Meet An OGExpert: Carin Roberts

What’s an OGExpert? They’re the folks that huff and puff alongside you in the skin track, give you a yell from the lift, move that pad for you at the climbing gym, share their granola at the summit, or help you change a flat tire at the bike trailhead. They’re us. We’ve done it all, and used pretty much every kind of gear along the way. We live, breathe, and recreate with the community.

NAME 

Carin Roberts - she/her

AGE

50

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I grew up in South Burlington near the airport, but lived in Memphis and Virginia for about 16 years before I came back to VT.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE?

I've worked at OGE for 10.5 years.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT OGE?

My job title is Pricing Analyst, but what I do is make sure our online prices match what manufacturers say they can be. I'm also responsible for making sure products don't sit in the store for too long. It involves a lot of spreadsheets, but I'm the right nerd for the job.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO VERMONT?

I have always loved it here. My folks lived here until 2013, so I had a reason to come back every year or so. When I graduated from seminary in 2014, I wanted to move closer to family, all of whom were in Rhode Island at the time. An opportunity presented itself in Burlington, so I jumped on it.

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR AREA OF OUTDOOR EXPERTISE?

Camping, canoeing, and sailing.

FAVORITE PIECE OF GEAR?

This question feels unfair, because one favorite is impossible. So you get three: The most used and abused is my Nemo Wagontop tent, which is a fortress. We can cram so much stuff and so many people in there and be snug as little bugs, no matter how ridiculous the weather. My 6'3" husband can stand in it. We use it all of the time. My baby is our Wenonah Spirit II, which can hold a car's worth of weight and just keep asking for more. For a 17-foot canoe, she handles like a dream and is remarkably quick. I love her. Last is our Ruffwear Floatcoat, which is the only reason our zero body-fat dog can swim, which she LOVES. It fits well, provides sufficient buoyancy, and doesn't restrict her movement.

TELL US A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF!

I love whales and hate bananas.