VA MTNS Outdoor Collective

06/05/2026

Today’s Summer Gear Guide spotlight comes from Oxbow Strategies and includes two recommendations that have seen plenty of use around this part of Virginia: the Grand Trunk Mayfly Chair and a Sea to Summit Dry Bag.

Oxbow’s Mike Clark noted that the Mayfly Chair has become a regular companion for river trips and outdoor gatherings because it packs small enough to bring along without much thought. He was sitting in one in the Roanoke River just a few days ago.

The Sea to Summit Dry Bag made the list because it’s one of those pieces of gear that proves useful over and over again, whether on the water, at camp, or caught in a summer thunderstorm.

Both can be found at Walkabout Outfitter, along with comparable options for those looking to dial in their summer gear setup. You might also be able to find some pre-loved options at Roanoke Mountain Adventures.

See the full guide: vamtns.org/summer-gear-guide-2026/

06/03/2026

Today’s Summer Gear Guide spotlight covers a pretty wide range of outdoor priorities.

Devin Cutter highlighted dependable Altra Running trail shoes. You can find a pair at RunAbout Sports Roanoke. He also recommends The Black Bibs, proving you don’t need to spend a small fortune to be comfortable on the bike.

And Blue Ridge Land Conservancy contributed what may be the most talked-about item in the guide so far: the p*e cloth. You can pick one up at Walkabout Outfitter or Mast General Store.

The more we share these recommendations, the more the guide feels like an actual reflection of the outdoor culture around here: practical, useful, and occasionally hilarious.

Check out the full guide:
vamtns.org/summer-gear-guide-2026/

06/02/2026

Tons of people see the ribbon cutting but far fewer see the years leading up to it. Read more in this week’s The Bend.

Oxbow

06/01/2026

Today’s Summer Gear Guide spotlight comes from Roanoke Angler with a recommendation for Galvan Fly Reels.

Reliable gear is super important, especially when it’s something you plan to use for years instead of replacing every season. Roanoke Angler highlighted Galvan reels for their durability, smooth performance, and overall build quality on the water.

Swing by the store on Grandin Road and see what they have in stock!

See more recommendations from businesses across the region: vamtns.org/summer-gear-guide-2026/

05/29/2026

We’re kicking off our Summer Gear Guide spotlights with a recommendation from Laven Newsom and the team at Shrewd Outdoors.

Their pick? The DemerBox speaker.

According to Laven, the sound quality is far better than you’d expect for the price, with impressive battery life and enough durability to handle everything from a river float to a weekend at camp.

Stop by their store in Salem and pick one up!

See what else local outdoor businesses are recommending this summer: https://vamtns.org/summer-gear-guide-2026/

05/26/2026

Branding only goes so far if the experience behind it isn’t real. More in this week’s The Bend.

Oxbow

05/22/2026

We’ve been working on something new...

The first-ever VA MTNS Summer Gear Guide is officially live! We asked people from across western and southwestern Virginia to share the outdoor gear they actually use and recommend, then pulled it all together in one place.

Trail gear, paddling gear, camping setups, fly fishing gear, bikes, hats, and yes… a p*e cloth. You read that correctly.

Thanks so much to the members that contributed: Devin Cutter Photography, Roanoke Angler, Oxbow Strategies, and Blue Ridge Land Conservancy!

Whether you’re heading out for a long day on the trail, loading up boats for the river, or just trying to spend more time outside this summer, good gear can make a difference. Instead of putting together a generic buyer’s guide, we asked businesses from across the region to share the products th...

05/12/2026

The strongest outdoor communities are built by people willing to work together.

Oxbow

05/05/2026

Strong communities don’t run on loyalty alone. They also rely on accountability.

More in this week’s The Bend.

Oxbow

04/28/2026

The best leadership in the outdoor space focuses on long-term impact, not short-term wins.

More in this week’s The Bend.

Oxbow