River & Trail Talk

Brand Feature: Opinel Knives

Brand Feature: Opinel Knives

Posted by Kirsten on 2025 Jun 11th

A small but mighty, and definitely handy, tool is the newest product at River & Trail Outdoor Co. Pocket knives and picnic accessories from Opinel Knives are now available. Opinel Knives have been made in the French Alps since 1890. While some things have evolved since then, the legendary design and values that go with it remain unchanged. The knives are robust, and beautifully simple. They a …
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How to Choose a Sleeping Pad for Backpacking

How to Choose a Sleeping Pad for Backpacking

Posted by Kirsten on 2025 May 30th

When it comes to sleeping on the trail, your sleeping pad is a significant determining factor for your comfort level. Perhaps you won’t reach the same level of comfort as your bed at home, but you can get pretty darn close with the right gear. When we say the “right gear”, we mean the right gear for you. Your sleeping pad is an essential part of your gear kit. You can invest in a …
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What does that mean? A glossary of terms and third party certifications

What does that mean? A glossary of terms and third party certifications

Posted by River & Trail on 2025 May 20th

We do our best to be intentional about the brands we choose to sell at River & Trail Outdoor Co. Majority of the brands we carry have third-party certifications that ensure they are meeting environmental, social and welfare standards. These third-party certifications are how the brands remain accountable to their promises and help us in making the most informed choice possible.  Below is …
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How to Hike with Toddlers and Little Kids

How to Hike with Toddlers and Little Kids

Posted by Kirsten on 2025 May 1st

This is written from the perspective of a mom, with a 4 year old and an 18 month old. For the purpose of this blog, I am defining a toddler as 1-3 years old and a little kid as 3-5 years old. My hiking journey with kids began when my first baby was 5 days old. ‘Hiking’ evolves to mean many different things over the months, and years, when you’re including a small human. Here is a …
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Brand Feature: Grey Owl Paddles

Brand Feature: Grey Owl Paddles

Posted by River & Trail on 2025 Apr 15th

Grey Owl Paddles, a Canadian company established in 1976, has become synonymous with quality and tradition in the world of paddling. Based in Cambridge, Ontario, they specialize in handcrafted wooden paddles designed for both recreational and wilderness canoeing. Their commitment to craftsmanship and design excellence has made them a favorite among paddlers worldwide, and the reason we carry them …
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