Jesse Brown's in the News! In the Community! Jesse Brown's in the World!

Jesse Brown: A Legendary Name

By Jesse Brown's

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, devotion is defined as “being ardently loyal to someone or a cause.” In North Carolina, Devotion is the name of the unincorporated town & 10,000 acre estate that belonged to the Reynolds (RJR Tobacco) family near Dobson, NC. It was created as a vacation escape & to create jobs in the small farm community during the Depression.*

Lastly, it is the name of the recently released film featuring Jonathan Majors & Glen Powell: DEVOTION

At Jesse Brown’s Outdoors, our continual goal is to be the outdoor store in Charlotte and beyond, that is devoted to our craft and customers. We are constantly sending anglers out from our local fly shop on adventures to the delayed harvest waters of the Mitchell River near Dobson. This river’s headwaters begin on the private, Reynolds property of Devotion.

There are many differences between our founder, Jesse Brown, and the Korean War hero, Jesse Brown.

Our Jesse was born in 1933 and lived a long life. He started Jesse Brown’s Backpacking Mountaineering Canoeing Kayaking in 1970. The store’s concept came from time spent in Manhattan visiting outdoor stores while he was employed as a corporate pilot for J.P. Stevens Textile Firm.

Two of Jesse’s passions were the outdoors and flying. One led to the other and we continue to promote the outdoor lifestyle through the brick-and-mortar outdoor store based in Charlotte, NC, and the website www.jessebrowns.com. The company also uses this format to focus on outdoors in the Carolinas with the Carolina Outdoors radio show and podcast.

The Jesse Brown featured in the film was born just seven years earlier (1926) than our Jesse, and enlisted in the Navy at age 20 as a young African-American man with an interest in aviation. He earned his pilot wings in 1948 and was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He flew twenty combat missions before being shot down while supporting ground troops at the Chosin Reservoir. Jesse Brown became the first African American naval officer killed during the Korean War at the age of 24.

The name, the era they were born, and the interest in flying ties them together. The Naval Officer, Jesse Brown, accomplished many goals despite living during a time of segregation in our country and desegregation within the military. He was salutatorian of his high school class, earned a degree from Ohio State University, earned his pilot wings, and ultimately sacrificed his life in service to his country. His name is on the frigate, USS Jesse L. Brown and several books have been written about him. The 2022 film, Devotion, highlights his life, death, and relationship with fellow pilot, Thomas Hudner.

As for our Jesse Brown. He lived into the 21^st century and his name continues to adorn Jesse Brown’s Outdoors and our website www.jessebrowns.com. We stay devoted to our clients by providing selection, service, and commitment to our community.

We are proud to share the name, Jesse Brown. One, a pioneer in opening the first specialty outdoor store in the south & the other, an American hero.

*According to www.RJReynoldsEstate.com

By Bill Bartee

2022 Holiday Gift Guide

By Jesse Brown's

When the holidays come around, we all start to panic in terms of gift-giving and busy schedules. Worry no more because Jesse Brown’s Outdoors is here to solve your problems. Our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide includes apparel and gear that your favorite outdoor enthusiast will love. Put the worry to the side and start shopping!

Patagonia Nano Puff

Expertly made for use in those cool and cold weather months, this jacket is the ultimate warmth companion. Great for walking the dog around the neighborhood in the early morning, using as part of a layering system on a ski trip, or simply just taking a day hike at a park nearby, this Nano Puff is warm, windproof, water resistant, and lightweight, all while still maintaining a comfortable fit. Unlike down filled jackets which lose their ability to retain heat when wet, this jacket traps heat incredibly well and will keep you protected from the colder elements, in both wet or dry conditions.

Pendleton Blanket

If your loved one is planning on adventuring into colder climates, hanging out around the house, or looking for outdoor-inspired home decor then the Pendleton Blanket is for them. Strong, durable, and iconic perfectly describe these blankets. Pendleton focuses on providing lifetime products through their practice of weaving high-quality woolens in their two Pacific Northwest mills. These blankets never go out of style.

Filson Apparel

Does anyone come to mind when you hear the words rugged and reliable? If so, anything from Filson will suit them well. Filson is brand built on american tradition that offers unfailing goods, such as outdoor clothing, accessories, and luggage. Whether they need a new shirt, jacket, duffel, hat, or game bag, Filson has you covered.

Patagonia Duffel

Whether you are heading down the road or across the country, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel will get you where you need to go. Everyone needs luggage that will hold up through intense travel, so why not give a gift that is useful? The Black Hole Duffel bag comes in a variety of sizes that will hold belongings in organized pockets and compartments. It is tough, weather resistant, and has a variety of carrying options.

NEBO Flashlight

A flashlight seems like a silly gift, but it is certainly a survival tool worth having. A flashlight can be used for all sorts of reasons, including a camping trip, power outage, and more! The NEBO brand offers a variety of flashlight styles and sizes to meet anyone’s lighting needs.

Angling Gear

We cannot forget your favorite angler! Not only do we have awesome accessories for your trip, but we also stock a great variety of rods and reels, line, tippet, flies, boots, and waders, to make sure your angler is fully prepared for their next fishing adventure. No matter what your price point is, there are plenty of brands, such as Sage, Redington, R.L Winston, Nautilus, Cheeky, Fishpond, Simms, and more, that provide dependable angling gear. If you are more of an experience give, check out our Fly-Fishing Wading Trips!

Adventure Essentials

By Jesse Brown's

When heading out for a day on the water, or quick hike, or any other adventure it is as important to have the right gear on hand as it is for a longer duration outing. We will skip over the abundance of primary gear such as packs, rods & reels, boots etc and just focus on some of the smaller items that can keep you prepared, safe, and in the game. Having the right essentials, packed/stowed properly, will add minimal weight and bulk to your kit while providing piece of mind on a good day or life saving on a bad day. Read on to see some of my adventure essentials.

Polarized Sunglasses

If I am outside, I have polarized sunglasses on. The polarization cuts down on glare and harmful UV rays which not only protects my eyes from the damaging effects of the sun, but also allows me to see better in and around water (a true must-have for fishing). Most of my sunglasses are also non-glass which means they are shatter-resistant. Many non-glass lenses are polycarbonate, but some leading manufacturers such as Maui Jim have pushed the envelope with glass alternative lenses providing optical clarity rivaling glass but with the impact resistance of polycarbonate. Increasingly I use lower light lenses for trout fishing or cloudy days. Newer low-light lenses allow more light to come through but also reduce glare as a polarized lens should and allow me to see into shadows to spot spooky fish. Don’t forget the eyewear retainer; your sunglasses are an investment you want to keep.

Pocketknife or Multi-tool

Whole blog posts have been written on the importance of a reliable pocketknife, or multitool, so I won’t wax poetic too heavily on the virtues of such a trusted companion. But I don’t leave home without a pocket knife. Somehow it gets used every day. My multitool is close at hand in a pack, bag, or in my vehicle. When you need one, you really need one! Especially the plier function or the screwdriver. Spend the money to get a good one and learn how to make the most of these tools.

Flashlight or Headlamp

No matter how old we get we are still afraid of the dark. Flashlights are great tools, but sometimes you need to use both hands. Enter the headlamp. Whether I am rigging a line early in the morning, hiking into camp late at night, or dealing with a seasonal power outage at home, I rely on a good headlamp. When out and about I also keep fresh batteries with the light just in case. In camp you can strap the headlamp to your clear water bottle so that light shines into the bottle creating an ambient light similar to a lantern.

First-Aid Items

Bumps and bruises happen. So do seasonal allergies. With that in mind I keep a small bottle of anti-inflammatory on hand as well as a liquid bandage (almost immediately stops or slows the minor wound and is waterproof so unlike a bandage it wont slip off). I don’t leave home without some sort of seasonal allergy medicine because, hey, I like to breathe easier.

Sunscreen & Insect Repellent

Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent should be obvious choices, but they only work when they are properly used. The first two are year round companions for sure. Insect repellent is more season and location specific, but I have relied on Ben’s 30% or 100% DEET for years of travel in Central America, and for early season hunts (as well as yard work). There may be better options out there, but when the bugs are bad (and in some cases bad for you i.e. malaria) I go with what I know works.

Water & Snacks

Even a quick outing is going to require you to refuel and rehydrate so appropriate snacks and water are always close by. Prepackaged snacks are easy and the wrapper means that even with less than clean hands I don’t need to worry about contamination. Please make sure to pack out that trash though! For longer trips I may double up my hydration from one Nalgene to two, or even a bladder system. The benefit of two bottles means that one can have water and the other packs an electrolyte solution or coffee. But that is just getting bougie.

Rain Gear

A rain shell is always in the bag for the obvious reason. But it also serves as a windbreaker even on cooler days, or extra sun protection on full exposure days. Current offerings from leading brands such as Patagonia, Marmot, The North Face, and Arcteryx are light weight, breathable, and will exceed performance expectations. On cold days they make fleece and other midweight layers even more effective without adding bulk.

Pack

All of those items can be easily stored in a bag or pack without taking up much space. With a little bit of planning, I have all of those on my person or in my Fishpond Flathead Sling for a full day on a mountain stream while still carrying all of the fly-fishing essentials. Small organization pouches help to contain a potential mess, keep the essentials close at hand, and make it easier to inventory between trips. A change of clothes does stay in the truck just in case of a fall in deep water or if my waders develop a leak; besides, changing in to warm, dry clothes makes the drive home that much better.

The added weight of all of this is much less than one might think. The added piece of mind is tremendous; more so when you actually have to make a repair or clean up an injury in the dark. This list is by no means exhaustive or set in stone. I make changes to my essentials based on the trip, the weather, and if I am responsible for other people. But the loadout is thoughtful, concise, and effective. So, what are your adventure essentials? Jesse Brown’s Outdoors is the perfect place to grab all of the gear you need!

By Wes Lawson

Fall Activities – The Season is Not Over Yet

By Jesse Brown's

Thinking of fall activities to do before the winter season hits? We have some adventurous recommendations for you! Peak week may have passed, but fall is certainly not over. The Appalachian Mountains are known for their captivating beauty during the months of September to November which means you have time to get outside, soak up the crisp air, and take in all the bright-colored leaves!

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather mountain is a nature preserve located in Linville, North Carolina; approximately 19 miles from Boone, 106 miles from Charlotte, and 70 miles from Asheville. Grandfather Mountain remains a place of amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty at the elevation of 5,946 feet. With that in mind, there are plenty of things to do on their park grounds. Spend the day hiking on their trails, taking in views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, keeping your kiddos busy at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, or spying on the various wildlife habitats. Once you are through with your adventures, stop by Mildred’s Grill for a snack or a souvenir from the Top Shop.

Tweetsie Railroad

Calling all people with children to check out Tweetsie Railroad; a family friendly wild west theme park nestled into the side of a mountain in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The park is a place full of fun for you and your kids! The main attraction is the 3-mile steam train ride with tons of live entertainment. After finishing the the train adventure, hop on amusement rides, play with animals at the Deer Park Zoo, and enjoy all kinds of food and shops. (During the month of Halloween on Fridays and Saturdays, the traditional locomotive transforms into the Ghost Train.)

Fly Fishing Trout Streams

Fly fishing is another way to enjoy the season of fall and in our opinion, the best way! Jesse Brown’s Outdoors offers guided fly-fishing wading trips across the North Carolina Mountains. Meet streamside to go fish, plus, enjoy a day of learning with casting instruction, water readings, entomology, hook set & fish fight, and more from our experienced guide, Dave Bergman. Gear and lunch are included for the day! Stream locations include East Fork of the French Broad, Davidson River, Wilson Creek, Watauga River, Mitchell River, and more. Book a trip now for yourself, for a friend, or both. If you have been fly fishing, you will absolutely enjoy your time and if you have never been fly fishing, this is the perfect opportunity to get started!

The Green Race

If you are a paddler or simply enjoy extreme sports, you must attend the Green Race. It takes place on November 5th, 2022 on the Green River Narrows near Saluda, North Carolina. It is an epic paddling competition on some of the hardest rapids in the world, including the Gorilla, Go Left and Die, Frankenstein, and more! Spectating this event does include an intense hike to the riverside. If you can do the hike, you will be rewarded with fall colors, rushing water, and excitement! Apart from the actual race, there is camping, an awards ceremony, live music, and food.

Thinking about participating in any of these fall activities? Be sure to gear up with Jesse Brown’s Outdoors! We have plenty of hiking boots, packs, jackets, and whatever you need to be comfortable while spending time in the great outdoors!

By Cat Harrell

Your Next Pair of Waders

By Jesse Brown's

It’s a great time to be fishing. Modern day anglers have a slew of advantages over their forbearers; technically advanced fly line, lightweight reels with impressive drag capabilities, and multi-application fly rods for nearly any scenario. But where we are really at the greatest advantage is in waders. That is thanks in no small part to fanatical attention to detail by manufacturers to meet the needs of the 21^st century angler.

There are a host of major players on the market, and for sure it is difficult to find truly bad waders. Jesse Brown’s Outdoors has cultivated an inventory of what we know to be some of the best performing waders on the market today. Read on for a breakdown on some of our favorites!

crosswater waders — Photo courtesy of Far Bank – Redington

Simms G4Z Stockingfoot Waders

The Z means zipper. And not just any zipper, but a genuine YKK waterproof zipper, so climbing in and out of these flagship waders is a breeze. Gone are the days of struggling to get in and out of waders once you own a pair of the Simms G4Z Stockingfoot Waders. But these are no one trick pony.

Get to know the Simms G4Z Stockingfoot Wader:

3 Layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell Upper combined with 4 Layer Gore-Tex Pro Lower for maximum protection and increased durability.
Dual zippered chest pockets with built in retractor stations
Micro fleece lined handwarmer pocket
Converts to waist-high wearing thanks to the adjustable air-mesh suspender system
Made in the USA

Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders

A perennial favorite with a cult following. Regularly upgraded and enhanced to maintain its status as king of the wader hill.

3 Layer Gore-Tex Upper with 4 Layer Gore-Tex Pro Lower
Adjustable air-mesh suspender with built in net attachment point
Zippered fleece lined handwarmer pocket on chest
High/Low waist options for included belt
Patented articulated legs seams for increased maneuverability
Anatomically engineered stockingfeet for all day comfort
Made in the USA

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Renowned Simms quality without the price; the Freestone Stockingfoot Waders move the performance needle, come packed with the necessities, and may even leave a little walking around money in the bank.

4 Layer Toray QuadraLam Upper and Lower
Fleece lined handwarmer chest pocket
Top access zippered pocket for smaller must-haves like Fishing License, keys, or extra tipper spools
Attachment zipper for Simms Tippet Tender
Assembled in the USA

Available in Women’s specific sizing at Jesse Brown’s Outdoors!

Redington Escape Waders

Put a different name on these and jack up the price! The Redington Escape Waders are ideal for fishing in the Southeast, as a pair for your mooching neighbor, or if you appreciate value in your gear.

Breathable waterproof 3 Layer Upper and 4 Layer Lower
Micro fleece handwarmer pocket on chest
Zippered top chest pocket for the little things
Rear mounted durable anchor point for net
Quick connect/disconnect elastic suspenders
Included elastic wading belt

Available in Women’s specific sizing at Jesse Brown’s Outdoors!

Redington Crosswater Waders

If staying dry and keeping features to a minimum is your goal, look no further.

3 Layer waterproof and breathable Upper and Lower
Adjustable suspenders
Anatomical stockingfeet
Built in gravel guards

All of the waders sold at Jesse Brown’s Outdoors are “stockingfoot” models. The stockingfoot booty is a seam welded neoprene sock attached the waders via stitching, adhesives, and seam welding. Anglers will need a pair of wading boots to be worn in conjunction with the waders.

Your next pair of waders should fit properly for your body shape and your intended fishing. That is to say you should have room to layer up properly if you plan on fishing through colder conditions. Proper fit is something that the staff at Jesse Brown’s Outdoors understands. Let us help get you into the waders that check all of the boxes and allow you to move unencumbered.

Images from Simms Fishing Products & Far Bank

By Wes Lawson

Over the Edge – Be a Hero for the Kids

By Jesse Brown's

Jesse Brown’s Outdoors is always looking for ways to get involved in the community and the Over the Edge Event organized by the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation allowed us to do so! Bill Bartee, Owner of Jesse Brown’s and Co-Host of the Carolina Outdoors Podcast and Wes Lawson, General Manager of Jesse Brown’s and the other Co-Host of the Carolina Outdoors Podcast signed up to rappel 100 feet off a building to help build a better future for kids in our Charlotte community.

The funds raised through rappelling went towards the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission includes providing economically challenged students (pre-K through 12th grade) access to learning opportunities. The Foundation works to ensure those students have a competitive edge that best equips them for life and drives their future success. Every $20 donation brings a child into the NASCAR Hall of Fame for a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.

On October 5th, Bill and Wes put aside their fears and did exactly what they said they would do: rappelled 10 stories down the Embassy Suites Charlotte Uptown. We could not of been “a hero for the kids” without the Foundation, Over the Edge, and those that donated to the cause!

Delayed Harvest Excitement

By Jesse Brown's

For trout anglers in North Carolina there can be few times as exciting as the first cooler days in the fall. As the air and water temperatures drop and hurricane season rains replenish water levels, the countdown begins for Delayed Harvest trout fishing. In North Carolina, DH trout season runs October 1 through June 2 on 36 rivers, creeks, and streams throughout the higher elevations of the state. Fly anglers who put away their rod, reel, waders, and boots when temps rose should take the time to check their gear before rising with the rooster and heading towards the stream. We’ll cover more on that further down, so stay with us.

What is Delayed Harvest Trout season? During this long-running season the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission stocks our western rivers and streams with hatchery raised Brook, Rainbow, and Brown Trout. On Delayed Harvest waters anglers cannot harvest/keep trout; the harvesting of those fish is delayed until the season concludes 30 minutes after sunset on June 2, 2023. Further, anglers can only use single hook artificial lures/flies during Delayed Harvest in North Carolina.

How do you know if you are fishing on Delayed Harvest waters? You can check the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Delayed Harvest Stocking site before you head out, or once on the water, look for black and white diamond shaped posted signs. Or, one can simply assume that the stream is Delayed Harvest and employ common sense catch and release practices.

Before heading out this Delayed Harvest season, give your gear a thorough once-over to make sure your line is in good shape. Fly line should be cleaned and gently stretched to reduce coil/memory so casts are more accurate and delicate. Terminal tackle, leader & tippet, left rigged from last year probably needs to be replaced. Older fly line may deteriorate over time and will perform poorly on the water. If the line feels overly stiff, gummy, or is nicked or cut it is probably due for a replacement. Newer lines designed for tighter waters, such as Rio’s Creek line, or Rio Gold, will make a difference in presenting flies to our pressured trout.

Jesse Brown’s Outdoors staff are setup to help determine if any of your fishing and outdoor gear is ready to go, or if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Our fly reel services will have you back in action quickly in most instances. On-site casting lessons are tailored to each individual so that a novice angler can hit the stream with confidence or so an experienced and seasoned fly fisher can take their cast and presentation to the next level.

Our in-house guide service books clients year-round. The cooler fall, winter, and spring seasons are ideal times to give us a call or book online. We provide highly experienced guides, as well as rods, reels, flies, waders, wading boots, and lunch. All you need is a valid NC fishing license and appropriate clothing for a day on the water. When you book a guided fly-fishing trip with Jesse Brown’s Outdoors you and your guests are the only clients with us that day. No prior experience is required to fish with us.

By Wes Lawson

Patagonia’s Announcement: Yvon Chouinard Makes Earth its Only Shareholder

By Jesse Brown's

As many of you know, Patagonia made a huge announcement on their 50th Anniversary. For those of you that do not know, you can find out all the details below!

For a substantial amount of time, Jesse Brown’s Outdoors provided and still provides the Charlotte community with Patagonia’s reliable products and gear. We admire their Fair Trade Certified™ expectation, sustainably-sourced materials, and vow to protect the environment. Taking care of the world around us is important. Therefore, the clothes we wear and the gear we use should be produced in a thoughtful and sustainable manner.

Yvon writing his letter for the announcement Patagonia's new ownership. — Yvon writing his letter for the announcement of Patagonia’s new ownership.

Most of us are aware of Patagonia’s strong commitment toward fighting environmental crisis. On September 14, 2022, Patagonia proved their commitment by making earth its only shareholder. Yvon Chouinard wrote a beautiful letter explaining what Patagonia’s ownership will look like for years to come. Within the letter, we found out that “100% of the company’s voting stock transfers to the Patagonia Purpose Trust” and “100% of the nonvoting stock had been given to the Holdfast Collective.” Some may ask what the Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective are. The trust is a creation to “protect the company’s values” while the collective is “a nonprofit dedicated to fighting the environmental crisis and defending nature.” There you have it: a creative way to keep a company running while saving the planet.

As a vendor of their goods, we are stoked to support Patagonia’s announcement and plan to continue our partnership with this groundbreaking company as we have over the past 50 years! So join us as we applaud Patagonia for making earth its only shareholder!

Source: https://www.patagonia.com/ownership/?utm_source=em&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=091522_new_owner

The Tradition of Storyteller’s Night

By Jesse Brown's

Part of playing outside includes the everlasting memories you make with yourself, family, friends, and nature. Jesse Brown’s Outdoors believes it is important to preserve these memories which is why we created the tradition of Storyteller’s Night. It is a a chance for you to celebrate and enjoy a neighbor’s adventure.

We have an upcoming Storyteller’s Night on May 25th from 6:00 to 8:00pm in-store! Please joins us for a night full of adventure stories, snacks, and beer! See below for the teaser descriptions for our 3 storytellers!

The Guides – Ridr Knowlton

Writing about adventurers takes research & that research leads to travel, trips, exploration & adventure for the researcher. Ridr Knowlton talks about his life, interests & adventures when he steps into a world of fear, danger, exploration & the unknown with “THE GUIDES”.

Outward Bound Within – Alexys J. Taylor

Our lives can take twists & turns. Much of this can come from a simple introduction. Alexys Taylor was introduced to the outdoors during her high school years. From it, she learned a lot about herself & began to introduce the outdoors to others. Why? Because of what she learned when she discovered her “OUTWARD BOUND WITHIN.”

Inspire Campfire – Scott Wurtzbacher

Where is your happy place? How did you find it? What difference did it make to you? These are some of the questions that Scott Wurtzbacher asked himself & will ask us. He found his answers which lead to added adventure with himself, friends, & family. We’ll learn about it as we gather around his “INSPIRE CAMPFIRE.”

Facebook Event Page

Jesse Brown: A Legendary Name