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Adventure 16 Outdoor & Travel Outfitters
Categories: Shopping Fashion Sports Wear Shopping Sporting Goods Sports Wear Shopping Sporting Goods Outdoor Gear Hotels & Travel Tours Sports Wear, Outdoor Gear, Tours [Edit]
4620 Alvarado Canyon RdSan Diego, CA 92120
(619) 283-2374
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Lana R. said: "Reminds me of a seafood restaurant in Dana Point, Orange County. Located right by the water. Very casual and relaxing. They have a small but convenient paring lot next to the restaurant. You order your delicious fresh seafood at a…" read more »
26 reviews for Adventure 16 Outdoor & Travel Outfitters
Review Highlights
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"REI offers lifetime membership (i." In 10 reviews -
"Great customer service and the prices are reasonable." In 3 reviews -
"i love my hiking boots." In 3 reviews
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Isaac Z.
San Diego, CA
1/13/2012 8 Check-ins Here
Have you ever seen the cool looking dome tent on top of a building as you drive the 8 freeway near the Mission Gorge Road exit? Underneath that dome tent is where Adventure 16 is located.
I showed up there the other day looking for a water bottle and a replacement strap for one of my trekking poles. The store manager named Alexis checked the store and informed me that they did not carry replacement straps. But, that she could get a hold of the Leki representative, and have him send out a substitute. Cool!
Before I left, I explained that I was looking for a good book with local trails and hiking information. She recommended that I pick up Afoot and Afield by Jerry Shadd. They were sold out though as it was right after Christmas. She was expecting a shipment soon.
After I paid for my water bottle, she gave me her business card. I was instructed to send her the model number from the trekking poles, and she would take it from there. I thanked her, went home and sent out the e-mail.
A day or two went by, and Alexis e-mailed me to come by anytime to pick up my replacement strap(still connected to a returned pole) and my copy of Afoot and Afield. This book is exactly what I was looking for, and the strap fits perfectly. Did I mention that there was no charge for the strap? Thanks Adventure 16!
That is what customer service looks like.
P.S. I too am an REI member, but I find Adventure 16 easier to shop, and more user friendly. I will be back soon! -
Review from Tim T.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Priced a little high and an odd location but overall my go-to outdoor store. I have gone in a couple of times and just sat in their map room and planned entire trips. The staff is awesome and knowledgeable, plus if your lucky you get free coffee :) I fully support this place and just wish they were in a better location.
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Review from Crash A.
San Diego, CA
5/11/2012
I discovered Adventure 16 by accident in 1998 when they had a store in Horton Plaza. They suggested I check out the Alvarado Canyon Store, and I've been hooked ever since.
I usually don't spend huge piles of money there. I am usually looking for a bargain, and they can be found. When I have spent large sums there, it was certainly worth it. When my older jacket from a major manufacturer began to disintegrate, I looked first at REI, and then there for a replacement. A16 had exactly what I was looking for at a price I could live with. What's more, they took the time to talk with me to find out what I was looking for.
I've always had excellent service, and many times engaging conversations about gear, even though I am challenged in my knowledge sometimes. I've always been treated with respect. When I asked about a camp stove, there was an employee there who actually tested them all.
Also, this store is a little smaller, since it is at the HQ, but if you have the chance to get to the LA store on Pico, go! It is HUGE and worth it. Plus, anything they have at LA, they can get sent to the SD store.
I am a member of REI, and it has its place, but I do most of my shopping at A16 because I enjoy the experience better. It's not always about the money. -
Review from JF V.
San Diego, CA
8/16/2011
Before REI there was Adventure 16, and it's still my first choice for high-end backpacking gear, extreme weather clothing, and footwear. The price for any top-of-the-line product is of course more expensive, but when you have to have it, this is the place you'll find it at. Here, at A16 you are also paying for knowledge. And for the past 30 years they have not let me down in terms of guiding me in choosing the best product for my needs. On my part, I have yet to return any product purchased there. I have been more than satisfied with all of my purchases, with no need to return a single item. Enough said, I need some new boots. See you there.
Happy Trails To You... -
Review from Terry S.
Lakeside, CA
1/22/2011
Needed some rental gear for an upcoming 3 day 2 night desert backpack trek. Staff greeted us warmly and asked what they could help us with right away. Down to business gear shop with a small selection of pretty high end gear, they will have what you need but you will pay the high end prices for the high end gear.
Adult Hiking, Climbing, Camping and trekking gear selection is compacted to the mid to high end gear, however they only have 1 pair of kids hiking boots.
Gear rental prices range from $6-$30 the first night, $1-$6 per night after depending on gear. Selection is basic and reasonable - they'll get you what you need which is quality lightweight gear-
Sleeping bags -
Down and synthetic
Back Packs
Tents
Trek poles
show shoes
bear canisters
Overall we spent about 45 min browsing after reserving our gear rentals and drooling over all the high end wish list items.. -
Review from Rommel A.
San Diego, CA
10/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here
No one gives this place a chance because everyone loves REI. A16 is the underdog. I do love both place equally, but here's a quick comparison:
- A16 offers all types of maps
- A16 has clearance racks organized by color, size and brand
- REI offers a wider selection if brands
- REI offers lifetime membership (i.e. coupons, sales, refund, et cetera)
- both have great refund policies
- both have great customer service/employees -
Review from Gabrielle G.
San Diego, CA
9/4/2010
I love outdoor stores, and usually stop at REI, but came into Adventure 16 one day when I had some time to kill. I was looking for a present for my boyfriend, but didn't know exactly what I wanted, so just wanted to browse.
I appreciate getting asked if I need help, but they asked so many times, it made me uncomfortable. I could barely walk around a rack without another (or the same as there were only 3 people working that day) person asking if I needed help. In the 15 minutes I was in the store I counted, and I was asked if I needed help 6 times. It honestly made me feel like they thought I was going to shoplift and were following me around. I ended up leaving and had a great experience at the Adventure 16 in Oceanside instead. -
Review from Brian C.
San Diego, CA
7/20/2007 1 photo
What makes this place exceptional is:
* Custom boot and backpack fitting- if you're going to do more than 3 or 4 miles, this makes a huge difference in comfort and avoiding injury.
* Top of the line products- I have to disagree with the other Brian about this... as far as I know, those big-box chains don't carry Gregory packs or Keen shoes- so if you really want the best gear, you need a place like A16
* Salespeople who know what they're talking about- they do this stuff and are trained by the companies that make the gear they sell... so you can learn a lot the easy way, not the hard way on the trail or wasting money on gear that makes life harder. -
Review from Riza H. C.
Denver, CO
8/5/2008
Adventure 16 how I like you but cant love you as much as I want to. I could recall the first time I was here in 2005. Now in 2008, for my 2nd visit with hubby things were just the same as it was in 2005.
Friendly staff who are willing to help you. We received several free passes to climb indoors at Vertical Hold since one of the staff saw me holding a Vericial Hold brochure. Sweet!!! I LOVE Free Passes. Furthermore, that staff told us he used to work at Vertical Hold.
I wish they could have more variety of products but the visit were worth just for a visit. At least I purchased several items including their Adventure 16 T shirt for my souvenir collection.Listed in: If Only California is a step…
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Review from Anthony R.
San Diego, CA
8/9/2011
Great customer service and the prices are reasonable. If you're looking for discount deals on gears, than you'd be better off at REI. This is a hardcore outdoors shop and the staff are very knowledgeable on their products. I'll a little extra for that service. Its worth checking out if you're a explorer like myself but it does come with a $$$ price tag.
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Review from J C.
San Diego, CA
9/2/2010
Needing some hiking boots, I debated between REI and Adventure 16. Having shopped at both stores in the past, and reading some conflicting Yelp reviews of each, I finally decided on Adventure 16. And I am glad I did!
The salesman was tied up with some other people when I arrived. But it was clearly evident that he was both experienced and very knowledgeable in giving his customers his best advice and service. I thought I would have to wait awhile, but another customer service rep. quickly asked if I needed any help. Yes I did. And he gave me some excellent advice, and picked out quickly exactly what I was looking for. It was a pleasurable experience, and I got great boots. I will go there again in a heartbeat.... and before REI. -
Review from Brian L.
4/24/2007
This placeis worth a trip if you are into Outdoor activities. I liked the independent feel of it and the specialization in camping/hiking/etc. Only problem was that most of their products were exactly the same that you would find at sports chalet or even Walmart. The prices were, as can be expected, much higher than those places.
I like to support places like this but i'm not rich enough to pay more for the EXACT same thing that I could have purchased 3 miles down the road. -
Review from Grace T.
11/21/2011
this place is nearly impossible to find given it's totally strange location, but check it out during the sale time and you're bound to score some awesome deals...i'd been looking for the 1/4 zip North Face fleece (normally $50) on sale FOREVER and a day now and this weekend they're only $25/each! score!
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Review from Adam B.
San Diego, CA
6/14/2010
I went here yesterday with my wife and one year old in search of the incredibly hard to find Vibram Five Finger shoes. Upon arriving we were greeted by the cashier...I was ready to say 'you had me at hello'. We had just left a hectic REI with no success so when we were greeted, found a parking spot right away and the store was actually not packed to the gills I immediately thought to myself 'forget about the REI dividend, I can get into this type of local shop.' However, I got too excited too quickly.
I found the selection of Vibram FF shoes and waited patiently for an associate to help me out. There was one working with another shoe customer at the time so I just putzed around. 2 minutes. 5 minutes. 10 minutes went by and not even so much as an "I'll be right with you" out of this woman! I have worked in shoe stores and have been a waiter...the most necessary thing you can do that takes no time at all is simply to acknowledge your customers - it can buy you some time without pissing off the customer your working with or the one who is waiting. She was too busy sharing her feelings with the other customer about how they were competing with places like REI and at this point they were okay but just trying to do the best they could to "keep their doors open" (her exact words).
Here's a hint, PAY ATTENTION TO CUSTOMERS.
Finally the guy who had been working the cash register came over and offered some help. Turns out the Vibram shoes are near impossible to get in standard sizes - I guess the barefoot thing has really taken off. However, after being told this the associate walked away...never offered to call other stores, could not offer when a new shipment would arrive and was never to be seen again. At the same time the woman who had been helping the other guy also trotted off and was now helping someone in the backpack section. I had seen a pair of trail running shoes I wanted to try on and once again there was no one here. Another associate had just walked into the shoe area with another customer and walked around me as if I wasn't there (mind you I am with my wife and 1 year old - I am hard to miss) and aside from the customer he was working with I was the only other person in there.
My wife noticing my increasing frustration told me to take a walk around the store as there was no one available yet, so I did. I passed two other associates of course helping other customer (one quick note, the store had maybe 8 total customers - it was EMPTY) and not one of them even glanced in my direction or acknowledged my presence.
At the end of the day I was ready to move my outdoor needs to this store, even willing to drop over $400 yesterday on both shoes and a child carrier for day hiking. But now having experienced the crap service and disinterested disposition of the staff I wouldn't step foot in there again.
REI may be a pain in the ass to find a parking spot, but if I am looking for shoes or anything else they have a myriad of associates to help me (and help other customers at the same time - multitasking! what a concept?!) and who are generally happy to do so...and let's not forget the member dividend. Adventure 16 is nothing but a waste of time. -
Review from Matthew B.
San Diego, CA
3/11/2012
Stopped by the Adventure 16 in Solana Beach and was blown away by the customer service! I have been researching a very particular style of jacket and the store clerk (I didn't get her name) was very patient and quick to research my needs. When I asked a couple of questions she wasn't sure about, she quickly consulted her manager. When she returned, she divulged that a coworker was currently looking to get a similar jacket, and that if I would like to check the specs, she had it pulled up on the manufacture's website for my review. She informed me that they didn't have it in stock but that REI had the item. I went to REI and low and behold, they had the jacket and it was perfect! I purchased it at REI, but rest assured, I will be doing my shopping at adventure 16 whenever possible!! I'm leaving for a trip to Nicaragua in less than 2 months and I will be back w/ my shopping list!! Thank you Adventure 16 for the great service!!
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Review from thulasi o.
San Diego, CA
11/16/2009
I have had many great experiences with customer service here, head and shoulders above REI, for example.
Ad 16 on the other hand has bent over backwards to help on returns. Love their products, location, and pleasant feel of their store. Employees are very knowledgeble and willing to help. -
Review from Darren S.
10/9/2010 2 photos
A16 is where I go to when I need some genuine product knowledge and an easy place to shop. Not to say that CSRs at the other place don't know their product but getting help over there during the weekend is difficult. The store is compact but with all of the outdoor essentials. This is nice if you just want to grab-n-go with a quality item. A16 isn't so attractive if you want to shop a wide range of models. For example, the floor space doesn't allow for much demoing different tents. They have a catalog of their stocked tents which is nice but not helpful if you're not good at visualizing tent dimensions.
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Review from Carlton N.
San Diego, CA
12/1/2010
Plagued by blisters when on vacation in Europe....props to Tanner who helped me pick out some perfect hiking shoes for my feet. 10 days of heavy walking in Amsterdam: 0 blisters.
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Review from tania j.
San Diego, CA
6/24/2008
go here for adventure gear first. this place is pretty incredible.
first of all, staff is always super knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. their boot fitting really does make a huge difference. i was going though uncomfortable pair after pair from REI. tried A16 and was skeptical at first, as the master boot fitter put me in a pair a full size smaller than i thought i needed. but oh man the difference saved my life on the trails. i love my hiking boots. only wish they had a better selection and more sizes overall (the whole "vasque concept store" is kinda bunk).
they really won me over last week when i managed to lose a $50 A16 gift card a bought for a fellow hiker friend before i could give it to her. i went in and shared the story (about how foolish i am for totally losing the equivalent of cash) as i was buying another one (ouch). the sales person was so nice--he gave me $60 in A16 money, good for discounts on purchases, to offset the blow to my pocketbook for my stupidity.
as i get more and more into hiking and camping, i am coming here for all my gear. yeah it's a little more expensive than what you'll find at the box stores, but you'll end up with better quality and better fitting goods, and you'll be supporting a sweet little independent place. -
Review from Rob B.
San Diego, CA
9/28/2011
So last weekend A16 was awesome. They offered their lot on Sunday and donated A16 discount coupons to ticketholders of San Diego Dance Theater who was hosting their annual Trolley Dances that started at the Grantville Station. What an awesome company and San Diego neighbor to other local and small businesses. My wife and I do a lot of hiking and camping and I can guarantee that the next addition to our gear will come from A16. Thank you so much!
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Review from Rebecca K.
San Diego, CA
8/23/2011
I first discovered A16 when I lived in LA many years ago, and I totally fell in love with the vibe of the place. Super crunchy, unapologetically hard-core camping, hiking, and outdoor outfitter. So when I recently decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, A16 in San Diego was my first stop to gear up.
What I love: the incredibly knowledgeable and helpful staff, the accessiblity (right off the freeway, easy parking, etc.), and the quality of the gear. They also have great customer service. I bought some Lekki trekking poles, liked 'em but didn't love 'em, and decided I wanted to get anti-shock poles. The great staff kindly tried to talk me out of the (pricier) anti-shock option, but didn't veto my decision. Instead, they lent me a pair of rentals to try out, and graciously special-ordered the anti-shock pair I decided I wanted. Everytime I've walked in that store, I'm greeted by multiple offers of help. The staff is always great about navigating me through my options, alerting me to online deals, answering my (often dumb) questions (one male employee was even kind enough to (try) to help me decide on a ladies funnel - don't ask), and patiently waiting while I endlessly rethink every purchase.
What I don't love: the prices! Everything is hella expensive. The selection is definitely more limited than REI, so there aren't really any bargain options. Everything there is so high quality that it's worth the money, but sometimes it's nice to have some more affordable options. Sadly, they don't really have any sale racks, either. Apparently they move most of the sale stock to the other store in North County, which is supper unfortunate. I'm a sucker for a sale and I'd probably end up buying a lot more if they had more clothes, etc. on sale, but I'm not going that far out of my way to the other store to look for sales. -
Review from Mae G.
San Diego, CA
11/6/2008
I've swung through here a couple times looking for day packs. Selection was slim, and staff was generally disinterested in customer service. Prices were normal, perhaps a bit on the higher side. Unsurprisingly, I've never bought anything from here, and don't expect to be back anytime soon!
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Review from Dylan M.
San Diego, CA
1/14/2010
A-16 has experienced staff including the best boot fitter in San Diego. I wish they sold casual and dress shoe too. Yes, you could argue they sell casual shoes but not the one I think look stylish.
They carry mid to high end camping, backpacking, travel and climbing equipment. Locally owned botique store that has Nordstroms level of service and sometimes Nordtroms level pricing. Items I've purchased are great quality, last years and make the purchase price worth it. I enjoy stopping by here, talking to the staff and buing new gear. -
Review from Ryan C.
San Diego, CA
7/20/2007
Many people don't even know this place exists - its actually an amazing alternative to REI. REI sells some great outdoor gear, but more on the low-to-medium-end, non-professional grade gear. A16 specializes in high-end hiking and climbing equipment. They have had some GREAT specials - A few years ago they had all Black Diamond trad climbing gear on sale for 25% off! That sh*t never goes on sale at REI! Also they aren't as large of a conglomerate as REI so they have that personal feel.. the sales staff is VERY knowledgeable and they have the flexibility to work with you on price if you are buying a lot of gear. Seriously, a couple years ago was building up my trad rack & buying a lot of climbing equipment and the guy told me he'd take $30 off the top. You don't see any large, corporate outdoor stores doing *that* do you! :) If you want top of the line gear for camping, hiking, climbing, or backpacking, this is the place!
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Review from Richard S.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2010
I must say, it's refreshing to get great service by a knowledgeable and fun staff at a gear shop in San Diego. I think I've been in so much I've lost guest status (which is great). You walk into this store and it feels like you've been transported into a rustic mountain cabin. They have most the gear you might want regarding packs, sleeping bags (my Western Mountaineers bag is amazing!), and boots (great selection of Lowa boots - hand made in Italy). They could improve on technical climbing gear and clothing, but hey, they have limited space. Plus, they'll order you anything without any trouble. Check them out, you won't regret it.
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Review from Josh D.
San Diego, CA
4/27/2011
The young man who helped me pick out a hydration pack spare bag was very nice in trying to help me find what I was looking for. Unfortunately the bag I bought did not fit. The next day I came back ready to return the product with my receipt in hand. As I walk in an older man behind the counter who was the manager just stared at me as I came up to him, not greeting me at all, just staring. I told him that I needed to do a return and explained to him my problem and how the hydration pack spare did not fit. He followed this up with a, "Why would you think this would fit that bag?" All I'm trying to do is return something that didn't work for me, I wasn't really in the mood to be hassled. Finally after a few more questions and filling out a card with my information the amount was charged back on to my credit card. Not about to let this guy get me upset I said "thank you" as I took my receipts back, which was then followed abruptly by a cold "yup". Now I don't thinking I'm asking for the moon here, but a hello when one comes in, maybe a smile and simply a little respect wouldn't hurt here from the old man.
