belmont shaft kayak paddle
6. Paddling with Teammates?  Yes. Tandem canoe
7. What tips and tricks would you suggest for first time participants? A: Ask lots and lots of questions.  Set realistic goals.  Training runs from Jefferson City and other ramps/checkpoints to St. Charles.  It's good to be familiar with the second half of the race when you will be the most exhausted. Familiar landmarks can be morale boosters.

Eric Evans
Alpine Shop Kirkwood Assistant Store Manager

Emily Woll:

1. What has drawn you to this event? A: I first did this race in 2017 after making a new year's resolution to "really throw myself at life and try new things" then 3 days later being asked to join the MR340 in a team boat. The second year I did the race to prove to myself that I could (Year one I was DNF) and to get back with the great commoradary of paddlers.
2. Have you participated before? A: Yes I raced in 2017 and DNF (did not finish, pulling out at Waverly) and 2018 tandem 
3. What are your goals for this year? A: This year I am not racing, but plan to do solo women's in 2022, with an endtime under 70 hours.
4. What kind of boat are you using? A: Most likely a Wilderness System Tsunami 145
5. What kind of paddle are you using? A: Werner Camano 220 small bent shaft... possibly a Greenlander style paddle
6. Paddling with Teammates? A: Nope, solo. But maybe traveling in a "pod" with fellow racers.
7. What tips and tricks would you suggest for first time participants? A: Tip 1: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The two weeks leading up to the race, slowly increase your daily water intake to help your body get comfortable with the amount of water it will be filtering during the race. Tip 2: Real foods and fruits during the race, a lot of protein packed bars can be rough digestion during the race. Tip 3: Ladies, figure out how to pee in a boat without capsizing (or pulling over) well in advance of the race. Tip 4: Know your limits and be honest with your body.

Emily Woll
Alpine Shop Columbia Assistant Manager
-Working as ground crew in 2021 for one of Alpine Shop's teams

After Over 2000 Miles, Record Attempt Ends Less than 150 Miles from Finish Line

NEW ORLEANS – Alpine Shop employee, Perry Whitaker, set out in early May as part of a four man team attempting to set a new World Record for Fastest Time to Row the Length of the Mississippi River by a Team. 16 days later and less than 150 miles from that record, the Mississippi Speed Record canoe swamped and sank due to a life-threatening mix of high winds, ocean-going vessels, barges and tugs all converging on the river at the same time.

Perry posted on Facebook, the morning after the canoe vanished into the waves: “Our canoe is at the bottom of the Mighty Mississippi. This adventure is done, after over 2,100 miles.”

A little later he added to that:

I’ve been on lots of crazy adventures, but this is the first time I’ve ever had more than just a few people cheering for me as I was adventuring.

For more than 2,000 miles over about two weeks, people have lined the River to encourage us. They’ve cheered, war-whooped, blew horns, shot fireworks, and rang cowbells.

Lots, and lots of cowbells…

There were crowds cheering as we paddled through cities, people waving from their back yards, groups partying at isolated boat ramps, and sometimes we had absolutely no idea where the cheering was coming from.

At a few very small, BEAUTIFUL towns along the River, it seemed that a majority of the residents were out there encouraging us.

Cheering for me??? I can’t wrap my brain around strangers cheering for me because I’m just a regular guy.

Unfortunately, with less than 150 miles to go, my River humbled us.

Heavy winds swamped our canoe in the middle of the night and we lost everything in a few short minutes.

I had a firm grip on the safety boat, and I struggled to hold on to the canoe as long as I could until the current took her down.

I’m pissed.

I’m sad.

I’m disappointed.

But mostly, I’m astounded that so many people took time out of their busy lives to encourage and support me in this little adventure, and I’m very, very appreciative of everyone.

Not just the crowds along the river, but also the couple dozen outstanding people who volunteered about three weeks of their time to try to make this whole thing a success.

This is not hyperbole, but I think more highly of people today than I did before this trip.

Perry Whitaker – May 21 on Facebook

After he took a few days to make his way back to work at Alpine Shop, here’s how Perry answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the trip:

Q. Why in the Hell did you do this?

“Because it’s there”. Someone once asked Mallory why he wanted to climb Everest and he said “Because it’s there”.  Paddling the whole Mississippi in less than 3 weeks isn’t nearly as daunting as climbing Everest. Mallory died on his third attempt at Everest, we just sunk our canoe and had to be rescued by our safety boat. 

I met Conrad Anker a few years ago, he’s the person who finally found Mallory’s body about 75 years after he died. I got to buy a few beers for the guys in the safety boats who rescued us, Mallory didn’t get that option.

I’ve given a lot of presentations about the history of the Mississippi River so I was excited when I got the opportunity to join this team on the record attempt. 

Q. Have you ever done anything like this before?

I’ve been on lots of adventures, but nothing like this. 

I went on a month-long solo bike trip through Central America, I walked across England along Hadrian’s Wall then biked across Ireland, and I’ve been on a lot of other long backpacking, biking, and paddling trips.

This was the first time I tried to break a Guinness Book of World Records time for something.

Q. What was your most memorable moment of this trip?

You mean other than the canoe sinking in a storm 137 miles from the finish? 

The first 2,160 miles of the trip were great, but the last few minutes kind of sucked. 

I really enjoyed all the wildlife. We heard a pack of wolves, saw a couple bears, some sandhill cranes, and we watched a huge fisher jumping out of a tree after something. I wish I had taken a bird identification book with me, even though I was too busy paddling to look up birds.

Q. What did you expect to be your biggest challenges of this trip and were you right? 

I think my expectations were pretty close to reality. There were two categories of challenges: those things we could control and those things we couldn’t. The things we could control included training and equipment, the things we couldn’t control included things like the weather, or a major barge traffic jam caused by a damaged bridge in Memphis, TN. I expected the physical challenge to be my biggest hurdle, so I trained pretty hard. I was also worried about how much this would cost. We expected it to cost between $20,000 and $30,000 dollars.

Q. Twenty to thirty thousand dollars?

We had a huge support crew. There were three safety boats and two RVs following us down the river. The primary costs were fuel for those vehicles and food for about 25 volunteers for about 3 weeks. There was also the price of gear. The canoe was about $3500, modifications to the canoe was another grand, paddles were about $300 each. There were a million other things we needed and they all added up.

Q. Tell me about your training for this.

For the past several years, I’ve kayak over two thousand miles per year, so I already had a good start on my training. 

In addition to that, I started training on a rowing machine about a year and a half ago. Distance paddling in a canoe or kayak is more about the core than the arms so the rowing machine has been great. I should have worked on my shoulders more, but I did okay. My training was slowed down by the pandemic because I couldn’t go to the gym. 

I think I did pretty well, physically. I felt strong throughout the trip, and I think I could have paddled at that pace for a couple more weeks. 

Q. What was the weather like?

It was below freezing for the first few nights, then it got up to the mid-80’s toward the finish. The weather was surprisingly good until the wind on the last two days. 

Q. I assume this got rather monotonous at times, what kept you going?

I didn’t think it was monotonous, I enjoyed the heck out of it.

When we were forced off the river, I wasn’t joking when I asked if someone could loan me a boat to finish the trip or maybe even paddle about a thousand miles upstream back to St Louis.

Q. As you were on the river, your attempt was covered by a few newspapers and TV stations, while thousands of people were following the progress on Facebook. Were you expecting that? 

Absolutely not. I’ve been on a lot of adventures but I’ve never had thousands of people cheering me on. It was awkward. 

How are the big rivers different from the smaller Ozark streams?

A lot of the upper Mississippi seemed just like paddling on the Current River or upper Meramac. We just saw a lot more eagles and beavers on the upper Mississippi. 

Big rivers like the Mississippi and Missouri are safer than smaller streams in a lot of ways, but more dangerous in others. Paddling on a big river is usually like paddling on a lake, but we don’t worry about barge traffic on our local lakes. Once you understand the concepts of river navigation, it’s pretty easy.  

If you want to paddle on the Mississippi or Missouri, go with someone who knows what they’re doing for the first couple times. It’s simple after someone walks you through it, but it’s difficult and dangerous to try to figure out on your own.

How can people learn more about paddling on the big rivers?

The Mississippi River Water Trail Association is an organization that can really help. Big Muddy Adventures takes people out on the Mississippi all the time, and the Alpine Shop occasionally does too. You can also talk to people who’ve done the MR340, they love to talk about it.

What questions have you been asked the most about this trip?

Getting through the locks, does my butt hurt from sitting in a canoe for 2 ½ weeks, and will I do it again.

What are the answers to those questions?

Locking through was great. There are 27 locks on the Mississippi, and the US Army Corp of Engineers went above and beyond to help us get through them quickly, and some barges even let us lock through ahead of them. That was amazingly cool of them. We only had to wait a couple times. If you haven’t locked through before, do it because it’s very educational.

Yes, my butt was numb.  My hands and feet hurt and were swollen, but people don’t ask about my hands and feet, they just want to know about my butt.  

I’ve had a couple weeks to recover and I’m almost back to normal now. 

You didn’t say if you’d do it again?

I think it’s impossible to do something like this and not think of ways to be faster, more efficient, and safer. I think I could probably knock a couple days off the world record time. I already have the right boat, I just need to find the right people. If I can find the right people, I’ll try it again.

Do you have any other big adventures planned?

The MR340 is coming in a few weeks and I plan to race in that again this year. I’m also thinking about walking the Trail of Tears this winter. 

Any final thoughts or words of wisdom?

I’ve been reading a lot about Teddy Roosevelt recently, and I think more people should read his “Man in the Arena” speech.

Gift Ideas for Mom

We know. You meant to grab a gift weeks ago for Mom. But if you’re still on the fence as to what to buy, the friendly outfitters from Alpine Shop and The Pathfinder have some fantastic ideas for you!

Smartwool Merino Wool Tank Top
Smartwool Merino Wool Sport 150 Tank Top $45
On Cloud Running Shoes
Patagonia Tech Skort $75
Patagonia Tech Skort $75
Birketnstock sandals
Birkentstock Gizeh Sandals $99.95
Red sun dress with pink and orange flowers
Patagonia Amber Dawn Dress $59.95
The North Face Motion Pull-On Short
goodr Circle G Sunglasses $25
Yeti Slim Can Colster $25
C.C. Panama Hat $22
Brümate hopsulator Trio

Holiday Availability, Delivery & Concierge Information

Alpine Shop Kirkwood

As we head closer to Thanksgiving, our home town of St. Louis has reinstated a Stay at Home Order to combat the COVID-19 virus. While all of our stores remain open, it is a reminder of just how unpredictable everything has become.

Earlier this year, our area parks, waterways and roadways suddenly saw huge increases in hikers, paddlers and cyclists as the country shut down the first time. As we were able to finally re-open our stores, our inventory of boats and bikes quickly disappeared. Unfortunately, many of the manufacturers of those products were also shut down for months at a time, meaning both our current and future inventory is limited.

So, here’s where we stand right now…

We have a seen a slow trickle of boats and bikes into our warehouse over the past month, but nowhere near what we would like to have on hand. If you’re considering giving or getting a bike or boat this holiday season, please act quickly and understand that our current inventory can change at any time.

The snow industry (featured in our Kirkwood location) has (thankfully) delivered much of what we ordered, but if demand remains as high as the last month would indicate, we will once again experience inventory issues in skis and snowboards before Christmas, as well.

Basically, this is just a long way of saying we recommend you grab the gear you’re looking for this holiday season at your earliest convenience.

So, here are some options for you:

  • If you’re shopping on-line, please plan ahead to avoid any unnecessary shipping costs or delays.
  • If you’re interested in scheduling concierge services with a single member of our staff at any of our stores, please sign up for our Personal Shopping Appointment using the form below. We can hand-pick items we think will work best for you and have them prepared for you as you walk into the store.
  • You can also make a reservation for ski or snowboard boot fittings. These reservations mean you won’t have to wait any longer than necessary to get the gear you need. (Plan on around 90 minutes for a complete boot fit for skis. Snowboard boots don’t normally take quite as long.)
  • We are also still offering curbside pickup throughout the holidays if you feel safer staying in your vehicle.

Everyone at Alpine Shop and The Pathfinder is doing everything we can to help you Get Outside Yourself this winter. We hope to welcome you into one of our stores over the next couple of months, or on-line 24 hours a day at alpineshop.com.

The Alpine Shop Staff

An Inside Look at 2020’s Hottest Kayaks

The Alpine Shop crew practiced social distancing while bringing some of the hottest boats we already have at the shop out to the water. Take a look at what some of these craft have to offer – especially if you’re a fisherman, you’re looking for a competitive boat for the rapidly expanding world of paddle races, or if you’re looking for a fun boat that you can PEDAL as well as PADDLE.

You can find the first four of these boats on-line right now at alpineshop.com

Perception Crank 10.0 with Pedal Drive

The Crank is the first of a new generation of easy-to-use, fast and fun pedal drive kayaks from Perception Kayaks. Its perfect for lakes, ponds and calm coastal waters. The Crank incorporates a fresh design aesthetic with incredibly comfortable ergonomics for powerful yet easy pedaling while providing ample surfaces for rigging aftermarket accessories including two Solo Mount recesses within easy reach. Featuring a new-and-improved pedal drive, this kayak pedals effortlessly, covers lots of water, and provides the ability to go forward and reverse without removing the drive from the boat. The easy-handling Crank packs a punch and opens up the water to everyone in a fun, stable and manageable package.

Jackson Big Rig HDFD

Introducing the Big Rig HDFD! One of Jackson Kayaks most popular fishing kayaks now gets the upgrades of both its HD predecessors, the Coosa HD and Cuda HD with the addition of Flex Drive pedaling power. The Flex Drive system allows for hands-free fishing, forward and reverse, with unique articulation to adapt to shallow water and obstacles.

Jackson YuPIK

Named for the native Alaskan peoples that coined the word kayak (qayaq), the Jackson YuPIK changes the very definition of versatility. Bow To Stern track systems, rigging solutions and storage pockets molded in along the entirety of the boat allows the modularity for you to rig for your adventure without limitation. Customize your fun with more room! Second seat capabilities and specialized accessories, like our new kennel cot, improves the experience for everyone. Additions like the fully trimmable seat pan, our Strap Down gear track for 360 storage security and the first ever moving standing pad system make the YuPIK the most versatile kayak on the market.

Jackson Bite FD

The top-selling Bite has gotten an upgrade! The open deck and well-designed tackle management features have come together with our latest version of the Flex Drive, the Flex Drive 3D. This nimble ride is quick and responsive, and standing to fish is fun and easy for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The Bite FD tracks well and handles windy days with ease. The new Flex Drive 3D is the product of two years of constant evolution in three key components: power, propulsion and steering. From bow to stern, the Flex Drive 3D delivers unparalleled user versatility, efficiency and convenience on the water. Designed from the water up for maximum performance, intuitive use and ease of maintenance, the Flex Drive 3D empowers anglers, sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts to get closer to the action. The original Bite retails for $799. If you want the Flex Drive, the retail price is $2199.

Wilderness Systems Tempest 175

When you talk about a fast boat, you talk about a length. All things being equal, a longer boat will always be faster than a shorter boat. And when you’re talking about getting into racing, like the MR340 and Alpine Shop’s own Meramec Marathon, a longer boat will always give you an advantage on straight ahead speed and will generally track straight ahead more easily. The Tempest melds a 17 and a half foot total length with a bit of a rocker to help with maneuverability on top of that speed. A great boat for any one looking to take their racing to the next level. Now you won’t find this beautiful 17 and a half foot boat on alpineshop.com yet. If you’re interested, please give us a call at 314-962-7715.

Kids Stuck at Home? Outdoor Play Ideas and Products – to Help You Keep Your Sanity!

According to the experts, parents all over the country may need to rethink group play dates, soccer games, and even local playground jungle gyms. Why?

“There is evidence corona viruses can live on plastic and metal for up to nine days,” explains Dr. Asaf Bitton, a primary care physician. “We really want to be mindful about reducing … interpersonal contact and any potential spread.”

Parents may want to opt for outdoor activities that are individual, like biking or hiking. If sports equipment isn’t shared, and kiddos can keep more of a distance from one another, it’s safer during this era of social distancing.  

We know it’s not news that you ever wanted to hear. But we also know that there is plenty you and your kids can do outdoors without increasing the risk of spreading the virus to other families. We can help with our top ten suggestions and products to get you through this quarantine period. 

10 Outdoor Activities for Kids

(1) Biking 

Nothing boosts the spirits more than hopping on a bike and speeding down the trail. It’s an individual sport kids can do, even during a quarantine like the one we’re facing. Families can get into the fun with bike obstacle courses in a yard or park, or bike “car washes” in the backyard if it’s warm enough outside. If you need a new bicycle for your child, or if you need to stock up on helmets or other supplies, we have it all in stock. 

(2) Hiking 

Hiking is another activity that allows your kids to explore nature, relieve stress, and work off some energy, all while keeping a safe distance from other children. We recommend hiking for everyone, actually, as a way to keep active during this time. At the moment, Missouri State Parks and St. Louis County Parks remain open and ready to be explored. 

(3) Outdoor Art and Games 

GSI Outdoors Freestyle Barrell Toss
GSI Outdoors Backpack Boccee

If you aren’t near a park, but need to give your kids some outdoor time, consider giving them some sidewalk chalk and sending them out to the front stoop. We also recommend camping games like disc golf, or this freestyle barrel toss game available at Alpine Shop. We even have Backpack Bocce

Games like these are simple to set up and can be a lifesaver for working-at-home parents. 

(4) Become a Wildlife Expert 

Want to make outdoor time educational? Have your kids become neighborhood wildlife experts. Kids can make a list of the animals that live in the neighborhood, or become experts on plants, flowers, birds, and insects they can see around their home. 

At Alpine Shop, we offer resources and books for budding naturalists

(5) Outdoor Chores

For fans of old-school-style parenting, you could always put your kiddos to work outside, washing cars, picking up twigs, pulling weeds, or mowing the lawn. If that’s not as successful as you hoped, have them raid the garage for old Amazon boxes and make a cardboard fort out of them. 

(6) Spring Gardening 

Turn those chores into something fun and educational: have your children help you plant a spring garden. With a packet of seeds and our rainy spring weather, you can watch the plants grow until we’re given the all-clear to roam freely again. 

(7) Backyard Camping 

Nemo Stargaze Camp Chair

Plan a picnic or a backyard camping trip! Kids will love setting up the tent and spending time outdoors. With camping chairs and a hammock, your kids will have everything they need to stay out of your hair. You can even teach them important real-world skills, like how to build a campfire, pitch a tent, or keep away from poison ivy. One of our favorite products in our camping line is the Stargaze Camp Chair

(8) Treasure Hunts & Obstacle Courses 

If you have the patience to set it up, treasure hunts can be a lot of fun for kids. Depending on how many objects you hide around the house and in the yard, they can last a while, too. Hide 10 or 15 “treasures” and give kids clues to find them. Another option? Set up an outdoor obstacle course for kids – or, if children are old enough, have them create one themselves! 

(9) Easter Egg Hunts 

It may be early for Easter, but Easter Egg Hunts are easy outdoor activities that kids love to do over and over again. Want to make it more educational? Put vocabulary words or math problems in the eggs and make it a part of homeschooling. 

(10) Recess 

Many parents out there are suddenly discovering that they’re required to be teachers, too. The good news is that even home-schoolers need recess. Get those kids outside with a jumping rope or a yoga video and make sure they’re getting fresh air and exercise during the day. Ask your kids what their favorite recess games are. Together, you can come up with a list of outdoor activities and games. Setting a schedule for learning is great, but you and your kids all need breaks and playtime. 

Visit Alpine Shop Online for Outdoor Supplies and Games 

At Alpine Shop, we’re experts at getting back to nature and spending time outdoors. Visit us online for a range of products. From camping tents to hiking boots, we’ve got you covered this spring. 

Complete Guide to Staying Dry for Spring

Are you waiting eagerly for spring like we are? Rain or shine, nothing’s going to stop us from hitting the trail this season. However, since we do tend to get spring showers and thunderstorms, it’s worth it to take a look at waterproof – and waterproofing – gear at Alpine Shop. Keep reading for our recommendations and a few tips to keep yourself cozy and dry, no matter what kind of weather you face. 

Top 5 Waterproof Jackets at Alpine Shop 

If you’re in the market for a new waterproof jacket, we can help with our list of the Top 5 here at Alpine Shop. 

#1 – Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow Jacket 

This top-notch product from Patagonia is lightweight and packable, but it offers some of the best protection available with a 2.5-layer stretch nylon shell. Don’t take our word for it. This outside reviewer lists the Rainshadow Jacket in their top 10, commenting that the product “will keep you dry in everything from drizzle to light snowfall.” We like it because it has a ton of cool features and because, like many of Patagonia’s products, it’s made from 100% recycled material. Plus, this jacket is currently 30% off! 

#2 – Patagonia Torrentshell 

Our second product on the list is also from Patagonia: the trusted and reasonably priced Torrentshell. Coolhikinggear.com calls this popular product “a functional and no nonsense rain jacket” perfect for when “you need performance and protection from the elements when you’re out on the hills.” This one is another 2.5 layer jacket treated with Patagonia’s Deluge DWR finish to give it a high waterproof rating. For unpretentious protection, it can’t be beat. 

#3 – Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket 

Marmot took its bestselling PreCip and boosted performance and sustainability to create this eco-friendly jacket. At $100, it’s well worth the investment. We like it because it’s sturdy, durable, and PFC-free. While some reviewers have found it to be a little clammy at times, we think that if you pair this jacket with the correct wicking base layers, you stay cool and dry. We’re big fans of this versatile wardrobe staple. 

#4 – North Face Venture 2

The Venture 2 for Women has been updated with new fabric and a sleek style. Its breathable DryVent 2.5-layer membrane keeps you warm and dry, even in the worst stormy weather. REI names this jacket the “best all-around multisport,” perfect for any adventure. We love its breathability and its adjustable hood. 

#5 – Columbia Watertight II 

With a sale price of less than $60, this is a solid choice for hikers on a budget. The Watertight II offers zippered hand pockets, wrist cinchers, and an adjustable hood in addition to its ultralight shell. 

Waterproofing Tips and Terms to Know 

When you go shopping for rainy weather gear, it’s helpful to know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant, among other terms. 

When we use the term waterproof, we mean that the product is completely impermeable to water. Water resistant, on the other hand, means that the product can resist water to a great degree, but not entirely. 

While most light rain jackets and inexpensive windbreakers are water-resistant, they aren’t entirely waterproof. They’ll keep you dry in a drizzle, but they’re useless in a heavy downpour. To be deemed fully waterproof, jackets need either a built-in barrier like Gore-Tex and/or an outer coating like DWR (durable water repellent) and fully taped seams. 

Washing and Protecting Your Gear 

Some people think that they can protect their waterproof gear by not washing it; actually, the opposite is true. Here’s why. 

To be effective, a waterproof jacket needs a couple of things: a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that will bead water and keep it out and clean layers that allow air to pass through. To keep those layers clean, and to keep your jacket doing what it’s supposed to, it’s important to wash the product regularly. When you do, be sure to check the label for specific instructions. Generally, we recommend washing the jacket in warm water, rinsing it well, and hanging it to dry. 

If you notice that your once-reliable jacket isn’t beading up water the way it used to, you may need to reapply DWR. This will help you keep your jacket for another few seasons. To reapply DWR, all you need is a spray-on product. At Alpine Shop, we offer the Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On, which works very well. 

We also carry a dual washing/waterproofing product by Nikwax, if you prefer. If you have questions about your jacket’s performance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. One of our staff members will be happy to help! 

Visit Alpine Shop for Waterproof Gear and More 

In addition to waterproof jackets and DWR sprays, we have top-of-the-line hiking boots, cozy socks, and everything else you might need for springtime sports. Visit our shop or explore online for the best waterproof gear in the area. Or find all of our men’s and women’s rain jackets here.

Alpine Shop’s Must Have Ski & Snowboard Gear

February is the month of prime time skiing and snowboarding in Missouri. Fortunately, Alpine Shop has partnered with several quality brands to serve our outdoor adventurers with stylish and durable items all season. One thing to keep in mind is that comfort is key, so dress for your climate.

Below, we’ve listed 10 must have items for winter sports, outside of the obvious ones like boots, skiis, poles, and snowboards. Check them out!

Ski & Snowboard Socks

Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Pattern Sock for Women

The Alpine Shop knows that ski and snowboard socks should be taller than your boots and not overly thick because that can restrict your blood circulation, which will actually make you colder. They should also have padding to protect your shins when they press against your boots. Luckily, we have a mixture of wool and synthetic socks to choose from to protect your feet from the cold, wet February weather.

Find these patterned socks from Smartwool® PhD here.

Helmet

Scout Helmet – Men’s Matte Jade Block

We’re big on safety at the Alpine Shop. A helmet will not only protect you from head injuries, but it will also keep your head and ears dry and warm. For added warmth, wear a form-fitting hat underneath. Helmets can also protect your eyes from especially sunny days. And when you have a clear view, you’re less likely to have accidents.

For this Smith Scout Snowsport helmet, go here.

Gloves or Mittens

Army Leather Heli Glove – Men’s

When it comes to handwear, make sure that the item you choose is designed for snowsports. Regular gloves or mittens won’t give you the protection you need, whereas skiing and snowboarding handwear are more insulated, waterproof, and may have a rubber lining for easy grip.

For these stylish gloves above, go here.

Goggles

Smith I/O Mag Xl Goggle – Black/Everyday Green Mirror

High quality goggles are a key piece to this list, as they protect your eyes from wind, snow, and sun glare. Not to mention, goggles increase contrast with snow, which is important because it helps you see bumps and slopes ahead. Make sure your goggles are properly secured so they don’t fall off during high speed winter sports.

For these green and blue gradient goggles by Smith, go here.

Neck Gaiter or Balaclava

Seirus Fleece Balacava

Alpine Shop has several neck gaiter and balaclava options to choose from. Neck gaiters are great to pull up over your nose in cold temperatures, but a balaclava offers even greater coverage. Always keep the bottom of neck gaiters or balaclavas under the collar of your jacket.

For this sleek neck gaiter by Seirus®, go here.

Light Fleece or Wool Top

Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap- T – Men’s

Need extra warmth? Wearing a light fleece or wool top under your jacket will add extra insulation on the slopes. Avoid cotton fabrics because they are not only colder, but they also take forever to dry out when wet from snow or sweat. Choose fabric that’s a cross between form-fitting and bulky so you can stay cozy and move around easily.

Ski & Snowboard Jacket

Columbia Autumn Slide Jacket – Women’s

You can’t go skiing or snowboarding without a jacket, right? Luckily, we have a variety to choose from for men, women, and kids. Choose a jacket that is breathable, waterproof or water resistant, insulated, and has convenient pockets. It may also be beneficial to choose one that’s a tad longer than a normal jacket to avoid snow seeping onto your base layer.

For the women’s ski/snowboard jacket above, go here.

Snow Pants

Snow Gun Pant – Men’s Item # 1462951

Columbia Snow Gun Pant – Men’s

The Alpine Shop has a number of color and style variations to choose from when it comes to ski and snowboard pants. Again, they should be waterproof or water resistant, and insulated, as well as have convenient pockets. Add fleece pants underneath for better insulation. The inner powder cuff goes over your boots to prevent snow from getting in. And remember, comfortability is the name of the game.

For these men’s gray snow pants by Columbia, go here.

Warm Baselayer

Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Crew Baselayer – Women’s

The baselayer will wick sweat off your skin and keep you warm. Wool, synthetic, or silk materials are best. Depending on the outside temperature and your comfort level, you may choose between a midweight and lightweight baselayer. Make sure the top and bottom fit properly, so they aren’t sliding around as you walk.

Ski and Snowboard Luggage

Burton Boothaus Bag – Medium

Having the right luggage is essential to contain all of those bulky gear for a trip to the slopes. You will want to make sure it’s durable, waterproof or water resistant, lightweight, and spacious. At Alpine Shop, we have different luggage for each winter sport, which includes ski roller bags, boot bags, and snowboard bags. We also have a general duffel bag, like the one above, for clothes and other accessories.

For this black ski and snowboard boot bag by Burton, go here.

Shop Online or Visit Our Store for More Great Deals this February

If you’re interested in adventure gear or outdoor favorites, shop online or visit Alpine Shop. Our staff will be happy to suggest a few more of our favorites!

Author: Holly Wentworth