View Full Version : what constitutes a REAL outfitter
truckindust
02-14-2009, 10:47
So, I noticed that few think REI , and I'm going to assume BASS PRO as well, qualify as a quality outfitter. Haha, I also noticed some thought Goodwill served as a supplier, which you never know what you'll find there....a real hiker may have blown a kneecap and think he'll never hike again and Eureka...you've hit the motherload! But what is a true outfitter and where do you find these in Georgia or S.C. That's a loaded question because, as some have said, simple things can be purchased at Walmart while other things should not be. But on the important stuff, where do you go? Buying online is a bit chance..y especially if you're a newby and don't know much (everybody's got a favorite and you can start looking like the snake in junglebook, all swirlee eyed with all the names of bags and packs etc...who knows what to buy then)...and not much time left for trying them out and returning them. I'm a hands on person...I want to take my gear and stuff it in that pack and strap it on BEFORE I buy it.
Cool AT Breeze
02-14-2009, 10:49
Mt. Crossings.
Although there are plenty of good, reputable outfitters along the trail, the best 3 that I can think of are Mountain Crossings, Bluff Mountain Outfitters and Mount Rogers Outfitters.
CrumbSnatcher
02-14-2009, 10:57
i buy ALL my gear from Mt. Crossings or MRO. winton and jeff get all my business
take-a-knee
02-14-2009, 12:42
The trademark of a quality outfitter is knowledgeable staff, this often rules out REI. There are guys like Bearpaw (thruhiker) who still work part time at an REI so that isn't a blanket statement. Mountain Crossings is the definitive answer.
Wise Old Owl
02-14-2009, 12:54
Take a Knee, if you don't ask? everyone there is into our hobby, and knowledgeable. I found your comment - well just wrong.
REI is awesome, put it to a poll.
Jack Tarlin
02-14-2009, 12:59
Re. Crumb's and Hooch's comments:
Mountain Crossings, Bluff Mt., and Mt. Rogers are indeed the finest outfitters on the Trail (and funny thing, they actually are actually ON the Trail).
To this list of the best shops on or near the Trail, I'd add the Outfitter at Harpers Ferry, especially since Jester2000, an AT and PCT veteran, will be helping to run it.
If they sell "life is good" t-shirts, they're not a real outfitter.
take-a-knee
02-14-2009, 13:30
Take a Knee, if you don't ask? everyone there is into our hobby, and knowledgeable. I found your comment - well just wrong.
REI is awesome, put it to a poll.
It is hit or miss Owl, sometimes you encounter super knowledgeable sales people at REI, sometimes not.
john gault
02-14-2009, 13:35
My take on REI. It's good for hooking up with cluess "hiker" babes.
This is the "Hooking UP" forum:sun
Outdoor trails in Daleville is excellent. The shop is about a ten minute walk from the trail. Its on the way to the post office. Last year I took 2 thru hikers there with a defective katadin water filter and a bent leki pole. The owner replaced both right on the spot, no charge. When I bought my leki poles he thru in a pair for my tearful 5 year old son at half the cost. He also gives a ten percent discount to atc members. Quality outfitter, support this guy.
Frick Frack
02-14-2009, 13:52
I thought Rock Fish Gap Outfitters in VA was excellent (as well as those mentioned earlier). The advice at Mountain Goat in Manchester Center was excellent too.
If they sell "life is good" t-shirts, they're not a real outfitter.
Agreed. BUT.....In these modern times, Outfitters can't get by on sellling just hardgoods and "real equiptment" anymore. Not since the internet has pretty much ruined most good old-fashioned gear shops. Outfitters cannot continue to have their employees spend 2 hours fitting someone for a pack that they will then go buy from ebay.
Unfortunately, they've gotta sell the fluff to get by these days. At the shop I worked at, the owner used to call things like the NOrth Face Denali fleece's the "meat and potatoes" of the store, while the technical "real gear" was just the icing on the cake to keep us authentic for the increasingly rare techy, gear-head.
bigcranky
02-14-2009, 15:59
REI: if you know what you want, it's fine. You can certainly get "real" backpacking gear, along with a wide selection of Life is Good merchandise.
Bass Pro: um, no. Though they have a good selection of Frogg Toggs.
Various small outfitters along the trail: these tend to specialize to some extent in long distance hiking gear, so they have things that the larger chain stores don't carry. Cottage-industry gear, very specialized lightweight stuff, that sort of thing. Two big thumbs up for MRO, Bluff Mtn, Outdoor Trails, Mtn Crossings, etc.
Slo-go'en
02-14-2009, 16:25
I just got back from EMS, I wouldn't want to outfit from scratch there! You'd end up with a 40 pound pack and your credit card maxed out. I did get a nice primaloft North Face vest for less than 1/2 price on sale though. Almost worth the 70 mile round trip.
for a discounter that still has cust service I still like campmor
for a discounter that still has cust service I still like campmor
Great store. Not all that far off the trail. It's only maybe 30 minutes by car. Impossible hitch though.
hootyhoo
02-14-2009, 18:51
what constitutes a REAL outfitter
A real outfitter will make sure that do not leave the store unless you have some overpriced peice of usless crap in your hands and no money in your wallet.
YoungMoose
02-14-2009, 19:58
I dont know any realy outfitters becuase were i live backpacking isnt well known. everyone's a bunch of narrow minded freaks. So i most go to ems and online.
Cabin Fever
02-14-2009, 20:36
A real outfitter employs those who have walked the walk and are qualified to talk the talk (pun intended). So, by that definition, some locations of chain stores would qualify and some would not (REI, EMS, etc.). Also depends on what day you go in to some of these stores. You never know who is going to help you.
I fourteenth the notion for MRO. Great guys who really take care of you. In our part, I especially like Mountain Sports in Bristol. Thru hiker on staff and everyone else employed there actually use the gear, not just sell it.
Cabin Fever
02-14-2009, 20:36
A real outfitter employs those who have walked the walk and are qualified to talk the talk (pun intended). So, by that definition, some locations of chain stores would qualify and some would not (REI, EMS, etc.). Also depends on what day you go in to some of these stores. You never know who is going to help you.
I fourteenth the notion for MRO. Great guys who really take care of you. In our part, I especially like Mountain Sports in Bristol. Thru hiker on staff and everyone else employed there actually use the gear, not just sell it.
Cabin Fever
02-14-2009, 20:38
I fourteenth the nomination of MRO as a real outfitter. If they don't have it, they will order it for you. Great guys.
In defense of REI I've been a member since 1981 and used to shop at the old store on capitol hill ,it was a great outfitter then and still is with one of the best return policies of anyone in the business , so they sell '' lifes good ''sh;t isn't that what capitalism all about???
sbennett
02-15-2009, 00:43
But what is a true outfitter and where do you find these in Georgia or S.C.
To answer your actual question, a true outfitter is one that isn't satisfied until you're satisfied, and there are some decent outfitters in GA and SC. If you live in Northern GA, Moutain Crossings is excellent and very helpful. If you live in Atlanta, REI might have to suffice but many around decry the knowledge of their workers, and they might be right. There are several good outfitters in SC but I'm more familiar with the ones around Greenville (such as Sunrift and Applachain Outfitters with the latter one being the most helpful to AT hikers).
If you think you know what you need, Travel Country in Orlando is great. I bought all of my gear for hiking and climbing (big bucks). Talk to Ryan, he has great experience and is very honest with options.
Gentle Ben
02-15-2009, 06:22
I had no clue when I first started to make plans for the AT. I had heard about Mtn. Crossing and Winton, but thought it was just another one of the hundreds out there. Started to go to Atlanta, but changed at the last minute. I drove 2.0 hrs past REI in Atlanta to visit Mtn Crossing and i am so glad I did. They are PROFESSIONALS and they seem to really care. Winton and gang know their stuff with over 100,000 miles of AT trail experience between them all. GO MTN CROSSING at Neels Gap!!!
Lone Wolf
02-15-2009, 06:50
Winton and gang know their stuff with over 100,000 miles of AT trail experience between them all. GO MTN CROSSING at Neels Gap!!!
i call BS on that one :rolleyes: and even if they did have all those miles, it means nothing. i've got 16,000 miles on the AT but i've never used a leki pole, water filter/treatment, alcohol stove, titanium anything, a hammock, bivy, bear bag and lots of other gear. i would have no business working at an outfitter
REI is a very good outfitter. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Great customer service and philanthropic culture. They really encourage their employees to get involved in the community. Working with the local trail user groups is a hallmark of a real outfitter.
truckindust
02-15-2009, 13:50
I must agree...all of those come highly recommended, however, I'm in Georgia and I'm not aware of any of their stores close by. I wish I could get to them but just a bit too far to travel to, shop, and return, all in one weekend. Here in Georgia, there are several REI's and a couple of Half Moon Outfitters, which the closest to me in Savannah focuses on kayaking, (it being close to the coast) which I like to do but... I need a few good items to hike with and those places ARE expensive and I don't want to leave broke and unprepared. I don't mind spending the cash on quality gear, I just don't want to buy "quality" gear twice...just doing my homework...you know? If anyone knows of a good outfitter in Georgia or S.C. that would be great.
truckindust
02-15-2009, 13:52
Oops, I should have read further before posting...Thanks Gentle Ben. I see you, and maybe others, offered a location for Mt. Crossing at Neel's Gap. Cool...I can make that!
truckindust
02-15-2009, 14:16
Hey Lone Wolf,
I must admit your style is admirable. A minimalist at heart and in my element of life, I concur somewhat with the same attitude, that it doesn't have to be expensive or specialized to do the job. You have the advantage of living basically on the trail and your stomping grounds allow you test "ideas" to see what works or not. Unfortunately, some of us were ingrained with the thought of "better safe than sorry" especially if we aren't on our home turf. I would never be so lucky, as you, to do without some of things you've managed to do without. I guess that comes with time and experience...and a lot of luck! All of which, I'm limited on. haha. I was in Tenn. several years ago when that child got hauled and mawled for no reason at all at a very public picnic area and I got a good case of gut wrench once too, probably from the water my father said, "sure it's clean...good mountain water." I don't want first hand knowledge on either of those and so far...I ain't won the lottery yet...so my lucky is obviously not very good. I don't know about the Leki poles, but I do know that the pair I had that weren't titanium bent so much I loosened my hubcab from trying to straighten them so I'm definately going have to make a step up. But that's why this sight is so good, everybody can give their opinion on what works and each can make up their own mind. Thanks EVERYONE!
Cabin Fever
02-15-2009, 19:58
My bad on the multi-post.
Wise Old Owl
02-15-2009, 20:57
Rei is a great outfitter, above and beyond EMS. You are all good backpackers and educated from reading the best & the worst of the internet. You can make a educated decision to purchase or just say no.
Some of you are more than a little harsh. Don't worry, Nobody remembers a critics name!
Big Box stores. Bass Pro, Academy Sports, Dicks Sporting Goods, are not the place to go for hiking gear. Maybe just to pick up your frogg toggs, but that's about it.
Lone Wolf
02-16-2009, 00:04
Big Box stores. Bass Pro, Academy Sports, Dicks Sporting Goods, are not the place to go for hiking gear.
the best trail shoes i ever owned i bought at Dick's in rutland, vt. a few years ago
theinfamousj
02-16-2009, 00:25
They'd need to have packs, tents, hammocks, sleeping pads, at least one type of canister stove, at least one type of gas/multifuel stove, and at least one type of alcohol stove, some dehydrated food, shoes, bags, convertible pants, a dressing room of sorts, and most importantly ...
A staff that knows what it is talking about.
Extra bonus points if they also rent gear for weekend trials.
Under my definition, I think that REI, Great Outdoor, Mt. Crossings, MRO, etc. would all qualify. As would my "local" outfitters (see pic).
IMHO an outfitters should be able to relieve you of your money, but also of your worries. Your head should be as stuffed full of knowledge as your wallet is emptied of cash.
john gault
02-16-2009, 07:24
My bad on the multi-post.
How can it be your "bad"? Don't they just happen ??
OldStormcrow
02-17-2009, 09:33
Here's a cheap and shameless plug.....check out Sunrift Adventures, on the northern of Greenville SC. Huge inventory and variety, people who know what the stuff is used for, they've got an equipment rental program, and it's on the way to Pisgah or the lakes.
mtnkngxt
02-18-2009, 11:04
Hootyhoo I wouldn't shop anywhere but my local outfitter which just happens to be MRO. Jeff and crew has never sent me out of the shop broke. In most every case I've actually spent less than I had planned on because he suggested something just as good and half the price. When I bought my ULA packs from him, he spent atleast an hour talking to me about them each time. Got me fitted and talked about the pros cons and even the insider news on the upcoming packs. I actually have found his store to be better priced than REI and the other chains. When I can't get down to Damascus I order online or over the phone. Outfitters ie the little guy are the last thing we want going under along the trails. When you need a replacement pole or some other special item I guarantee the box stores aren't going to be able to help you.
Now if you go into an outfitter and act like you are the encyclopedia of outdoor knowledge and demand the biggest and baddest carbon fiber doodads they have, then yeah they're going to let you buy them and empty your wallet. They are there to make money, however if you ask for advice and listen you almost always save money. Hence the reason I have a ENO hammock not a Hennessey. ULA not a Osprey ( Osprey makes great packs that cost a fortune weigh a ton and dont hold as much as the lighter cheaper bigger ULA packs), home made alcohol stove instead of a Jetboil, Gatorade bottles instead of Sigg or Nalgene, WM bag was the one big ticket item I bought and every night I sleep in it I'm glad I wasn't cheap. The list goes on. Try an outfitter in most cases you won't regret it.
dixicritter
02-18-2009, 18:37
If they sell "life is good" t-shirts, they're not a real outfitter.
That's an interesting statement to make. Our local outfitter sells them and has as an employee a triple crowner, along with several other hikers on staff. This is where I bought my hiking boots.
Jack Tarlin
02-18-2009, 18:41
Harpers Ferry sells 'em, too; they're in a gigundous tourist town and it helps pay the rent.
Anyyone depending on thru hikers to help pay the mortgage is gonna go hungry.....these guys would sell you out in a New York heartbeat if they could save three dollars by buying their boot-laces on-line.
As usual, Dixie gets it. :rolleyes:
SGT Rock
02-18-2009, 20:00
Exactly Jack and Dixi.
Any outfitter that plans to stay in business knows they are going to make more operating cash off the "hiker fashion" clothing in the front of the store. A good outfitter has a healthy supply of this sort of stuff to keep open so they can sell the good stuff from the back half of the store.
Most of the banks I work at people wear North Face, Life is Good, and Columbia clothing. Even Crocks and Vasque footwear. I have yet to meet another hiker at any of the banks yet. I always tell them the best outfitters to get their hiker fashion at so my favorite outfitters stay in business.
Jester2000
02-23-2009, 20:12
Exactly Jack and Dixi.
Any outfitter that plans to stay in business knows they are going to make more operating cash off the "hiker fashion" clothing in the front of the store. A good outfitter has a healthy supply of this sort of stuff to keep open so they can sell the good stuff from the back half of the store.
Most of the banks I work at people wear North Face, Life is Good, and Columbia clothing. Even Crocks and Vasque footwear. I have yet to meet another hiker at any of the banks yet. I always tell them the best outfitters to get their hiker fashion at so my favorite outfitters stay in business.
Yeah, this, I think, can be the tough part. A good trail outfitter wants to be sure to carry the things that hikers will need or want, and outfitters along the trail are more likely to carry thru-hiker specific things that other outfitters wouldn't. That's a large part of our inventory and our ordering.
On the other hand, places like OHF also need to think about the tourist market here, as well as the local market (hikers might be baffled at the amount of Carhartt we have in stock, for example).
Selling "Life is Good" is one of the things that allows OHF to stay solvent, particularly when hikers are not coming through.
When I hit Powerball I'll open a store that caters exclusively for AT hikers.
Jester2000
02-23-2009, 20:12
Forgot to mention that Jeff and Winton rule.
peter_pan
02-23-2009, 21:25
Winton and Mountain Crossings get my vote as a real outfitter.....
Real outfitters stay abreast of the new and emerging trends and gear....And they make it available.... Winton was among the first outfitters to carry Jacks * Better quilts and hammocks...Hammockers are becoming a significant element of the AT hiking community.... They deserve trailside access to gear designed for them.
This is a biased post....but it takes guts to carry the latest in alternative and emerging gear, especially in a down economy.... Winton is the clear winner in full spectum support IMHO.
Pan