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After a few days in the great outdoors, one the last things you want to do when you get home is tackle the task of cleaning your gear. But, as any outdoor enthusiast knows, gear is pricey stuff — and that’s if you only buy it once. However, putting in just a little bit of time and effort into keeping your gear cleaned, fixed, and stored properly has big impact on its lifespan and performance.

Fortunately, many wear-and-tear issues can be eliminated with proper maintenance and storage, and most damage can be addressed without replacing the item. By getting into a “Repair > Replace” mindset, you’ll save money and be more environmentally friendly. Your used gear is already part of the waste cycle, and by repairing instead of replacing, you’re reducing the carbon output of the manufacturing process.

We’re stoked to see brands jumping on board with this. From Osprey’s All-Mighty Guarantee to Patagonia’s Worn Wear initiative, eco-conscious brands actually encourage customers to repair their gear. (We’ve even identified them as brands who are Going Further.) A great place to start is Diamond Brand Outdoors or Frugal Backpacker for a variety of repair kits, including waterproof patches, hammock and tent kits, seam tape, and more. And, if it’s a bigger fix you don’t feel equipped to handle, many brands have a warranty repair program.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert to keep your gear in good working order; it just takes discipline and know-how. Here are some tips from our experts on how to clean, repair, and store your big-ticket items — which will keep more money in your bank account and raise your dirtbag cred at the same time.

Tents

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Your tent is your home away from home; treat it with some extra TLC to keep it functioning well.
Paxson Woelber

Cleaning: Before breaking down your tent, pick the whole thing up and shake it out, removing potentially abrasive debris. For a more thorough cleaning at home, set up the tent and wipe down the fly and body with a diluted mixture of hand soap and warm water. Never use detergent or put the tent through the washing machine — it can damage any protective coatings.

Repairs: Aquaseal and Silnet are great products created specifically for treated nylon products like tents. It works like Super Glue and can be used for seam reinforcement or to fix pinhole tears. Small rips in the mesh can be repaired with mesh repair patches, which have an adhesive that allows you to fix the tear without a sewing kit. Clean fabric with rubbing alcohol beforehand, allowing sufficient drying time, to help the patches stay in place.

Storage: The first rule of thumb is always store your tent flat and clean! Resist the urge to crumple it into the bottom of a stuff sack. Yes, it’s so easy to let camping gear get strewn everywhere after a trip, but take the time to lay your tent out and fold it along the seams, where it’s least likely to crack, and you’ll improve its lifecycle.

Down Jackets and Sleeping Bags

Cleaning: Experts recommend washing down items at least every season, which helps maintain the loft and warmth-to-weight ratio. Find a front-loading machine (the agitators in top-loading machines can damage the fill) and wash on a gentle, cold cycle with a small amount of down-specific wash like Nikwax. It helps to add a few other items in the machine to balance the spinning. Tumble dry on a gentle setting, checking often. (If the dryer gets too hot, the face fabric can melt.) When the item is nearly dry, add a few tennis balls to the dryer to break up any clumps of fill.

Repairs: A small tear in the face fabric shouldn’t be the end of a jacket or sleeping bag. Take a glance around any group of outdoorsy folks, and you’ll see gear decorated with patches of duct tape, which is all it takes to fix a small tear.

Storage: Always stash your down items at their highest loft possible, which means don’t compress them into tight bags for long-term storage. Leaving down compressed can degrade the loft and creates weakness in material treatment. Upon returning from your trip, remove the sleeping bag or jacket from its stuff sack and shake it out. Your sleeping bag likely came with a large mesh or lightweight bag — perfect for storage. If you don’t have the original, you can find one online or at a local gear shop.

Rain Gear

Cleaning: Rain gear needs to be washed a few times per season, especially gear with an ePTFE membrane. ePTFE is an expanded plastic membrane with 9 billion pores per square inch. This technology creates a waterproof, breathable layer that prevents water drops from saturating, but allows the vapor to leave. ePTFE — utilized in garments listing Gore-Tex or eVent — is oleophobic, which means oils from your skin can clog the microscopic pores and cause the jacket to lose breathability. No matter what the waterproofing, rain gear has a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) treatment on the face fabric, and residue from campfires and other contaminants can reduce the effectiveness of the coating. Washing garments with mild powder detergent or a tech wash like Nikwax will revive it.

Repairs: Feel like your older raincoat is losing waterproofing? Make sure you’re not just sweating it out—the jacket might just need to be washed. Second, check along the seams. If you find a seam failure, a product like Seam Grip can come to the rescue. For small tears on the face fabric, a patch kit from the manufacturer or your local gear shop will do the trick. To revive an older garment, give it a DWR treatment and it’ll feel nearly good as new.

Storage: Store your rain gear out of direct sunlight, preferably hanging up and not crumpled. This will help prevent the laminates from cracking. And it should go without saying, but never shove the jacket into the closet when it’s still wet, which breeds mildew and other funky, damaging stuff.

Hiking Boots

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Putting some effort into taking care of your hiking boots means they’ll really go the distance on the trail.
Cody Ash

Cleaning: While much of the backpacking world is migrating to synthetic trail shoes, leather hiking boots still hold a corner of the market. Keep yours clean and supple by scrubbing dirt off with mild soap and an old toothbrush, and treating with a leather cleaner every few months. Never put boots through the washing machine.

Repairs: If your waterproof boots are wetting out, apply a waterproofing agent, following the package instructions. If the outsole is beginning to separate, it might be a job for your local cobbler, or you can try to DIY by applying an adhesive like Free Sole.

Storage: When it’s time to put away the boots for the season, clean them thoroughly before storing them, removing all caked-on dirt. If the midsoles are removable, pull them out to allow ventilation.

(We’ve got an entire post dedicated to How to Clean Your Chaco Sandals.)

Backpacks

Cleaning: Have you ever given your backpack a thorough cleaning? Probably not, which means the straps are caked with sweat, the bottom is filthy, and something spilled inside at least once. Hand wash the pack in the tub with mild hand soap, turning it inside out and scrubbing inside every pocket. If you run the pack through a front-loading washing machine, place it in a pillowcase to avoid getting the straps and buckles caught. Always air dry, as dryers can wreak havoc on the synthetic material, zippers, and other features.

Repairs: There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a pack, and most don’t warrant a full replacement. Torn mesh, broken zippers, failing buckles, and fabric tears are all replaceable or easily fixed. Gear companies will likely send you the exact strap or buckle you need, and many will stitch mesh or fabric back together. Your patched-up pack will have way more personality.

Storage: This one’s easy. Just store the pack clean without anything nasty caked to the inside.

Skis

Cleaning: If you choose to wax your skis yourself, you probably have a good idea of what you’re doing. In short, you’ll clean up the edges with a diamond stone, apply a coat of wax with an iron, let it cool, then thoroughly scrape it from tip to tail with a scraper. Brush with a brass brush, then polish with a fiber pad. Not sure how to do it? Watch a video or ask someone at a ski shop before tackling it for the first time.

Repairs: Take care of any dings right away—minor damages to the base can be peeled off with a sharp knife to prevent catching and dragging. The gouge can be patched later.

Storage: Clean and dry your skis, and take care of any minor burrs that could result in rust. Store skis upright, preferably in a rack out of direct sunlight.

Climbing Rope

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Your climbing rope is a critical piece of gear; make sure you take care of it properly.
Helen Cook

Cleaning: Self preservation means keeping load-bearing (i.e. life-saving) gear in peak condition. Keep as much dirt off the rope as possible by flaking it on a rope bag or tarp when climbing outside, and never step on it. When your rope gets dirty, wash it with warm water and a designated rope wash and rope brush, feeling for soft spots, which can mean that section is core shot. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Hang the rope in large loops over a railing to avoid annoying pigtails as it dries.

Repairs: The best way to repair a rope you’re unsure about is to not repair a rope you’re unsure about. Don’t risk it. Turn it into outdoorsy home decor by making a lovely rug.

Storage: After thoroughly cleaning and drying your rope, flake it loosely into a rope bag or tie it into a butterfly coil. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. When you take it out for the first use of the season, check the entire length up and down for soft spots.

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Featured image provided by John Strother

The waters of Yellowstone Prong spring from the peaks of the Great Balsam Mountains and gather themselves in Graveyard Fields. Born from springs above 6,000 feet and purified through the 5,000 foot meadow, these waters run crisp and clean. The perpetually cool waters flow peacefully through the hanging valley before plunging down a raucous ravine which leads to the Prong’s confluence with the East Fork of the Pigeon River.

What Makes It Great

From the mouth of Graveyard Fields the Yellowstone Prong cascades over the mighty Second Falls and then the secluded Yellowstone Falls. A short distance downstream the Prong makes its most risqué drop over Skinny Dip Falls. At this popular swimming hole a series of cascades and plunge pools line the banks of a heavenly ravine. A short, half-mile walk from the Blue Ridge Parkway, leads to Skinny Dip falls where you can cool your body and refresh your soul in the wild waters of Appalachia.

Access to Skinny Dip Falls can be found right off the Parkway from the Looking Glass Rock overlook. Across the Parkway, from the overlook, a blazed spur trail leads into the woods. After taking this trail and entering the woods you will notice a “trail tree,” which was formed as a trail marker by indigenous tribes. Perhaps they also enjoyed taking a dip, skinny style, in the Yellowstone Prong? After passing the ornate tree – some say the face of a dragon can be seen in its gnarled bark – hikers will come to an intersection with the Mountains-To-Sea Trail. Veer left at this intersection and follow the rocky trail until reaching the swimming area. When you reach a wooden staircase leading to a bridge spanning the creek, you have arrived!

Enjoy the series of plunge pools, but please keep your clothing on if there’s a crowd. The falls are Skinny Dip by name only, not by nature during busy hours. A grouping of Boulders along the right side of the upper pool provides a platform to jump into the 6’ deep water. Use caution and make sure to hit your mark if you decide to take the leap off of the 8’-10’ rocks. The lower pools of Skinny Dip Falls are serenely beautiful and offer wading and lounging opportunities on their sun-soaked rocks.

Who is Going to Love It

Thanks to such easy access Skinny Dip Falls has become a highly popular area for families and adventurers. On warm summer days you are likely to share the water with a crowd. Fear not though, there are plenty of pools to spread the watery wealth. This swimming hole is in the vicinity of some incredible hiking trails. The Art Loeb, Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Black Balsam Knob, and Shining Rock are all within striking distance. Take a hike, then cap off your adventurous day by soothing your aching muscles in the waters of Skinny Dip Falls!

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From Asheville, catch the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south on the Parkway towards the Looking Glass Rock Overlook, located by mile marker 417. Parking here is free but you may want to get there early on pretty summer days to find a spot. Dogs are welcomed, but should be kept on a leash until they are ready for a swim.

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Featured image provided by Jenn Deane

Thank you! Diamond Brand Outdoors has been named Best Outdoor Company in Blue Ridge Outdoors’ annual roundup of readers’ favorite places, people, events, businesses, and organizations from Maryland to Alabama. We’re excited to be recognized by the definitive magazine covering outdoor sports, health, and adventure travel in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Here’s what the magazine’s Jess Daddio had to say:

“What started in 1964 as a simple 900-square-foot glorified garage has now expanded into more than just a brick-and-mortar retail space. Diamond Brand helps its customers not only gear up for their adventures but also learn how to recreate safely in the outdoors through regular clinics and the annual Asheville Outdoor Show.”

While it’s always great when our team gets recognized, the Best of the Blue Ridge is special because it’s recognition that comes from the public. We know you have a choice and we’re honored you continue to choose Diamond Brand Outdoors, WNC’s first and original outdoor lifestyle outfitter.

Independent and locally owned since 1964, our team specializes in high-quality clothing and gear for travel, hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, and everyday life. We pride ourselves in hiring knowledgeable enthusiasts, who love the outdoor lifestyle and head outdoors whenever we get the chance including AT thru-hikers, class V+ kayakers, and world travelers. Whether you’re getting fit for a new pack and hiking boots for a bucket list adventure or just need a comfortable outfit for exploring downtown Asheville, you’re in good hands.

We hope to see all of you in 2018 at one of our clinics, demos, events, or just around the store!

Check out all of the Best of the Blue Ridge winners.

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Even after 54 years, the spirit of the mountains we call home continues to amaze. We issued a challenge to collect 300 coats during our annual Bundle Up for Good coat drive for Eblen Charities. You helped us blow past that goal by donating 503 quality coats for those in our community who need them most, just as the lowest temperatures of winter hit.

During November and December, we joined with Frugal Backpacker and our customers to collect coats, hats, and gloves for the third year in row. Thanks for showing us the great things that can happen when we all join forces to strengthen our community!

We’re local and we like to support local groups doing awesome things to make our little corner of the world a better place. Call it civic pride or mountain spirit, but we think it’s the right thing to do. When you choose an independent, small business like ours, you not only enjoy a more personal experience, you’re helping build community, strengthen our local economy, create jobs, and shape Western North Carolina’s character. In 2017, we were able to support more than 60 organizations with over $70,000 in cash and in-kind donations.

If you didn’t get a chance to drop off any items, you can support Eblen Charities with a donation or as a volunteer.

Eblen Charities is a non-profit organization whose outreach extends throughout the counties of Western North Carolina and through its numerous programs has helped thousands upon thousand of families each year with medical and emergency assistance through more than 70 programs yearly throughout the region.

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Intro

Sitting at 5,506 feet in the heart of Appalachia, you’ll find Beech Mountain. Beech features amazing skiing and snowboarding terrain accompanied by an array of après activities that are sure to make your visit memorable. Grab your skis or board and make the two hour trip from Asheville.

Who is Going to Love It

Beech Mountain Resort takes pride in cultivating new shredders to enjoy the mountain. They offer free skiing and snowboarding lessons with the purchase of rental equipment, Monday-Thursday. Beech is a certified Burton Learn To Ride (LTR) Center. The field of instructors make learning to ride a blast and the learner specific equipment has beginners shredding in no time. Snow Kamp is also available for children 3-5 years old and provides parents with an all-day childcare option.

What Makes It Great

Beech Mountain Resort boasts eight impressive lifts including a high-speed quad that takes skiers and riders directly from the base to the top of the mountain. The eight lifts service a total of 95 skiable acres on 15 slopes. Check out the Beech Mountain Trail Map for more details on the terrain.

You’ll also find the Powder Bowl freestyle terrain park maintained by a core group of shredders. Powder Bowl is home to advanced and intermediate features including boxes, rails, and kickers. Beginners can hone their skills in the rider-friendly Meadows freestyle park.

The View Haus, Beech Mountain Resort’s largest facility, was recently renovated to provide a comforting mountain lodge atmosphere with all new amenities. How about an local craft brew for your après ski thirst quencher? Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is located in the Ski Village with a brand new deck and ski-in ski-out access! You’ll find plenty of dining and entertainment options at Beech, making this the choice for longer North Carolina skiing and snowboarding stays.

Beech Mountain Resort hosts many large and small events including live music, trivia, and the totally tubular Retro 80s Weekend.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The drive from Asheville to Beech Mountain Resort will take you 1 hour and 45 minutes. Check out lift ticket rates and current conditions before you head up the mountain.

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Featured image provided by Courtesy of Beech Mountain Resort

Intro

 “Come Ski the Wolf.” Wolf Ridge Resort offers this enticing invitation. How could a skier or snowboarder turn down an invitation that sounds so cool? The greatest thing about coming on up to Ski the Wolf? It only involves a 35 minute scenic drive from Asheville!

What Makes It Great

Wolf Ridge Resorts stands five miles off of I-26 on a scenic highway. The Wolf is a favorite of locals looking for a quick trip to the ski slopes. The Wolf operates on 62 acres of enjoyable ski terrain that is covered in an average of 60-80 inches of snow per year. Skiers and snowboarders will enjoy Wolf Ridge’s recent terrain makeover which includes updates to the park and widened trails which provide better access to the lodge. Wolf Ridge’s Lower Lodge serves as a full service ski station for visitors, offering tickets, rental equipment, dining, and a gift shop. Wolf Ridge Resort has a variety of year-round accommodations available that provide a wonderful base camp.

Wolf Ridge is a family oriented resort. They help “share the stoke” with kids and beginners through their PSIA/AASI accredited Snow Sports School and their “magic carpet” serviced tube run.

  • Number if Slopes: 15
  • 40% Beginner
  • 40% Intermediate
  • 20% Advanced
  • Annual snow average 60-80 inches
  • Annual snow record: 148 inches

Download the Wolf Ridge Trail Map for an in-depth look at their terrain.

Who is Going to Love It

While it’s a primarily geared towards beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, there are also deals for everyone!

  • 2 For Tuesday: Buy 1 Lift Ticket, Get 1 Free
  • Women’s Wednesday: ½ price lift tickets for all ladies
  • Thursday College Night: $15 lift tickets with student ID
  • Active Military: $15 off lift tickets with ID

Wolf Ridge is also open for night skiing.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Wolf Ridge is the closest ski resort to downtown Asheville. A 35 minute scenic drive up I-26 will bring you to the base of Wolf Ridge Resort.

Tickets are reasonably priced and start at $40 for adults. Visit Wolf Ridge’s website to purchase lift tickets in advance.

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Featured image provided by Photo Courtesy of Wolf Ridge Resort

Intro

Sugar Mountain Resort boasts one of the highest vertical drops and largest amounts of skiable terrain in Western North Carolina. From Asheville, a scenic hour and forty minute drive into the North Carolina high country will have you skiing on one of the area’s finest resorts. Make the trip for a day of fun in the snow or check into one of Sugar Mountain’s variety of lodging options for a multi-day winter excursion.

What Makes It Great

Sugar Mountain Resort is known not just for skiing and snowboarding, but for an array of activities to entertain the entire family. Not comfortable on the slopes? Sugar runs a 700 foot tubing run which is serviced by a “magic carpet lift” that stays open late for evening entertainment. Adjacent to the tube run is a 10,000 square foot ice skating rink. If you are looking for winter exercise, Sugar Mountain offers guided snowshoe tours throughout the week. Tours include a one hour hike and snowshoe rentals.

  • Summit Elevation: 5,300 feet
  • Base Elevation: 4,100 feet
  • Vertical Drop: 1,200 feet
  • Total Skiable Acres: 125 (100 at night)
  • 14% expert
  • 52% intermediate
  • 34% beginner
  • Number of Lifts: 7

Who is Going to Love It

Skiers and snowboarders love the terrain offered at Sugar Mountain during the winter.

In recent years, Sugar has also begun to offer year round activities. If you find yourself visiting the North Carolina mountains in summer, Sugar Mountain is a great place to quench your thirst for hiking or mountain biking. Many miles of free access trails are available during daylight hours in the summer months. Get a detailed trail map before your visit and check out this video from Sugar Mountain Resort’s expert downhill track. Expert riders can experience the same downhill adventure as a USA Cycling National downhill racer on what is considered one of the most demanding and thrilling downhill courses on the East Coast.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The drive from Asheville to Sugar Mountain Resort is beautiful and takes 1 hour and 40 minutes from downtown. Lift tickets to Sugar are incredibly reasonable. Parking can easily be found at the resort and they also run a shuttle system to help you get around once you’re at the mountain.

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Featured image provided by Mark Clifton

Our winter look book has arrived. Check your mailbox or stop by the store for your printed copy — or view it online! While you can always shop many of the outdoor products we carry on our website and hold them for free store pickup. The look book highlights our favorite new gear, clothing, and footwear for the season. Our crew thinks they’re the best items for you and those on your holiday shopping list.

VIEW OUR LOOK BOOK ONLINE

Happy Holidays from Will + Catherine!

Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe that in 1964, we opened the area’s first outdoor store: a simple, 900 sq. ft. garage full of factory seconds that we sold primarily to local scout troops. Over the past 53 years, Diamond Brand Outdoors has grown to include much more than camping products. Our dedication to carrying quality brands, having a knowledgeable and seasoned team to assist you in finding the right products for your outdoor endeavors, and commitment to serving and giving back to the communities that support us continue to be the driving forces in our retail stores. You have all been great friends and neighbors, voting us Best of the Blue Ridge and Best of WNC multiple times — and making us the first stop for adventure for so many outdoor enthusiasts, young and old alike.

We take great pride in our legacy of community support, as we believe that it is the right thing to do. Each month, we donate 10% of a day’s sales to a local nonprofit. Through that program and other sponsorships, we’re on track to support more than 60 organizations with over $70,000 this year alone, giving back to these organizations within our communities! We’ll also be hosting our Bundle Up for More coat drive again in November and December. Bring a gently used coat to one of our stores and get 20% discount off a new item. Eblen Charities will ensure that these coats get to families in need in our community.

If you haven’t visited us lately, stop in to see our refreshed store layouts, enjoy complimentary coffee and tea while you shop, and allow one of our personal shoppers to assist you in a one-to-one shopping experience at no charge. You can even start your adventure on our redesigned website and choose free in-store pickup, saving on shipping costs and enjoying the face-to-face, personal interaction you have come to expect from Diamond Brand Outdoors. You’ll also find regional hikes, outdoor tips and tricks, upcoming events, and local adventures on our blog.

Adventure is Local! We are happy and honored to be an independent and family-owned local business. In fact, Catherine Gay took the cover photo for the winter look book from her own adventures while enjoying the beauty of Western North Carolina. Thanks again for all of your support over the years and we look forward to seeing you in one our stores soon!

Happy Holidays,

Will and Catherine Gay, Owners

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Asheville continues to rank high on travel lists for outstanding food, beer, and popular outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, but hidden behind all of the hype are some of the best disc golf courses in the North Carolina. The goal of disc golf is the same as traditional golf: get the disc from the tee to the hole in the fewest strokes possible; however, instead of clubs, balls, and a decent chunk of cash, all you need is your arm and a disc to have a good time. Check out this list of the Asheville area’s top disc golf courses, all within a half hour drive or less.

Western North Carolina’s subtropical climate and moderate seasonality, these courses are accessible during most of the year. Barren trees may allow a better view of cages in the winter, but make sure you’re always prepared for the trail with the proper footwear. Stop by any Diamond Brand Outdoors location for a large selection of KEEN hiking shoes, boots, and sandals to ensure your time on the course is as enjoyable as possible.

Richmond Hill Disc Golf Course

Richmond Hill Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course working its way throughRichmond Hill Park just north of downtown Asheville. The course is hilly, densely wooded (the club logo has a poison ivy border), and boasts one set of tee pads with multiple basket placements. The closet course to downtown, Richmond Hill is preserved by a dedicated community of golfers.

280 Richmond Hill Dr, Asheville, NC 28806

Black Mountain Disc Golf Course

Black Mountain Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course just outside of this beautiful mountain village in Veterans Park. The course features relatively short, yet really fun holes that wind their way through moderate hills with scattered trees. The local community of dedicated disc golfers includes John Garcia, the owner of nearby Lookout Brewing Company.

10 Veterans Park Dr, Black Mountain, NC 28711

Waynesville Disc Golf Course

Waynesville Disc Golf Course sits just outside of downtown at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For the most part, it’s a wide open course comprised of long tee throws and beautiful views of the nearby mountains. A course map can be found in the recreation center office and main kiosk.

550 Vance St, Waynesville, NC 28786

Jackson Park Disc Golf Course

Just south of Asheville, one of the newest courses in the region is located near downtown Hendersonville in Jackson Park. The course offers the widest variety in WNC with open, partially wooded, and densely wooded holes on moderate to steep hills. Multiple concrete tee pads, short and deep basket positions, and beautiful locust benches on every hole make this course a real gem.

801 Glover St, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Lake Julian Disc Golf Course

Lake Julian Disc Golf Course lies along the shores of South Asheville’s Lake Julian and now hosts a full 18-hole course following its August 2017 expansion (which included new concrete tee pads). This course is relatively flat compared to the other courses in the area and has everything from water-front holes to holes that weave their way through the dense woods (watch out for poison oak and poison ivy).

406 Overlook Road Ext, Arden, NC 28704

UNCA Disc Golf Course

UNC Asheville has established a 6-hole disc golf course for both students and the community to test out. The course is primarily hilly and wooded with a few holes in the open. Due to the course’s location on UNCA’s property and its limited holes, it is very accessible and it doesn’t take too much time to walk!

2500 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804

Sandhill Nature Trail Disc Golf Course

Sandhill Disc Golf Course is part of Buncombe County Sports Park and hosts a full 18-holes that make their way through a hilly and wooded area. This course is not far from downtown and incredibly accessible due to Buncombe County Sports Park’s parking and facilities. However, remember to throw wisely because this park hosts a lot of other facility users.

58 Apac Dr, Candler, NC 28715

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Featured images provided by KEEN, Official Sponsor of Your Next Adventure.

Lake Julian image courtesy of The Night Canopy. Special thanks to Justin Menickelli.

Hammocks have come a long way in recent years. Once a staple of beach houses and backyards, hammock camping has made its way into festivals and campsites due to increased comfort, easier setup and takedown, and an enjoyable time. ENO made its name as the definitive hammock maker early on and has branched out in recent years to include a stable of high-performance, lightweight year-round gear perfect for anyone on your gift list.

DoubleNest LED Hammock

ENO and festivals go together like waterfalls and summer. The ENO DoubleNest LED Hammock boasts the same features as the original ENO DoubleNest ($69.95), but with a fun and festive integrated light string — with bright, dim, and strobe functions — to inject a good time into any hammock session. When the party’s over, just tuck the DoubleNest LED away in its stuff sack and you’re ready for your next adventure. Don’t forget the straps!

Kanga Sling Bag

A plethora of pockets can accommodate all your hammock accessories when heading into the great outdoors. The main compartment is big enough to also fit your book and a few snacks, and a your water bottle in the side pocket. Padding on the back and strap make the ENO Kanga a comfortable companion on the trail or on the town, so pack it full of essentials for wherever daily Asheville adventures take you — from concerts to breweries and work to play.

(ECHO) Bluetooth Speaker

This Bluetooth-enabled portable speaker not only weighs next to nothing and fits conveniently in any pocket, purse, or festival pack, but its hammock-specific design and built-in hanging hook angles the speaker for an optimized listening experience. Bright, colorful, and packing a huge audio punch for such a little package, the rechargeable ENO (ECHO) comes with an included micro USB cable and will inject energy into any situation.

Lounger DL Chair (left)

The ENO Lounger DL is truly the king of comfort when it comes to camping chairs: padded arm rests, a pillow, two seating heights, and a cup holder. The feet offer a ton of floatation, so this chair works great in soft muddy or sandy conditions. This is the chair that your friends will be vying to steal from you around the campfire.

Nomad Hammock Stand (center)

Is your backyard lacking in trees? Do you wanna hammock at the lake right near the water? When posts are in short supply, bring along the ENO Nomad and set up anywhere. When you’re done, the ultra lightweight poles easily fit in the included carry case.

LaunchPad Blanket (right)

It’s the Cape Canaveral of pickup Frisbee games and the mission control of set-break hoagies; the ENO LaunchPad is the ultimate luxury in picnic and outdoor concert gear. The LaunchPad is topped with a layer of cushy fleece to keep you warm, but armored with a coated, ripstop nylon underneath to keep you dry. When the show’s over, just zip it up and sling it over your shoulder.

Twilight Camp Lights

Make your campsite glow with the ENO Twilights LED Camp String Lights. This string of 23 ultrabright LEDs illuminates a large area and features four different lighting modes for versatility. The lights can run for up to 72 hours on 3 AAA batteries and keep the party going long after the fire has gone out.

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