Sandy Graham Biography: Water has always been my favorite place to play.  I swam through age group, high school and college. After that, there was finally time for other activities - all were outdoors. After years of trying many things, I found that my favorite was kayaking. I was a white water boater first, sea kayaker second.  Currently, I have three white water boats, CR250(rodeo), Jeffe (creek), Topo Duo (tandem), and two sea kayaks; an Artic Hawk (solo) and an Aleut (tandem). Time spent on the water is always good! My favorite quote - as well as the store motto - is "Stupid Oughta Hurt."  The Motto of the Graham Clan is: "He who fears his fate too much, desserts are too small, put unto the touch, to win or lose it all." Interpretation: Crash and Burn.  Favorite Activities: Paddling, skiing,snowshoeing, mountain biking, and anything with Susie Favorite Places: Pyramid Point, Youghigheny River, Mt Washington, and anywhere Susie is Favorite Gear: Benchmade Mel Pardue knife, Smartwool T shirt, and my AT and Werner paddles.  Favorite Trail Food: Beef Jerky, sweet and sour shrimp, beef stroganoff, and anything Susie cooks.

Susie Graham Biography: Sandy and I moved to Traverse City in June of 2001 and purchased Backcountry Outfitters. We had dreamed of living "up north" for many years - so we made the move when the opportunity came along.  I get to do the behind the scene jobs at Backcountry; pay the bills, pay the employees, sometimes soft good buyer, and shipping and receiving. Before moving to TC I was a Medical Technologist at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester, MI for 20 years.    Favorite Activities: I love to kayak, snowshoe, downhill ski, and knit. My favorite places to kayak are along the Sleeping Bear National Lake-shore, Benjamin Islands in the North Channel, Parry Sound, Ontario and the inter-coastal waterways in Florida. I love to snowshoe on the dunes around TC.  My favorite ski area is Alta. I love to hit yarn shops anywhere I travel.  Innish Knits in Cedar is a favorite local shop.   Favorite Gear: My titanium Atlas snowshoes, my Western Mountaineering down sleeping bag, all my Arc'teryx clothing, and my Patagonia down sweater.  I have to confess to a love/hate relationship with my Wilderness Systems Arctic Hawk kayak.  I also enjoy our Valley Aleut 2 tandem kayak.   Favorite Trail Food: I enjoy any mix of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate.  I also like to chew on a bit of beef jerky for protein.

Traverse City

Eric Robinson Outfitting You Since: August 2005  Store Location: Traverse City Biography: From Washington to Washington DC and the Quetico to the Sangre de Cristo Mtns and all the way to the geographic center of Asia.  I’ve paddled thousands of miles and backpacked even more.  From being interrogated by the former KGB to lounging in my hammock. I’m a Pilgrim and I’m sure to be always on a journey.  Favorite Activities: Lounging with my wife and friends, kayaking/canoeing, snowshoeing with my dogs, road biking, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Favorite Places: HOME!  No matter how far I am from home I always treasure the memories of the people that I know and love.  I enjoy the mountains of Montana and New Mexico and love paddling the waterways of Michigan and Canada. Favorite Gear: I feel like the best piece of gear you can always take with you is your mind it can get you into some really great situations and also get you out of them.  My Crazy Creek Chair is a trusty companion and makes sure I stop and take in the sites along my journey.  Favorite Trail Food: Nutella!!(google it if you’re not sure what it is), fruit leather, and Mountain House Raspberry Crumble (this is supposed to be a dessert and also feed four, but I can eat one by myself and for breakfast - don’t tell Sarah!)

Zach Dorvinen Outfitting You Since: March 2007 Store Location: Traverse City Biography: I have been enjoying the outdoors every since I can remember. I have gone backpacking all over the rockies, and over summer 08' I hiked the Appalachian Trail, with my dog max (trail name Moneyshot). We raised money for the woman's cancer fund at Munson, in honor of a good friend Sandy Mills. When I am not backpacking I am either rock-climbing, trail running, snowshoeing, or just enjoying the outdoors with one of my to many hobbies.   Favorite Activities: Snowboarding, backpacking, slacklining, ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, snowshoeing, kayaking, photography, and trail running. Favorite Places: White Mountains,  Glacier National Park, and The Adirondack Mountains. Favorite Gear:  MHW Skyledge 2.1, Granite Gear Vapor Trail, MSR Lightning Ascents, La Sportiva Solutions, BD Ozone and Livewires, Western Mountaineering Flash Jacket, Alpha LT, Snowpeak Torch, and my Dog loves his Ruffwear Approach Pack. Favorite Trail Food: Venison jerky, Camelbak Elixer, Ramen noodles with dehydrated alfredo sauce and chicken and GORP (Chex mix, pizza gold fish, dark chocolate M&M's, roasted peanuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds).

Cory Smith Outfitting You Since: February 2009 Store Location: Traverse City Biography: I've been into the outdoors as long as I can remember, growing up in Traverse City was a natural environment for a kid like me, tons of outdoor spots, more water than you can think of, and even more cool little critters to catch!  I grew up on the water on Old Mission Peninsula, and at this point in my life can't imagine living very far away from it. Backpacking has been one of my staple activities for most of my adult life; the ability to get away from modern conveniences and back to your basic hierarchy of needs; (food, water, shelter) keeps me from ever feeling mundane. I am also a caver at heart, for the same reasons as backpacking; there is just something about being 2 miles into a cave system through a labyrinth of tunnels, knowing that a headlamp failure or a flash flood could mean your demise at any moment that just makes me feel alive. As I mentioned before, I love the water, I grew up on a boat and am also an experienced sailor, so moving into Sea Kayaking was a natural progression for me, I bought my first Sea Kayak two years ago and am working hard to hone my paddling skills to become a more proficient paddler. Favorite Activities: Backpacking, Caving, Kayaking, Fishing, Snowboarding, Hiking, Boating, and BARBECUE! Favorite Places: Isle Royale, the Pictured Rocks segment of the NCT, Voyaguers National Park, The Manitou islands, The Boardman River and my small collection of karsts/grottos spread across a couple of different states. Favorite Gear: Petzl DUO 14 Headlamp, Garmin 60CSX GPS, Thermarest Prolite plus, Werner Carbon Paddles, My  Texas pit barbecue, Native Dash XP sunglasses. I am a huge Arcteryx fan; My Sidewinder SV, Alpha LT and NAOS 85 backpack are among my favorite notables. I also am a huge fan of Mountain hardwear tents, both my Trango 3.1 and my Skyledge 3.1, also my collection of kayaks which I have dubbed "The fleet", and lastly Yakima racks for allowing me to lug all those boats around. Favorite Trail Food: French bread with oil, Backcountry Pizza, Dark Chocolate, Rosemary and Olive oil Triscuits, Raspberry Crumble (see Eric R's Profile), Cheesecake, Eggs, Jerky, Taste of Thai Noodle bowls and shortbread cookies. I once met a guy that hauled a fresh whole pineapple into the backcountry of the North Country Trail, I would never do such a crazy thing, but appreciate him for sharing a bit of it with me around the fire.

Candice Craggs Outfitting You Since: February 2009 Store Location: Traverse City Biography: spending time outside gives my life the balance it needs - so I attempt to do it whenever I can. :) I am currently working on my Bachelors degree in Graphic Communications, but I'm taking my time and lovin' life while I'm at it. I'm a huge fan of exploring new places and showing friends old favorites - whether it be by foot or boat. I've been backpacking for a number of years now, but just recently took up sea kayaking at the beginning of 2008. I've paddled through Voyageurs National Park and along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but I still have a ton to learn. I'm hoping to fine-tune my skills with my sea kayak, and try white water kayaking along the way. I was introduced to caving a number of years back and loved the thrill of it, so I now do it whenever I can. It makes me happy. In addition to my love of backpacking, water, and small places, I have a slight obsession with photography and art- whether it be sketching, painting, scrapbooking, designing logos, brochures or websites. I take pictures whenever I can and usually have one of my cameras nearby at any point in time. Favorite Activities: Backpacking, photography, snowshoeing, kayaking, hiking, spelunking, geocaching, sketching, watching thunderstorms, fishing, campfires with friends. Favorite Places: Isle Royale National Park, Glacier National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (you've GOT to hike up to Grand Portal Point), Voyageurs National Park, and Marquette. Favorite Gear:I love my Osprey Ariel 65 Backpack, Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 sleeping bag, and my ENO hammock. Other things that make me happy: my Keen Newport H2 sandals, Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket, Smartwool socks, MSR Titan Kettle and my little folding bucket (perfect for getting water at night and filtering it around the campfire). Favorite Trail Food: Sour Patch kids! Smoked almonds, Arizona Arnold Palmer packets, jerky, and hot apple cider for cold nights. I'm a huge fan of Enertia Trail Foods; their Switchback Shells, Max Patch Mac and Cheese, and Wind River Cheesecake are amazing. Also a big fan of Backpackers Pantry Pad See You.

Kody Schwartz Outfitting You Since: February 2009 Store Location: Traverse City Biography: I have lived in Traverse City for all my life. I have travelled to places as far as Jamacia, and as close as Pyramid Point. My favorite camping memory is waking up with frost all around me on the desert floor of the Grand Canyon. Favorite Activities: Hiking, snowboarding, backpacking, disc golf, paintball, tae-kwon-do, boxing and Jujitsu. Favorite Places: Anywhere on the California coastline, the Verda Hot springs in Strawberry Arizona and Ricks Cafe, Negril Jamaica. Favorite Gear:Any and all Arc'teryx - especially their SV series. My favorites are the Stingray GoreTex soft shell and the Hercules Hoody. More of my favorites include my HK (Heckler and Koch) edition Benchmade Knife, my Suuntto X6HR watch, my Mountain Hardwear Dragon jacket, Nitrous Down jacket, Phantom 0° down sleeping bag and my Snow Peak Lite Max stove. Favorite Trail Food: High protein meals, trail mix, tuna, and beef jerky.

Erik Olsen Outfitting You Since: June 2010 Store Location: Traverse City   Biography: My love for the outdoors started most with dad getting me out camping while I was a kid. I have been hiking, biking and camping for as long as I can remember and cannot get enough of either any of them. I have a strong appreciation for any hobby that gets me outside and at least feels like an adventure. I have recently come to the realization that I have too many hobbies. I have since been doing my best to combine them. Photography has been an activity that I have enjoyed for some time. It is a perfect pairing with all the activities I enjoy and I try to always have some form of camera with me at all times. My eyes are open and my list of activities grows constantly. Favorite Activities: Photography, biking, backpacking, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, exploration,  and campfires.  Favorite Places: Point Oneida, Empire, Frankfort, Glen Arbor, Lake Michigan, Copper Ridge, anywhere in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior, and behind my camera lens.  Favorite Gear: Osprey Packs, Smart Wools, Mountain Hardware, Canon, Patagonia and now Arc’teryx and all the gear I drool over while at work. Really just endless!  Favorite Trail Food: Vitamin S (aka. Snickers), I really do love “just add water” meals, tuna fish and crackers, PB and Honey on Hawaiian buns, and dihydrogen monoxide.

Sarah Lange Outfitting You Since: July 2011 Store Location: Traverse City Biography:I grew up right on the river in Grayling, Michigan, so spending time outdoors in the woods and water has always been natural. My parents have given me the opportunity to travel to several states and countried while growing up, so I'm an explorer at heart! I love hanging in a hammock reading a book as well as being a beach bum. Favorite Activities: Music festivals, photography, skiing, snowboarding and sledding. Any form of arts and crafts, bike rides, leisurely kayak trips and bonefires! Yoga, reading, geocaching, the whole S'mores process, picking flowers, blowing bubbles, making snow angels, and sidewalk chalk. Also karaoke if the moment feels right! Favorite Places: Hawaii, hands down, followed by Switzerland, Malaysia, and Coloado - in that order. Favorite Gear: My Camelbak reservoir, hammock, Smartwool Socks, and lifestyle clothing!

Jason Lalone Outfitting You Since: July 2011 Store Location: Traverse City Biography: Born and raised in Michigan, I have been in the Traverse City area since '94. My top two favorite activities are traveling and riding motorcycles; my greatest peace seems to come when I can do both together. I have traveled all over the United States, and continue to be amazed by the beauty that exists right here in our own country. Glacier National park and Crater Lake are at the top of my list of places that I have had the privilege of experiencing. I am currently a deck cadet at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy working on my unlimited tonnage license which limits my ability to travel, but I still try to get out and enjoy the local scenery as much as possible. Favorite Activities: Cruising on the motorcycle, traveling, snowboarding, hiking, camping, rollerblading, biking, rock climbing, basically anything outdoors, as well as reading and watching movies. Favorite Places: Hawaii, Colorado, Montana, and the Rocky Mountains. Favorite Gear: I enjoy putting my Arc'teryx gear to the test and am grateful for Smartwool socks and baselayers. I have gotten my money's worth out of my Osprey kestrel 38 backpack, which is still going strong, and have been very grateful for my therm-a-rest prolite plus mattress on numerous occasions. I am also now a big fan of the zipfy mini luge. Favorite Trail Food: Cliff bars and trail mix

Benton Farrell Outfitting You Since: November 2011 Store Location: Traverse City   Biography: I grew up in Grosse Pointe downstate. My interest in the outdoors began in 2005 when I signed up for a 5 week, 400 km white water canoe course on the Harricana River through Outward Bound. I enjoyed the great state of Michigan throughout my college career, and graduated in July 2011 from Western Michigan University with a double major in Environmental Science and Earth Studies, with an emphasis in Chemistry. After a 430-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail in May 2010, it has become my goal to thru hike the trail within the next two years and eventually to become a triple crowner.   Favorite Activities: Snowboarding, backpacking, riding on a train, walking and swimming with my dog Roxy, loafing in my ENO double nest hammock and paddling. Favorite Places: Shenandoah, Delaware Water Gap, Sierra Mountains, Grand Haven, Michigan; Lake Michigan, Copper Harbor, and Vermont.  Favorite Gear: Black Diamond Storm Headlamp, Osprey Atmos 50 Backpack, MSR Miniworks, ENO Double Nest Hammock, Arc' Teryx Sidewinder SV Jacket, ASOLO Fugitive FTX Boots, Suunto Core, Patagonia R Series, and the Hurricane Tampico 140L Kayak. Favorite Trail Food: Pre-mixed tuna packs, crackers, hard salami, quick-cook rice, Backpacker Pantry Pad Thai, oats, Carnations breakfast mix, peanut butter, Skittles, and pita bread.

Anna Trewhella Outfitting You Since: January 2012 Store Location: Traverse City   Biography: I recently moved to the Traverse City Area after spending the past 11 years in Kalamazoo. So far, I am really enjoying my new surroundings. I attended Western Michigan University and majored in Art. I have a weakness for Clint Eastwood movie and can't wait to learn how to paddle!   Favorite Activities: Hanging out with my two favorite mutts, Stella and Memphis. Going to concerts and festivals, cooking and baking, playing euchre, camping, painting with watercolor, watching Antiques Roadshow, and laughing at The Jon Stewart Show. Favorite Places: Telluride, CO; Upper Peninsula, MI, and Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo. Favorite Gear: Anything Smartwool, and fluffy down sleeping bads make me smile.   Favorite Trail Food: Almonds, Malt-o-Meal, Lemon Zest Luna Bars, and I will never forget to bring coffee.

Birmingham

Rion Núñez Outfitting You Since: March 2010 Store Location: Birmingham   Biography: Born in Houston, Texas and raised in Southfield, Michigan.  My love for barbecue still remains.  I've been going up north (Eastport, MI) a few times a year since I was six.  I started skiing when I was ten and did my first skiing trip out west to Steamboat Springs when I was twelve.  Since then I try to go out west whenever I can.  Graduated from Michigan State in '08 with a Telecommunication (digital media/graphic design) degree.   Favorite Activities: Skiing, Traveling, Photography, Going to Concerts, Kayaking, Jet Skiing, Eating, and Sleeping.   Favorite Places: Aspen, CO; Barcelona, Spain; London, England; Eastport, MI Favorite Gear: My Patagonia Down Sweater, Cloudveil Boundary Jacket, Arc'Teryx Gamma AR, Cloudveil Run Don't Walk ½ Zip, Oakley A Frame Goggles, and Sanuk Kerouacs.  Favorite Trail Food: Almonds, Dried Cranberries, Dark Chocolate and anything fried.

Drew Parent Outfitting You Since: July 2011 Store Location: Birmingham Biography: I am originally from Saginaw, MI. I have a Bachelors in Music Education from Saginaw Valley State University and a Masters in Music Performance from Central Michigan University. Most of my life is consumed by teaching and performing music, however I dedicate most, if not all, of my spare time to being outdoors. Along with working at Backcountry North I am currently a free lance musician and teacher in the Metro Detroit area. Favorite Places: Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI; Mackinaw Island, MI; Platte River, MI; Traverse City, MI; Denver, CO Favorite Activites: Canoeing, hiking, snowboarding, disc golf, bike rides, going out with friends to new places, playing percussion, teaching music, writing music. Favorite Gear: I love my North Face Denali Fleece, Leatherman Skeletool, Keen Newport's, Vibram Komodosport Five Fingers, Nalgene Water Bottle. Favorite Trail Food: Cliff Bars and fruit

Jeanne´ Duffola Outfitting You Since: August 2011 Store Location: Birmingham   Biography: My name is Jeanne´ Duffola. I was born and raised in "Steel Town" Pittsburgh, PA. I was very active as a child, playing in soccer leagues and sandlot-football with the neighborhood boys. I enjoy watching all sports, football and hockey especially. I am and will always be a loyal Steelers and Penguins fan for life!! When I was not playing sports, I was always in the woods or in some creek. Although you would not me - with socks and shoes - in a muddy creek collecting salamanders today, you will catch me spending a great deal of my spare time outside.  Hiking is one of my favorite things to do. I love it because it is great exercise and a stress reliever. Sometimes I go for exercise, but mainly just to see where it leads me. I have hiked many state parks in Pennsylvania, including the Allegheny National Forest, and some in Michigan. I have also hiked throughout the Rocky Mountains. I hope to one day attempt the Appalachian Trail. I also try to kayak as much as possible; I learned to kayak a few years back and have loved it ever since! I tried kayaking a tandem once on Lake Superior - the open water is great as I like to slowly paddle along, rather than attempt a swift moving river. Some day, I wish to kayak New Zealand or Australia. If its camping with friends or rock-climbing, as long as its outside, count me in! Favorite Activities: Hiking, Camping, taking my Husky, Angel, to the dog park, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, music festivals, travelling   Favorite Places: PITTSBURGH, the U.P., Butte Montana, Cabo, Chicago  Favorite Gear: My Black Diamond headlamp, North Face fleece, Merrell Barefoots, leggings, Ugg boots, North Face backpack Favorite Trail Food: My stepdad's homemade beef jerky, cliff bars, granola, anything chocolate!!!

Ian Kwiotek Outfitting You Since: July 2011 Store Location: Birmingham Biography: Born and raised in metro Detroit, Michigan has been my home for the past twenty years. I am currently a freshman at Wayne State University studying mechanical engineering. My passion for the outdoors sparked from visiting Grand Canyon National Park at age 5. A motor-home served to move my family and I around North America for over a decade. The opportunity to visit places like Cape Cod, Maine and Nova Scotia, Canada, allowed me to learn and understand the value of the outdoors at a young age. Now I spend my time backpacking, mountain biking, and mountaineering. Traversing Mt. Shuksan in the North Cascades, and reaching an altitude of over eight thousand feet has been the highlight of my outdoor experiences. There is nothing better than being able to push my physical limits surrounded by nature's beauty. Favorite Activities: Cycling and playing hockey have always been an important part of my life. When I have time for longer trips, backpacking and mountaineering have lead me to some great destinations. I also try to spend at least one week per year in the Rockies snowboarding! Favorite Places: Living in Michigan, I have always been fond of the Upper Peninsula and our Great Lakes. Bloomington, Indiana, and its surrounding state parks have made for some great backpacking trips. Denver, Colorado, has always been a great town to visit as well. The North Cascades outside of Seattle, Washington presented me with some majestic views of snow covered peaks as far as the eye could see. Favorite Gear: Gear that is made in North America with great attention to detail will always rank high on my list. My Western Mountaineering AlpinLite sleeping bag and Flash jacket have allowed me to stay cozy in an environment void of comfort. I've used Arc'Teryx clothing, Marmot tents, Osprey packs, and Smartwool baselayers with great satisfaction as well. Favorite Trail Food: Shot Bloks, Mountain House meals, GU energy gel, Gaterade powder, raisins, and Alpine spiced apple cider have propelled me through many outdoor endeavors.

Jennifer Thompson Outfitting You Since: February 2009 Store Location: Birmingham Biography: Traverse City has always been my home, even when I moved away.  I have a degree in General Education from NMC and a degree in Apparel Design and Apparel Merchandising from CMU.  Straight out of college I went to work for a major retailer in the south as a Private Label Designer. From there, I returned home and love being with my family and friends after being away for so long.  I never felt completely at home in the south and decided that Traverse City was the only place for me.  Shortly after I moved home, I was hired at Back Country.  I love applying my eye for design to the clothing and merchandise within the store.  I love learning about all of the new equipment, their uses, and meeting new people.  I can’t wait to expand my knowledge base about the outdoor world.  Thanks for reading my bio and I hope that you stop by the store to introduce yourself! Favorite Activities: Traveling, being with my friends, going to the beach, sewing, and...I love doing anything that's creative Favorite Places: London changed my life, I have traveled the world for my former career and loved every second of this city.  Paris is also amazing...but when it comes down to it my absolute FAVORITE place is wherever my family and friends are! Favorite Gear: I love my Lole!  I wear it all the time, ask anyone at the store.  It's the perfect combination of function and fashion!

Backcountry North 227 East Front Street Traverse City, MI 49684 231-946-1339	Backcountry North 2820 N. US-31 South Traverse City, MI 49684 231-941-1100	Backcountry North 284 West Maple Birmingham, MI 48009 248-885-8750