Recreation Opening Up Outdoors
Gear Up For Your Next Outdoor Adventure at E.C. Outdoors
new downtown shop makes getting active outdoors easy, accessible, and affordable
Kelly Carlson, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
It’s a beautiful day in Eau Claire: Maybe the river is roaring, the air is warm, the snow is full and fluffy, the leaves are falling, or the trees are bare. No matter the season, no matter the weather, Eau Claire’s natural scene is inviting. Getting outdoors has never been easier with the grand opening of the Valley’s first accessible outdoor gear rental shop: Eau Claire Outdoors.
Kate Felton, owner of Eau Claire Outdoors and a UW-Eau Claire alum, has had the idea to open an outdoor-centric shop in the Valley for nearly a decade. Emphasizing accessibility in their rates and location, Eau Claire Outdoors works to cater to those interested in learning a new outdoor activity without the expense of purchasing all new gear on the first go.
“(We have) tents, sleeping bags, backpacking packs, camp stoves, cross country skis, snowshoes, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, (and more),” Felton said. In addition, Felton also emphasized the importance of offering gear to people to be as safe as possible when trying out new activities. “We will sell high-quality, legacy gear… (and) we will also have a small section of used gear in good condition that will be sold on commission.”
“There are lots of folks who feel like an outsider in the outdoors,” she continued. “Being in the outdoors brings us so much benefit to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and everyone should be able to access those benefits if they want to. … I would love to see the outdoor community grow and become even more connected.”
With that in mind, Felton has big future plans: She hopes to bring outdoor experiences to the Valley starting next year, including camping trips to lesser-known natural areas in the state or canoeing trips in the Boundary Waters, she also emphasized her eagerness to expand inventory and to include more inclusive sizing options for all body types, as well as to invest in gear repair to help make loved gear last longer.
“I’ve gotten so many wonderful words of excitement and encouragement from folks all around the community,” she said. “I’m so excited to finally meet all of the folks who are just as excited for this business as I am!”
Stop by and find your new favorite outdoor hobby at Eau Claire Outdoors (225 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire). Learn more at eauclaireoutdoors.com.
