What's New  The staff at Backcountry is rarely standing still for very long, there are new things happening all the time around the 3 stores, from new products, to new events or happenings, you can find it all right here. Our new store is open! Yes, it's true... We're opening a third store!  Times are tough - there's no doubt about it. But Backcountry is run by people with experience, vision and more than a little bit of spit. We believe the time to invest in our future is now. We're continuing to move forward and shape our destiny. So welcome to our third location in Birmingham! We are setting up shop at 284 West Maple, Birmingham, Michigan Tracy Mayer will step out from behind the scenes at Backcountry to run the new store. Tracy has literally spent her life in the outdoor industry. Her father, Walt Mayer, managed the Sportsman in downtown Birmingham before becoming a pioneer in wholesale representation of outdoor brands. Walt took his kids with him on this journey, working with icons in the industry including Yvon Chouinard (owner and founder of Patagonia), Hap Klopp (founder of The North Face) and Dick Kelty (of Kelty backpacks). During summers and school vacations, Tracy and her family traveled and camped-out with Walt throughout the country while he worked with retailers. After Tracy graduated from law school, she went on to practice law in Arizona, worked with her father as an outdoor industry sales rep, opened a retail store in New York City, and now co-owns Backcountry Outfitters in Traverse City and Birmingham. Tracy can work, live and play anywhere, and she chooses to do it all Michigan. Soon to be filled with some of your favorite name brand merchandise... We're excited to offer our customers a "southern" shopping location and proud to say we bring decades of experience to the table. Tracy has more than 25 years of working in the outdoor industry. Sandy Graham, at the downtown Traverse City store, has more than 30 years working as a store manager, sales rep and store owner in the outdoor industry. Becky Roethlisberger, at the US31 location in Traverse City, has more than 5 years leading outdoor trips and classes and another 23 years managing outdoor shops. All of our staff are passionate about outdoor recreation and helping people live better lives through outdoor experiences. It's hard to find another shop with as much experience, dedication and vision as Backcountry Outfitters. We are truly happy to have you as our customers, as our companions on the trails, the slopes and the water, and to be part of your community. Come join us for the ride. Feel good about the people you do business with. There's never a dull moment at Backcountry! New Products Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp The rechargeable Sprinter is a great choice for runners and everyone who uses their headlamp frequently. It has excellent balance and a low profile to minimize bouncing and shifting with your stride. A red rear strobe keeps you visible from behind. Powered by a lithium polymer rechargeable battery (6-hour charge time), just place the whole lamp on a charger - it doesn't get much easier. Waterproof to 1 M.   Wenonah Fusion Canoe The Fusion blends the best features of a canoe and kayak for recreation and fishing. Extra stable, it can be paddled with a kayak paddle or a canoe paddle. The padded high back seat comes standard and allows for hours of comfort. Lighter, quicker, and more maneuverable than most fishing kayaks, the Fusion also runs drier and holds more gear while keeping it all readily accessible. 13" long and 46 pounds. The North Face Men's Summer Sneaker This eco-friendly canvas sneaker is great for kicking around town, or an afternoon frolfing. 40% recycled rubber outsole and BLC-compliant suede and canvas upper means this shoe treads softly on the environment. The North Face Women's Ember This sophisticated, yet versatile, Mary-Jane may quickly become your favorite summer shoe. The adjustable in-step strap on the mesh upper provides a solid and comfortable fit. The upper is 37% post-consumer recycled mesh and the footbed has 100% post-consumer recycled topsheet. Mountain Hardwear Pinole 20º Sleeping Bag This new 20º sleeping bag is super for beginners and recreational users. The regular length weighs in at 3lb 3oz and is filled with a high-loft Thermic MX. At $79 for the regular ($89 for the long), you'll be hard pressed to find more bag for the money. Granite Gear Vapor Trail and Vapor Ki Backpacks The Vapor Trail is hands-down our favorite ultralight backpack. The ideal choice for carrying less than 30 pounds, the Vapor Trail uses a high-density polyethylene frame that distributes the load evenly over your back and onto your hips. The pack is fully hydration compatible with an internal sleeve and port. Reports from AT thru-hiker pack testers suggest that by the end of last season roughly 40% of AT thru-hikers were carrying the Vapor Trail. Vapor Ki is the women's version. Vasque Mindbender Trail Running Shoe This Gore-Tex trail running shoe, developed by Vasque and W.L. Gore, has an incredible fit. The Mindbender GTX is the first style to utilize a specific new fit enhancing Gore construction called "Gore-Tex conformable laminate technology". The Mindbender GTX offers the trail runner the best scenario possible, waterproof protection in a superb fitting shoe. Great for light hiking too, the Mindbender will carry you through a broad range of outdoor activities.   Keen "Re-Think" Recycled Bags Re-Think bags are made with repurposed materials, making them completely unique and one of a kind. Crafted from factory scraps that would otherwise go to waste, each Re-Think bag is one of a kind with a combination of colors and patterns exclusive to that bag. Available in several bag styles and wallets. Jetboil Flash The Flash is an all-in-one design, combining the burner and cooking pot in one compact unit. Everything you need is stored inside the 1.0 liter cooking cup. The system lights with the click of a button and within two minutes provides two cups of boiling water. The cooking cup clips onto the burner, preventing accidental spills, and the fuel canister tripod ensures overall stability. The insulating cozy has a color-changing heat indicator that signals when contents are hot. Kelty Child Carrier Kelty's kid carriers are designed for safety, comfort and ease of use. Available in several different models, all carriers have adjustable seats to grow with your child, adjustable harness for your child's security, auto deployed kickstand and fully adjustable suspension system for the adult propelling the whole thing forward. We stock the FC 3.0, FC 2.0 and FC 1.0 at all locations, along with a selection of accessories. Camelbak Flow Meter Convert any CamelBak reservoir into an intelligent hydration system with the Flow Meter. Water Gauge measures how much water you drink, and how much is left in your reservoir. This easily integrates with any CamelBak reservoir and is programmable to monitor personal hydration goals. Kokatat Watersports Wear Dress for the Swim, Not for the Weather! Backcountry always strives to offer the highest level of service and best product selection to our customers. We have teamed with Kokatat to be the Midwest's premier paddle clothing destination. Our US 31 location in Traverse City stocks a full range of Kokatat paddle clothing 12 months a year. Not just one dry suit in one size, but 3 styles of dry suits in sizes small through extra large. We also stock dry tops, paddling jackets and dry pants. We have a full selection of neoprene pants, shirts, gloves, hoods and footwear. Whether you're paddling the Great Lakes or Antarctica, we stock the clothing to keep you safe, dry and comfortable. As a premier dealer, we will special order any Kokatat item not currently in stock and have it shipped 3-day (does not include custom orders or alterations) or drop-ship to your address at no additional charge. Because most Kokatat products are sewn in California, if you require alterations or repairs our staff can facilitate a custom order (allow 6 to 8 weeks). Life is Good Kid's Foundation T-Shirts Backcountry Outfitters is now carrying Life is Good® "Optimism Has No Borders" Haiti relief tees for men, women and children. These proceeds will go to helping the children of Haiti in the aftermath of their recent, devastating earthquake.The Life is Good® Kids Foundation supports extraordinary charities that create a lasting positive impact on children facing unfair challenges, including the trauma of violence, poverty, and loss. Life is Good donates 100% of its profits from the sale of fundraising tees to the Kid's Foundation. These short-sleeved "Optimism Has No Borders" tees will be available in varying shades of blue for men, women, and children and will be available at both store locations.