The North Face FuseForm Dot Matrix: The Evolution of Rain Gear

Don’t let a little rain put a damper on your outdoor adventure. Put away your bulky, restricting jacket and make some closet room for something new. The North Face has just unveiled the newest technology in men’s and women’s rain jackets: The North Face FuseForm Dot Matrix.

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The Dot Matrix: The perfect packable rain jacket

What makes Dot Matrix jacket unique? Everything. To get technical, FuseForm is created with an innovative approach to weight reduction and the durability of utilizing two different types of yarn woven together to create a single piece of fabric. The FuseForm jacket maintains the same HyVent waterproof/breathable technology as many other The North Face rain jackets. The slimmer-fit design allows for an improved range-of-motion and flexibility, permitting you to bend, stretch and reach without much resistance.

dot matrix

Breakdown of the new Dot Matrix

Why buy the Dot Matrix? The jacket is perfect for those who want a lightweight and breathable, yet technical rain shell. Light enough to roll it up and stuff it in your pack for some emergency rain protection, effective enough to keep you dry through the lightest mist to the most torrential downpour.

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The Dot Matrix takes you from the streets to trails with ease

The jacket’s construction combines abrasion resistance with durability by reducing the amount of seams and overall weight. The fusion of nylon and polyester fibers offers complete protection while maintaining an average of just 11.46 ounces. What’s that mean for you? It means superior movability, strength and breathability in a jacket that weighs less than a pound, making the Dot Matrix the perfect jacket for ease of use and on-the-go transport.

Prep for the rainy season ahead and visit our website or stop by our Homewood and Mobile stores today to purchase the Dot Matrix.

(Limited quantities available. Selection varies by location; see store for details.)

Brand Spotlight: YETI New Spring Products

Warmer weather is around the corner, and YETI has got you covered with a little something for everyone. We won’t keep you in the cold too long—our new YETI products are available in stores and online now.

hopper

YETI’s new soft-sided cooler: The Hopper

The Hopper

YETI’s showing their softer side without sacrificing the indestructible quality you have come to know and love. Everything you want in a cooler: insulation, portability and reliability. The brand new YETI Hopper was designed with your comfort in mind. Grab on to the easy to carry straps, and your good to go for a weekend in the mountains, a round of golf, or a day at the lake. The new cooler features a Hydrolock zipper for the ultimate in waterproof, airtight closures, a Dryhide shell that is both waterproof and weatherproof with resistance to punctures and UV rays, and Coldcell insulation supplying superior chill-holding ability.

YETI Ice

The ice that never melts: YETI Ice

 

Yeti Ice

Never buy ice again with the new YETI Ice. Keep things ridiculously cold by keeping things ridiculously simple. Chill faster with the no-spill, no-break ice block. The custom shape provides the best in portability and cuts freezing time down to a minimum while keeping things cold with the 28 degree Fahrenheit freeze temp.

 

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Can-insulating tech: The Colster

The Colster

YETI has also unveiled the next big thing in can-insulating, hand-protecting technology—just in time for spring. The Colster was designed with your hands in mind. The holder looks sleek and keeps your drink as cold as science allows. Never deal with a lukewarm beverage again thanks to 18/8 kitchen-grade stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulation, and sleek sweat-free design.  The ThermoLock gasket locks in the cold better and longer than your generic koozie, and holds standard 12oz cans or bottles.

 

Visit our website or stop by one of our brick-and-mortar locations today to purchase the items mentioned. (Limited quantities available. Selection varies by location; see store for details.)

Spring Break in Alabama

Who says you have to travel far to have an unforgettable spring break? Our great state offers more than meets the eye when it comes to planning an awesome spring break adventure. From north to south, we gathered some of the best spring break locations and activities in Alabama. Spend a day at each of these great spots (and bring your favorite Alabama Outdoors gear along the way).

The view from Monte Sano

The view from Monte Sano

Start off your vacation by heading up north to Monte Sano and the town of Sipsey, near Huntsville, for your first outdoor adventure. Monte Sano, Spanish for “Mountain of Health,” stands at more than 1,600 feet above sea level. Spend your day taking in the mountain’s fresh air, views and mineral springs. Lace up your Salomons, grab your lucky Innova putter and hit up the disc golf course.  Follow that up with 22 nature-filled miles of the hiking and biking trails, or head over to neighboring Sipsey. If you love waterfalls, canyons and sandstone cliffs, then the Sipsey trails are for you.

Desoto Falls Waterfall

Desoto Falls Waterfall

The quaint mountain village of Mentone, to the east of Huntsville, offers one of the best views around from atop Lookout Mountain.  Climb the mountain, hike under the mist of Desoto Falls and even snow-ski if the weather’s right. Cloudmont Ski Resort has been providing the town with advanced snowmaking equipment and professional instruction since 1970, with slope expansions including two one-thousand foot beginner-intermediate slopes. If skiing isn’t your thing, make a day of rappelling and bouldering at Desoto State Park. The park is home to DeSoto Falls, one of the tallest and most visited waterfalls in Alabama.

The view down from Cane Creek Canyon

The view down from Cane Creek Canyon

Florence, just west of Huntsville, is home to outdoor attractions and Native American history. Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve encompasses a 413 acre natural area, located in the Little Mountains region. The privately-protected preserve was established to provide sanctuary for native plants and wildlife. Visitors can find almost eleven miles of hiking trails and a 4-wheel drive road. You can also travel through and enjoy the rich history of Natchez Trace. The trail once bisected the traditional homelands of the Natchez, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations. Crossing four ecosystems and eight major watersheds, the trail provides habitat for about 1,500 plant, 33 mammal, 134 bird and 70 reptile and amphibian species.

Boulders at Moss Rock Preserve

Boulders at Moss Rock Preserve

Travel further south to the middle of the state to check out some of Birmingham’s best in outdoor ventures. You’ll want to bring your climbing shoes and chalk bag to Moss Rock Preserve, one of the best-known boulder fields in the Southeast. Feel free to boulder your way through pre-set routes, or even create a route of your own. Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park, offers a wide range of land and water activities. Two of the parks most popular activities, mountain biking and hiking, attract visitors to the over 50 miles of trails. Other activities include cable skiing, boat rentals, nature programs, an 18-hole golf course and driving range, beach and swimming area, fishing, and horseback riding.  Round out your Birmingham trip at Red Mountain Park with 12 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of biking trails, two zip line tours, a dog park and three tree houses.

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Photo by Roger Reetz

Finish off your trip down south by basking in the sun at Gulf State Park.  Pack your Patagonia Baggies, Gulf State Park claims two miles of pristine white beaches offering plenty of white sand and sun. Spend a few days camping and enjoying just about every outdoor activity known to man. Visitors can golf, play tennis, hike, zip line, fish, kayak, paddleboard and more – all within the State Park’s grounds. Zip over land and water through the 7 tower zip line course. Kayaking or paddle boarding in Shelby Lake’s tea-colored water is a great way to explore the lake’s natural wonders. Don’t worry about bringing your own gear, the park has all the equipment necessary from beginner to expert level. Keep Alabama in mind when planning your spring break or next outdoor adventure. With so many natural wonders, you’ll wonder why you ever vacationed anywhere else. Be sure to stop by your nearest Alabama Outdoors for all your spring break needs, or visit our online store at alabamaoutdoors.com.

Brand Spotlight: Chaco Spring ’15

Wondering what Chaco is rolling out for Spring ’15? From new styles and colors, to all new products, we’ve got the scoop on everything Chaco.

chaco wrist wrap

Sport Chaco in style with the brand new Chaco Wrist Wrap.

Chaco Wrist Wrap

Can’t seem to get your Chacos off your feet? You’re not alone. Now you can rep your favorite brand on even the frostiest of days with the all new Chaco Wrist Wrap. Made from the same material as the classic Z sandals, the wrap comes in a variety of patterns and colors that fasten easily around your wrist. The one-size fit comes outfitted with a Chaco Gecko buckle that ensures the wrap will adapt from the daintiest to the manliest of wrists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

chaco zx3 yampa

The Women’s ZX/3 Yampa is the newest addition to the Chaco sandal line.

The ZX/3 Yampa

Chaco welcomes a new member to their sandal family this spring with the women’s ZX/3 Yampa. Following in the footsteps of the popular ZX/2, the ZX/3 features an additional thin strap for added style and security. The three webbing straps wrap through the midsole and around the foot for a stylish look that proves the more straps, the merrier. Chaco unveiled four new colors for the ZX/3: Beaded, Clashing, Stardust and Sand Dune Blue. Get ahead of the game and add the ZX/3 to your Chaco collection.

 

 

 

 

 

New Straps for 2015

Chaco is unveiling a slew of new patterns and colors for the New Year. But don’t worry, several classics are carrying over as well. Be on the lookout for colors like Patchwork, Lifelines, Skip, Flex and Trail Forest on the men’s side. Ladies, you’ll have to make some room in your closest because women’s styles are looking at almost a dozen new patterns – Burst, Beaded Triangles, Dagger, Tidal Wave, Heathered, Clashing, Pink Arrows, and oh so many more!

Head down to your nearest Alabama Outdoors and be the first of your friends the grab the newest from Chaco.

The Alabama Outdoors Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Don’t waste your money on flowers, chocolate or teddy bears this year. Head to AO and you’ll eliminate the stress of Valentine’s Day shopping. Giving the perfect gift will be a breeze with our “best of” list for both the burly men and outdoorsy women in your life.

Birkenstock Arizonaarizona

The classic Arizona sandal is a comfortable and timeless shoe she will love to wear. Perfect for everything from strolling around town, to music festivals, or even days at the beach, the Arizona will keep her happy for summers to come. $125

 

 

 

 

 

Hunter Women’s Boot Sock

An essential accessory to the Hunter Wellingtons, the Boot Sock is the perfect item to keep her feet warm through the remaining winter months. The socks come in a range of colors, and may be worn tall or folded over. The polyfleece pair also comes in various lengths designed to fit all boot sizes. $30

Eno DoubleNest Hammockdoublenest

Give your significant other the DoubleNest hammock for two and spend your V-Day in total relaxation. Comfortable and convenient, the DoubleNest fits snugly into its own attached compression sack, and the countless color combinations will please the man or woman in your life. $69.95

 

 

 

 

 

Luci Lantern

What’s Valentine’s Day without a little mood lighting? The Luci Aura Mood Setting Solar Lantern comes with 7 colored light settings. She can cycle through or settle on one to create the perfect mood. The light is waterproof, shatterproof and features a rechargeable battery so she can go wherever the mood takes her. $24.99

Yeti Ramblerrambler

If your man likes to take his coffee on the go, we have just the gift for him. The Yeti Rambler Tumbler is comprised of kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel and features double-wall vacuum insulation. These specs assure that whether hot or cold, this BPA free cup keeps his drink frosty or piping hot ‘til the last drop. Yeti technology in an easy to carry cup is hard to beat–Perfect for the car, work, the boat or on the go. $29.99

 

 

 

 

Black Hole Duffle

This highly water-resistant and durable gear bag is perfect for Spring Break or any other wild adventure. Inspired by simple utility, the waterproof fabric protects gear from rain and rough handling. Built with interior pockets and cushioned straps, it even has four exterior daisy chains so he can latch his dirty Chacos to the outside.  $129

Patagonia Friction Belt friction

Gift the man in your life the low-profile Friction web belt, and assure his pants stay up while looking cool at all times. The quick-dry nylon webbing is perfect for outdoor activities, and its aluminum buckle has a sleek anti-corrosive finish. He’ll love the easy-adjust buckle and infamous Patagonia logo print design. $29

 

 

 

 

 

Thule Bike Rack

Do it big this Valentine’s Day and give the gift that keeps on giving, the Thule AeroBlade Load Bar. Get his car ready for spring and summer adventures with the most versatile roof rack around. With the exceptionally quiet ride produced by some of the strongest load bars on the market, you’ll have the base to build any form of outdoor adventure—biking, paddling and everything in-between.  $149.95

Be sure to stop by Alabama Outdoors this year for all your Valentine’s needs. From packs to paddles, we’ve got you covered.

Visit our website or stop by one of our brick-and-mortar locations to find items mentioned. (Limited quantities available. Selection varies by location; see store for details.)