The last time iconic outdoor American brands Eddie Bauer and Mad River Canoe teamed up in 1984, they powered Valerie Fons and Verlen Kruger to a World Speed Record for canoeing the Mississippi from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in 23 days.
Today, the two seminal outdoor retailers have teamed up to celebrate Eddie Bauer’s 90th anniversary. Mad River Canoe is partnering with Eddie Bauer to celebrate the Seattle company’s longevity with a special edition Mad River Explorer 16 Kevlar canoe.
With all the modern designs out there these days, sometimes a little nostalgia is just what the guys here at the PL headquarters are looking for. We can’t wait to get our hands on this for a full gear report.
The limited edition and numbered Explorer canoe features the Eddie Bauer 90th Anniversary logo and signature pinstripes. Mad River reports that the canoe is constructed from Kevlar, making it light, sleek and equally at home on the river or open water.
“Eddie Bauer grew up fishing and floating the rivers and streams of the Pacific Northwest, designing and building products built to last and perform in the field”, said Neil Fiske, president and CEO of Eddie Bauer. “Mad River Canoe reflects the same spirit of adventure and craftsmanship that Eddie embodied during his long career.”
“We are very honored that Eddie Bauer chose Mad River Canoe in celebration of its 90th anniversary,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports, parent company of Mad River Canoe.
“The Explorer is one of the first and most classic Mad River Canoe designs that well suits the tradition of the American sportsman. We are thrilled to partner with Eddie Bauer at this milestone,” she added.
The Eddie Bauer 90th Anniversary Edition package includes a custom-outfitted Explorer 16 Kevlar canoe and two custom Vapor bent-shaft paddles.
Outfitting includes:
Eddie Bauer 90th Anniversary logo and side pinstripes
Dark stained and oiled wood gunwales and seats
Custom “Eddie Bauer Green” exterior gel coat color
Color matched interior paint
Dark stained and oiled walnut deck plates and carry handles
Contoured yoke
Brass medallion
Two bent shaft Vapor paddles with custom logo and striped handle grip