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Wilderness Exchange - CLOSED
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Outdoor Gear Outdoor Gear [Edit]
1407 San Pablo Ave(between Camelia St & Page St)
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 525-1255
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Wilderness Exchange
Review Highlights
"I love REI but this place was always my first stop."
(in 21 reviews)
"Great prices and depth of camping supplies."
(in 3 reviews)
"Last year nice people lent me all manner of camping gear."
(in 6 reviews)
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Lisa f.
Richmond, CA
8/9/2010
I'm really going to miss this place. A lot of times I could run across the street and find the same thing at REI for 3x the price. So I would buy it here to support local business and save a few$$.
RIP Wilderness Exchange. -
Review from Jana S.
7/18/2010
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. -
Review from Mary F.
Berkeley, CA
11/14/2007 ROTD 5/26/2008
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/...Listed in: ROTD aka fanning my own…
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Review from catherine b.
El Cerrito, CA
3/25/2009
It's been worrisome at work, what with those pink slips flying all over. It's no wonder that vacation time has been the furthest thing from my mind. But it's time to schedule it with the boss lady or forever hold my peas.
Which got me to thinking about my trek to Burning Man in '08 and how I want to do that again, despite the fact that my house is finally free of playa dust. kinda, sorta, mostly.
Last year nice people lent me all manner of camping gear. I can't justify buying big ticket camping equipment for a once a year event. But there were a lot of things I needed in addition to the tent, the camping chair and sleeping bag. Tarps, ropes, hooks, stakes, bungees, and a miner's light for starters. I came here "the place across the street from REI" and found it all, along with ridiculously good customer service and very good prices. They even found something I needed in the used section and substituted it for the new item I'd brought to the counter, without me even asking.
It's a nice touch that they print a checklist of everything the new dork will need in the desert to skirt death by dehydration, hypothermia, sun poisoning, and playa foot. Also items one might need if inclined to avoid a toxic level of filthiness, which might not kill you - but could hurt another person in the vicinity.
It occurs to me that some stores might take advantage of a bunch of aging stoners who can't get it together to buy the stuff they need for their very survival until the week before leaving. Not this place! Just plain nice. -
Review from Robi P.
Davis, CA
6/7/2007
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.Listed in: Outfitters for adventure
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Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
8/24/2009
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 $25 book and instead pulled out a map of outdoor rock climbing routes for me. I heart Wilderness Exchange and will be definitely be back to get some of my gear from here.Listed in: Equiping for the Great…
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Review from Chris B.
Cupertino, CA
5/27/2006
Huge thanks to Peter, AJ and most importantly Smitty for introducing this place to me. Preparing to travel the world for a year isn't easy, but after stepping inside this highly educational and insanely discounted store I was well on my way.
They looked me up and down, asked me many questions and suggested I purchase a "Travel Pack" instead of a "Backpack". The main different being that a Travel pack is more for an urban traveler who will be visiting mainly cities and doing some backpacking. A Backpack is for those hardcore hikers and campers who want to do a 1200 mile trail with only the food / water and supplies on their back... NOT ME ... yet.
I saved 113$ 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. -
Review from Herbert S.
Davis, CA
7/15/2010
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet. Sadly, I'll never really get the chance; it was great, but now it's closing. If you hurry, you can still catch their going out of business sale.
They still lasted twenty-something years down the street from REI, which should tell you something about how awesome they were. -
Review from Robin R.
San Jose, CA
4/19/2010
Kid in a candy shop, kid in a candy shop, kid in a candy shop....
I love this place. It's like a treasure hunt everytime I go in here. Though if you ask the staff they are more then happy to help you find you new treasures. I enjoy just wandering around and digging through thing to find my score. Like a brand new hydration pack that didnt have the orig tag- so it was like 15 bux and works perfectly!
Oh - the season is upon us and time to visit this neat place again soon! -
Review from Ken M.
Berkeley, CA
4/2/2010
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. -
Review from Katie S.
Jersey City, NJ
11/4/2009
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. -
Review from Eric B.
Updated - 6/21/2010
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.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/7/2008
I just got back from the Yukon and Northwest Territories (MacKenzie Mountain Barrens) last week on… Read more »
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Review from Ryan C.
7/15/2008
This is a great place! The workers are so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful! And the prices are definitely better than REI, as everyone has said. I got a hat here for $22 that cost $31 at REI.
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Review from Jennifer L.
Oakland, CA
2/1/2010
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.
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Review from toby k.
Berkeley, CA
5/9/2008
When I went to get my first pack, I spent the first part of the day at REI.
'nuff said about that.
Went to the Wilderness Exchange after lunch, where the friendly and helpful people gave me TONS of practical advice and helped me find a great pack that I'm sure will last me for years. The people here haven't just talked, heard or read about whatever adventure you're about to embark on, they have first-hand knowledge and are generous enough to share. Smart, friendly, experienced . . . so much MORE than that the big store across the street . . . -
Review from Anthony L.
Oakland, CA
7/8/2008
They are a decent used gear store for camping and hiking equipment and books to buy from. You're better off selling on ebay.
Their ski gear selection varies from year to year. I found some great ski/ice climbing pants here years ago - they haven't had anything like them in stock since. Some stuff like skin glue for skis can be had on the cheap. It's hit or miss.
As for selling them used gear - I came in once mid-week, it was a good 20 minutes until closing. I had a pair of ski boots to sell. Two guys were working there behind the counter. I was told to go away and come back during the early afternoon when they weren't busy closing up. They were pretty rude about it.
AVOID buying climbing ropes here. What could be wrong with discount climbing gear? Many ropes appear to be "new" but are in fact several years old. (These ropes have never been used of course and have sat in dark storage.) Climbing ropes are made of nylon (an organic compound); they degrade over time. You're getting a small discount on a rope with a significantly shortened life. -
Review from Sean T.
Alameda, CA
10/2/2007
Love going there to chat them up and pick their brains and browse the gear that I "need" for my next trip. I would highly recommend this place for anyone that has questions about outdoor activities and are afraid to ask. VERY nice, knowledgeable, and great source of information.
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Review from Holly H.
Vallejo, CA
9/8/2010
So sad... What a wonderful place WE was. I have sent so many friends and acquaintances there since the beginning. I have resoled the hiking boots I got there in 1993 and still wear them regularly. One Saturday last month I saw a canopy in the parking lot under which some of the employees were selling a few odds & ends. I stopped to chat and was shocked that they had closed. They had such cool stuff and could hold their own against REI. Like others, I went there first then to REI.
Presente' Wilderness Exchange -
Review from Xander M.
Oakland, CA
8/10/2010
Noooo!! I loved this place. Great advice, great products, great prices. Will be sorely missed. I love REI but this place was always my first stop.
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Review from Stevie G.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2006
awesome place... good quality at great prices. My favorite place to buy hiking socks. Very cool, helpful staff... I've bought bags and mats here... even boots. This place is how REI used to be.
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Review from Sara F.
Albany, CA
12/4/2009
I love this place in theory however the reality isn't always so rosy. Some of the prices are on par with REI, which bums me out, and the workers here aren't as forthcoming with their outdoor knowledge as REI workers. Also, the selection on certain items isn't so great (the backpacks for example). However, I love me some deals so I'll be back to hunt for them at Wildnerness Exchange.
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Review from sheri n.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2007
they have some great outdoor gear for half the price you would pay @ rei or similar places... sometimes it's second hand and barely used.. sometimes it's 'defected' but when can one really tell the difference?
i found a backpack for backpacking europe @ rei for over $250.
the same pack was @ wilderness exchange for $150! brand new.. cosmetic defect -- a slight discoloration.. not at all noticeable to the eye...and i have an eye that spots things.. sometimes 4 w/my glasses on.. and 2 w/contacts..
anyhow.. it's a great place... support them.. u can get a lot of cool stuff for prices that are not jacked up by the chains! -
Review from Jen F.
Oakland, CA
5/29/2008
This place is a wonderful to not only shop for great used camping gear, but also to spend a rainy day dreaming of your next camping adventure. They have several tents set up with makeshift campsites in back. I like hanging out in the tents with my kid and pretending we're miles from the busy life on San Pablo Avenue. Everyone who works here is relaxed and friendly and I have scored a couple invaluable used finds, including my California Beaches guide, and my Campingaz lantern. I'm giving them 4 stars for selection, however. They do no carry Campingaz gas cans or the small lantern mantels, but it is an otherwise wonderful place.
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Review from Dave L.
Baltimore, MD
11/2/2008
Great prices and depth of camping supplies. I picked up a pair of used hiking boots that had almost no wear and saved $100. Try going here instead of REI across the street.
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Review from lee h.
Alameda, CA
6/24/2008
OMG THis place is awesome. I'm never going to REI again. I cant believe I've lived here 8 years and just noticed it a few years ago, and it still took me till a few weeks ago to stop. I liked it so much I went back three times that week and am now making a shopping list!!!
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Review from Thighmaster M.
Ward, CO
12/28/2008
Good variety and prices, staff mostly knowledgeable.
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Review from marie m.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 9/23/2010
i am sooo sorry to learn that the Wilderness Exchange is gone. thanks for all the years of knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining service and great deals on new and used gear.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/25/2008
i love this place, i have been going there for years.
the sales people know a lot more about their… Read more »
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Review from J H.
Berkeley, CA
10/16/2010
well...I was surprised yesterday to find this place was out of business...or was I? Good sales staff sorta...they would ignore you at times if a good climbing/hiking/skiing discussion was afoot and the owner was intolerant of anyone who he felt was not worth his time. I will miss the ambiance...sorta. The yearly gear sale? absolutely!
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Review from M F.
Albany, CA
8/30/2009
Wilderness Exchange is pretty much across from REI Berkeley but is a place I would visit if I were looking for outdoor gear and clothing. Although the store is small, it has a nice selection of items. There is even a section for used camping gear and clothing. This area is often hit or miss but can have great bargains. I once saw a great winter weight down jacket at a great low price on one hot July day. It was put in the used section but looked as if it had never been used. Err... I was tempted but the day was hot and I left. Came back the next day to buy it and it was gone. Sigh... Their off street lot only holds a few cars but I generally fine a space. You can also park on the street or a side street easily. Wilderness Exchange also buys some used gear so it is a place you can help you downsize. Get on their mailing list as they have several awesome sales every year. The store is tiny but well organized and neat. The employees are polite, helpful and are outdoor savvy. Went in to buy a couple of carabiners and they asked me what I wanted them for as they were not suitable for rock climbing. I told them I just wanted them to haul up a couple of bear bags. They do not just sell you stuff. They also make sure what you are buying is appropriate and safe. As for the store being wheelchair accessible, it is for the most part. Recall there is a step or two in the store but an employee could help you navigate them.
Listed in: Outdoors Gear
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Review from Tim M.
Berkeley, CA
2/24/2008
Once you find out about this place, you might end up asking yourself why you ever, ever went to the REI across the street. It has new and used gear as well as friendly service, knowledgeable staff, and good prices.
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Review from Mike A.
Berkeley, CA
5/20/2008
Wilderness Exchange is kind of a funky store and their selection is much smaller than, say, REI across the street but they sometimes have the perfect item that is tough to find elsewhere and it is a good place to score the occasional deal. They have used gear as well as new gear but I find that their prices for used gear are often high. They have a few parking spots and there is always an empty one. The staff are very helpful and since there aren't usually a large amount of people shopping at any one time, the staff can give you a lot of attention.
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Review from jacky s.
Oakland, CA
2/17/2008
these guys (and girls) are amazing! i stayed there for an hour and a half trying to choose climbing shoes and even exchanged some that i had just bought and they didn't mind at all! i got lots of great advice and their prices are very reasonable.
