THE ALBERNI POST

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IN OUR MAY ISSUE
How to Pack your Pack
What's New: BOR�AL DESIGN Kayaks!
What's Happening: Paddle Fest and Demo Days!
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NEWS from  the 'POST beachfront
 

 
 
 
 
Dear Reader:
 
We can hardly wait to get out on the water, and we hope you feel the same way. We've amped up our summer program with some exciting features such as Paddle Fest on Transfer Beach in Ladysmith and our very own popular Demo Days, held on June 6th at Long Lake in Nanaimo. 
 
If you're looking to buy, of if you are a first-time kayaker, these events are the perfect way to demo kayaks, and a great opportunity for family fun.
 
Don't forget that we now offer tours on our Big Canoes: capable of seating up to eighteen paddlers at once!
 
If you're looking to try something new, be among the first to try Stand Up Paddleboarding. Stand Up Paddleboarding is something anyone can do, but will continue to challenge the most experienced paddlers. At Alberni Outpost we now offer both rentals and lessons. Don't miss out on this new popular sport! 
 
Your friends at Alberni Outpost
 
How Pack your Pack 

So you've got the gear. You've bought the tent and a neat little stove. You're ready for that grand adventure off the beaten track but one last question nags: how do go get it all in the bag? More importantly, how do you pack the weight in a way that won't cost a trip to your chiropractor? Don't worry, the answer isn't hard. 

load distributionYour shoulders and hips are the parts of your body that carry the weight of your backpack. To avoid back strain, place the heaviest items you will be carrying high on your back between your shoulder blades and centered over your hips.

Light items

Medium items

Heavy items

Sleeping bag

Stove

Tent

Pillow

Water filter

Food

Clothing

Canister fuel

Water

Foam pad

First-aid kit

Liquid fuel

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Start by placing lightweight items in the bottom of the bag--for instance: your sleeping bag and the clothing you won't need until night. Next, put in your medium items, making sure that any liquids are firmly secured. Finally, top your bag off with the heaviest items. Keep in mind that you should be carrying no more than 30% of your weight.

Many multi day packs have a sleeve for suspending a hydration bag high inside your pack. A hydration bag (such as a Platypus or Camelbak bag) has a hose that comes out of the top of your pack and clips onto the shoulder straps. This feature gives you easy access to water and encourages you to drink more as you hike. Staying hydrated as you backpack gives you significantly more energy for the trail ahead.

Use the compression straps on your bag to synch the load securely into place. A shifting load not only causes greater back strain, it can throw you dangerously off balance as you scramble across tricky terrain. For the same reason, try to minimize the amount of gear you lash to the outside of your pack. Make sure this gear is distributed with the heaviest items on the top of the pack.

shoesBecause women have a lower center of gravity, they may prefer to pack some of the heavier weight items lower towards their hips. As well, if you happen to be crossing extremely rough terrain, dropping the heavy part of your load lower in your bag may help you balance better.

The best way to organize your gear is with stuff sacks. These brightly colored waterproof sacks are the perfect way to separate and identify the items you need. They help you guard against fuel leak and insure that your food and dirty laundry aren't going to mix.

So now you know--don't waste another drop of sunshine.

 Go play outside.

 
What's New: BOR�AL DESIGN Kayaks!

boreal design kayaksOur new BOR�AL DESIGN Kayaks are set apart though meticulous attention to detail and renown quality.

Founded in 1991 by a team of engineers and hand-picked specialists, BOR�AL DESIGN has quickly become a player in the competitive kayak market. Known for their unique skeg and rudder systems, as well as a number of other innovative features, BOR�AL DESIGN offers plastic and composite kayaks unlike any others. Come try one out today!
 
 
New Epsilon Series
 
 

At the cutting edge of design, BOR�ALDESIGN introduces for 2009 the all-new Epsilon series, a first for sea kayaking.

The Epsilon offers the optimal combination of stability and manoeuverability with an innovative design, look and feel. The series is available in composite or polyethylene, and includes 3 sizes that will suit every paddler irrespective of height or weight, between 90 and 280lbs and 5' to 6'5''.

 
 
What's Happening: Paddle Fest and Demo Days
 
events 
  
The Nanaimo Adventure Center is now open 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm. We rent kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards.
 
Alberni Outpost 
(250) 760-0044 
1-866-760-0011
 
Many thanks to all our customers, we hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
 

Richard Antonchuk
Alberni Outpost
 Spring Sale!

10% off any plastic or fiberglass kayak currently in stock!LOGO

 *purchase kevlar kayaks at the regular price of a matching fiberglass model*
 
Offer Expires: May 31st 2010