Wilderness Exchange
Message from Wilderness Exchange
Offering huge savings to Bay Area outdoor enthusiasts since 1987! Wilderness Exchange is the alternative to the high cost of quality outdoor gear and a place to sell or trade-in gear that you no longer need or use. A factory outlet for over 60 manufacturers of climbing, hiking, adventure travel, nordic skiing, mountaineering, backpacking, snowshoeing, snowboarding and camping equipment. Also an outlet for several publishers of trail guides, travel guides and other outdoor oriented books, videos and software. Substantial discounts are available on tents, packs, skis, sleeping bags, hiking boots and other outdoor recreation equipment and clothing, from companies such as Kelty, Sportif, LaFuma, Dana, Black Diamond, Slumberjack, GoLite, Solstice, MSR, Sierra Designs, Metolius, Smith Optics, Leki, Garmont, Osprey, Omega, Eureka, Brunton, Red Ledge.
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneAt this North Berkeley shop, walls are decorated with antique skis, snowshoes and other vintage outdoor recreation equipment. A maze of shelves, racks and cubbyholes are meticulously tidy, making sizes and styles easy to find.
The Goods
The outlet sells more than 50 quality outdoor retailers, including Omega Pacific, Coleman, Jansport and Black Diamond. Ardent bargain hunters will find skis, snowshoes, boots, clothes, tents, backpacks, food stuffs, books, maps, videos and more, all at 15 to 50 percent less than retail value. Discounted closeout items, blemished goods and samples make up two-thirds of the store's new merchandise. The store also provides people with a place to sell or trade gear they no longer need. Used equipment, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of the inventory, is cleaned, reconditioned and in generally good shape.
Key Points
- Discount Factory Outlet Prices
- Save up to 60 percent Daily
- Knowledgeable, Friendly Staff
The Inside Scoop
- Save Money - If you find an item selling for less anywhere in the Bay Area, the store will match the price.
- The Extras - Find free camping checklists and recipes hanging on clipboards near the prepackaged foods.
Insider Pages Reviews for Wilderness Exchange
At this North Berkeley shop, walls are decorated with antique skis, snowshoes and other vintage outdoor recreation equipment. A maze of shelves, racks and cubbyholes are meticulously tidy, making sizes and styles easy to find.
The outlet sells more than 50 quality outdoor retailers, including Omega Pacific, Coleman, Jansport and Black Diamond. Ardent bargain hunters will find skis, snowshoes, boots, clothes, tents, backpacks, food stuffs, books, maps, videos and more, all at 15- to 50-percent less than retail value. Discounted closeout items, blemished goods and samples make up two-thirds of the store's new merchandise. The store also provides people with a place to sell or trade gear they no longer need. Used equipment, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of the inventory, is cleaned, reconditioned and in generally good shape.
PROS: Cheap clothes
CONS:
Posted 11/11/05 | Report Abuse
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just across from the more corporate REI store you find this little jewel. unlike REI that only sells gas containers (bad), this place also take the empty containers back and recycles them. they also have a great "parking lot sale" once in a while where the staff will sell your used/new gear for you for a percentage of the cut. overall ... great gear, some used and some new, for good prices.
Mon-Sat: 10:00 am- 8:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Posted 10/10/05 | Report Abuse
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I found out about this place from a friend who lived in Berkeley and was amazed at how inexpensive their merchandise were. And, they sell high quality gear not cheap, nameless brands at a deeply discounted price. Their merchandise are very organized in cubicles as well so finding things is easy.
Posted 09/04/05 | Report Abuse
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Oh my, what a find this place is! I was a bit skeptical at first because it's across the street from a huge REI and the building looks somewhat small on the outside. But my oh my, the selection, the prices, and the helpful staff are just terrific! Basically, because we found this shop, we were able to gear up for a kayaking/camping trip and still have money to go. We all know how expensive gearing up can be. I'd say go here first and what you don't find, go elsewhere. It's like a thrift store with mostly new stuff for outdoor gear. What else could you ask for?
Posted 07/01/05 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Great Gear Shop
by gearguy
A great place to shop for gear. They have many top brands at prices that are really discounted. I also like the fact that I can trade in stuff that I don't need anymore.
Pros: super prices, friendly employees
Posted 02/20/03
Outdoor Gear Treasure Chest
by sexkitten
I've lived in this area for several years and recently discovered Wilderness Exchange when I was out walking my dog. An hour and a half later I left the store a couple hundred dollars poorer - but I had a new backpack, a pair of hiking boots, 2 trail guide books and a frisbee (only 89cents) for my dog. I figure that I saved well over $100. and made my dog a little happier. It was also fun reminiscing over all the antique outdoor gear displaye throughout the store. Will be back soon!
Pros: Unbelievable prices, knowledgeable help, good food nearby
Posted 09/30/02