Wilderness Exchange

Been exploring outdoor climbing gear and after frequenting REI across the street for years, just recently discovered this place. It's cluttered and messy and full of treasures (both new and old) to explore. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and happy to share their honest opinions.

I went over to REI right after and WE's biners are a good 15-20% cheaper. No one at REI gave me a lesson in how to read a carabiner, explaining what a kilonewton is or telling me to forget the $25 book and instead pulled out a map of outdoor rock climbing routes for me. I heart Wilderness Exchange and will be definitely be back to get some of my gear from here.

So sorry that I can only offer a RIP, WE.

You served me well during all those last-min, spontaneous times I felt like camping in Marin, when I realized I didn't have this, or I needed that..

I'm sad about this...the small local players who quietly go will not be forgotten.. It's our memories around experiences that make us so fond of the more personal stories and efforts.

If I could mark one review as one that really means something to me, it would be this one.

I went here a couple weeks ago to get a new pack, some supplies and whatnots for my trip. Instantly, the people in the store inquired about what I was doing, not what I was buying. We spent a good hour telling stories while one of many many well travelled sales people showed me various things they thought I could use and overlooked: water purification drops, headlamp, key locks... etc. They totally understood that I was trying to keep costs at a minimal: less money spent on me = more for people that really need it. They even steered me away from expensive packs and showed me second hand ones because they knew I would give it away in the end. Really really really really nice guys (and one girl *hi*)

I promised to send postcards and they rang me up.... but I had to be an idiot and only bring my Amex card... which of course they don't accept. They huddled... and re rang me up. My original total was well over 100 but magically things happened to be on sale and I just gave them all the cash in my purse... 30 dollars and some change. As I left, they all just smiled, waived and told me to pay it forward. I did. The money I saved there bought school supplies for the Children's Home in Likoni, Kenya. I can't thank you enough.. the kids say thanks too:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14848166@N07/2016979825/

As my son and I were driving home yesterday, we noticed a "Going Out of Business Sale" sign at Wilderness Exchange. I stopped in and It's true. On July 18th and after 23 years of business, Wilderness Exchange will be shutting their doors forever. A nice selection of additionally marked down outdoor items are still available.

I'd shopped here a few times before realizing that the store was way bigger than I ever knew.

I thought that it was a good store on the merits of the front room. On the last visit I wandered through a hall way into the rest of the store. Like Lucy finding Narnia, my mind was blown.

This store has everything that REI has and so much more. On my last trip there I was able to score two 20mm rocket boxes. Hard to find even in a military surplus store.

I don't think they take American Express. They welcome the best dog in the world. I can't say the same for REI.

Huge thanks to Peter, AJ and most importantly Smitty for introducing this place to me. Preparing to travel the world for a year isn't easy, but after stepping inside this highly educational and insanely discounted store I was well on my way.

They looked me up and down, asked me many questions and suggested I purchase a "Travel Pack" instead of a "Backpack". The main different being that a Travel pack is more for an urban traveler who will be visiting mainly cities and doing some backpacking. A Backpack is for those hardcore hikers and campers who want to do a 1200 mile trail with only the food / water and supplies on their back... NOT ME ... yet.


I saved 113$ on my purchases and was very pleased with my travel pack and sleeping bag which I will easily pay the total of $1 per day for the next year to use.

After this place I stepped across the street to REI and wasn't greeted with the friendliness and guidance that I was at Wilderness exchange. HIghly recommended for campers, travelers, or just plain outdoorsman.

I am not an outdoor person, but I have outdoor clothing needs and I have found my needs met in Wilderness Exchange. Warm clothing, wax to make delicate shoes water resistant so they survive the bay area rain, answers to my millions of questions - they have it all.

Wilderness Exchange is a really fabulous find-they have extremely helpful staff that really know their stuff. I decided on a last minute trip to Yosemite and needed to buy tire chains that afternoon. The three people working there helped me out, showed me how to put them on, told me about some good hikes, and in general got pretty excited for me that I was going to Yosemite for the first time.

They appeared to have a pretty good selection of hiking books and equipment, but the best part about it was the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. I would definitely shop here over REI again.

These guys are awesome. I signed up to yelp just to write this review. If you're going on a camping trip, stop by here first before you head on over to the REI next store.

You'll definitely find a good deal, whether it's something small like a waterproof matchbox or a 30 degree sleeping bag. I came in looking for a Camelback bladder (since I have a backpack with a nice slot for the tube) but instead got a hydro pack (WITH the bag) for only $25. Basically I got a free bag with the bladder. There are some really great finds here!

The staff are extremely helpful, knowledgeable and it's clear they too love the outdoors. I walked in expecting the typical chilly reception you get from any discount store, but was greeted and within minutes someone came over offering their assistance. I had mentioned I was going down south to visit some friends to hike Mt. Baldy and the owner (at least he acted like one) warned me about wandering off the trails because it's pretty slippery up there. We started talking about various places we've hiked in CA and just to continue the conversation, I had mentioned I was looking for some good fishing spots I could take my dad to and he gave me two suggestions (even wrote them down for me). Who does that? Fishing spots are sacred and so is this place!

These guys are awesome!

I would've loved this place 10 years ago --- used tele boots (many leather), Army Surplus-style "useful things" like entrenching tools and aluminum mess kits, and some beautiful Asnes Tur-langrenn wooden touring skis that smelled faintly of pine tar.

Have to admit that very little of this could still edge into my gear collection today, but I still liked poking around.