We just happened upon this gem when we were exploring Lone Pine this fall and boy am I glad we did! The owner is so friendly, has an awesome selection of good quality gear, and is extremely knowledgeable about the area! They have some awesome tech sun shirts that I highly recommend too! Love rocking my Big Willi shirt on all my adventures! read more

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It is always a pleasure to stop into Big Willi to see Blair. You get a free beer or decal with purchase and it always feels like visiting an old friend! Over the years, I've collected the long sleeve sun shirt in various colors and bought some for gifts as well. The shop is well stocked with reputable brands of climbing gear, apparel, technical clothing, trail food/endurance snacks, decals, helmets, gloves, etc Prices are reasonable so you don't have to go broke when you stop in. This is a tiny store that packs a punch! Stop in when you're in Lone Pine! read more

Big Willi Mountaineering Company - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Lone Pine, California

This climbing store excels at two different aspects of outdoor shops that I previously though to be mutually exclusive: 1) It's very specialized around climbing, mountaineering, and technical persuits in the mountains. This is a pretty niche outdoor store. 2) It's super-friendly and anti-gatekeeping. It's welcoming to all folks, regardless of where they are in their jounry to learning the arts, skills, and sciences of summitcraft! Not only is Blair knowledgable and friendly about the products sold here...he has the best beta (climbing information) this side of the Sierra! I love the cheery, friendly nature of this gear shop so much that I bought a synethic hooded baselayer with their logo on it. Something I never do for brands. But this one is special. Can't wait to come back here and post my summit photo with it on! read more

Outstanding service and a great selection of gear for all your outdoor needs. If you're staying in Lone Pine, or just passing through, go see Blair - he'll take good care of you! read more

I love this shop. It's a small shop, but they have everything and best of all Willy is super helpful. He knows all the local mountains, trails, etc and is more than happy to share tips and ideas. We were looking for a particular pair of pants and Willy suggested an alternate pair that was even better than what we had in mind. I've been to the 395 area many times and hiked many trails and I must say this shop will be a mandatory stop on all future visits. Propeiters like Willy are a rare breed these days. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

Big Willi Mountaineering Company - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Lone Pine, California

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Got my shirt and was stoked! The size said runs big and ordered an xl but guess I'm just a Husky" xl because it looks like a fat man in a little coat episode from Tommy Boy. I guess I'll just cut off the sleeves and roll with it but the service was prompt and Blair even included a rad handwritten note. I'll fully order again even with the size issue and just go xxl. . I Forgot to add the sticker too . See ya next time! read more

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. read more

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Dude. Blair is THE MAN! From fully explaining every fabric and care tips on the articles we were perusing, to helping us navigate our interstate adventure, he and this store are THE BOMB! We can't wait to visit time as time again, as we often pass through Lone Pine, on our overlanding journeys! read more

What a great vibe! Blaire was so helpful to me and my friends and gave us great hiking advice. He had everything you need and I'm obsessed with my new shirt. Thanks Blaire! read more

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 ! read more

Big Willi Mountaineering Company - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Lone Pine, California

I called inquiring about a service and though they did not offer what I was looking for, they quickly sent over a great recommendation to help me out. I appreciated the customer service and can tell they take great care of their customers! read more

Blair is the go to man and his shop is fun! Stop in and say hello! He's got the info and the gear. If he can't help he'll find someone who can. read more

A great place to get all your hiking/backpacking gear. I purchased two pairs of camp hiking poles from this shop a few years ago and love them, they are lightweight and collapsible for easy storage. My wife purchased a beautiful water bottle, The Red Lady, also but unfortunately lost it on the trail we were hiking near Big Pine. We usually stop here when hiking the Cottonwood Lakes and Cirque Lake where we have spent many nights. Would highly recommend. read more

Mr. Blair very helpful and VERY professional!!! I am a mountain climber and the guy knows what is talking about! I just step into his very small shop and we started to talk, he has a lot of knowledge and he really want to help with his information about the equipment and the mountains out there. I came this week back to Lone Pine with my family, again, he was very nice with my kids, and very inspire. It's hard to find a local honest guy these days, in any field, but Blair is something!. I really recommend this shop to anyone!!! read more

Excellent place to shop on your way to Whitney. Blair has a good feel on the current conditions and has a nice selection of gear. Very nice and helpful with my first trip up the mountain! read more

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. read more

Big Willi Mountaineering Company - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Lone Pine, California

This place came through for my trail fam and myself. The owner, Blair, is super down to earth and we had a great time bs'in with him in the courtyard which is easy to do when you share the love for outdoors. The store is situated just off the 395 in this shaded courtyard area. Blair has everything you would need for mountaineering and enjoying the outdoors. We stopped and picked up some Injinji socks, ice axe, bear can, gaiters, and some electrolyte tabs. He's an entrepreneur and is doing all of this solo, so make sure to find him and support the cause and local business. Thanks again Blair! PCT Hikers... read more

Hands down one of the best gear shops I've been to... and I've been to many. Blair and Jen are fantastic. They are literally walking, talking encyclopedias of knowledge about outdoor activities not just in the Lone Pine area but the entire state of California and beyond. I would go out of my way to come back to this shop again, just to get a dose of their wisdom... and pick up more of their guidebooks! :) Additionally, the shop is stocked with all of the best gear hand-picked by Blair himself! Extra kudos for their AWESOME Big Willis t-shirts I highly recommend getting one of them! And stickers! read more

Big Willi is my jam! I came in with no real goals, and left inspired to get on more trails, and to begin trad. The owner - Blair - has such a big heart, and even bigger passion for the outdoors. He works with the vendors directly sources what he knows will work. If you have a question about the area - he probably knows the answer. Definitely my go to for supplies whenever in the Eastern Sierras. You find the best people in these towns. Thanks for your expertise! read more

This place is great for all your needs to get you prepared for the outdoors. Blair is knowledgeable and helped out with any questions to prepare us for our ascend to Mt. Whitney. P.S. ask about the cafe! They make a mean cup of coffee! read more

Big Willi Mountaineering Company - Big Willi made it happen! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Lone Pine, California

Five freaking stars for Big Willi and Blair for all of your outdoor gear needs. I called the shop on a Thursday afternoon asking if they had crampons and ice axes I could purchase early the next morning before heading up to Whitney. Not only did Blair open the shop early to accommodate my schedule, he took the time to walk me step-by-step through my first purchase of snow gear; showing me how to put on my crampons, reviewing self-arrest technique with my friend and I, etc. Big Willi is well-designed inside, stocked full of quality equipment, and clearly a labor of love. Blair's enthusiasm about the outdoors and the local mountains is contagious. I left prepared and excited about my trip (and ended up glissading for the first time down Whitney equipped with my new ice axe from Big Willi). Make Big Willi your first stop in Lone Pine for any gear needs! You won't regret it. read more

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

Awesome shop, and the owner Blair is super helpful and friendly. It's a smaller mountain shop, but has a nicely curated selection of gear so you are probably going to find what you need. If you're climbing in the hills or the portal and need some gear check this place out! The coffee is great too! read more

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

This place is great! My friend and I were in Lone Pine recently to climb Mt. Whitney and we wandered in here. They have a lot of high-quality gear/clothes for such a small shop, and Blair gave us tons of awesome advice about hiking/climbing in the area. We stopped by again after our climb just to hang out and swap stories. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in the area! read more

Great things to say all around about Big Willi and his mountaineering shop! I first called him to see if he had a camelbak bladder and for some trip planning advice, and he was super helpful from the beginning. When a 0% contained fire botched my original plan to pursue Lone Pine Peak, he helped me same-day come up with an awesome new plan and itinerary out of South Lake (Bishop), not to mention hooking me up with the camelbak bladder, some gators, cliff bars, and clutch electrolyte powder packs which I did not previously consider. His positivity is contagious, but be warned that he will likely push you to go beyond your comfort zone (ultimately a good thing). Although I didn't end up summitting Mt. Agassiz as originally planned, I did summit both Chocolate Peak AND Mt. Goode, which were my first Sierra peaks and true mountaineering summits I'd ever done. Would not have been possible without Big Willi and a heavy dose of grit! read more

Big Willi Mountaineering Company - On the summit of Chocolate Peak, with Mt. Goode in the background. Big Willi helped me conquer both! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Lone Pine, California

Spot on! Stop in for a cup of coffee or soda and get the full scoop on climbing conditions, weather, & gear advice from a guy that knows it all! Blair is a true outdoor enthusiast and is a huge wealth of knowledge. His shop has all the gear you need in addition to creatively designed T-shirts and accessories. #shopsmall #shoplocal read more

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

Big Willi's sets itself apart from the traditional "outdoor store" with a small but thoughtfully curated collection of gear and apparel, including well known, "staple" brands as well as lesser known brands and local artisan goods. No filler gear - just everything you'll actually need on the mountain. Blair, the owner, is incredibly welcoming, helpful, and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to local climbing, hiking, and mountaineering. Great place to find out about local conditions and pick up last minute items. We came back twice in two days, partially to pick up odds and ends but mostly just to chat with Blair. It also doesn't hurt that the shop is located in a quaint courtyard setting. Come for the gear and stay for the conversation! read more

Big Willi is just the best, not to be missed! The owner, Blair, is such a friendly guy, always willing to guide you to the right products, recommend a killer trail, or even just chat about exciting new gear. The shop is small but extremely well-curated with just the right apparel and supplies for tackling everything from desert canyons to high sierra peaks. The pricing is very competitive, and I feel like I often walk away with a better deal than I would from the larger retailers - plus, I love being able to support the community. I always make a point to stop by when I'm in Lone Pine and can't say enough good things about Big Willi's. read more

5 Stars go to Blair the owner of Big Willi. Let me be the 1st to say, he is Chock-Full of information pertaining to the area and his Outdoor Gear is spot on. Keep up the good work and thanks again. Be seeing you soon. read more

Blair is the man! Came in after climbing Whitney to explore the town, ended up chatting with Blair for quite a while. He was a wealth of information and pointed me in the direction of a few books to read regarding next routes and climbs to try. Definitely stop here if you are in town !! read more

Heading to Death Valley for the holidays and stopped in. Met Blair, who was super helpful with local information and tips for our trip to the national park. Highly recommend the store. read more

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

Awesome shop! It's a true and authentic mountaineering store. Blair and Jen were super helpful and welcomed us like long lost friends. Whether you're summiting Whitney in a day or going on a multi-day excursion, Big Willi's has everything you need. We'll definitely be stopping by whenever passing through Lone Pine read more

Love this place - it's really what a local mountaineering shop is supposed to be like. Just needed to stop in for a can of propane but ended up chatting with Blair for a while about my plans for Mount Williamson (the shop's namesake peak). He's really knowledgeable and clearly has spent a ton of time in the high sierras. Friendly, great service, would definitely come here again before the other local shops. read more

**Skip Elevation on the corner and come here first!BWMC is just a few doors down.** My bf and I came in here because we like to explore gear shops and support the local businesses. It is a ~300 sq ft space located inside the courtyard between the Old Lone Pine Hotel and High Sierra Outfitters. The owner, Blair, has 20+ years of knowledge to share and has a hot cup of coffee waiting for you if you want to come in and pick his brain. He says he is the unofficial visitor center and is more than happy to answer all of your questions. I bought a 44L pack which I can't even tell you how excited I am for it and it was the best deal I've seen online and in the 9+ gear shops I've been to between Lone Pine to Mammoth this last week. SO EXCITED. We finished our purchase and stopped into Elevation before going to the car. I found an MSR mug I liked, but it was way too much and my bf told me that Big Willi had the same one for $6 cheaper. We walked out of Elevation and back to Big Willi and got it for $10.99 instead of $16.99! The store has been here since March and I really wish him the best. We will make it a point to stop in here whenever we pass through. With a little more time I see this place being a wonderful resource and meet up spot for climbers. He has us planning our next Mt. Whitney trip! (With my new pack of course!!) Thanks, Blair! It was a pleasure talking to you and I hope this continues to be a successful (ad)venture for you! read more

Big Willi Mountaineering Company - Enter here for the courtyard. Big Willi MC is to the right when you come in. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Lone Pine, California

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I've known Blair for a long time now and I'm really happy he started Big Willi Mountaineering. He is very knowledgeable and truly passionate about the mountains and outdoors in general. Whether you're looking to get fully outfitted, just need a few essentials or some last minute advice, Big Willi is the place to be! This store is the prime example of Customer Service at its best and the type of small business everyone should support! read more