Camping & Climbing

Where Form Meets Function | Knives

Whether you carry a knife everywhere you go or use them to chop vegetables for dinner, knives are an essential tool in all of our lives. Almost all of us at Outdoor Sports Center carry one all day every day. They prove themselves invaluable more often than you'd expect, from opening boxes and letters to cutting the tags off the new shirt you just bought. A good knife not only performs day after day but is made with the quality and craftsmanship to last a lifetime.

The Bushcrafter is a wonderful fixed blade design from Benchmade that you know is built with quality. You know you have a good knife, one you can count on. It's solid, functional, well balanced, and features premium blade steel. You get a durable G10 handle fastened with titanium tubing and a nice leather sheath with an attached fire steel. Also available in Kydex with sand G10 handles. Benchmade Bushcrafter.

A Major in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division contacted Spyderco sourcing a better knife for their Jumpmasters. More than a few of their crew already carry Spydercos and were familiar with our serrations and manufacturing quality standards.  The Army's 82nd Airborne set out what they wanted in a knife and Spyderco complied by making the Spyderco Jumpmaster fixed blade with rust-proof H1 steel. Spyderco Jumpmaster.

Kizer knives construction is just what you would expect from a custom knife. Kizer is committed to design and manufacture world-class knives.  The knives are constructed from high-quality materials imported from Japan and the USA, are crafted using high-quality workmanship using high-speed CNC milling machines and wire EDM cutting tools. Kizer Ti Folder.

This high-performance S30V blade is paired with textured black G-10 scales for a secure grip and excellent mechanical strength even under the roughest conditions. The scales are flat rather than 3D machined. A locking liner secures the blade during use. The 0350 also includes ZT's Quad-mount system for complete versatility. Zero Tolerance 0350.

The rugged feel and performance of the DPx HEST fixed blade has been engineered into a hard use frame lock folder. The D2 Tool Steel folder comes with a Titanium alloy frame, patented RotoBlock adjustment, removable glass breaker (with replacement smooth-head screw), hex-bit driver in handle/frame, and collectible "Mr. DP" adjustment/multi tool. After a global search the firm of Lion Steel was picked to manufacture this knife based on their long heritage of quality, award winning folders. DPX HEST 2.0 Folder.

A Sage is someone wise in judgment and experience.  The C123 Sage represents Spyderco's 30-year pledge to knife crafting and learning to make better knives at every available opportunity. This model is in recognition of knifemaker Michael Walker's contribution to the knife industry with his creation of the LinerLock® and ball bearing detent method of locking open a folding knife. Spyderco Sage 2.

The 482 Megumi is the embodiment of a gentlemen's carry. No details were overlooked in the production of this elegant tool, including the Nak-Lok and beautifully contoured carbon fiber and cocobolo wood handle scales. The stainless steel backspacer utilizes cutting edge MIM technology to emulate custom hand file work and the S30V clip point blade handles utility tasks with ease. Benchmade Magumi.

 The air is light as air with a featherweight glass fiber handle, titanium skeletonized internal liners and Michael Walker LinerLock. The blade is Crucible's version of tool steel called CPM-M4. It incorporates their CPM-powdered metal manufacturing process in a tool steel with a super consistent steel-grain structure, vaulting the steel's already impressive impact resistance to even greater heights. Spyderco Gayle Bradley Air.

Luggage That Carries Everything but You

The time for family, turkey, and football has arrived. For many of us, that means boarding a plane and flying halfway across the country. A reliable and durable suitcase goes a long way in ensuring smooth holiday travels. We all know packing is hard enough as it is, so we have selected the most versatile bags from the best brands to put your mind at ease.

Roller Suitcases

Patagonia | Transport Roller - 35L | 60L | 90L

The Patagonia Transport Roller is the perfect airline travel bag, with everything you need from smooth rolling wheels to an extendable handle with varying heights. It guarantees top-notch protection with an aluminum frame that expands to protect items inside and collapses for convenient storage. It comes in three sizes: 35L, 60L & 90L, the smallest is designed to meet airline carry-on requirements. Made with 900D recycled PET twill polyester fabric, to withstand travel abuse and resist water. Each bag has side and top handles making it easy to grab from any direction and a plastic handle on the bottom for loading.

The North Face | Rolling Thunder - 30" 

The North Face Rolling Thunder is a duffle with the convenience of a roller. Our favorite feature is the external compartment that keeps your dirty clothes separate from the rest of the bag. This bag comes in 10 different color choices making it easy to spot at the baggage terminal. The D-shaped zipper lets the top flap open making it simple to pack and secures down with extra buckles on the outside to insure your items are safe. The heavy duty outside has a nylon coating to protect against water and material made from 1000D polyester, TPE laminate, and 1680D nylon to guarantee a lifetime of travel abuse. There are plastic bumpers on the bottom and handles to protect it from impact.

Thule | Crossover - 38L  | 45L

The Thule Crossover is all business. Lightweight and rugged, the exoskeleton is solid polypropylene to absorb impacts and has aluminum hardware to remain as light as possible. The front converts into a backpack with hidden straps in the zipper pocket, and the wheels are positioned away from the body to ensure comfort on your back. Inside you will find a padded laptop case, separated compartments to keep suits fresh, and a crushproof safe-zone case for eyewear or electronics.

Duffles

Mountain Hardware | Lightweight Exp Duffle - X| S | M

The Lightweight Expedition Duffle folds into its own zippered pouch with ease for compact storage. It's the perfect piece to bring for the holidays, when you always leave with more than you brought. Made from a highly durable 210D velocity nylon fabric to protect against punctures or tears and supportive web design straps that wrap around the entire bag to distribute weight. The straps are adjustable and wide enough to not dig into your shoulders.

The North Face | Base Camp Duffle - S | M | L | XL

The hefty Base Camp Duffle is durable, and withstands wear and tear thanks to its 840D ballistic nylon and 1000D TPE laminate. Unzip the top to access every corner with a D-shaped zipper. Straps and handles surround the bag to transport and strap down with ease.

Carry-Ons

Osprey | Porter - 46L 

The Porter is big enough for your weekend trips or the perfect carry-on for flights. It brings organization to a whole new level, by having padded pockets for everything: your laptop, tablet, notebooks and an outside vertical front pocket to carry a blanket or towel. The straps are padded and ergonomically designed for safety of your back, with a hip belt to distribute the weight. These straps are stowable to convert this backpack into a duffle, with multiple handles on top and bottom of the bag. Around the front, are straight jacket compression straps to hold everything in tightly.

Osprey | Contrail Courier - 

We had to include the Contrail Courier because we know how hard it can be going through airport security with electronics. The contrail connects easily to any roller bag, with a magnetic top sleeve that slides over the top handle, allowing the bag to hang down on top of the suitcase. Inside there is a padded sleeve for laptops, a separate one for tablets, two zippered side pockets, and two mesh side pockets for all the organization you need. It even has a hidden zipper security pocket inside for extra safety.

Get Outfitted for Your Next Adventure

The beauty of adventure lies in the unexpected; that doesn't mean you can go un-prepared. While you can't always plan for everything when you're traveling, backpacking, or camping, having the right equipment can mean the difference between the experience of a lifetime or a trip gone wrong. Don't let an uncomfortable pair of boots or an ill-fitting pack get in the way of that bucket list adventure you've been dreaming of for so long.

Whether you're going on safari to Africa, climbing Everest, or going camping with the kids, you'll need to prepare yourself accordingly. Outdoor Sports Center has experience and equipment to get you ready for a once in a lifetime experience, or just another backyard night. We have a Certified Pedorthist on staff to make sure you get a good fit in the right boots for you. Our clothing department can show you bug repellent clothing from ExOfficio, and FlashDry baselayers from The North Face. Our camping department has over twenty five years of experience custom fitting packs and outfitting people for adventures of all kinds, all over the world. High quality sleeping bags and tents, MSR portable water filtration and Adventure Medical Kits, Steiner binoculars, and Petzl headlamps, we have everything on your list. Most importantly, we have the experience to know what you'll need, and what to avoid.

The Osprey Fit Tool helps us determine your torso size to make sure you have the correct sized pack for you. 

Ed B. our camping guru, measuring the distance from the iliac crest to the C7 vertebra with the head down to get the torso measurement.

After taking all of your measurements, our staff works with you to find packs that  fit both your body and your mission.

Once we've found the right pack we make sure you know exactly how to adjust and wear it; we'll explain each feature.

We even have options for custom fitting to make sure you have the most comfortable fit for you, ensuring you have the best experience possible on your trip.
Our travel outfitting doesn't stop there, we have adventure specific luggage, custom footbeds, and much more! Come see us today, and we'll talk about your next great adventure.

How to Choose a Sleeping Bag

A great sleeping bag will reward you with a great nights sleep for the next days adventure when you are out backpacking or camping.  There are alot of sleeping bags out there to choose from, and many things to consider when choosing a sleeping bag. It's easy to get overwhelmed wondering which one is right for you. Were here to help! There is never one sleeping bag that does everything perfectly, but Outdoor Sports Center has the experience and selection to help you find a great match for your next adventure.

Three Deciding Factors

Temperature: When trying to choose a bag that is going to keep you comfortable the temperature rating is one of the biggest factors. For sleepers that run cold, a good general rule of thumb is to look for a rating at least 10-20⁰F lower than the temperatures outside. Always try to think of the temperature ratings as a general guideline given how many different things contribute to your actual warmth. You are always better using the temperature ratings as a guide, they are by no means a guarantee.

Shape: The shape of a sleeping bag can also effect your comfort at night. A sleeping bag that is too tight won't give you a good night's sleep, and a bag that is too roomy may be comfortable but won't keep you as warm as it should. Keep in mind that a good sleeping bag will see a lot of use, so finding one with a shape that fits well and keeps weight low will keep you warm and rested without being a burden to carry.

Length: Length is going to be the easiest part of figuring out which bag is for you. You're looking for a sleeping bag that has enough volume to trap your heat, without going overboard. The easiest way to choose the right size sleeping bag is to pick one that is only a small amount longer than your height.  If you choose one that is too big, your body heat will get lost in the extra space.

Temperature Ratings 

Temperature Variables

• Sleeping Pad: One of the biggest ways you lose your body heat is through the ground, even more than through air. A sleeping pad will not only provide added comfort by keeping you off the ground, but it also adds a significant amount of warmth. Sleeping Pads are rated by R-Value; the higher the R-Value, the better the insulation from the cold ground.

• Sleeping Bag Liner: Sleeping bag liners are a great way to provide supplemental warmth, creating up to 15ºF of extra warmth. An added benefit is the protection from the skin oils that they offer, keeping your bag cleaner. 

• Metabolism: Everyone has a different rate at which the burn food for energy and release body heat. Your individual metabolic rate will directly influence how warm you are in your bag, and varies based on your nourishment. 

• Food & Hydration: Making sure you have the proper nourishment will keep you metabolism up and helps you stay warm throughout the night. 

• Clothing: When companies rate their sleeping bags, the standardized test used calls for long underwear and a hat. So, keep in mind that you can get a lot more range out of your sleeping bag depending on what you wear to bed.

• Tent: An enclosed space that traps dead air is always going to keep you warmer. If you sleep in a tent with mesh walls or out in the open air, your sleeping bag isn't going to be as effective. The more protected you are from the elements, the more your body is going to heat up the space around you.

• Gender: Generally speaking men sleep warmer than women. Even though this is not a universal truth, most manufacturers will insulate women's specific bags more than men's.

Shapes

Mummy Bags: Mummy bags are the shape you see most often in the outdoor industry. The mummy shape is your best choice for colder weather and backpacking. Their close-to-body fit is much more efficient at trapping body heat than a rectangular bag, keeping you warmer. Another advantage is the shape uses much less material, making a lighter and easier to carry bag.

Rectangular Bags: Rectangular bags will always be your best choice for the warmer weather as the shape naturally releases trapped body heat. The downside is that they are bulkier so if you intend to use them for backpacking, they are not the best choice. For general camping, they are a great choice.

Semi-rectangular Bags: Semi-rectangular bags are a good fit for people with a larger body type or move around in their sleep too much for the mummy type bags, but still want the heat retaining benefits of a mummy type shape. Semi-rectangular bags offer more width in the hips and shoulders than a traditional mummy bag.

Fill Material

Down is the best natural insulator and has the highest warmth to weight ratio. It is a popular choice because it is very light, highly compressible, breathable, and lasts a long time. Down quality is determined by fill power; which rates the down by how much volume the down produces per ounce. Fill ratings range from as low as 400 fill power all the way up to 900 fill power.

Synthetics are nonallergenic and will keep you warm when wet. They are a great choice in wet climates because they can shed water and dry very quickly. The warmth to weight ratio is not as good as down, but it usually costs less than down too.

How We Fit and Size Your Pack

Backpacking and hiking are great ways to get out and enjoy the outdoors. The backcountry is full of beautiful scenery and new places to explore. If you want to have a great experience out in the wilderness, a comfortable backpack that fits well should be the first item on your list. Your pack will carry your water, food, extra clothing, a tent, camera, emergency gear and everything else you might need on your adventure.

Finding the Right Frame Size

Sizing your pack is the key to not only comfort but the pack's performance. Making sure your backpack is the correct size for your body will make a tremendous difference over the long haul. A comfortable pack that with a good fit will put the majority of your backpack's weight (about 80%) on your hips, not your shoulders. In order for that to happen, the backpack has to be the right size and adjusted in all the right ways to your body.

Your torso size is the most important measurement and is what determines your pack size. People of the same height many times have different torso, hip and shoulder measurements. Most of our packs are available in multiple sizes to fit a range of torso lengths.  Your torso measurement is the length of your back along the spine from the C7 vertebrae to your iliac crest. The C7 vertebrae is the knobby bone at the base of your neck when you put your head down. The iliac crest is the top of your hipbones on the side of your body that act like a shelf. The distance between the two determines your pack size, if you are in between two sizes our fitters will see which size fits better or if you need to try a different brand or style.

General Frame Sizes

Sizing the Hip Belt

To figure out what hip belt works for you, measure around your hips at your iliac crest (this is not where you measure for pant sizing). A hip belt that fits well will sit centered over the hipbones and wrap tightly to hold the pack's weight. The ends of the hip belt pads should extent at least 3 inches past your hip crest and about 3 to 6 inches apart when they are tightened down around you. Some back packs have hip belts that are sized and can be swapped out if we determine you need a different size. Certain Osprey hip belts can even be custom molded to your body by a pack fitter.

General Hip Belt Sizes

Sizing the Harness

Osprey is one of the few manufacturers that offers a fully custom fitting pack where you can swap out the harness of the pack to fit you perfectly. If your harness fits you well it should end 2 to 3 inches beneath your armpit. The harness straps shouldn't be touching your body to prevent rubbing while on the trail. The shoulder pads should wrap around your shoulders with no gaps, or the harness may need to be swapped out.

Fitting

After figuring out your torso measurement and your pack size our knowledgeable staff will then fit the pack. Pack fitting is the most important part of your pack purchase and unfortunately the aspect that is most often overlooked. Every pack manufacturer always recommends that you get fit for the right pack by a professional at a specialty retailer because fit is the most important part of your pack being comfortable and correctly handling your load. There is rarely a customer that we cannot fit perfectly even if we have to swap out hip belts or harness straps. 

Once you have the correct size pack, harness and hip belt, it's time to correctly put it on and fine-tune the fit. Even though we have the right pack size, it still may not be adjusted properly to your body. First we need to put some weight in the pack (20 to 30 pounds of well distributed weight will do). Then following steps are used to adjust the backpack once it is packed and ready to hit the trail to ensure optimal comfort and performance. In a good fit, there should be no pressure points and also no gaps between your body and the pack. You may want to practice this procedure prior to heading out in order to achieve the perfect fit. Remember, comfort isn't just a luxury when backpacking. If your pack doesn't fit correctly, it could result in injury.

Step 1: Hip belt

Make sure all the pack's compression straps are tightened and the shoulder harness, sternum straps, load lifter straps and hip belt are loosened. We recommend you loosen these straps every time you take your pack off. Buckle and snug down the hip belt with it centered over the hip bones. The padded portion should wrap well around the front of your hips. Fine-tuning of the angle of flare can be done by adjusting the angle where the belt comes out the front of the padding.  Most women require slightly more of an angle where the belt sits on the hips.

Step 2: Shoulder Harness

Tighten the shoulder harness by pulling the ends of the shoulder straps. When tightening these straps, be sure to pull down and behind you.  Your arms should be pointing towards the back pockets of your pants as you pull. This brings your pack closer to your body, and carries a small portion of the weight. Your shoulder straps should completely wrap around your shoulders, with no gap between your shoulder blades and the shoulder harness. The connection points of your shoulder harness to the pack should begin about 2" below your C7 or the top of your shoulders. For packs with an adjustable torso harness break the hoop & loop connection to achieve this fit.

Step 3: Sternum Strap

Buckle the sternum strap and comfortably adjust the position to about 2 inches below your collarbones and lightly cinch it down. This pulls the shoulder straps comfortably away from your armpit and centers them over your shoulders. Do not pull so tight that it hinders your breathing.

Step 4: Load Lifter Straps

Tighten the load lifter straps to draw the load solidly against your back, and taking pressure off the shoulder straps. The lift straps should come off your shoulders at a 45 to 60 degree angle in our larger volume packs that carry a greater weight. In smaller models these straps serve more as compression straps and ride flatter; they may even angle downwards. If a gap forms between the shoulder harness above your shoulders, you will need to tighten the lower shoulder straps more before tightening the load lifters.

Step 5: Go On Your Next Adventure!