Examiner.com “Eastern Cincinnati Has New Outdoor Outfitter”

Published February 18, 2011

Written by: Jim Rahtz

With spring not quite here, those oriented to the outdoors often battle cabin fever by shopping for that new piece of equipment or clothing needed for upcoming hikes, backpacking trips or river outings. With the closing of Nature Outfitters early in 2010 though, the east side of Cincinnati was left without an outdoor specialty store. However, that void has been filled with the recent opening of Roads Rivers and Trails (RRT) near the Little Miami River in Milford.

Located at 118 Main Street, the store is in the same location that housed Nature Outfitters, but it is not the same store. RRT is owned and operated by Bryan Wolf, Emily and Joe White, all who have extensive experience in the out of doors. In fact, both Bryan and Joe have through-hiked the Appalachian Trail (AT). I recently got a chance to discuss RRT and its philosophy with Bryan and Emily. They both displayed an energy and passion for the outdoors that should inspire those that stop in to spend more time with nature.

Emily describes the store as having “everything you need to have fun and survive in any outdoor situation.” It’s obvious that the statement not only includes the product lines, but also readily given advice, whether for a beginning kayaker or someone planning to hike the AT. Educational programs are presented regularly, and vary from a winter camping seminar to bringing in the authors of the family oriented book, Adventures Around Cincinnati, which happens on March 4.

With a facsimile of an AT shelter as a design feature, the store obviously welcomes the hiker, but the product mix provides something for everyone wanting to experience the outdoors. I expected to, and did, see items like backpacks, freeze dried food, tents and sleeping bags, but they also stock clothes, books and even vehicle racks.

Something else that sets the store apart from the “big box” outdoor retailers are the different brands that they carry. Brands that Bryan has “faith in and can believe in.” That includes Big Agnes tents, Sherpa clothing (from Nepal) and Rab (UK) clothing and sleeping bags.

While the store doesn’t have much paddling equipment at the moment, it’s on the way. Brands in that area will include Native and Liquid Logic kayaks, Wenonah canoes and Bending Branches paddles. Plans are to host demo days and to keep demo boats on hand so customers can try before they buy.

Whether you’re a hard core backpacker, beginning kayaker, Scout leader, or just need an outdoor “fix,” Bryan, Emily and Joe would love to share their love of the outdoors with you. You can stop by Monday through Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM, call at 513-248-7787 or visit their website.

You can find the original article and other articles by the Examiner.com at:

http://www.examiner.com/article/eastern-cincinnati-has-new-outdoor-outfitter