Berkshire Outfitters — Local services in Adams

I was surprised at how disappointing our experience was with these guys. I made a reservation for 5 boats at least a week in advance. The fellow on the phone seemed perfectly nice. Two days before our outing, I changed the reservation to 4 canoes and 1 kayak; the day before, I changed it to 5 canoes. When we got there, the guy at the counter confirmed with me that we wanted 5 canoes. He then began speaking to me, without provocation in a very surly manner. They wanted to charge us $5 for an extra life jacket for the 3rd occupant of each canoe! This 3rd occupant was ALWAYS a child in each canoe. The guy said, and this is a near quote, "Well, you can pay $5 for the life jacket or the state can fine you $35, I don't care." When you are giving an establishment $330 worth of business in a single transaction, I feel that you don't deserve this kind of treatment. I seem to remember at the end of our conversation that the guy waived the charge, but I have never heard of a canoe place that does not provide life jackets free of charge for every occupant of the boat. That policy seems criminal to me. What if someone can't or won't pay and they drown? Is Berkshire Outfitters ready to accept responsibility? Also I asked them for dry bags and cushions for the 3rd occupant as the canoes had only 2 seats. They said they had none! Again, this is something that every canoe rental place I have ever been to has provided free of charge. While this is more acceptable than not providing free life jackets, it is still not good service.

To cap it all off, when we got to Cheshire Reservoir, the trailer had only 4 canoes and 1 kayak, despite the fact that I had changed the reservation to 5 canoes the day before. The guy driving the truck claimed that I was wrong and the reservation was for 4 canoes and kayak. I told him that the guy at the shop confirmed with me that we were getting 5 canoes and that if he asked the guy that he would confirm it. The truck driver guy demurred in a surly manner. The canoes and kayak were old and faded, clearly heavily used.

On our way back I informed them that we might be late, the guy at the shop said that would be OK, although he had consistently pushed for us to be at the pullout spot at 3 pm because even though they were open until 4, he said that "on Sunday, the guys wanna go home." We booked it across Cheshire Reservoir and made it in time to the pullout. When we got there, a different guy was there to pick us up and he was very apologetic about the canoes mixup. I appreciated that and told him so, but I still would not do business with this place again. I recommend against giving them your business, although they seem to be the only option in their area. If you are willing to go farther, rent from Barton Cove Canoe Rentals in Gill, we had an excellent experience with them...

Berkshire Outfitters was the only place in the area we could find that rented bikes. Unfortunately, this means it acts like a typical monopoly, with high prices and poor service. The lowest price rentals were $33 per bike for up to 3 hours (no cheaper options were available). It felt like none of the bikes had been properly checked before being rented out. The first bike they tried to give me was unusable as the gears didn't work. The tires also needed air and the brakes could have done with a service. The replacement bike was better, but still could have done with a service. My wife's bike needed oil on the rusty chain - I had to point this out to them. They claimed that they checked all the bikes every day. Somehow, I don't think this is quite right. Or, if it is true, they need a new mechanic. Hopefully some competition will appear and force them to...

Berkshire Outfitters is excellent. Their extensive knowledge of outdoor gear always impresses me. Chris, Josh, Steve, etc. have helped me out several times and I am always impressed with their attention to detail and willingness to make sure I'm getting the right product for me. They know the small tips and tricks that matter when it comes to outdoor gear and are always willing to assist in whatever way possible, whether that be information about local hikes, setting me up in the right skis or finding the perfect backpacking equipment. Berkshire Outfitters will always be my local...