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Friday, October 4, 2013

The Best Backpack for your Travel Style


The Best Multi-Feature Bag

The Asolo Navigator

If you like a bag with all the features, the Asolo navigator is the way to go.  This rugged bag design has stood the test of time, with everything you need to traverse the world with your life on your back.

A detachable daypack and toiletry kit provide plenty of added function to the large, suitcase-style main compartment.  Padded handles, lockable zippers, and a hide-away suspension system all combine to making this bag a full-featured choice - and the short-length versions and adjustable back mean it's sure to fit right for a comfortable carry.

Don't forget to stop by the store for a personalized adjustment before you hop your plane!

Navigator 70L

Navigator 70L Short Length

Navigator 60L Short Length



The Best Minimalist Bag

The Deuter ACT Lite

With its minimalist, lightweight design, the ACT Lite is a sleek, technical choice perfect for those who want to carry less and travel further.

The streamlined design won't hold you up in narrow bus isles, and lets you slip in and out of the overstuffed luggage hold with a minimum of fuss.  The removable internal separator, stretch front pocket and lid pocket allow for basic gear organization without weighing you down with bulky external pockets.

This bag is an ideal choice if your trip includes trekking excursions, or if you just want it to double as a hiking pack post-travel.  Breathable padding and contoured shoulder and hip straps make it a breeze to carry, and the X-frame system moves with your body whether you're running to catch a train or tackling long-distance trails.  Features an adjustable-length back system, and is available in both regular and short-length sizes.

ACT Lite 45+10 Short Length

ACT Lite 50+10



The Best Best-of-Both-Worlds Bag

The Deuter Aircontact

The Aircontact has a unique design that combines a top-loading design with a full suitcase-style front panel opening...perfect for finding that one button-down shirt you stuffed into the bottom of your bag 3 weeks ago!

A variety of pockets and removable internal separator provide plenty of scope for organization, and the included rain cover stays tucked out of sight in its bottom pocket, ready for that unexpected squall while you're walking to the bus.  The expanding hood provides an extra 10L of storage, ideal for squeezing in unexpected souvenirs along the way.

Even if your trip doesn't include long treks, a bad bag can make the 20 minutes from the train to the hostel can feel like one!  The Aircontact includes the same breathable padding, contoured hip and shoulder straps and X-frame system as Deuter's other hiking bags, so you get great freedom of movement and comfortable weight distribution even when carrying large loads. Features an adjustable-length back system for a perfect fit and is available in both regular and short-length sizes.

Aircontact 60+10 Short Length

Aircontact 65+10



The Best Bag That's Not a Backpack

The North Face Base Camp Duffel

... or at least, not always a backpack!  For those who like to do things a little differently, the Base Camp Duffel provides all the convenience of a wide-mouth duffel bag plus end grab handles, carrying handles, and backpack straps so you can carry your gear any way you choose.

Far from an average bag, this water-resistant duffel is used on expeditions all over the world to keep gear dry and protected.  The durable PVC fabric is designed to be as tough as you are, holding up when thrown on planes and trains in far flung destinations.

Available in a variety of sizes and colours, though we suggest a bright one for baggage-claim visibility!  Features an internal mesh pocket with key clip and ID tag window.

Small Base Camp Duffel (42 L)

Medium Base Camp Duffel (72 L)

Large Base Camp Duffel (90 L)

XLarge Base Camp Duffel (140 L)


Backpack Selection Tips

Fit, Form, then Fashion!

Whatever your travel style, the most important part of choosing your bag is making sure it fits properly.  Whenever possible, every backpack should receive a full personalized adjustment from a knowledgeable professional to make sure it is providing the most comfortable and healthy weight distribution.  Every backpack purchased from Wilderness Supply includes a free fitting session in-store from one of our trained staff members - so feel free to stop by!

Once you have determined your backpack size, you can move on to form - the features and layout you desire.  We carry a huge variety of bags with variable and adjustable back lengths, so once we determine your size it is easy to find the bag that also has all the right features for you.

Last comes the fun part... the fashion!  Once you have determined your ideal bag that fits and includes all the features you need, have a blast choosing the colour or design you like best.  After all, your home-away-from-home should reflect your taste just as much as your real home does!

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Friday, October 4, 2013

Thunder Bay Annual Students-Only Blowout Sale!

Thursday, October 17th from 7-9 Thunder Bay students are invited to Wilderness Supply for a one-day-only sale sure to get you set for the year to come! Find unbeatable pricing with discounts up to 80% off on clothing, footwear and gear.

We've taken on stock from an alternate store's close out, so this sale will feature incredible deals on brands not normally in Wilderness Supply stock, including:

  • Arc'teryx
  • Icebreaker
  • Brooks

Plus great discounts on our normal brands, including:

  • The North Face
  • Patagonia
  • Mountain Hardwear
  • Outdoor Research
  • and more!

Don't miss your chance to stock up with once-a-year deals on gear, clothing and footwear.  All you need is your student card for access to deals up to 80% off!

Thursday, October 17th

7 - 9 pm

Wilderness Supply, 244 Pearl Street

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Saturday, August 31, 2013

Free Entry into Manitoba Provincial Parks this Labour Day Weekend


With gorgeous weather still upon us, the long weekend is a great time to squeeze in a few more summer adventures before the seasons turn and nights get chilly.

If a little outdoor adventure is in your plans this weekend you may be glad to hear that entry into all Manitoba Provincial Parks is free this weekend, from Friday Aug. 30 to Monday, Sep. 2.

Conservation and Water Stewardship has also organized free interpretive programs, including:

  • an amphitheatre presentation on how you can Be Bear Smart at 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, a campfire talk about the lives of coyotes at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31 and a family program to make masks of favourite animals at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1 at Birds Hill Provincial Park;
  • a campfire talk on how water has sculpted Manitoba at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31 and an amphitheatre presentation on Lake Winnipeg’s unique features at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1 at Grand Beach Provincial Park;
  • a campfire talk on edible wild foods at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 and an amphitheatre presentation on the effects of wildfires at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Spruce Woods Provincial Park.;
  • an opportunity to see Canada geese and other wildlife up close and take part in interpretive activities Friday through Monday at the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary Visitor Centre in Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Government of Manitoba Press Release

Photo via Travel Manitoba on Flickr


Related Articles:

2013 Manitoba Park Passes Now Available

How to Camp... In Manitoba

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Saturday, August 10, 2013

The new Wilderness Supply Boot Print Performance Tee

Now you can wear your wild spirit on your sleeve with our new Wilderness Supply boot print T-shirts!  These mens and women's shirts feature dri-balance technology for improved moisture management that takes these shirts from lounging at the lake to hitting the trails.

And did we mention?  They make you look good!

Available now online and at our Ferry Road location, and in all other stores store late next week!

Wilderness Supply Men's Boot Print Tee

Wilderness Supply Women's Boot Print Tee

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Thursday, July 18, 2013

Free Entry into Manitoba Parks July 19-21


Entry into all Manitoba Provincial Parks will be free this weekend, July 19th-21th, in celebration of Manitoba Parks Day on July 20th.

Saturday will also feature many park activities, including:

  • Campfire talk on the history of Birds Hill Park at 8:30 p.m.
  • Interpretive amphitheatre presentation at Grand Beach at 9:30 p.m.
  • Guided walk of Hecla Village at 3 p.m.
  • Interpretive guided tour of historic homes in the St. Norbert area at 1 p.m.
  • Play Parks Jeopardy and enjoy an interpretive amphitheatre presentation at Spruce Woods at
    9 p.m.
  • Campfire talk on the history of the Whiteshell at the Alfred Hole sanctuary in Rennie at 8 p.m.

The break from usual park fees is a celebration of the province's many natural resources.  “Manitoba parks are among the greatest natural resources we have,” said Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh. “They benefit the environment, provide a natural habitat for plants and animals, and give people the opportunity to reconnect with peace and tranquility."

Government of Manitoba Press Release

Photo via Travel Manitoba on Flickr


Related Articles:

2013 Manitoba Park Passes Now Available

How to Camp... In Manitoba

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