Well, you can't call them on the phone to ask questions. They have nice pictures on their website. That's about it. read more

Remarkably unhelpful and clueless staff. Unfriendly. Just the opposite of my experience at REI the day before. Also, maybe they would do more business if they made it more obvious with big signs at the entrance that they have more inventory than what customers see on the ground floor (if that's the case?). Like a store directory of where to find what items in the store, like Sports Basement or even Target. Good luck to them. read more

Helpful staff and great selection of outdoor gear. Came in looking for an arter'x jacket and found a lot of options.

the best camping needs go to hilton's. Tony a staple in the store is the best. Dave we can do without. I don't know what everyone is smoking but this place rocks. read more

I seldom write reviews but felt a need to do so in this given the absolutely terrible experience at had in this shop. Moreover, I'm a huge advocate for local businesses, so this hurts me to write this, but in no way is it acceptable for customers to be yelled at and run out of your store for wanting to try on a jacket. That's not a business, that's a sham. I came in to browse around, as I had passed by many times and been attracted to the variety of backpacks. While there I saw they had a jacket I was interested in and I had asked if I could try it on (it apparently was not in the showroom). The gentlemen at the register, who I can only presume as the owner considering that his customer service was absolutely in no way someone you would want to hire to run your shop, immediately gave me a keen look of suspicion. To which I tried to dispelled with "it's okay if you don't, I just want to try it on to see if it's right for me." He abruptly says "SO YOU WANT TO TRY IT ON AND BUY IT SOMEWHERE ELSE?!?" I was stunned. In this awkward position, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and said "it's okay, don't want to trouble you, don't worry about." I had thought he was joking, but he wasn't. Moreover, he had the audacity to say "Yeah, I won't worry about it." I couldn't help but feel so uncomfortable I hastily walked out. People looking to shop here, I can only advise that you take my experience for whatever it's worth. I moved 3 blocks away from this store and had all the intentions of supporting a local business. I am mortified with the experience, perhaps he was having a bad day? I can only guess, but I hope for future customers he surely has less of them. read more

From hiking gear to skiing supplies to everyday favorite clothes, this place has EVERYTHING. It's a store you walk into for one thing and come out with five. The folks who work here are so, so nice and helpful. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a second opinion or a newbie intimidated to ask the wrong question, ask away and they'll run through their encyclopedic list of knowledge with you. As you can guess from the name, they carry a million camp and hiking supplies, but even as a non-outdoorsy person, it's fun to browse. (My favorite purchase ended up being an ultra light dry bag backpack that came in handy on a trip to Bali in the rainy season.) They've got a wide selection of clothes that you'd wear everyday from Filson to Patagonia and Arcteryx. They've also got you covered for the wild outdoors of Back Bay with a great selection of raincoats and winter gear from brands like Marmot and Canada Goose. When possible, I'm really trying to shop here and support a local store instead of ordering everything from Amazon. For a small shop, they run some great sales, like 20% off all boots or 15% off all Canada Goose. It's impossible to believe HTC has only been here for a year or so -- it feels like it's been part of Central Square forever. read more

Hilton's Tent City - You need it, they got it - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

I walked in this evening looking for a girl scout knife for a nine-year-old girl. I was sincere polite and just looking for help because I am clueless about camping gear. These people could not have been more condescending and unhelpful. Monosyllabic responses generally out to lunch responses. Inappropriate jokes as in "I would get a machete". I did the transaction because I was kind of trapped in the rain and did not want to go to REI where I know they will be nice. Avoid this place. Everyone loves to celebrate independent stores over chains like REI but you know what REI people are unfailingly polite. I'm always going there next time. As Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac said, I'm never going back again. read more

Ordered 2 Carhart vest on November 17, 2023 thinking I was ordering and getting product from Cambridge, MA store. Still waiting on my order that shipped from China and arrived in USA on January 13, unloaded from ship on January 14, Customs on January 18, Customs completed January 27th. Sent back to Customs January 31st. On Feb. 1st says Awaiting presentation to Customs commissioner. Your order is in queue for final customs clearance. read more

I really want to like one of the last small outdoor stores that's left in the Boston Area. It's convenient. They have a lot of the small stuff that I might need for last minute trips. And, it's not corporate. They also had a good sale going on so I found boots at a good price. Unfortunately, my love stops there. Like most people, I try hiking boots by taking my best guess in the store and walking around at home in them. If they still feel good, I go on a short hike. I really don't know if they fit unless I've been out with them. An excellent boot fitter can make this process less of a guess, but Hilton Tent City doesn't have one- at least I never met them. Fine, not many places do anymore. But, a decent return policy has often taken the place of skilled employees. As mentioned in other reviews, this place does NO RETURNS. Not even returns on purchases in like-new condition. Long story short, these boots rubbed my heals wrong and they didn't have a replacement that felt good. So, I was stuck with them or store credit that wasn't useful for me. My frustration doesn't end there. I decided to take advantage of my credit cards "return protection" plan. Basically, the credit card company takes purchases back if they don't work and the retailer won't accept the return. (This is a card benefit and doesn't cost the retailer anything.) It would have worked great for these boots, but Hilton doesn't even itemize their receipts. So, my credit card company wouldn't honor their return protection plan without a lot of extra work. It took 2 emails, 3 phone calls, and a visit to the store for them to give me a receipt listing the name of the boots, their price, and their store name on top. They refused to send this via email even though they have an e-commerce site. Employees were pretty surly and unhelpful when I called. Are itemized receipts that unusual these days? In summary, it's just not worth the pain. It may be tough for small outdoor stores to compete with Moosejaw, Backcountry, Amazon, and REI. Customers might have unrealistic expectations for returns. But, there's some middle ground that's more accommodating for customers than Hilton. If nothing else, Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis, MN might be worth a field trip for them. read more

Long running, Outdoor outfitters with credible staff and quality gear. Just can't go wrong tbh.

I walked in as a complete newbie hoping for some help picking out some ski pants, and the associate who helped me (I can't remember his name but he was the younger one) was really nice and talkative and had a lot of advice. The owner (or older guy working) told the younger associate that he could give me a 10% discount on whatever I picked from the third floor area (where all the discounted stuff is I guess). I ended up picking out something that I really hope will work out well this weekend, in addition to some decently priced Merino wool leggings. My only complaint is that when I paid and walked out of the store in a hurry I realized they hadn't given me the 10% discount on the ski pants. I think I saw them discussing this briefly before I walked up to the counter and paid but it would have been nice if they had told me that the pants I had picked out didn't actually qualify for the 10% discount they promised me for whatever reason. Also they didn't tell me until after I paid that everything on sale is exchange or store credit only. It makes sense and I could have guessed and clarified beforehand, but looking back, it slightly sours the amazing customer service I received. I may be back, but only if I decide I need to return one of the things I bought and have to use my store credit. I do like supporting local businesses, but they're not necessarily the cheapest store I've been to and I'm a poor student who likes trying outdoor things as inexpensively as possible. read more

This is a review of their new Central Sq. store. I was excited to see that Hilton's took one of central square's many empty retail locations (instead of another bank, yay!) This place is not super visually appealing because it is jam packed of everything you can think of for outdoor travel. In addition to camping stuff, they sell clothing, coats, backpacks, and water bottles. I got a new Nalgene bottle to replace the one I lost and it was the same price as a famous online retailer. Not sure about customer service, it took about 5 minutes of wandering past staff to be asked if I needed help but they were readily available if I did. I plan to come back to try out their waist packs for an upcoming trip. read more

It's been nearly a month since I placed the order for my beloved handmade bag (07/23) and it is nowhere in sight. Not to mention I am still sweltering under my backpack and dreaming of the freedom and waterproof protection of my fairytale messenger bag... Upon emailing HTC regarding the bag's whereabouts (last week) I was promptly informed that the company who makes the bags accidentally sent the wrong one and my bag had to be reordered. Though I understand that this is not of HTC's fault, I believe that HTC should have done me the courtesy of contacting me regarding the mishap and given me the option to cancel my order or in the least choose another bag that they had in stock at a discount. I've begun to wonder if I really ordered the bag, or if Leo DiCaprio has planted the idea of this new bag in my head while I was dreaming... read more

Forget REI, Hilton's Tent City is a wonderful locally-owned business in Boston that has everything you need packed into this 4-story building! The guys that work here are wonderfully charming and MORE than knowledgeable about every brand and product they carry. I wasn't shopping for anything in particular, which is a recipe for disaster for a gear junkie :) They have everything you could possibly need in several brands to choose from. Hilton's offers 10% off the MSRP prices of all their products, and if you sign up for their mailing list, they give you another 10% off. Yay! Next time I'm in Boston, I'll go back to Tent City! read more

Return policy. I like to shop in local stores for clothes because of being able to try stuff on and quick returns in case things don't work out. I inquired about return policy and they made reassuring noises that I'd be able to return for store credit. Bought some gloves (couldn't try them on both hands because they were tied together (the gloves, not my hands!)). Didn't fit well, next day brought them back with receipt. The guy was a real hard ass about it and didn't take them. With a disrespectful and angry tone to boot. The store is a shadow of its former North Station self. The racks are a mess, not sorted by size, and mostly full of S and XL sizes. Less hassle and less risk to buy online. If local retail wants support, they better treat customers better. read more

Stopped here to buy a couple of stove fuel canisters. It is nice to have outdoor shop near work. This shop is not as big as REI in Boston, but it is always nice to have an alternative. The clerk there was friendly and nice. There seem to be a lot of items that can't be found at REI, but I didn't have much time to look around. I will come back to check them out. read more

So far I have had limited experience dealing with this place so my review could go up or down in the future. I have picked up stove fuel canisters here a couple of times. Just glancing around, it looks like a decent outdoor shop. Aside from REI, I have found that decent outdoor shops are hard to come by in Mass, so it is great to have one in such a convenient location. read more

Staple in Central Square -- the staff at Hilton's are awesome at answering questions and they have a pretty incredible collection of curated items. Almost all of my hiking/outdoor/camping gear are from Hiton's. I've also been able to get great, high quality outdoor apparel for cheap on their sale rack. Love this store! read more

I went to Hilton's Tent City looking for a specific pair of boots. When I saw they didn't carry them, I decided to look elsewhere. As I was walking out the door, they pushed hard to get me to order the boots through them, saying they could order them and have them within a week. I decided to go with that for simplicity. Now I've found that I got the wrong size, and Hilton refuses to take the boots for exchange to another size because they were special order. Because I decided to listen to their aggressive salespeople, I am now out $243 with a product that is useless to me, and they don't care one bit. They offered no solutions and showed no remorse for pushing me into this situation. I recommend others stay away from this store due to terrible customer service. I certainly won't ever be shopping here again. read more

New to Central Square, long standing locally owned outdoor outfitter. If you haven't been to the new location, come soon. They have unpacked tons of vintage gear and clothes in the move and are selling them now. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. They have everything from cast iron pans and camping cooking gear to sleeping pads and backpacks. Great selection in the store and more online! read more

Hilton's Tent City - Darn tough socks and Carhartt jean jackets, what could be better? - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I shopped at the store and 'ordered' a winter coat. By 'order', I was initially told that a shipment was arriving in the next few days, the shipment was expected to include a jacket that matched my specs, and I'd get that jacket. The salesperson was very helpful and I was confident I'd get the jacket soon. It's been 10 days. I've called three times, and gotten a different story each time. Here's one of my favorites: We often tell people that were ordering something, but we don't really order it. Um, what? read more

Don't bother. The website has a neat selection of things but what is on the website has NOTHING to do with what is in the store. I called them to ask about models and colors and they were short and annoyed that I even asked. They even said "The website isn't accurate at all". So I went into the store, not any better. Yes there are impressive brands there but the staff can't be bothered to help you. Also they have NO RETURN POLICY. I asked if I bought a bag and it was either too big or too small could I bring it back. They said, exchange only and even added "If you complain I might be able to do store credit". So Skip this place, buy anywhere else. I wanted to give a local business my money but they will never get any from me. read more

Poor customer service. I'm new in Boston and is the first time I felt unwelcome. The old guy there very unfriendly and just looking forward for us to leave so he could close the store. Not going back there. Btw we wanted to buy boots and jackets for winter and rain. read more

What do you need? Everything! Nothing! SOMEthing! Well, then you may just get it at Hilton's Tent City. They're more than just tents! Though if you want to pitch one, you can get everything you need for a fun, sexy time. Ok, maybe not sexy but you get it. I came in on one glorious Monday afternoon in search of some equipment I need for an upcoming trip. 1- the guy helping me was SUPER friendly and patiently waited and assisted as I tried on every pack and opened countless packages. I won't even get into the weird $hit I did when he wasn't looking. Trust me, it was weird. After getting HOOKED UP with some sweet gear, we went to the register. After a hard swallow (that's what she said), I looked at the price. Not bad! I got a leatherman, a big, strong, multi-day pack, a sleeping bag, and a bunch of other random crap for a third of the cost at EMS. Heck, for the same backpack, its $80 more at EMS. REI isn't much better. I also saved money by purchasing last year's pack model at a discounted price. Hey, if it works, it works for me! I know I'll be back at least another time or 2 this year for the stuff I forgot. And to do more weird things with equipment while the sales associates are turned around. read more

I've been here a few times because this location is a couple of blocks from my office. Usually when shopping at a store like this, I expect either a) amazing customer service and/or b) great prices. I often justify shopping at boutiques and other local stores because I want to support a local establishment. I do desire and expect great customer service in exchange. The experience I have had at Tent City has been pretty consistent with every visit. I have often shopped alone in this store on the second and third floors with little/no assistance. I often get a vague reference as to where to find something and its general direction. I often find the prices are not even competitive with the original retailer. As an example, if North Face discounts a (three seasons ago) jacket by 25-30%, I don't expect to pay 100% retail here. I had the same experience with a pair of Sorel boots I was looking to purchase last winter (ended up getting them at another local Boston non-chain store). If you can buy the same item for significantly less on the original retailer's website, without the musky smell of Tent City, why would one buy here? It can't be the charm of the place or the less than attentive customer service. This is likely to be one stop shopping for those who are going camping last minute and don't care how much something costs. read more

I walked in for a few minutes, left as soon as it was blatantly evident that I was being followed around the store with staff suspicious of me as I browsed. I am a POC so I am no stranger to this. Despite this, the staff were aloof and had the "can't be bothered" attitude with me and other customers. If you're going to compete with Amazon and the like, you've gotta provide some value in customer service; instead you made walking into Hilton's Tent City a downright terrible experience that customers are talking about. We have been loyal customers of the North Station location for over 20 years, but after this experience at the Central Square location, I will never again patronize this business. read more

This store has embraced me for my first New England winter...with a coat. Hilton's is conveniently located near North Station. Parking is on the street only but who needs it with a subway and train nearby. Hilton's has several floors of camping supplies, outdoor gear, and out-of-season items on sale. I came here first when my husband needed to try on some winter coats. The staff were very friendly and told us about the other floors of products. We came back another time when I was looking for a coat. I had ordered several coats online from other retailers but nothing had fit right. I found a North Face waterproof coat here that I loved. They did not have my size in stock for the color I wanted, so they offered to order it for me with a discount. Since I ordered it right before the holidays, it took about a 10 days to come in but they gave me a call to come pick it up. With their discount, I paid a bit less than I would have ordering online directly from North Face...and I got to support a local business. My husband also ended up buying some wool gloves here and each time we came in, the staff seemed to remember us and greeted us with a smile. I venture to say this store has everything you need to ready yourself for the great outdoors! read more

Drove 1/2 hour and spent another 1/2 hour finding parking to see their offerings right when the store the store is supposed to open at noon. Found the tent I wanted and could see it open and fully displayed with the store personnel... A little pricier but worth the ability to check out the gear read more

I ordered a pair of work boots from the website. I got an order confirmation within minutes then didn't hear anything for two weeks - no follow up email, shipment email or item delivery. I just called there and they said "oh - we didn't have that size sorry." Not sure why I was able to order something they didn't actually have, and not sure why they didn't follow up with me over the two week period to tell me they didn't have that item. They offered to send me a different size though - which was a very unhelpful solution. read more

A very large store with a large range of products, but the prices aren't all that cheap if things aren't on sale. They do have a nice selection of backpacks up on the second floor along with a large wall of various types of shoes. And they do have some awesome socks and cute hats that I would have bought 3 of it they had ear flaps. Overall, a good place to check out but I would also price check them against REI and EMS. read more

My favorite camping gear store. Reasonable prices with knowledgeable staff. Tons of tents and bags upstairs. These guys have been here a long time. When they have their sales they really discount their stuff. Good selection of Filson clothing upstairs at great prices. It's worth it to look here first before heading out to EMS or REI. read more

Hilton's is one of those places in Boston. That everyone should go to at least once. It's super conveniently located just around the corner from North Station. Their selection of outdoor equipment is otherworldly. I think my dad bought me my first sleeping bag here about 30 years ago. They have tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, flashlights, knives, pots, stoves, jackets, pants, flashlights. You name it, if it's for outdoors, they probably have it. The service here is usually pretty good. People here seem to really be into the outdoors and really like helping us novices out. I know you can get most of this stuff online these days, but there really is something to be said for a little expert advice and service. I'll be giving them my business again in the future. read more

Awesome store with friendly and helpful staff. They have just about everything you need for an outdoor outing, especially for hiking, camping, backpacking. I'm headed to Central America shortly, and with limited time to order stuff from online, I needed a local shop to get tons of stuff - first aid kits, carabiners, rope, a camping hammock... you name it they had it. Priced very well for quality gear and just about the only outdoor store in Boston. Sick place! Can't wait to go back. read more

Hilton's is an interesting find! An outdoors store in the centre of downtown Boston in a building that looks like it has been there for many many moons! The plus is that they have there floors of any outdoor gear, packs, boots, jackets pants, camping-cooking items and many more interesting products that any outdoor enthusiast or hiker- camper would love! What I have found however is that the service can be spotty! When I was here there was a man on the main floor that basically stayed glued to his computer-internet and seemed more interested in his websites than helping me out! I ventured upstairs and no one was up on the two floors so I browsed around! They do have lots of selection and carry quality products but where they tend to come up a bit short is it seems as though the place as you migrate upstairs is musty and gritty! Sure it's and old brick building, you get that! Sure outdoors people are the more rugged type! I get that! It just seems like it's a big old building crammed with outdoor gear to the rafters! I didn't purchase anything on my visit but noticed lots of cool items and didn't take the plunge on anything! I will come back however as it's an interesting alternative to Eastern Mountain sports and REI- MEC for me! read more

I ordered 2 Canada goose parka online. They like so great. Although one parka is little bit big for me, but when i asked for exchange.The Hilton's Tent city send the new one to me within 2 days. It's so fast. read more

Hilton's is not a small shop, although it is a friendly and independently - owned shop. They have several floors of stuff, including a room full of tents! The staff are super helpful and can help the uninitiated figure out which item will work. They have a ton of cool stuff, including some items you might not have realized you needed. It's worth browsing in there, and fun if you like old-fashioned places instead of sterile malls. Easily accessible from public transportation (North Station or Haymarket) or bicycle. Support small businesses like this one! It's worth it to have a choice instead of having to go to a chain store. The future is yours. read more

Great selection of Barbour, Filson, Pointer Brand and Woolrich. Too bad no one at the store has any idea of good customer service. I walked in, wasn't greeted. Tried on some jackets, wasn't asked if I needed help with sizes. Looked at boots ($$$) and STILL wasn't asked if I wanted to try anything on... An older gentleman was re-merching and doing fill-ins, while 2-3 employees just stood around chatting about hiking and traveling. Sucks because I had a pocket full of cash waiting to spend it on the last remaining Cone factory-made jackets from Pointer and a few wool pieces... I'd usually say, "support a local family business", but unfortunately they don't seem to support their customers and this will be their ultimate downfall. read more

I've come here over the years for random little things, ever since when the Boston Garden was still next door. I don't believe I have ever made a 'large' purchase here over the years in terms of physical size (mid-city location + HUGE HONKING TENT/PAVILLION = BAD IDEA), but used it as a place to browse little things helpful for camping. I've come here for whetstones, compasses, utencils, gloves, and other things. The prices are very reasonable, less than other camping supply stores, including Kittery Trading Post. It is tightly packed, though not a mess. It hasn't changed much in appearance over the years, almost like a time capsule compared to all the changes around it, especially in the past decade. It is a place that doesn't need many flashy 'sale' signs, just overall reasonable prices. The staff is very down-to-earth and knowledgeable every time I'm there. It is a place good (dangerous) for the browser looking for equipment for their outdoor adventures that gets bored of the increasingly yuppie selection at LLBean/REI/EMS. The prices will be lower short of clearances at their brick and mortar competitors and the staff is very vetted. read more

True, not the most helpful staff (although I think they smelled a newbie and my 'which jacket's best for skiing' question didn't exactly pique their interest) but I feel like if I had a legit camping question they would know their stuff. Also, when I was there (Jan 20th) they had a 30% off all North Face sale (jackets, coats, gloves, evvveeerrything). So yeah, I was more than happy to be left alone to try on all the jackets figure out which one suited me best. read more

The only negative thing I can say about these guys, is that I wish they never did away with their slogan, "The best little tent store on Friend Street". The atmosphere in the store alone, makes it worth a visit. It is kind of like stepping into a time machine, and landing in the years before outdoors stores were like all-ages nightclubs in the mall. Shopping here is more like hanging out in your hiking buddy's barn, and swapping travel stories over a couple of beers. Spend an hour in here, and you'll forget you're actually in downtown Boston. In a world drowning in chain stores, Hilton's is sticking it out, and still a great place to spend your time and money. They have everything you could possibly want or need for the outdoors, and, unlike a lot of chain stores, the place is staffed by people who spend a lot of time actually using the gear they sell, and show a genuine enthusiasm when you have a question. I bought my very first pack here, and what I didn't know at that time, could have filled volumes. Instead of just up-selling me into something I didn't need, the staff helped me find exactly what I needed, and I could not have been happier. I have returned many times over the years, and have only had good experiences. The larger chain stores might be more convenient to where you live, but they will just never be able to match the service and selection of Hiltion's. read more