Adventure Jones Blog

When you think about summer family fun, a list of activities might come to mind: getting your favorite ice cream cone, basking in the sun with your friends, skimming across the greens of a mini-putt course, or taking in a professional baseball game. While these are all well and good, there’s nothing like being out on the lake in the summer. The cool, misty air, the ebb and flow of the waves. There’s no place I would rather be than out on the lake. Although wakeboarding and skiing sound great, most American families choose water tubes for their family water fun. With a wide range of choices, how will you know which water tubes to pick for this summer? Here are just a few categories to make a complicated choice simple.

Deck Tube

Single Tubes

Akin to its name, single tubes are designed for single riders only, increasing maneuverability and performance. Single tubes allow for trick-riding, jumps, and high speed acrobatics. Single tubes are the most affordable and transportable.

Double Tubes

Double tubes provide a great medium between the maneuverability of single tubes and the multifaceted features of a multi-rider tube. Double tubes have reduced speed but accommodate two individuals nicely.

Multi-Rider Tubes

Multi-Rider tubes can hold 2-6 people, have an increase surface area, and are heavier than most other tubes. This increase cause more pull on the line and boat, resulting in much slower speeds. Multi-Rider tubes are ideal for families that want to pull a group of kids. These tubes are bulkier to store and require a heavy-duty tow line.

Deck Tubes

Deck tubes look like an inflatable bed or mattress and are great for high-speed tows. A myriad of handles ensures rider safety while being whipped across the lake.

Banana Hot Dog…Yum

I’m sorry to disappoint, but there hasn’t been a breakthrough in taste technology just yet to put bananas and hot dogs together. These types of tubes are rocket-esque cylinders that riders straddle. These tubes are among the fastest multi-rider tubes on the market.

Ride-In Tube

A ride-in tube cradles the rider, providing a much different tow. Tubes in this category might be anything from inflatable knee-boards to chariot tubes.

Water Tubes

Looking to hit the lake with water tubes this summer? Adventure Jones has a wide selection of water tubes in all shapes and sizes. Free Shipping to the lower 48 states.

Got the itch to explore? With a bike carrier, you can take your bicycle almost anywhere and explore trails and terrain further from home. In order to get your bike there safely, however, you’ll need to find the right bike carrier for your vehicle.

Use a bike carrier to explore new trails.

Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

The cheapest option and the quickest to install is a trunk bike carrier. These types of bike carriers fit most types of vehicles, including minivans, hatchbacks, and SUVs without spare tires on the rear.

Choose a trunk bike carrier that fits the number of bikes you want to carry. The bikes will be easier to mount if you have extra room between them, so even if you only need to carry two bikes, you might want to buy a 3-bike carrier for easier mounting.

Roof Bike Carrier

If you already have a roof rack installed on your vehicle, a roof bike carrier makes the most sense. If you don’t have a roof rack, you can purchase a roof rack system for your specific vehicle, along with the roof bike carrier.

Some roof carriers allow you to mount the bike with both tires mounted. Others require you to remove the front wheel and either mount it separately or store it inside the vehicle. Storing one wheel inside the vehicle can reduce your chances of theft. You can also lock the carrier with a built-in lock system.

Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier

If you’ve got a hitch on your vehicle, another option is a hitch mounted bike carrier. Hitch mounted carriers make it easy to mount your bikes (no reaching overhead) and eliminate contact points with your vehicle, which means less risk of scratches. Hitch bike carriers can carry multiple bikes easily.

Bike Carriers

Adventure Jones offers free shipping on bike carriers from the most respected brands in the industry, including Yakima, Thule, and Saris. Use our Fit Wizard to choose the right bike carrier for your vehicle.

Water tubes and towables now on sale!

Get ready for summer with a water tube, ski tube, towable, or lounger from Adventure Jones! We offer a wide variety of water tubes and towables, from one-person water tubes to 5+ person towables, as well as loungers and inflatable water toys. Ski tube ropes, pumps, and towable accessories are also available.

Take advantage of our sale now to get ready for summer fun out on the water!

Choose the right bike carrier for your vehicle.

Are you ready for biking this spring? Taking a long bike ride is a great way to explore a new area, hang out with your friends, and get in some exercise while having fun. If you’re thinking about transporting your bikes to explore new trails, there are a few things you’ll want to think about when choosing a bike carrier.

1. Does the bike rack fit your vehicle?

If you’re looking for a bike rack, the best place to start is figuring out which bike carriers will fit your vehicle. For most vehicles, you can choose between a trunk bike rack or a roof bike rack. The trunk bike rack mounts straps to your trunk or the back of your SUV. The roof bike rack mounts to your roof rack system.

If you have a rear hitch, you have the option of installing a bike hitch rack or a platform carrier. If you own a truck, you’ll need a truck bike rack, and if you own an SUV with a spare tire in the rear, you’ll need a spare tire bike rack.

Use the Thule or Yakima fit system to make sure your bike rack will fit your specific vehicle make and model.

2. Is it secure?

Your bike carrier should mount securely on your vehicle. If the fit is a little “off,” you could risk scratching your vehicle or other bikes, losing your bike on the road, or losing both the carrier and bikes.

Read the installation instructions, and double check your carrier and bikes before heading out on the road.

You may also want to purchase a bike carrier that allows you to lock the bikes and carrier to your vehicle. This is especially important if you own an expensive bike and/or an expensive rack system.

3. Is it scratch proof?

The bike carrier that you choose should not scratch your vehicle or allow multiple bikes to scratch one another. Read the reviews for the bike carriers you are considering before making your purchase.

Bike Carriers

Need a bike carrier for your vehicle? Check out our selection of Yakima bike racks and Thule roof racks. Free shipping on all orders to the lower 48 U.S.!

If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

“If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” as the saying goes. Walking with snowshoes strapped to your feet might feel a bit awkward at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time. Here are some tips to help you learn how to walk in snowshoes.

1. Start on flat ground.

The easiest way to learn how to snowshoe is to start on flat ground where the snow is not too deep. As long as your snowshoes fit properly (including width, length, and how they attach to your boots), you should be able to walk with your normal gait, although your stance may be slightly wider. Practice on flat ground until you feel comfortable. Then move on to other terrain or maneuvers.

2. Use poles for balance.

Snowshoeing poles help you keep your balance and avoid falls. They also help you get back on your feet in case you do fall. Place your hand through the strap and then grab the pole to avoid dropping the poles.

3. Practice going uphill.

The crampons on the bottom of your snowshoes are designed to give you more traction in icy areas or when going up and down hills. To climb up a hill, dig your toe crampon into the hillside with each step. For powdery snow, you can kick the snow first to find a solid foothold; then dig in your crampon for traction.

4. Practice going downhill.

Use your crampons for traction going downhill as well. Keep your knees bent and your weight slightly back to keep from going too fast down the hill. Take small steps and keep your foot low to the ground with each step to avoid letting the snowshoe swing out. For hills that are too steep to climb straight down, use a side step to traverse the side of the hill.

Snowshoes for Men, Women, and Kids

Got cabin fever? Get outside this winter with snowshoes! Adventure Jones carries Atlas and Redfeather snowshoes for the whole family. Free shipping on all orders to the lower 48 U.S.

Wear the right size snowshoes for your weight.

Don’t let winter keep you inside. Strap on a pair of snowshoes, and explore uncharted territory with your friends and family. If you’ve never gone snowshoeing before, here are 5 tips to get you started.

1. Check the weather.

Check the forecast before you head out to go snowshoeing. If bad weather is on the way, play it safe and stay home. Checking the weather will also help you know how to dress appropriately for the temperature and wind.

2. Dress appropriately.

Wear layers so that you can take layers off as you warm up or add layers if the wind picks up. Choose waterproof layers whenever possible, or material that dries quickly. Avoid cotton, since it takes too long to dry. Wet clothing increases your risk for hypothermia, especially in windy conditions.

3. Make sure your snowshoes fit.

Choose snowshoes that are the proper length and width for your weight. Women’s snowshoes are made with a narrower frame to fit a woman’s narrow stride. Men’s snowshoes are slightly wider to match their gait.

4. Wear proper footwear.

Wear waterproof footwear, such as snow boots or snowboarding boots. Avoid tennis shoes or other footwear that can get wet. Wool or moisture-wicking socks are also recommended.

5. Go with a friend.

The best way to snowshoe is to go with a friend or group of friends. Sharing an adventure draws you closer together, and you’ll have someone to watch out for you in case something goes wrong. It’s also a good idea to let someone at home know your plans and when you plan to be back.

Mens, Womens, and Kids Snowshoes

Take the whole family on a snowshoeing adventure with mens, womens, and kids snowshoes from Adventure Jones. We carry Atlas and Redfeather snowshoes, as well as our own Basecamp snowshoes.

Make sure the cargo bag will fit your vehicle and roof rack.

Weekend traveling requires some packing finesse. It’s unlikely you’ll need to rent a truck unless you pack like my 14 year old. More often, your car, SUV, or pickup will be transporting you, your company, and your gear. Add to that the weather this time of year requires extra layers and winter gear too. Space is precious, so if a little snow doesn’t keep you indoors for a great weekend, then now is the time to think about choosing to add cargo space. The extra space in a cargo bag is an obvious value, but there are different styles to fit different needs.

Roof Styles

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Measure the dimensions of your roof and the racks before shopping. Do you have a rack on the roof of your vehicle or do you have a “naked roof”? If your roof is naked, you’ll need a different type of rack system than if you have rails on the roof. Don’t forget to check and see if the cargo box or bag is compatible with your vehicle and roof rack. That’s not something you want to find out the day you’re packing the car.

Aerodynamics and Weather

The Thule Quest Roof Mounted Cargo Bag adds about 13 cubic feet of packing space and has an aerodynamic shape to help with wind drag. It’s made of weather-resistant material, so you can take it out even on a snowy day. If there is a chance for a torrential downpour, however, I might be more inclined to use a cargo box instead. For example, the Thule Transporter Combi Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier can be mounted to the back of your vehicle, also reducing drag.

Environmentally Friendly

For an environmentally friendly option, you can choose a Yakima Get Out Car Roof Cargo Bag, which adds about 13 cubic feet of space. For all of us environmentally conscious people, all of Yakima’s cargo bag material is PVC-free. Yakima’s Planet Payback initiative is focused on reducing waste and making as small a footprint as possible on the environment.

Cargo Bags by Thule and Yakima

There are lots of options for choosing a cargo bag for this winter, so check out our selections to find your perfect bag today.

Get the right snowshoe length for your weight.

Now that winter is approaching, some outdoor enthusiasts might sadly be packing up their equipment until next spring. If you live in snow country, however, playing outside in the winter can be just as much fun with a pair of new snowshoes.

Why Use Snowshoes

Snowshoes are essential for some far north workers, who work outside and need to get around on the snow safely and effectively, but they’re also a great addition to your adventure gear. If you enjoy running or hiking and would like to continue doing so outside during the winter, then snowshoes are for you.

How Snowshoes Work

Snowshoes basically allow the weight of your body to be spread out over a larger surface area, which allows the shoe to “float” over the snow. While some areas are difficult to access on foot during winter, wearing snowshoes allows you to explore those places safely.

Snowshoe Fit

If you’ve never bought snowshoes before, don’t worry; we can walk you through the process. A good pair of snowshoes that fit well will make you wish it snowed year round! Snowshoes aren’t fitted by length of feet, like a traditional shoe; instead, they’re fitted by the weight of you and your gear.

Snowshoe Sizing Guide

If you and your gear weigh 75-140 pounds, you’ll need snowshoes 8″ x 21″ in size. If the total weight is between 120-180 pounds, you’ll need snowshoes 8″ x 25″ in size. For 160-220 pounds, select 9″ x 30″ snowshoes, and for over 200 pounds, look for 10″ x 36″ snowshoes. (By the way, these fitting guidelines are also on the bottom of our snowshoe purchase page. Just scroll to the bottom in case you need guidance.)

Mens and Womens Snowshoes

Women’s snowshoes tend to be slightly shorter, while men’s snowshoes tend to be longer. For places with deep powder, or if you’re blazing your own trail, larger snowshoes will fare better. Smaller snowshoes, on the other hand, are easier to maneuver and provide better traction. They also make it easier to handle wet snow and steep slopes.

Maintenance

One of the best features of the snowshoe is that there’s basically no upkeep. The most you’ll need to do is to sharpen the cleats on occasion, if you’re a heavy snowshoe user. So if you’re in the market for a fantastic winter, outdoor adventure, snowshoes might be the perfect fit for you!

Browse Our Snowshoes

Looking for the best snowshoes for your needs? Check out our selection of name-brand Atlas, Redfeather, and Adventure Jones snowshoes for men, women, and kids.

Use a cargo bag to save space in your vehicle.

You might be wondering how much space you can save with a cargo bag, if it will be annoying to carry on your vehicle, and whether it will be worth the cost. A cargo bag is designed to mount on the roof of your vehicle in a carrier basket, or on the rear of your vehicle with a hitch mount. Here are some great reasons to invest in a cargo bag of your own.

Save Space

One of the biggest reasons to purchase a cargo bag is the improvement in space. Take, for instance, the SportRack Cargo Carrier Basket Bag. This bag holds up to 10 cubic feet worth of stuff. Think of how much space 10 cubic feet would take up inside your car. That’s an entire person! So now your best friend doesn’t have to take another car and your dog won’t need to stay behind. They can fit in the car, with all the things you need for your adventure.

Save Weight

Another good reason to purchase a cargo bag is weight and protection. The cargo bag is much lighter than a hard shell, but still keeps your items protected, and it’s waterproof, so there’s no need to worry about the weather, rain or shine.

Convenience

The cargo bag is much easier to maneuver than a hardtop roof box. The cargo basket, which holds your bag, folds up when not in use. It’s all steel and holds up to 500 pounds, so you can load it up with all your gear and not have to worry about it bending or breaking.

The basket is also good not just for adventure trips, but for a Saturday garage sale adventure, or even a large holiday shopping trip. If you bought more items than your car will carry, you won’t need to freak out when you get to your car. Just unfold the basket, load up your items, and drive home.

The easier it is to load your kayak, the more often you'll use it.

If your favorite thing is kayaking, you will need a kayak carrier on your vehicle. Plop that thing up there for the weekend stuff, and keep it there for during the week, too.

How would you like to grab a sack lunch in the morning, take it to the pond near your workplace at noon and paddle around in the water for an hour listening to ducks or your iPod?

Mid-Week Kayaking

Now there’s good exercise. And a great de-stressor. Do a little research and see what kind of lakes or ponds are close to the area where you work. You might be surprised at what you find. Some kayaks are light enough that it isn’t tough to grab your kayak from the rack carrier and shove it in the water nearby.

Summer Kayaking

During the summer, it’s fun to kayak behind or next to your crazy friends who are sitting on rafts. Kayak carriers make weekend trips easy. Just strap your kayak on top of the car and grab it down when it’s time to get in the water.

Even if you have an SUV and the kayak fits inside, carrying your kayak on the roof is a better idea if you don’t want the inside of your vehicle to get wet, sandy, and muddy. Plus it means you have to clear out the vehicle to make sure there’s enough room to fit the kayak inside.

Winter Kayaking

Ever heard of winter kayaking? The only winter kayaking we knew was in Iowa as kids, when we would use a kayak as a toboggan and scream down a big icy hill onto a frozen solid river. Winter kayakers love to kayak in the rainy ice and snow. Slushy rivers are not a problem when you can tuck into a rubber apron that snaps you in and makes you waterproof.

Kayaking in winter requires extra precautions, however. The website www.paddlinglight.com recommends keeping an eye on your spray skirt: “Your sprayskirt and grab handle may become encased in ice and freeze to the kayak making them hard or impossible to remove. A grab handle frozen to the deck may make it impossible to perform a wet exit if needed. Continually check these items and break the ice off of them to keep them flexible and working.”

Whether you are dragging your kayak up an icy hill or down the warm river, when you are done, just load it back on the kayak carrier and leave it there! You never know when you might get a chance to use it again.