Solo Stoves: Tailgate Must Have

We are psyched to have SOLO STOVES now available in the shop and online for pick up or local delivery!

These are the coolest portable bonfire for staying warm and socially distance. It's our go to for the ski hill with the kiddos to stay warm, take in the camper or throw in the trunk to warm up after a hike in the parking lot. Yes, we've done it.

Dave and I LOVE when we can test out new products, fall in LOVE with them and share awesome new brands and products we enjoy using ourselves with you. The SOLO STOVES are no exception.

Hop on board and join our crew!

We’re gearing up for a busy 2020. Join our dedicated, small team of customer service focused staff. If you love talking to people, enjoy sharing your knowledge of outdoor clothing and gear this is the job for you. Sales Associate positions are 20-30 hours a week, year round. We’re hiring multi-taskers who thrive in a fun work environment, work well independently and as a team. Position includes outfitting customers with seasonal rental gear and guest services for our hotel and lodging and cafe. We’d love to talk with you. To apply email resume to katie@solsticeoutdoorstore.com or apply in person. 2521 W Lake Shore Drive Ashland, WI 54806

How to recycle fuel canisters

Ever wonder how to recycle those empty fuel canisters? This primer from MSR walks you through the four easy steps…

1. Make sure the canister is totally empty. You should use all the gas for cooking – it’s better to burn the hydrocarbons than release them.

2. If you think there could be some gas left you can purge it by attaching your stove, inverting it, and opening the valve. This will allow any remaining gas to leave the canister. Make sure you’re clear of any potential flame or source of sparks while doing this.

3. Once you’re sure the canister is empty, you need to puncture it so it meets recycling requirements. You don’t need a special tool to do this just puncture it with a can opener or a sharp object like a screwdriver or an ice axe. Don’t use a saw because it can create sparks that will ignite remaining fuel. You don’t need to remove the valve to meet mixed metal requirements.

4. Now, deposit your canister where mixed metals are accepted.

Great Last Minute Gifts

Great gifts for teachers and that fun loving person in your life. Geri’s picks: Kavu rope sling bag, SmartWool 150 black skirt Yeti Rambler and the Patagonia Re-Tool Pullover

Layering 101

The key to outdoor cold weather comfort is layers. Consider your activity level and length you'll be outside to determine the weight of insulation needed. The best of of layering is the ability to add and remove layers to regulate your temperature for the duration of your activity.

Base Layer, insulation and weather protection are the three keys to layering effectively. You'll be ready to get out there!

Join our team!

We are hiring two awesome Sales Associates! Come work with fun people, amazing customers. We've got shops with the best views in town!

Solstice Outdoors and our sister store, Solstice have positions open for 20-35 hours a week. If you have a passion for fashion then Solstice on Main Street would be a great fit. If you have a passion for the outdoors and gear then join our team!

Everyone one of our employees is a key part of our businesses. If you are hardworking, love talking with people, can provide exceptional customer service, then we think you're pretty awesome! Send us your resume or stop in to either location.

Great American Road Trip

Nothing gets us more excited for summer than the great American road trip. There’s no better place to start than US Highway 2. First stop the Brule River, “The River of Presidents”. A favorite summer getaway of Calvin Coolidge. More about the Brule River in northern Wisconsin.

A quick stop along the river to wet a line. Don't leave home without a Yeti to keep your favorite beverage cold.

Over the next month we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite stops and across some of American’s most iconic highways. We’ve got road trip fever and we’re sharing all of our fantasy stops with you. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook as we hit the road.

Easy Gifts for the Impossible

The Eat'N multi tool makes a great stocking stuffer for any outdoorsy person.

Stormy Kromer isn't just for your dad. Nope. The iconic hat company has come out with super cute and functional purses. Thanks neighbor!

Just when we didn't think a Buff could get any better. Now available are limited edition gift packs. Two Buffs in one. We love the polar fleece hats and polartec Buff combo.

Darn Tough socks. Made in Vermont with a lifetime guarantee which means when you give Darn Tough you get the gift of warm feet forever!

#LAKESUPERIORLOVE

Custom Lake Superior gift items for the lake lover in all of us!

Locally made Lake Superior ceramic mugs. Dishwasher safe and the perfect way to enjoy your morning joe. (Joe is also the pottery dude).

Lake Superior adjustable trucker hats. Great for everyone! On size fits most.

12 and 16 oz Hydroflasks will bring joy to the java drinker. Keeps drinks hot for 6 hours and cold for 24. Custom insulated Klean Kanteen coffee mugs and bottles are also available. All in fresh new colors!

Handmade silver Lake Superior wire necklace

Lake Superior soft beach towels. Psst...they make a great family gift. Get 20% OFF when you purchase a set of four!

Gift Like a Pro Holiday Gift Guide

We've got the goods that will make everyone on your list smile and leave you looking like a pro. All the items can be found at our location on Highway 2, Lake Shore. Can't make it to Ashland? No problem. We can ship most things to you. Just give us a jingle.

Frost River rugged canvas Ruck Sack. Made in Duluth, MN by our neighbors.

Mountain Khakis pants. Amazing fit with comfort and durability.

Stormy Kromer caps. Warm, and legendary. Made in the Michigan's Upper Peninsula by our neighbors.

Darn Tough merino wool socks. Guaranteed for life. Made in Vermont.

Yeti Hopper. Strongest, most durable soft sided cooler ever made. Only cooler he will need.

Gently Used Kayaks For Sale

It's that time again for our end of season gear sale. We have some awesome gently used boats available. Quantities are limited. Boats will be available for pick up on September 12th. Call or stop in to purchase.
 

Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II   SALE PRICE $8952 in stock

Necky Manitou Sport                        SALE PRICE $6233 in stock

  Ocean Kayak Malibu XL                  SALE PRICE $6232 in stock

Staff Pick...Patagonia Better Sweater

Reviewer: Alan We all have a few pieces of clothing in our wardrobes that we could not imagine living without. Some are practical, some are sentimental, and some are both. Some, like my Patagonia Better Sweater, could tell some pretty good stories.

Part of the reason for that is that it gets worn all the time. Hardly a day goes by that I don't slip it on for something. I wear it when I split a little firewood or take out the recycling. I wear it when I walk the dog. It has been a pillow on airplanes and kept me warm on early trout stream mornings in Wisconsin, Montana, and beyond.

If I'm outside and my Better Sweater isn't on, you can bet it's in my rucksack. In the place that I live, and most of the places I visit, the old timers say that if you don't like the weather just wait a few minutes. Your clothing needs to be adaptable! I love my Better Sweater because it is simple and versatile. It is warm enough for fall sailing and stylish enough for the Pub.  

Perfect Gifts for $50 & $20

The perfect gift doesn't have to be expensive. Check out these great ideas for anyone on your list. All available locally...

Spooktacular Socks....Darn Tough

Get a Spooktacular pair of Darn Tough socks, FREE with a $50 purchase on Thursday, October 24th from 4-7p.m. for Witches Night Out in downtown Ashland. While supplies last! We guarantee you'll love them!  Vermont made socks that come with a lifetime guarantee.It doesn't get any better than this!

Staff Pick Tuesday...Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra WP

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Reviewer: Katie

Item: The Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra is trail shoe built for the northwoods. It's got just the right amount of support for varied terrain, but light and stable. With wet trails in the fall it goes the distance. It's a great shoe for spring and fall.

Yoga for Runners Round 2!

The second round of "Yoga for Runners" with Michelle Heglund at The Spot starts this Monday July 21st. Registration is still open! Register here!

Staff Pick Tuesday!

Reviewer: Trey

Item: Craft Bike Bib Short

Craft Bike Bib Shorts are bike shorts with no chance of uncomfortable waistband binding, slipping or sliding. Bike shorts + built-in suspenders =  bibs. If you wear bike shorts and haven't tried bibs, you should totally get a pair. They're only a few dollars more than the shorts and make rides much more comfortable. 

Have You Registered Yet?

Our Advanced SUP Clinic is almost here! Have you registered yet? Learn how to unlock performance on a SUP in this two day clinic! Click HERE to register!

Ice Caves...A Spectacular Adventure

Adventuring this past weekend with gal pals took us to the ice caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This place, right in our backyard is pristine and rather untouched in the summer, but this winter has transformed into spectacular displays of ice and caves, real caves with cubbies, crevices, ice and frost formations that look more like underground stalagmites and stalactites. The stark contrast of the gradient sandstone cliffs along the lakeshore and ice is what has drawn "cavers" from near and far. As a local I was rather skeptical that this year the ice caves would look any different than in years past, but they are quite amazing and worth the trip up to Cornucopia to hike, ski or snowshoe out to view their majesty. It won't be long before mother nature's ice display will be transformed into drops of water that collectively become waves crashing into the cliffs this spring and summer. Instead of trekking out on frozen Lake Superior we'll be paddleboarding along the shore in the summer sunshine.

If you go be prepared. The conditions change daily. Be sure to check the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore site for up to date ice conditions. Here's a few things we recommend:

• Buff neck gaitor and warm hat
• Touchscreen friendly gloves for snapping photos
• Wind proof pants and water resistant pants. You'll want to climb in and crawl around the caves when you're out there.  My personal favorite is the Sporthill's Zone 3 Pant. It's a go anywhere, do anything outside winter pant
• Winter boots with good soles such as the Sorel Joan of Arctic
• IceTrekkers to keep you upright on the ice and snow packed trail
• Water and a CLIF Bar or Honey Stinger Waffle to refuel
• Camera
• Sunglasses even on a cloudy day to keep the wind and glare off your face
• Ski, snowshoe or trekking poles for stability