I found this store when looking for snowshoe rentals. I mentioned I'd never snowshoed before. The pair I rented kept coming unbuckled and I was lucky not to have gotten more than a muscle strain. When I dropped them off I was told it was because my boots aren't bulky. I had also not been told I may need to carry the shoes and should have gotten a hook for bag for them. I guess this place is great if you are already super outdoorsy, but if you're a beginner don't go here. read more

We like to support local businesses, but we had a TERRIBLE experience here, and I would give ZERO stars if I could. There were two major issues: First, the selection of used items was limited, and most of those items could be found new but at the same price if you searched for sale items. For example, some of the second-hand Patagonia pants could be bought new during their seasonal sales. The new items for sale at Second Ascent were the same price as REI, but, as an REI member, we get 10% back for our purchases. On top of that, we get the REI guarantee. However, the thing that will keep us from ever returning to Second Ascent was the egregiously rude and unprofessional behavior of the employees. While we were there, a Harley-Davidson-riding construction worker came into the store looking for a stove to use while on the road. He was apparently not the typical Second Ascent customer, as evidenced by the fact that the employees made fun of him after he left. This happened in two different departments (two employees in the bike section, and two employees in the camping goods area). And this happened in front of customers! We are experienced backpackers, but I doubt we fit the description of the "ideal" Second Ascent customer either (i.e., young, ultra-fit), so I hate to imagine what was said about US after we left. We have shopped at REI for years and have never seen behavior such as this. REI employees are always professional, courteous, and sincere. The manager of Second Ascent really should offer training to his young employees regarding professionalism and good customer service. They could learn a lot from REI. read more

There is such a disconnect here between the staff. I came here for my first time ever just last night. I was given a pair of cycling shorts for my birthday that I wanted to exchange for cycling pants. I walked in the door and explained the situation to the gruff and rude man at the counter who informed me that this situation needed to be handled by the cycling area. I had never been here before, so I asked him where that was and he treated me as if I was a complete idiot. I headed to the cycling portion of the shop and found Ben, a friendly associate that has earned both of these stars for Second Ascent. If I could rate Ben alone, I would give him five stars and give Second Ascent zero, but Yelp requires a merge. Ben listened to my predicament, offered to order me specific products, encouraged me to try on a size I wasn't confident about (but ended up working for me). He was patient, relatable, and informative. He came up with multiple options for me and I had almost forgotten how rude the front counter guy was. Until I went to pay. Apparently I walked to the wrong side of the checkout counter and was told that someone else would help me "over THERE." I grabbed my pants (which, by the way, were kind of expensive - $100) and explained the situation to the person ringing me out. I didn't understand how they were calculating the tax since I had a return, and rather than simply explaining it to me, the surly guy from when I walked in said, "No! We aren't charging you double for tax" as he rolled his eyes and made me feel like I had reinforced the stereotype of women not being good at math. I really felt angry and embarrassed. So much so, that I completely spaced that I had a coupon for %20 off any item. Humiliated I took the receipt to the car and relayed the story to my boyfriend who was waiting outside. He went back in and explained the situation and asked that they accept the 20% off coupon. Since the pants were $100, it should have been $20 off (see?! Girls can do math!), but because they took $50 off from the shorts I returned, they would only take the 20% off the $50 remaining. When my boyfriend explained that wasn't accurate, they told him that they were doing him a favor because they don't honor the coupons retroactively. I will NEVER come here again and I am telling my friends that are regular shoppers to steer clear--especially if you are a woman. They will not treat you with respect. Well, except for Ben. He's great. In fact, he should be replacing the surly guy at the counter. read more

1. Street only parking, in that neighborhood parking is hard to find. 2. After spending an hour looking for a parking space, the store was closed -- the staff was locking up the shop at 10' before the closing time. 3. I called the next day but the shop, which is listed as a distributor by the Nordic ski boot manufacturer, didn't have what I was looking for in stock 4. Whoever answered the phone wouldn't make any effort to order it. 5. What is there to like about this place? 6. Why should I ever return? . read more

I have been to Second Ascent a few times over the past year and I have always been pleased with what I find and the customer service I receive. Yesterday, I stopped to get a new pair of hiking boots and scored a major deal and some great help. If you need boots, ask for Brenden in the shoe section b/c this guy knows EVERYTHING about outdoor footwear. He measured my feet and found me a great fit. Informed me that my left foot is large than my right (but not to worry b/c most people have one foot larger than another). He noticed that I have high arches and had me try on a pair of Superfeet insoles. Those insoles rocked and I grabbed a pair for $34.95. I walked out with Scarpa boots, originally $170.00, but were on sale for $130.00. Great fit, great deal, great help! Brenden rocked my feet and I can't wait to strap my new boots on! read more

Second Ascent is geared more towards the avid climber and/or telemark skier. You should be prepared to deal with some attitude when you walk in. The staff is, without a question, passionate about the outdoors and know their stuff, but they tend to spend most of their time clustered together rehashing the details of a recent climb or backcountry ski trip. They aren't so helpful to novices or newcomers, but they'll give you all the time in the world if you've got some credibility, or look like someone that will be an asset rather than a liability to whatever sport you're getting into. That being said, if you're a beginner or relative newcomer to a sport, I'd recommend you go to a retailer that's more inclusive and accepting of all skill levels. You'll come out of the deal feeling far less intimidated. read more

i love the idea of used outdoor gear. CL is better than SA. i walked in and was eye balling a stem, i asked to look at it and saw the price was the same as a new one. they told me it was "rare" to find a used thomson stem in that particular size. i said bull crap and walked out frustrated. these guys are faux nice to you. everytime i have walked in to find something or ask a bike question, these guys have treated me like i was an idiot. instead of having a friendly conversation about 10 speed campagnolo compatible chains, it became a lesson in how much smarter they are about the intricacies of indexing and so on, and how ignorant and worthless my knowledge is. i dont care how long you have been a mechanic or whos bike you have worked on. in the end they tried to sell me a wipperman chain for more than i got my campy record ultra narrow chain for. you will like the bike department if: you are equally an arrogant snob or are one who is ignorant and rich. read more

I am giving it two stars because I figure the place may be a decent shop, but I had an experience in there that really turned me off. I was checking out the bikes and found a model I was interested in for a good price. I asked the sales guy about it and he told me that they did not have in my size and when I asked about another bike he started equivocating about how it really came down to how the bike felt. I was about ready to do a test ride on it when I tried to ask if it was the right size, but just got more b.s. Finally, I just assertively asked "Is this bike too small for me?" and he sheepishly said "Yeah, probably." It felt dishonest and leading and made me want to avoid shopping there. When I go into store that sells sports equipment, I want to feel confident that the staff will answer my questions to provide me with the right gear. I don't need someone trying to make a sale at the expense of my comfort or safety. read more

Their prices are great, they have a great selection of GOOD gear, the stuff you'd really want to use outdoors. And as someone else mentioned in a review they have real outdoor sportsmen who know their stuff. Personally I think this should be a 5 star store. BUT. And if you read the other reviews, this comes up a bunch. The attitude of some of the employees is a big condescending and smug. I know my gear (used to work in a bike shop and build all my own bikes) but felt like I was being lectured to. More inexperienced friends who've gone in there felt VERY talked down to. Not saying this isn't a reason to shop here. But just know it coming in so it doesn't rub you the wrong way, and hopefully someone at second ascent will read this and work on it. You're not trying to push people away! read more

A good selection of used and new outdoor gear. Bicycle sales & repair. Lots of climbing gear. My experience as a customer has been mixed. I've bought used stuff that didn't perform as promised, and have found top notch new items I can't get anywhere else in town. It's a place I include in my plans if I'm looking to replace a piece of gear, but not the only place I check. read more

I think this a great place to stop before you head to REI. They have a pretty good selection of used clothes (though my stuff gets so beat up I don't buy used very often) and great sale selection with a big turnover so you have to visit often. I got a great raincoat there and after chatting with a clerk realized that I didn't really need gore-tex. Their bike tune shop is cheaper than most others I've priced but I haven't gotten any work done there yet. read more

I stopped by here after shopping the Sunday market and found an awesome ski helmet to buy. Frank helped me make sure I had a good fit and packed it in the box nicely for me. I received excellent customer service and will certainly return when I need some other gear! Thanks! read more

FRAUDS!!! I rented a couple of items from them, including a pair of plastic mountain boots. I was definitely not the first person to rent out the pair. They confirmed that they had been renting it out for a year or so. When I returned it to them, they claimed that they weren't usable anymore and they charged me $180 for the liner (not the whole boot, just the liner). It was definitely as usable as when I had checked it out. The worst part was the rude behavior of the store assistant. When I was tried to explain my position and she just cut me off "We are going to charge your card anyway", implying "We have your card number, we will charge you - end of discussion". This was honestly the first rental shop I had ever rented from that had tried to pull this off. I, of course, didn't just take it lying down. I had contacted my credit card and opened a dispute against them. After I give them the evidence (pictures of the liner), they took my side, reimbursed me for the amount Second Ascent tried to steal from me and they are now resolving the dispute with them. I was determined to even hire a lawyer if the Credit Card company didn't help me. From what I understood, this is their rental model - they will keep renting their items out to people which will obviously lead to wear and tear with every time they rent. Then once they find the chump who was unfortunate enough to rent it out the last time, they will charge that person for the entire item. Besides, the boots they rented out were just terrible. My trip would have been way better if I had rented from Kaf adventures or REI. read more

I'm a frequent visitor to Second Ascent and I've dropped a lot of money there over the years. I love the concept of the store and their selection of gear. My issue is with the staff. There are a couple of genuinely helpful and friendly people who work there, but over and over again I am usually met with attitude and mediocre-poor customer service. It's too bad because I think they do great work in their bike shop but I don't want to interact anymore with the handful of rude, condescending people who work there. One of the young women who works the register has a similar attitude. Finally, some of the used gear is overpriced but some of the new gear is under-priced, so I guess that works out. I'm sure I'll be back, but I won't be asking for help while I'm there. read more

Wonderful alternative to REI for the non-yuppie-budget. Helpful, friendly staff who'll answer all your questions but never pester you to buy anything. The people who work here are genuinely enthusiastic to the point where you suddenly want to be a professional [insert outdoor sport here] too. Reasonably priced. Great place to pick up supplies for Burning Man or any other lengthy camping trip. read more

This place is great. I've been shopping here for almost 10 years. I go here for everything from boot laces to expedition tents. Great staff who actually use the gear they sell. Great prices on new and used gear! read more

Love this place. The staff here are always friendly, patient, and helpful. They're careful to explain the pros and cons of what you're buying and often have expertise in the sport/activity for which you're buying the thing for. read more

I've had the worst luck with my bicycle lately. First, I was hit by a car door, while riding to work (slightly hung over). Fortunately, I was mostly fine, but my bike needed some work. I took it in to get fixed and the mechanic that worked on it was awesome. He did a bunch of work on it and had it to me in a couple of days. I was also surprised that it didn't cost more to fix... definitely a plus. Second, while riding to work, again... one week later, I snapped a spoke on my back wheel. Boo! I almost cried cause I had just gotten it back. But, I held myself together and I took it back to my new buddy and he fixed it for $12 with tax in 4 hours! read more

Oh man, where do I begin? Second Ascent has everything you need for your next adventure. From skis to bikes you'll be sure to find what you're looking for. They have a lot of preowned gear as well. If you're in Ballard make sure to swing by and have a look for yourself. read more

I love 2nd Ascent as an alternative to REI. I have found the staff very willing to take extra tme with me to make sure I see all of the alternatives and aspects in purchasing an item and they don't always steer me towards the most expensive item. I bought a pair of Keens there that I intended to purchase for work (I'm a aging teacher and on my feet most of the day). He talked me into going for some insoles and these are the BEST shoes I've ever worn in my life and NO foot pain. In the pre-Christmas rush, I was looking for a great set of hiking poles to upgrade from my others and again, very helpful and willing to answer all of my questions. Service is very important to me and these folks know how to give it. Keep up the good work! read more

I used to shop here, but there are plenty of other stores that have a better selection, better gear, and better attitudes. Most of the guys at this store don't seem like they could hike Mt. Si (not building any confidence here). Where is all the good used gear? Not at this shop. I have been there several times only to find a bunch of regular priced stuff. If I am going to spend money on something new it is going to be from a place that has a decent return policy, like REI. I swear that my sales guy smelled like beer. I love beer too, but I drink mine after work. Take a hint. Their parking lot works for me when I'm having beer at Kings so I guess that is what the one star is for. read more

I just went to the Redmond store and bought a great pair of hiking boots. Awesome boots at a very good price. The staff knows what they are doing and they have top rate equipment. I look forward to buying my back country set up there. This is what REI used to be in the old days. read more

I like not being bothered while I'm browsing just so I don't feel like I'm being pushed to buy, and I wasn't bothered here. I just wanted to check out the camping gear for summer trips and there was loads of stuff I'll go back to get. If it's still there. I hear the stock changes often. First time I went after a long day at work and they were closed and had to go back another day. I second the thought they should be open longer. read more

Second Ascent is my favorite shop in all of Seattle. I have never walked out empty handed. The staff is awesome. They're gear is hand-picked and prices are very fair. This is a great alternative to REI. Check it out! read more

It's true, at times you can walk around for 15 minutes without anyone bothering you, but in my experience as soon as you ask they're happy to take the time to help you evaluate your needs and recommend something that fits your budget and activity. I wish their hours were a little later during the week. read more

Great staff! I walked in and right away somebody greeted me and helped me pick out some new climbing shoes. Even though I'm a total beginner he stuck with me, helped pick out multiple shoes, allowed me to "toe-up" on the wall to check the fit and pretty much did everything an awesome sales associate should do. I had a great experience there and will definitely go back when I need some outdoors gear! FYI: Parking sucks though, so just prepare yourself for that. read more

I'd been warned by friends about the bike shop staff's attitudes and found out what they meant yesterday. They got all nasty with me just because I wasn't impressed by his friend's flimsy recycled innertube bags. Also questionable knowledge - they sold me the wrong chainrings insisting they were "exactly the same", but they're actually incompatible. read more

I love this place! My son and I went in to outfit ourselves and my husband for downhill skiing. I haven't been on skis in more than a decade so need some new things, and this will be my son's first season. We scored some bargains and bought some things full price. Even though I couldn't find quite everything I needed at this store (they're a bit light on kids stuff), it was such a worthwhile stop because the staffers were so friendly and knowledgeable. Jill really educated us on the differences among all the goggles and fabrics and stuff. She wasn't pushy at all, just there as we needed her with very educated pros and cons about everything. On subsequent trips to Evo and REI, I really found myself wanting a "Jill" and not finding one. Thanks, Jill! read more

Everything you would want out of a Seattle neighborhood gear shop. Enthusiastic and helpful staff. They help you personally and really take the time to answer your questions and direct you to the right products. Great sample sales, smaller selection of consignment. I appreciate how involved in the community they are by hosting events, speakers, and having an in-depth knowledge of local outdoor areas. read more

Got x-country ski package - skate ski. Staff is nice and knowledgeable, service is good. Not happy about price point though - it occurred that REI sells exact same thing for 10% less Used gear is also somewhat overpriced read more

I had a 5 star experience at Second Ascent. The staff are very knowledgeable and were able to point out the pros and cons of each item without any pushiness to buy one or the other. My husband and I went in to look at backpacks - I have never owned one, his was really too small for his frame. The staff member who helped us was great, and I'm sorry I can't remember his name to give him full credit (tall and thin guy). I had a couple of very specific requirements (sleeping bag pocket, easy-to-reach exterior pockets for sunglasses and map, and detachable day pack or similar option) and he was able to easily point out a few options that met my requirements. He was also more than willing to stuff several different bags with weights until my husband and I found the right fit. Once we had selected packs, the staff member also helped us pick out sleeping bags. He apologized that they were short one staff member so things were a little hectic, which I appreciated knowing. Even though they were down a man, he still spent considerable time going through the merits of each type of sleeping bag, down vs. synthetic, different temperature ratings, women's vs. men's bags, etc. We received top-notch customer service the entire time and we were there right up until closing, but no one rushed us out the door. As you can imagine, 2 packs and 2 sleeping bags really rack up, so I was pleased when the cashier threw in a few complimentary chapsticks - a nice little perk! Maybe the best thing about the whole experience is that prices were on par or even less than REI's. I checked. read more

So I tried buying a bike seat there, and they have plenty to choose from, but the first one I liked broke. So they then set me up with a demo saddle (why they didnt start with that is beyond me) So now I have a 100 dollar credit to a store I don't want to return to. I also learn that they sold me parts of the fork rebuild kit. The manufacturer should tell the the store selling them to include the oil in a rebuild kit. The bike guys don't or didn't know to tell me this. Feeling like they just want money and will not refund on what they sell David read more

These guys (and girls) are awesome. Independent shop with tons of gear, super-friendly and helpful staff, shockingly good selection of stuff like snowshoes and packs and bags and hard/soft-shells (jackets, not crabs) and stoves and filters....and then, as an added bonus, a great selection of used gear. Here's the other thing: I go here pretty regularly because sometimes they get samples in and you can get really smoking deals on new (and used) gear. For instance, I recently got a new Arc'teryx jacket for a LOT less than retail. As an aside, Arc'teryx makes the best outerwear out there, but maaaaaaan is it going to cost you. That sh*t is expensive. It's made out of rainbows and unicorn eyelashes and teflon and diamonds or something. Like I was saying, it's in my hood, so I frequent the place, and I bought my jacket there. So this weekend, some asshat stole my jacket out of my truck, and I went back to 2nd Ascent to see if just maybe, maybe, maybe there was another one of those jackets because I'd grown to love it in our short time together. The guy who helped me the second time around, you know what he did? 1- He remembered that I'd bought the first jacket there. 2- He expressed sympathy with me saving up to buy the damn thing and then having it snatched away. 3- He got me that very same jacket from the company (special ordered) for the same really good deal. That's just....I mean, just. yeah. Totally wonderful. Would REI online be able to do that? HMmmmm? No. read more

If you are new to climbing and need a lot of assistance and guidance in picking out new gear, this is the place to go. They also sell gently used items so you can try out a new sport without breaking the bank. Yes, it does smell like feet when you first walk in but I put up with it for the guys who really know what they are talking about. read more

Awesome service! Wow Brenden was very knowledgable. Not a pushy sales person. I could tell he just really liked hiking/ outdoors activities when he was describing equipment pros and cons. I'm usually an REI junky, but Second Ascent is now my first stop when looking for hiking gear read more

Second Ascent is the bomb. Probably the best gear shop in the Seattle area, along side Feathered Friends. Always love coming in here and the staff is really friendly. They don't mind chatting about routes (hike, ski, climb, cycle) and always have down to earth recommendations. A must stop shop for those who don't want to support large corporate gear stores. read more

Very helpful staff. They helped me find exactly what I needed, and the affordable version, not the most expensive. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. I was with a friend and the bike shop folks were very nice to him. read more

Love this shop. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable. Ask a question, receive a real answer (generally based on real experience). You won't find employees here referencing an iPhone and reading verbatim off of a product page. I had the bike shop do some work mounting racks. My bike frame required that the racks be bent or modified to properly fit. I was very happy with the work. The tech explained why he mounted the rack the way he did. The place feels like a small neighborhood shop, but it's packed with a ton of great gear. read more

Second Ascent never seems to fail me! Whenever I can't find what I'm looking for at REI, Second Ascent always seems to have it! Go figure. Case in point: I went looking for a pack at REI. They didn't have anything that fit me. The womens' smalls were too big and uncomfortable and the Kids' packs were too awkward and small. I came to Second Ascent and guess what? They had XS womens' packs! They had several to pick from and I finally settled on a Gregory. Perfect fit. And as always, the staff are very helpful. read more

Very friendly and helpful staff the store is not very big and it's a little hard to navigate new clothing seems to be mashed with used clothing but overall a great experience. read more