GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE!

Spring Gear Essentials for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

As the sun rises higher in the sky, its time to gear up for spring adventures on the trails. Whether youre a seasoned hiker or a newbie explorer, adding a few essential items to your kit can enhance your outdoor experience and make every trek more enjoyable.

Here are five must-have items to consider this spring:

Telescoping Fishing Rod: Take advantage of Arkansass abundant waterways by adding a telescoping fishing rod to your hiking gear arsenal. Southern Reel Outfitters offers the Zebco 33 Telescopic Fishing Combo, a compact and versatile option perfect for casting a line in remote streams and lakes. Catch dinner or simply enjoy the therapeutic rhythm of casting while surrounded by nature. Find it at Southern Reel Outfitters.

Dog Harness: If youre hitting the trails with your furry companion, investing in a quality dog harness is essential for their comfort and safety. Pack Rat Outdoor Center offers a range of dog gear, including the Ruffwear Front Range Harness, known for its durability and ergonomic design. Keep your four-legged friend secure and comfortable on every adventure. Find it at Pack Rat Outdoor Center.

Bird Watching with a Twist: Elevate your bird watching experience with a touch of humor. “The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America’’ from Domestic Domestic adds a playful twist to your outdoor pursuits. Packed with witty descriptions and colorful illustrations, this guide will entertain and educate as you identify feathered friends along the trail. Find it at Domestic Domestic.

Aeropress Coffee Maker: For coffee enthusiasts, starting the day with a freshly brewed cup of java is non-negotiable. Enter the Aeropress Coffee Maker, a compact and portable brewing device that ensures you never have to compromise on your caffeine fix, even in the wilderness. With its lightweight and durable design, the Aeropress is the perfect companion for early morning hikes. Find it at Onyx Coffee Lab. (Pro tip: Check out their ample recipe tips and tricks.)

Creamed Honey: Fuel your adventures with a sweet treat from Lake in the Willows Apiary. Their creamed honey is a delicious and nutritious snack that provides a quick energy boost on the go. Spread it on trail mix, drizzle it over granola or enjoy it straight from the jar for a taste of Arkansass natural bounty. Find it at various markets, including Me & McGhee, Bell Urban Farm, Ozark Folk Center State Park and more.

All images courtesy of vendors

Pour one out Brewing Adventure

Blue Sail Coffee Roasters (Conway)
We’ve long been a fan of the Backpackers Blend from Blue Sail Coffee Co. Tailored specifically for espresso, this blend boasts a rich, dark and nutty profile designed to pair effortlessly with milk or milk alternatives. Experience a velvety smoothness with every sip that elevates your coffee beyond the ordinary.

Onyx Coffee Lab (Rogers)
Everyone loves Onyx, and we especially love longtime favorite Southern Weather. Crafted for adventurers who relish the great outdoors, this particular blend captures the easy-going complexity of that crazy Arkansas weather. An approachable roast, you can expect to experience notes of chocolate, caramel and toasted almonds with each sip.

Fidel & Co Coffee Roasters  (Little Rock)
Fidel’s Cafecito Blend is the perfect companion for your outdoor adventures. It is roasted to perfection and provides a refreshing yet accessible flavor profile that will awaken your senses. With notes of dark cherry, stone fruit and caramel, the Cafecito Blend embodies the essence of the wilderness, making it the ideal brew to accompany you on hikes, camping trips or to enjoy the great Arkansas Wild.

Airship Coffee (Bentonville)
Embark on a flavor-filled journey with Airship Coffee’s Buffalo Blend, specially crafted to ignite your adventurous spirit. Delight in the bold harmony of dark cocoa, toasted nuts and a subtle hint of wild berries reminiscent of the rugged landscapes formed by the Buffalo National River.