Feathered Friends Blog

Penguin Double Bag

Feathered Friends Double Bags

When we started making down gear in 1972, Feathered Friends was a small operation run out of our founders’ basement. Each bag was a design adventure, from exploring baffle techniques to fabric choices and shape. The founders also had complete freedom to create what they wanted, from specialized alpine gear to versatile bags that could support a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. It was from this pursuit of versatility that the Feathered Friends double bags developed.

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Arches-Feathered-Friends-Journal

“For a little while we are again able to see, as the child sees, a world of marvels.” Edward Abbey

In 1956 and 1957 Edward Abbey was the park ranger for Arches, at a time before it had achieved National Park status and when the unpaved roads were more traveled by tumbleweeds and lizards than visitors. Now, the park is visited by 1.5 million people each year.

Even with this incredible number of visitors, Arches retains its sense of awe and wonder. Of all the parks I visited, I saw more people here who were simply standing, observing, and marveling. You know you are somewhere special when a child’s expression of awe at the 290-foot expanse of Landscape Arch is mirrored on the face of the adults beside them.

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Bryce Canyon National Park Watercolor Painting

Part One: A Feathered Friends Tour of the Southwest

Hoodoos. Ladies with hairdos. Fairy Chimneys. Whatever you call them, the incredible rock formations of Bryce Canyon are unlike anything else in the world. The towering spires, vibrant colors, and chromatic vistas were the first stop in a road trip to celebrate the National Park Centennial.

Last month I went on a month-long road trip to explore the parks that are arguably one of “America’s best ideas” in relation to conservation and recreation. It was also the perfect opportunity to put some new Feathered Friends gear to the test in a cold and arid climate.

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Patagonia Worn Wear Tour @ Feathered Friends | April 15 It isn’t uncommon for us to see a well-loved, and well-used, sleeping bag or jacket come through the Feathered Friends store looking for a little TLC. After all, there are a plenty of adventures to be had, so why let a small tear or a … Continue reading Patagonia Worn Wear Tour – April 15

The post Patagonia Worn Wear Tour – April 15 appeared first on Expedition Tales.

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Join us June 12th, 2014 for a wonderful presentation by Heather Anish Anderson on achieving lofty goals and overcoming fears - what it took to set the unsupported speed record on the Pacific Crest Trail
Join us June 12th, 2014 for a wonderful presentation by Heather Anish Anderson on achieving lofty goals, overcoming fears, and what it took to set the unsupported speed record on the Pacific Crest Trail

PCT Express with Heather “Anish” Anderson

The Pacific Crest Trail is an ambitious undertaking for any through-hiker. With over 2660 miles of varied terrain from Mexico to Canada, the PCT offers plenty of physical and mental challenges. In 2013, Heather “Anish” Anderson not only completed the Pacific Crest Trail unsupported, a tremendous feat in itself, but did so by shattering the record time, finishing the entire trail in 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes!

Join us at Feathered Friends June 12, 2014 at 7pm as Heather presents the challenges of pursuing such a difficult undertaking, and what it took to finish the Pacific Crest Trail, self-supported, in record time. Whether you are planning a full through-hike of your own on one of America’s Triple Crown routes, or just enjoy the exceptional outdoor opportunities in Washington, this promises to be an insightful and exciting evening.

Where: Feathered Friends
What: ‘PCT Express’ presentation with Heather Anderson
When: Thursday, June 12th
Time: Starts at 7pm
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Bonus: Swag

See you there!

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