Thrifty Outfitters repairs outdoor gear and clothing

Bring your well-loved outdoor gear or clothing to Thrifty Outfitters for repairs. Repairs often cost less than you'd think. Thrifty is the expert outdoor gear repair in the area. We know outdoor gear, and we know how to fix it.  Thrifty can repair backpacks, dry suit gaskets, do Gore-Tex alterations and repairs, install grommets and snaps, repair leather straps on Duluth packs, fix clothing, sleeping bag, stoves, tents, and do zipper replacement or repairs.  Have a at Thrifty's skills and prices here:  http://www.thriftyoutfitters.com/repairs.php  . Bring in your item and we'll help you decide how and whether to repair it.

Upcoming Events

 Monday, August 6 - 6:30pm Climbing 101
Take yourself to new heights and learn the ropes through hands on experience in our Climbing Cave.  Learn the basics of bouldering, top roping and what you need to know to get started in this invigorating sport from our very own expert climber Carolyn Hansen.  All equipment provided.  Wear comfortable clothing. Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants.  Cost $5, no refunds.  Minimum age 15.  612–339–3433  Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering

 Tuesday, August 7 - 6:30pm Backpacking 101
Some of the most beautiful viewpoints Mother Nature has to offer are often some of the least accessible.  Backpacking allows you to get to these places while being entirely self-sufficient. Join Will Rettig as he discusses the basics for getting started in backpacking, including selecting a comfortable pack, clothing and footwear, how to sleep comfortably, food and equipment.  You’ll also get the first preview of pictures from his just completed hike to the China Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area.  Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering   

Wednesday, August 8 - 6:30pm Bouldering Divas
The second Thursday of every month is the all women, ONLY women, evening of bouldering in the Cave!  Carolyn Hansen will be on hand to answer questions and help provide a fun and relaxing atmosphere.  All abilities welcome from the, “I’ve never done this before”, to those who want to set routes, and everyone in-between. Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants.  Minimum age 15.  Climbing shoe rental is $3.  612–339–3433 Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering 

Thursday, August 9 - 5:00pm – 7:30pm Try Before You Buy Canoe, Kayak & SUP Demo  
Test-paddle kayaks and stand up paddleboards with our expert staff.  There will be no canoes at this demo.  We bring the boats, paddles, and personal flotation devices – You come dressed to play. Cost $5, receive a $5 gift certificate.  No pre-registration required. Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Saturday,  August 11 - 11:00am Build It and We Will Ride – Parks and Trails Council Celebration
Join Midwest Mountaineering's Rudi Hargesheimer at the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota's "Build It and We Will Ride" day at Welch Station on the Cannon Valley Trail.  Food and music will be on site.  Hike, bike or paddle in. This event is promoting the proposed expansion westward of the Cannon Valley Trail via the new Mill Towns Trail which in turn will connect to the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail.  We will, in the future, be able to ride from Red Wing all the way to Mankato on paved bike trails. This project was the recipient of a $10,000 grant from Midwest Mountaineering in 2011. Welch Station, Cannon Valley Trail

Monday, August 13 - 6:30pm Climbing 102
A Climbing 101 clinic is a prerequisite for this clinic.  Carolyn Hansen will provide this opportunity to expand your technical skills and help prepare you for more advanced climbing.  We’ll review knots, commands, and belaying, along with more in-depth explanations and uses of climbing gear.  Don't worry; we will still have time to climb! Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants.  Cost $5, no refunds.  Minimum age 15.  612–339–3433 Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering

Tuesday, August 14 - 6:30pm Kayaking 101
Discover why kayaking is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.  Ellen Nacik, one of our most energetic kayak gurus, will cover the basics of kayak and equipment selection and also share suggestions on places in Minnesota and Wisconsin to paddle. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Thursday, August 16 - 5:30pm – 7:30pm Customer Appreciation Party
Two years ago we hosted a party to celebrate receiving the 2010 Retailer of the Year award from Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS.  Since everyone had such a blast, we’ve decided to make the party an annual event.  This time we’re not celebrating an award, but we are still hosting a party to say THANK YOU to everyone that helps make us successful. Stop by and join us for brats, vegie burgers, potato salad, cake, juice, Summit beer and acoustic music - along with some super end-of summer sale prices. Parking lot behind Midwest Mountaineering

 
Tuesday, August 21 - 6:30pm BWCA: Everything You Need to Know
Find out everything you need to know about paddling in the BWCA.  Bear Paulsen, one of our wilderness-paddling experts, will share his knowledge of permits, routes and general wilderness tripping techniques.  He'll give you hints on avoiding the crowds whether you’re basecamping or traveling daily.  He'll also share ways to avoid the two most threatening parts of canoe country – bugs and bears. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Wednesday,  August 22 - 6:30pm Wind, Weather, Waves
Come learn some of the meteorology basics around what makes kayaking fun.  Join seasoned (in this case "salty") sea kayaker and weather-forecaster-wanna-be, Ellen Nacik to discuss how oceans of air and differential heating of the rock we live on make for some good (and not so good) paddling times.  We'll discuss kayaking techniques when in conditions as well as proper equipment.  Finally we'll evaluate when it's better to enjoy the day on the shore watching the whitecaps instead. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Saturday, August 25 - 1:00pm – 4:00pm Try Before You Buy Kayak & SUP Demo 
Test-paddle kayaks and stand up paddleboards with our expert staff.  There will be no canoes at this demo.  We bring the boats, paddles, and personal flotation devices – You come dressed to play. Cost $5, receive a $5 gift certificate.  No pre-registration required. Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Tuesday, August 28 - 6:30pm Canoeing: The Basics
Have you struggled to paddle into the wind?  Argued about whose fault it was that you ran into the only rock in the middle of the lake?  Bear Paulsen will share tips and tricks for paddling in a wide variety of conditions.  He’ll explain why canoes behave the way they do.  He’ll go over canoe nomenclature, design and basic paddling strokes.  If you don’t know why canoes feel less stable to bow paddlers you should come.  Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Tuesday, August 28 - 6:30pm Divas Climbing 101
Women, take yourself to new heights and learn the ropes through hands-on experience in our Climbing Cave.  Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to soar!  All equipment provided.  Instructed by Carolyn Hansen.  Sign up early because these classes are popular!  Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants.  Cost $5, no refunds.  Minimum age 15.  612–339–3433 Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering

All Midwest Mountaineering events are at www.midwestmtn.com/current-events