With a nod to Enlightened Equipment in Winona, Minnesota, our final donation went to a worthy organization in the north eastern region of that state: the St Louis County Rescue Squad. The Rescue Squad covers the lakes and forests of the Arrowhead region, keeping outdoors enthusiasts safer in a coverage area that is nearly the size of New Jersey. This is an extremely active team, with 58 members and an annual activity load of 327 calls. In the last three years, however, that number has gone over 400 calls annually. We appreciate all of the hard work that Captain Rick Slatten and his team do for us, in one of the most heavily visited regions for paddlers in North America. If you’d like to learn more about the group, click the link above to go its Facebook page or go to it’s website at: https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/sheriff/rescue-squad

Enlightened Equipment‘s growth has been phenomenal…and with good reason. The company’s lightweight camping quilts are the best in the business, and desired by backpackers around the world. These quilts are ideal for paddlers, too, as they feature a water-repellent treated down and compress so small that they can fit in the tightest kayak space or overloaded canoe bag. We also like the company’s commitment to its community and work with the Women’s Resource Center of Winona.