For the paddler “We’re lucky to have lots of places to get paddling gear in town. Pathfinder is a great locally owned shop with a nice selection, and Dunham’s is a regional chain with a good-sized inventory. For fishing kayaks and canoes, Sportsman’s Emporium is local and knowledgeable. Each of the bigger chains— Bass Pro Shops , Dick’s Sporting Goods , and Sportsman’s Warehouse —carries a selection, too. “Nice gifts for paddlers: A small or medium-size dry bag for keeping your things together and protected is a perfect gift. A whistle is a great stocking stuffer—that’s required when you’re on West Virginia waters. I always carry a small light, like a Maglite. And something that’s really useful is a portable phone charger—you want to be sure you can communicate if you need advice or directions or you’re having trouble, or you just want to send photos. That’s a fine gift for anybody who does outdoor stuff.” — Mary Wimmer , avid kayaker and coordinator of the Morgantown Area Paddlers
wamsley cycles
For the skier or camper “Cross-country skiers have been
bags. With a great headlamp, you can hike and finish up after dark with no problem, and Pathfinder ranks high in that department. For cold weather camping, mid-weight synthetic long underwear is a difference-maker— start your search for that at Dick’s Sporting Goods . “Gift ideas for both: Nothing is better than a great pair of mittens! Hand warmer packets make excellent stocking stuffers. Softshell pants revolutionized winter, and wool hats lined with fleece are the ticket. I love 100% wool socks by Darn Tough—you can find these at Sportsman’s Warehouse .” — Adam Polinski , loves to camp and ski, longtime active member of Coopers Rock Foundation
buying their skis, bindings, and boots at Pathfinder for decades. It’s also the only shop in town for downhill gear—they have staff trained in boot-fitting and ski techs who can install bindings and tune skis. For accessories, sunglasses or goggles are important for protection from wind and sun. Cross-country skiing poles of adjustable length can be optimized for a variety of snow conditions. A $5 ski scraper for less- than-stellar snow conditions is good in the stocking. “When it comes to camping gear, Dunham’s is the bargain basement in town. Tents there under $200 are amazing compared to a generation ago. It’s also your first stop for sleeping
For Furry Friends Online Bubbles, Bones & Biscuits Downtown The Critter Cottage The Mileground Exotic Jungle Pet Superstore Suncrest Towne Centre Pet Works
The Gift of Gear OUTFIT YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOORSFOLK RIGHT HERE IN TOWN WITH THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS
36 MORGANTOWN WINTER 2022
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