Outdoor Trails — Local services in Hollins

As a two time thruhiker with years of small business experience I feel obligated to leave a bad review for the establishment. I never normally ever leave a review if not positive, because I hate to see a business be discredited due to nothing more than a simple mistake or a menassing employee, but in this case it seemed to be an owner/proprietor that hand handled confronting and attempting to "help" me in all the wrong ways. After rudely correcting my pronunciation of a product I ignored his tone and continued giving information and details to the filter I was looking for, the man after his poor communication attempt (I could tell he barely knew what I was looking for) walked away mubling something about having it in the back. He then returns with a replacement bag (I needed a replacement filter and made that awfully obvious) and I was as genuine as possible thanking him anyway and breifly mentioning that I can always Amazon it. Then as I pick up something else with full intention of buying it for it was something I'm going to buy anyway, the man approaches me up close and silently says "a word to the wise, I wouldn't mention buying something on Amazon in a store like this" I felt extremely personally insulted and threatened. I instantly reracked the item I was about to purchase and left the store immediately. There is no reason to treat thruhikers this way although some outfitters and hostels think they can get away with it. I have been to daleville many times and will NOT be shopping here ever again. And wouldn't suggest it to any thruhiker no matter how desperate. Outfitters in Roanoke will gladly provide the gear you need AND the service...

As stated in other reviews, this store is very rude to Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, which is surprising considering they are only half a mile from the trail.

I was purchasing supplies for my hike and saw another hiker buying boots and mentioned to him that the manufacturer of those boots provides free replacements to thru-hikers. One of the employees, or might have been the owner, starts ranting at me about how thru-hikers shouldn't get special treatment from manufacturers and that he was "going to call his manufacturer representative to tell him". I kept trying to escape the conversation but the guy wouldn't read my signals of me walking away from him.

Eventually I got out of there with my dehydrated meals and expired Clif bars but I was appalled at his treatment of a customer for mentioning that one of the manufacturers he carries takes exceptional care of their customers. This store can learn a lesson from that kind of customer care.

I'm just passing through and this may be the only option in this town for specialty outfitter items, but I wouldn't ever stop...

Hi came to Outdoor Trails this past Saturday with blistered feet. Andrea immediately measured my feet and I realized they swelled from a 9.5 to 10.5. She helped me pick out a great new pair of Topos and my feet feel great. She also showed me different techniques for lacing and tieing shoes depending on whether I have a heavy uphill or downhill day. Got a new pack as well (2.1 pound Osprey). She went through that pack with me more thoroughly than ever, strap by strap. Thank you Andrea from Outdoor Trails in Daleville, VA. Looking forward to getting back on trail tomorrow, but for now stretch, eat, rest, repeat!!!! Best Outfitter experience on trail so far. Tremendous help,...