[pct-l] Old Time Backpacking Stores

[Tortoise]

I remember the Sierra Designs store & factory in Berkeley.  I called in 
sick one day to go to their annual sale.  It was a BIG event.  Lots of 
their new gear at 50% off or so because of minor problems like the color 
of the hood didn't match the jacket, or a few stray needle holes. Bought 
a great down jacket there -- orange as I recall. The line for the sale 
stretched around the block and they only let so many in at a time.

Sore was also a great place to buy BP gear before REI came to town.

Tortoise

"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong."

--H. L. Mencken

<> He who finishes last, wins! <>



bighummel at aol.com wrote:
> The North Face in Berkeley was a cool brick building with assembly tables and sewing tables in the back.
>
> REI was a co-op run by hippies and backpackers with intimate knowledge of the local area.
>
> My army surplus store was and is one of my favorite haunts for good deals, may they never die!
>
> There was a backpacking store (can't remember the name) that had a small fire in 1976, smoke damaged all of their gear and they had a fire sale!  I bought a Snow Lion down jacket that already smelled like a campfire and a stove (what kind of damage does smoke do to a stove?) and other gear for my hike.
>
> Eddie Bauer offered great gear through their catalogue with that great life time guarantee!  They still do, I hear and are trying thru association with some of the great climbers to get back to their roots.
>
> The Great Pacific Iron Works in Ventura was and still is a great store.  Owned and started by Yvonne Choinard in the early '70's and then went on to become Patagonia.  Best name for a backpacking store ever!
>
>
>
> Greg Hummel
>
>
>
> =
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