Walkabout Outfitter — Attraction in Harrisonburg

One of the reasons to shop local for good outdoor gear is just that it’s the right thing to do, but the benefits are often worth far more than the few dollars you might save shopping online. Such as: Trying gear on, handling it, getting advice about fit and fabrics, feeling the weight and the handling, and - most important - getting superior service from an actual human being, and in my experience at Walkabout, from an actual human being with actual outdoors experience if not with actual experience with the actual piece of gear in question. I’ve received this sort of superior service every time I’ve entered the WO in downtown H’burg, a snug nook with an eclectic selection. An example: About a year after buying a pair of leather Keen sandals there, I wore them back to point out to the very saleswoman who helped me choose and purchase them in the first place that the uppers on one of them were separating from the sole. She saw immediately what my concern was, cautioned that they were a week or two out of warranty, but took photos of the fault and promised to show them to WO’s Keen rep. The most I had hoped for was a free repair, but I was already satisfied that I had been heard by a sympathetic ear. To my pleasant surprise, she phoned me within a week or so and said a brand new pair were awaiting me if I’d bring the old ones in. Boom. That’s why I paid $10 more than what I could’ve gotten them for online. I mean, besides it just being the right...

I just went in looking for socks. I could not have imagined that I was about to have the best experience in a store that I can remember. Rachel was extraordinary. It wasn’t just her extensive, personal knowledge of the merchandise. It wasn’t just her prompt service. That’s all appreciated of course, but what makes Rachel outstanding, fantastic, is a level of warmth and hospitality that made me feel like I was talking to a neighbor I’d known for years.

She knew I wasn't going to be a giant sale, yet she still made every patient accommodation of my extreme indecisiveness to ensure I was choosing the right…socks! Not a Ferrari or a Rolex. Socks.

It’s not just that retail needs more people like Rachel. The world needs more people like her. I’ve never felt this strongly about an experience in a store. And sure, I only dealt with her, but I’m confident that whoever hired her must be good people too. If it sounds like I’m gushing, well go buy some socks (and more!) at Harrisonburg's Walkabout Outfitters, and you’ll see what I mean.

I’m going back there to buy something else, anything else, I...

So, this is our store to pick up hiking products and related items. We go to the one in Harrisonburg but there are several others depending on your location. Check out there web site to find out about special events they are hosting and other locations. Several key takeaways from the place. First, locally owed and run. Yea, you can get some of it on the internet for a few cents cheaper, but we all need to support or local stores if we want to keep them. Second, the folks that work in the store have a lot of experience in hiking, climbing, etc. They know people who work for PATC, ATC, and local hike and climbing groups. In fact, they can probably tell you where to go for an excellent hike or climb based on their experience or put you in contact with an organization that can help. Many of their staff have walked the AT. If you want the proper fit on a piece of equipment, clothing, book, map, or footwear, this is the place to go, and the...