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    Big Willi Mountaineering Company

    5.0 (44 reviews)
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    Updated 2 months ago

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    Jon B.

    Taking a zero day SOBO on JMT. 4 for days until Mt Whitney! At Independence for resupply and into Lone Pine for lunch and picked up a light day pack for summit day. Big Willi had everything I needed including shoe goo for my Tevas and the most comfortable sun hoodie! A complimentary beverage and his good humor makes his shop the place to go for thru hikers in Lone Pine!

    Blair is the BEST business owner I have ever met. He treats everyone like long lost family. I was lucky to stumble into this place shortly after it opened. Because of him and his warmth I make it a must stop anytime I'm heading down the 395. This place is beyond epic. This place is more then a shop it is home.

    happy customers courtesy of Big Willi Mountaineering
    Macon V.

    I rarely write reviews unless I experience truly exceptional service, and Blair is one of the best shop owners I have ever met. Elevation is good, but this place is great. I first called Blair at his shop to get some beta on a few ski mountaineering objectives over the weekend. We had a nice chat over the phone where we discussed potentially good backcountry lines, good mountain aspects for skiing, and general avalanche conditions. He gave me excellent intel, more detailed information than any shop I called in the entire Owens Valley, and told me to feel free to stop by the shop in the morning and we could get out the guide book and discuss it in more detail. So we stopped by and he couldn't have been more helpful. There wasn't a single question he couldn't answer. He had been out to the same area a couple days prior, had an excellent understanding of the region, and was absolutely STOKED to help us! There were also a few niche items we needed, and of course he had them. We returned every single day to report back how the lines were, so that he had more recent intel for others, and I'm more than happy to say it was all exactly as he had described. We brought him a 6 pack of brews on the last day cause our trip wouldn't have been the same without his help. This has become one of my favorite shops in the region and it's all because of Blair! 5 stars, A+, highly recommend, stop here first for your gear and beta needs.

    The best climbing gear store I've seen in 45 years! Everything you need and nothing you don't. Not a fashion store; this place has gear for climbing, clothing and accessories for hiking, through-hiking and backpacking. The owner is super knowledgeable both of modern gear and the local mountains. This is what Yvon Chouinard would've seen as his store--with modern and updated gear! Like Chouinard; Blair believes each piece of kit should serve multiple purposes. He curates all of his gear; so yeah you don't get 9 brands to confuse you; just one that works the best at a fair price. Big Willi's selection is reminiscent of the original REI back in the 1960's; a serious store with gear for climbers and hikers--not lycra clothing, bicycles and car top carriers. Blair even stocks Grivel Ice Axes just like the original Mont Blanc Ice Axes imported by REI way back in the '40's ! Check it out; you won't be disappointed....and enjoy a free soft drink, cup of coffee or maybe something extra special if you have a big success to celebrate !

    Andre C.

    Very knowledgable and helpfull owner. Good news there open early if you need a forgotten item. You can eel up to the shop and they will get you dailed in. Really dig the small box business vibes there, the goal seems to be getting you back on the trail.

    Big Willi made it happen!

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    4 years ago

    Blair is the man. Knowledgeable and friendly. Love this shop and will definitely be back when I'm in the area.

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

    I was very impressed - Blair really knows the area and has some awesome insider info. Great experience here. Highly recommended.

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    5 years ago

    Really cool shop with everything you need for climbing in the Sierra mountains, Blair the owner was super informative and kind. Lone Pine Ca

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    6 years ago

    Best shop of its kind on the east side. They've got everything you need + free stoke.

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    Review Highlights - Big Willi Mountaineering Company

    I first called Blair at his shop to get some beta on a few ski mountaineering objectives over the weekend.

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    Big Willi Mountaineering Company - outdoorgear - Updated June 2026

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