Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids

March 7-10, 2024

DATES, TIMES & ADMISSIONS

Show Dates & Hours

Thursday, March 7, 2024

1:00 pm-8:00 pm

Friday, March 8, 2024

12:00 pm-8:00 pm

Saturday, March 9, 2024

10:00 am-8:00 pm

Sunday, March 10, 2024

10:00 am-5:00 pm

From fishing tackle and hunting gear to boats, kayaks, and camping essentials, the Ultimate Sports Show offers something for everyone looking to enhance their outdoor experience. Beyond the exhibits, visitors can also enjoy educational seminars, demonstrations, and interactive activities, providing valuable insights and entertainment for both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the outdoor lifestyle. This event serves as a hub for enthusiasts to connect, learn, and immerse themselves in the excitement of outdoor sports, setting the stage for memorable experiences and adventures in the great outdoors.

The post March: The Ultimate Sport Show in Grand Rapids appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

This is primarily due to the lake of ice on the lake and the inability of the DNR to enforce harvest limits. While unfortunate, this is probably the best decision as sturgeon recovery efforts are still underway to reintroduce and stabilize populations that were decimated in the early 1900s.

Learn more about Lake Sturgeon here. And more about the State of Michigan sturgeon fishing seasons and guidelines here.

In other fishing news, should be a great weekend to get out and get some winter steelhead and trout fishing done.

Looking for sturgeon fishing line? Check this braided line out.

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Check out our fly fishing brand, Bivvy Creek!

The post Michigan Cancels Black Lake Sturgeon Season appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

About Bivvy Creek

Bivvy Creek is a brand dedicated to redefining the fly fishing experience. With a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and community engagement, Bivvy Creek offers a range of premium fly fishing gear for anglers who seek both elegance and efficiency on the water.

Passionate Community Engagement: At the heart of Bivvy Creek is a commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive community of anglers. We believe that fly fishing is not just a sport; it’s a shared journey of exploration and camaraderie. Through social media initiatives, community events, and partnerships with angling organizations, Bivvy Creek aims to bring together like-minded individuals who share a love for the water and the pursuit of finned adventures.

Sustainability at the Core: Bivvy Creek acknowledges the importance of environmental stewardship in preserving the waters we cherish. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our product choices, packaging, and partnerships. Bivvy Creek strives to leave a minimal footprint, ensuring that future generations can experience the same joys of fly fishing in pristine environments.

Join the Bivvy Creek Experience: Pack & Paddle Expedition Co invites anglers, both seasoned veterans and those new to the sport, to join the Bivvy Creek experience. Explore our premium fly fishing gear, connect with our community, and embark on a journey that celebrates the beauty of nature and the art of fly fishing.

The post Introducing Bivvy Creek! appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

The post Summer 2023 Outdoor Recreation Survey appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

The heat has greatly impacted outdoor activities and lead to tragedy. The New York Times reported that seven hikers have died so far due to heat-related illnesses while hiking this summer in the Southwest. These have been in state and national parks as well, not as remote as they could be (here are some tips on staying safe in the wilderness).

The Impact of Heat on the Body: Our bodies rely on a delicate balance of temperature regulation. Engaging in outdoor activities under the scorching sun can lead to various heat-related issues, ranging from mild discomfort to severe health risks. It’s important to be aware of these issues to recognize their symptoms and take proactive steps to mitigate them.

Common Heat-Related Issues

1. Heat Exhaustion: This occurs when the body overheats, often due to inadequate hydration and prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include excessive sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, and weakness.
2. Heat Stroke: The most severe heat-related condition, heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. It’s characterized by a dangerously high body temperature, confusion, hot and dry skin, rapid breathing, and even loss of consciousness.
3. Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can lead to dehydration, causing fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, and decreased urine output. Severe dehydration can result in organ failure and heat-related illnesses.
4. Heat Cramps: Intense physical activity in hot conditions can cause muscle cramps due to electrolyte imbalances resulting from excessive sweating.

Here Are Some Tips For Staying Safe & Cool

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after outdoor activities. Avoid excessive caffeine (I know, I know-I live on coffee too) and alcohol, as they contribute to dehydration.
2. Plan and Pace Yourself: Schedule outdoor activities during cooler hours, such as early morning or late afternoon. Take frequent breaks and rest in the shade to avoid overexertion.
3. Dress Wisely: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin to protect it from the sun. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
4. Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
5. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body is responding to the heat. If you or your companions experience symptoms of heat-related issues, take action immediately.
6. Know the Signs: Be familiar with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or don’t improve after taking preventive measures.

Staying Safe

As outdoor adventurers, it’s our responsibility to enjoy the beauty of nature while also prioritizing our safety and well-being. If we understand the risks associated with heat-related issues during activities and take appropriate precautions, we can continue to explore, hike, bike, and adventure with confidence. Remember, preparation and awareness are key to ensuring that the heat doesn’t dampen our outdoor spirits. Stay safe and stay cool! Be sure to sign up for our email list.

References

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/summer-of-record-breaking-heat-paints-story-of-a-warming-world-scientists-say

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/08/15/record-breaking-summer-seattle-portland-break-daily-high-temperature-records-after-hottest-july-ever/?sh=7438298425bf

Heat Stroke While Hiking: 7 Ways To Prevent It

Image by Franz Bachinger from Pixabay

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Interested in some editorial content? Check out this article I published on the effects of climate change on outdoor recreation. It’s a sobering reality we have to confront.

The post Staying Safe & Cool Because It’s Hot appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

It’s An Ongoing and Current Issue

We’ve seen weather affecting outdoor activities even just within the past two months. Higher temperatures are causing people to forgo outdoor activities such as running and hiking. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires make it more difficult for at-risk individuals to participate in outdoor recreation.

Warmer water can lead to dangerous algae blooms due to more algae-friendly habitat and agricultural runoff. This leads to fewer opportunities for fishing and swimming sports-which are mainstays of summer. While warmer weather is found to increase the number of outdoor activities (Willwerth et al, 2023), the research doesn’t consider drought or the effect that algae blooms and more salinized water has on outdoor recreation.

Fishing and Climate Change

Recreational fishing is dramatically affected by even subtle changes to climates. For example, in a study of fisherman not catching any trout, it was shown that when water temperatures were 19 degrees Celsius, the number of anglers not catching trout increased by 50% (Paudyal et al., 2015). In rivers in Appalachia, brook trout are at risk for losing significant portions of their habitat (Paudyal et al., 2015). Unfortunately, smaller catch rates will exacerbate the issue of declining participation in recreational fishing.

Recreational fishing and hunting are microcosms of the broader political discourse. Many anglers for instance, will blame decreasing catch rates on poor resource management by state governments, overfishing by other angles, and a myriad of other things, rather than identifying the role that climate change and overall warming temperatures have on fish catch rates. The study of the effects of climate change and commercial fishing has been a popular area of concern. However, the effects of climate change on sport and recreation fishing is a newer area. Townhill et al., have published a study (referenced below) that begins to consider the effects of increased salinity in freshwater, decreased salinity in saltwater and the overall warming of waters on recreational fishing.

Local Parks

Local communities with parks that have features such as beaches and trails are having difficulty maintaining park equipment and trails due to increased flooding and more damaging storms. This has a dramatic impact on everyone’s ability to get out and hike even at the local park down the street. Even worse, many boardwalks that make trails accessible to everyone can take years before they are properly fixed once damaged, if they are fixed at all.

National Parks

Even national parks have been closed in recent years due to extreme weather occurrences. For instance, this spring floods closed parts of Yosemite National Park due to winter snow melting. Before that, parts were closed due to extreme snowfall. In 2022, Yellowstone National Park experienced dramatic flooding that washed roads away, leading to closures. So even high-profile outdoor trips are becoming more and more frequently affected due to extreme weather.

Winter Recreation

Winter recreation in most parts of the United States has been suffering due to more unpredictable weather and above average temperatures. The U.S. Forest Service reports that climate change projects anticipate shorter winters with less snow. The EPA reports that total snowfall has decreased due to many locations receiving more rain in the fall than snow. Also, the days of peak snowpack have been decreasing every year. Projected to reach $32 billion by 2031, the winter sports equipment market will see dramatic shifts away from things such as ski equipment as the timeframe for using that equipment shortens every year.

Conclusion

As a nearly $1 trillion industry, the outdoor recreation industry is uniquely affected by climate change. Indeed, nearly every vertical within the industry relies on well, a stable climate that remains healthy for humans and the environment to participate in. However, climate change has been causing ongoing issues and if projections are accurate, it’s an industry that stands to get decimated. Also, climate change issues affect all participants, regardless of political party. This is something that needs to be figured out, or our fish are going to disappear, and our mountain breezes are going to be laden with ash. And those who participate in the outdoor industry will have to find new hobbies and passions.

References

Climate change and harmful algal blooms | US EPA. (2022, December 15). US             EPA. https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/climate-change-and-harmful-algal-blooms

Climate change indicators in the United States | US EPA. (2023, July 31). US             EPA. https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators

Climate change is changing the face of outdoor recreation | Feature | Parks and Recreation        Magazine | NRPA. (n.d.). https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-         magazine/2017/october/climate-change-is-changing-the-face-of-outdoor-recreation/

Climate change – Outdoor Industry Association. (2023, February 6). Outdoor Industry             Association. https://outdoorindustry.org/advocacy/climate

Paudyal, R., Poudyal, N. C., Bowker, J., Dorison, A. M., Zarnoch, S. J., & Green, G. T. (2015). A       value orientation approach to assess and compare climate change risk perception         among trout anglers in Georgia, USA. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 11,        22–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2015.06.004

Townhill, B. L., Radford, Z., Pecl, G. T., Van Putten, I., Pinnegar, J. K., & Hyder, K. (2019). Marine recreational fishing and the implications of climate change. Fish and Fisheries, 20(5),    977–992. https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.12392

Willwerth, Sheahan, M., Chan, N., Fant, C., Martinich, J., & Kolian, M. (2023). The Effects of          Climate Change on Outdoor Recreation Participation in the United States: Projections for the Twenty-First Century. Weather, Climate, and Society., 15(3), 477–492.       https://doi.org/10.1175/WCAS-D-      22-0060.1

The post The Effects of Climate Change on Outdoor Recreation appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just starting out, our videos will transport you to some of the most beautiful parts of Michigan and maybe some of the remote corners of the planet. From epic hikes through rugged mountains, north woods adventures, to canoe camping trips down rivers, we’ve got it all. Our team of expert guides and filmmakers use the latest technology to capture every moment of the adventure, bringing you along for the ride. So subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

But that’s not all. In addition to our footage of the great outdoors, our channel also features tips and tricks for planning your own adventures. From selecting the right gear to finding the best routes and campsites, we’ve got you covered. We’re passionate about sharing our love of the outdoors and helping others experience the same sense of wonder and awe that we feel every time we embark on a new journey. We’ll probably have some funny and relatable content also.

So what are you waiting for? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel today and join our community of adventure seekers. Want to join our team and help build our YouTube channel and premium content? Send us a message here-we’re always looking for additional viewpoints and adventures.

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Some of our most popular articles include:

• Essential backpacking gear
• Mountain Lion Safety Tips
• Survival & Emergency Kit
• Fishing Webcams

Of course, we have a lot of articles on our website. Be sure to join our mailing list to stay up to date with our articles and expeditions!

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Is your romantic partner one of your outdoor adventure companions? Here are some Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your hiking or backpacking partner.

A Custom Map

A custom map of their favorite hiking trail or perhaps one of the first backpacking loop you guys did together would make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift. Custom map makers such as Craft & Oak can personalize maps with different messages that allow you to make it as meaningful of a gift as you want. This is a gift that can be displayed prominently in a shared room, making it a great reminder of your relationship. Also, it’s a gift that can be enjoyed and used, and that can create lasting memories.

A Two-Person Hammock

What is more romantic that a two-person hammock? The ENO DoubleNest hammock is a great option. A two-person hammock can be a romantic Valentine’s Day gift for a partner because it allows for cozy and intimate moments outdoors. You can use a two-person tent for a variety of activities. You can relax in it and enjoy the sunset from the top of a sand dune. Further, two-person hammocks allow you to read a book or have a picnic together. It can also be used for camping trips, providing a comfortable sleeping option, depending on how much your partner snores. However, tents make little difference regarding this issue, so it’s up to you.

Campfire Stories Deck

The Campfire Stories Deck is a card deck containing prompts for igniting a conversation around the campfire. Each card has a different prompt or question to spark conversation and can be used to help people get to know each other better or to spark deeper conversations. Why would the Campfire Stories Deck make a great Valentine’s Day present? Because it provides a fun and unique way for couples to connect and have meaningful conversations. Plus, what else are you going to do for four hours while winter camping before it’s time for bed?

Kelty Low-Love Seat Camping Chair

The Kelty Low-Love Seat Camping Chair is an absolutely fantastic Valentine’s Day gift for the special camper in your life. What better way to enjoy the outdoors than snuggling next to a campfire? The chair is durable, ensuring it will last for many outdoor adventures. Also, the chair is lightweight and easy to transport, making it perfect for camping, picnics, or other outdoor activities.

Double Sleeping Bag

One of the best Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your hiking partner would be a double sleeping bag. A double sleeping bag such as the North Face Dolomite One Double Camping Sleeping bag is a great choice. The Dolomite One is available in both regular and long sizes. It’s comfortable down to fifteen degrees farenheit.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Your Hiking Partner

We hope that these gift ideas are helpful when you’re shopping for your partner. Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day gift that you received that was outdoor-related? Leave a comment below!

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What to do if you’re lost in the woods? Here’s a few tips on how to stay safe if you’re lost in the woods. If you’re shopping for a new backpacking and hiking knife, here are some of our recommendations.

The post Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Your Hiking Partner appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

The Pico Partners are fundraising to save Pico Blanco, an old boy scout camp in California. By preserving Pico Blanco, the group plans to maintain the conservational and cultural heritage that the old camp offers. The camp’s location has cultural significance to several Native tribes. Preserving the land and camp, the organizations involved hope to restore the space. Also, the local Esselen tribe, hopes to use it as an area for passing on traditional teachings, gatherings, and sacred practices. You can help by donating to the organization.

What is Pico Blanco?

Pico Blanco Boy Scout Camp is a summer camp in the Santa Lucia Mountains of California. The camp was founded in 1940 by the Monterey Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The camp is on a site with redwood groves and a lake, and the camp is also near various hiking trails. The camp’s mission was to provide a fun and challenging outdoor experience for boys and young men. While at camp, the campers would learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and self-reliance. Furthermore, the camp offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping, as well as specialized programs such as mountain biking and backpacking.

The History of the Area Surrounding Pico Blanco

Indigenous people have a long history in California, specifically in the Big Sur and Ventana Wilderness regions. They arrived in the area approximately 12,000 years ago, following herds of game. Over time, they established permanent settlements and developed distinct cultures and traditions. The Esselen people, who lived in the Big Sur region, were known for hunting, fishing, and farming black oak acorns around Pico Blanco, which holds a central place in their creation story. The Esselen and other indigenous tribes lived in the region peacefully for thousands of years.

The History of Camp Pico Blanco

Boy Scouts from the Santa Clara, San Benito, and Monterey Bay Council #55 camped and built makeshift facilities around Pico Blanco from 1927 to 1934. In 1948, the Monterey Bay Area Council purchased 1,445 acres to build Camp Pico Blanco with a grant from the Hearst Foundation. In 1964, Congress created the Ventana Wilderness Area around the Pico Blanco region, which is still largely undeveloped today. Recently, developers have been pressured to build resorts and commercial ventures in the area, leading to concerns about protecting the unique natural environment. In 2022, the Boy Scouts of America chose the Pico Partners as the buyers of the camp due to their commitment to being stewards of the land. Part of this decision was the commitment to offer programming that inspires young people to love and learn from nature. (For a complete history of the camp and surrounding area, check out this link).

Questions? Comments?

Send us a message. Stay up-to-date with outdoor news here.

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