Good selection, friendly and efficient service, nice clearance section. They carry several brands and a bit of everything you may need to enjoy the great outdoors. read more

Adventure gear or not, Kenco is the place to shop for fly fishing, boating, hunting, camping and so many other supplies. But if you haven't experienced those outdoor adventures, Kenco is way more than that. When we've vacationed in the Catskills throughout the seasons and have accidentally forgotten to pack either my shorts, winter gloves, rain boots or anything else, Kenco, slightly off Rt 28 in Kingston, has been the place to come to for those. Kenco is a privately-owned and independent company staying true to their number one priority-provide customers with the highest quality products- that can handle any weather condition up here in the Catskills. The store is massive with women's clothing on one side, men's on another- then their other departments follow. And yes, prices are steep- but these folks carefully select their products and only want to sell reliable gear/clothing that will last for years to come. My husband especially loves their 100% thick cotton, long sleeve pull-on shirts he uses when it's frigid- and he's had them for a while now and still look good as when I first purchased them. Now that we own a home in the Catskills, this is where we come for clothes that are more neutral- with an almost minimalist feel. But this is also the place to make all your outdoor dreams come true. . read more

Kenco Outfitter - Greetings - Shoe Stores Near Me - Kingston, New York

I purchased a fishing kayak in 2017. I lost all paperwork to have it registered. I called and left a message and sent in an email. A very nice woman named Tara called and within a day or two I had everything I needed. She even went as far as to reach out to the wilderness company to get me a title and had a copy emailed and sent a mailed copy also. That kind of service is old school. I will forever be a Kenco shopper be it for boots, boats or hunting gear. Hats off to you Tara! read more

Bought my kid an osprey pack here. The associate was super knowledgeable and very friendly. They helped us up until closing and even past the closing time. Highly recommend them. read more

seems others have had same issues. bad customer service in shoes. only pair in my size had been worn. when i asked to see try on shoes i was told to try on the display as they were my size - wow! try on one shoe for hiking?? when i said the pair looked worn - when they finally brought them out she said - "do you want me to wipe them off?" again - wow. I got athletes foot from trying on - I was not anywhere else and never had it before. disgusting. have shopped there for years - never agin read more

Went there for a specific item/brand. Keen medium grade winter slip on boots.They had the style and brand I wanted - but only 1 pair in my size- and of course it was the 1 display boot that had been worn 50 plus times while the other boot was brand new in box in stock room. Asked the sales girl how much and she said $160.00, full price. She said they could order me a new pair . I got on line in their store and ordered my own for 120.00- a 40 dollar savings with free shipping. Thats what happens sometimes when you try to buy local, higher price and out of stock. read more

Had a great experience at Kenco. Got me set up with all the gear I needed for my fly fishing experience. Very helpful and friendly staff. Winter, my sales associate was knowledgeable and went out of his way to get me the gear I needed. I also took my first fly fishing lesson and caught my first fish in the on-site pond. The store is extensive and offers all sorts of outdoor sports gear. read more

Kenco Outfitter - Caught my first fish with my fly gear at the Kenco pond. - Shoe Stores Near Me - Kingston, New York

Pricey, but about as complete an outfitter there is in the region. Dozens of top shelf choices in footwear, outerwear, kayaks, canoes, snow shoes, knives, archery, hiking apparel, camping gear, etc., etc. They run deeply discounted off season sales a couple of times a year that are well worth a visit. Over the years I've bought outerwear, hiking boots, camping gear, back packs and outfitted my children for camping and winter sports. Never been disappointed with the quality and they always seem to have plenty of inventory in every size. Kenco just seems to get better and better every time I visit. Worth a look if outdoor living and recreation is your thing. read more

Remember the old V8 beverage commercials in which a guy slaps his forehead and exclaims, "Wow! I could have had a V8!"? Today it would be "Doh!" or "Duh!" but that's exactly how I feel every time I enter Kenco. Located in a slightly odd building and off the beaten retail track, Kenco is the kind of place that doesn't necessarily come first to mind, but is just stuffed with interesting and very good quality merchandise. The place is geared to serving woodsmen, hikers and kayakers, but their inventory has plenty of overlap into everyday wear, from footwear and jackets to hats, shorts, sweaters and more. The staff is helpful and the atmosphere is relaxed. I usually hate to shop, but it's always a pleasure at Kenco. read more

Kenco Outfitter - The unassuming entrance to the slightly odd building that houses Kenco. - Shoe Stores Near Me - Kingston, New York

Hi! This is a review for Kenco Optical, the fantastic full-service eyewear spot inside the Kenco complex. I had such an amazing experience there almost two years ago and promised to leave a review but didnt (now am making it right) Hey! Also! Kenco, not sure if u can do anything about this but i couldnt figure out how to leave a reviw specifically on the optical page. might b me but i think this would b great for them. OK, lets go. First off, they take tons of insurance and are very thorough about confirming the details of your coverage. Your policy entitles you to a free pair of glasses, they said, something i knew nothing about. Despite the fact that essentially i was a client bringing them little to no money they treated me so seriously, taking more time than any other optometrist ive had for a smart, thorough exam (The doctor Tim is kinda a genius.) and then properly fitting the glasses and contacts. I always order my glasses and contacts online so, again, im likely not the most desirable client yet still he owner (Jim?) personally met with me - as he does with all hid clients - to insure this free pair was flawless. It was. Exams are only once a wk on Thus I believe and they fill up so dont slack. Love u guys read more

I LOVE Kenco. There's something about walking into a store that looks like nothing special on the outside and discovering it meets your expectations and exceeds them by a mile. That was how I felt the first time I came here. I only stopped on a whim, and wasn't expecting much. I walked in, and felt like I was stepping into the most luxurious mountaintop ski lodge. It was so welcoming and cozy! I liked that they carried clothing brands here that I recognized, as well as some new ones I had never seen before. I ended up spending an hour alone in the upstairs section looking at kayaks and snowboards. I also left with a brand new winter coat I still wear today. One of the best things about Kenco is the excellent customer service. The entire staff really, really does seem friendly and genuinely happy to help. They don't seem overeager (which I don't particularly like) but they also jump at the chance to answer a question or find something for you. I distinctly remember the salesman talking to one guy for at least half an hour about a kayak and seemed really passionate about it. Overall, it was nice to see for a change in a sea of either overbearing or deceptive salespeople. I recently went back to Kenco and noticed a change. Maybe it was the time of year, but there seemed to be a smaller coat selection than before. I hope they didn't downsize this part since I was planning on buying a new one soon! I would like the same varied options I had last time. read more

If you ever thought that you might be interested in fly fishing, (or even if not!), treat yourself to an introductory lesson with Randy German at Kenco. My son and I had a great experience learning the fundamentals this past weekend. Randy is passionate about the sport and protection of trout streams. He was very patient with us teaching casting techniques, entomology that translates to catching fish, and how best to outfit ourselves with no high pressure sales. A true bit of golden talent in the Catskills. I am now "hooked" on the sport and eager to learn more and most important ...go fishing for elusive trout! read more

Kenco Optical!!! James Kennedy, who runs the place, is really wonderful. He has a nice selection of frames and is a total professional. (I never write these reviews, but he was really great.) read more

Kenco was unable to meet their obligation on the purchase of 2 tarpon kayaks. I originally purchased them online to be shipped to Nevada. It was their "truckload sale". The truck apparently never showed. What annoyed me in particular was that there was never any communications as now the kayaks were a week late. I was expecting them to be half way across the country when I called! Turns out they had not even shipped as according to Kenco the truck didn't show. Somehow they got one of the kayaks though. So the whole thing was fishy and I ultimately asked for a full refund. I had lost faith in the company. Kenco gave me a full refund. Kenco should have contacted me in a timely fashion to update the status. Kenco ended up costing me valuable kayak time on the lake. I believe if you are going to buy from Kenco you should be local and be able to reach out and touch the merchandise. I lost faith that they can do mail order in a faithful fashion. read more

The much higher quality product that you get from Kenco versus Dicks or any other larger chain store that sells mass-produced products is worth the slightly higher price. A lot of my friends wear clothing and accessories from Kenco, and it lasts for years. The Kenco boots I have are still in perfect condition, and they're the only boots that have ever kept my feet warm in the winter, even in sub-zero temperatures.. In addition, everyone I've seen who works there is very friendly and helpful. It's a very pleasant store to shop in. read more

I know many people rave about this place. I have been in there six or seven times over the past 3 years and each time (with one exception) my experience has been the same. I am ignored by staff that is chatting away with someone who may be much more local or cooler than me or I am condescended to by someone who who can't find the time to explain a product to me. The prices are not better than the big box stores; their service is far worse than a Dick's or LL Beans, and unless you are one of the anointed, you are made to feel as if you don't belong there. I don't need to be a member of the club (although I do belong to REI). I just want someone to help me make a purchase. My one exception was on the second floor when I wanted x-country boots. I had a good exchange with a salesperson who knew his stuff and helped me with my purchase. Hence the two stars instead of the 1 it otherwise deserves. Maybe your experience will be better. After today's unhappy visit (40 minutes each way) I went back home, got on line with REI and dropped $100 on a pair of hiking pants. When I had a problem with the online purchase I called the 800 number and after a 10 second wait, a very helpful individual walked me through the purchase. I am done with Kenco. read more

Great selection of high quality sporting goods. You want cheap crap for cheap prices, go elsewhere. However, they also have great clearance sales on said high quality goods. I love a family owned store that is not strangled by corporate policy and filled with walking zombie salespeople. The employees are a bit chatty yes, but on my last visit, a young saleswoman talked to my daughter about hiking socks for 15 minutes....how to pick out the best hiking socks, which ones last the longest, best for the temperature and distance, and best value. Once my daughter settled on the style, she even helped her pick through the racks to find her proper size, color options, etc. You get that at Dicks? Really? Hello? I don't mind paying a bit more to keep these guys afloat. Small family owned sporting goods stores are a thing of the past, in case you haven't noticed. When the only thing left is big box and on line shopping, we will all wish we would have supported stores like this more often. I live nearly two hours away so when I'm in the area, I always make it a point to stop in....even if I don't need anything I just like going in here. It's a unique well-stocked shop. read more

So I live in Massachuesetts, finally found the kayak I wanted here. They do shipping but refused to ship to me as their is a shortage of kayaks and it "could sell in 5 minutes on the floor". So i explained, "so i can reserve it by paying online so you can't sell it but you won't ship it" - they stated they just didn't want to do the work wrapping it up to be shipped. So long story short, I drive down there and it was already wrapped to be shipped. The laziest customer service response I have ever received "we don't want to do all that work" read more

Don't go to a corporate soul sucking store for your outdoor gear. Kenco has knowledgeable (non-commission earning) staff, quality products, and even classes. Are their products pricey? Price can be subjective. However, Kenco has great sales events through out the year. Double however, they also have price matching. Lastly, I did find a product on Kenco's website that is $10 cheaper than Cabela's (Redington Women's Willow River Wader, if anyone was curious). If you're into fishing - talk to RANDY! I took his 2 hr, Fly Fishing 101 course, as a beginner to the sport, and feel confident about my casting technique. Because I am a loyal customer, I did purchase a Redington Classic Trout fly rod. Randy switched the reel to lefty for me and reloaded the fly line, and added the leader. He guided me through fly selections. Flies and knot tying are also covered in his class. Randy was even nice enough NOT to be sore that I hooked on to his hat during the class! If the store is crowded, be patient! These folks are the real deal. They make time for all your questions. Finally, ask them about their outdoor club discounts. I believe (don't quote me) they still offer Boy/Girl scouts maybe 10% off on qualifying products. read more

Awesome store and super friendly and knowledgable staff. I purchased a compound bow from them and I have used their range as well! I can not say enough good things! read more

This place is amazing! I decided to buy a kayak due to well...everything...being cancelled due to covid. I did extensive online research and almost ordered one online but then found this place an hour away from me. Their kayak stock is unparalleled by most anywhere around here. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and kind. The owner Bill provided personal service to me including taking a huge amount of time to offer advice and help me get what I need. Bruce taught me everything I needed to know to load and secure and use my new kayak. Despite many other customers waiting, he was patient and professional. In these covid times everyone is stretched thin but these folks excel at what they do and do so with grace and professionalism. read more

So impressed with these guys. I recently bought a kayak which literally no other brand I could find had in supply. Service was tremendous. One of their staff spent almost a half an hour in the parking lot with me going over the best straps to use and the proper way to secure it to my roof rack. They also have a terrific selection of outdoor clothing and gear for men, women - even dogs! I drove an hour and a half to get there and I'd happily do so again. read more

I was looking for a high end axe and saw that Kenco was the closest place to me that actually had them in stock I called them to verify that they in fact had them and they had 15. I was glad they had a big selection to choose from as I wanted to pick a particular grain of wood and color shade of the handle. This may seem insignificant but when you are spending $180 you should get exactly what you want. So I figured I'd make a weekend out of it with my girlfriend. After spending a nice day in Woodstock we went the next day to the store. I've heard so many great reviews on this place and the only thing I can agree on with the reviews is that they have a big selection of very nice stuff but that's where I part ways with the good reviews and side with the bad. The reviews about the staff not caring about customers. They are spot on. After looking around the store for about 15-20 minutes I asked where the axes were and was directed to their location. After waiting at the counter for a few minutes and mind you we were the only customers there, the salesgirl seated on a stool looking at her phone never asked if we needed help, I asked her could you help us to which she got up and seemed bothered. I got the feeling my business was neither wanted or appreciated. She looked on the wall and said they didn't have it. I had to inform her that there were 15 in stock. Without saying a word and acting like I interrupted a life saving surgery she walked into the back room and came out with 2. If I knew I would not be offered more choices I could have just ordered it on line from another authorized dealer. One of them looked like it was chipped. I asked if she had more I could choose from. In a huff she went in the back again and came out with a box with the rest but still didn't say a word. We picked one, she rang it up and left it on the counter, besides the fact it was pouring rain out, no offer of a bag? My girlfriend had to ask for one and she placed it in the bag herself. After driving 140 miles each way to give them business I was totally turned off by their lack of customer service. I don't know if they think they can treat people like shit just because they have what you need, but I would rather do without than ever give them my business again. The only reason I gave it even one star was because zero was not offered. read more

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Great selection of high end winter gear. We purchased snowboard binding, boots, snow pants, helmets and googles. Prices were better than any store around! They had everything my family needed. I needed binding switched from one board to another and they were happy to help with that also. read more

Pricey equipment combined with staff who literally just can't. I left this afternoon after hoping to buy boots because the woman in the shoe dept couldn't even be bothered to acknowledge me, could barely find shoes, then could barely even tell me that they were "on hold." Like what does that mean? For how long? Can you order more? Idk and frankly i don't care - I'm not going back here. read more

Kenco is great! Quality items, friendly and knowledgable staff, great location near the hickory pit restaurant. I go to kenco for all my camping, hunting, and outdoor clothing needs. read more

I'd given up ever expecting anything from retail stores...and then I stumbled on Kenco. It's a well stocked, modest looking place, but every time I've been there including a recent visit, I go home a little amazed. They answer questions knowledgeably, they help you out, they do things that can't immediately add to their bottom line...because it's the right way to treat a customer. Amazing. Don't be fooled by the modest exterior! read more

Kenco has everything you could need for outdoor adventures and a wonderul and friendly staff!

We are very satisfied with all our purchases over the years. This is a great store with a great staff and welll stocked I have purchased a Jackson Kilroy fishing kayak last summer, a Mad River Explorer royalex canoe the season before and a Radisson canoe a,long with many clothing etc purchases. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Wish I lived closer but it's worth the trip from PA tom go there. read more

Kenco is a huge store and sells gear for any outdoor activity (hiking, camping, hunting, kayaking, snowboarding, etc.). Unfortunately, given they carry gear for every sport their selection is more limited. For a sport like snowboarding I'd recommend going to a dedicated ski shop where they would have more choices. I don't hunt or shoot bow but I found their indoor archery ranges to be cool. The employees are friendly and helpful. All the gear they sell is high-quality brands but that tends to come at higher prices. I like this store and will continue to come here when I don't want to drive all the way to Campmor or REI. Plus I like to support local companies. read more

Went here because my running shoes were giving me blisters and I needed a top of the line alternative to them that came in wide. Their shoe employee, Melissa, is fantastic. She got me into a pair of Brooks, which I had never heard of. They took a while to arrive, but once they did they feel like heaven on my feet. I look forward to going to the gym every day now that my feet are comfortably ensconced in awesome shoes and no longer hurt. Very happy with my experience here and I will certainly shop here again! read more

I'm so glad I found this place. I grabbed some magazine and it had a $10 off if you sent $30+ so, I bought some socks. LOL Actually, this had some nice gift items just in time for the holidays. This place is also huge...and they had a bathroom, which helped after all the water I drank from the lunch beforehand. read more

Went into kenco to get a pair of boots and I must say that they have a great store and staff. I was especially surprised by the young lady with the dark hair who was running the register. She was extremely polite from the time I walked in to the time I left and made sure that I was properly taken care of. I definitely will be back for future purchases and I will surely recommend kenco to anyone looking for indoor/outdoor products. read more

I love this store! I always try to stop in when I am in the Kingston. The staff is always great. I just bought a pair of Solomon trail shoes on closeout for $50. I have bought many items from this store over the years from backpacks to Vibrams and clothes. They have a great selection of all kinds of outdoor items. And it's independently owned which makes me even happier. Thinking my next purchase will be show-shoes! read more

When I finally decided I wanted a kayak I thought I'd have to go to a big chain store to get a good price, along with the usually poor service. As I searched I found this local company had competitive prices AND a great selection. David Ryan (the kayak guy) helped me out and went WAY beyond the call of duty helping me find a kayak (Wilderness Systems Pungo 140) that fit me and that I could use in spite of my disability due to nerve damage in my lower back. He then helped me select and install the right components so that I could load and unload my kayak without exceeding a very low lifting capability. THANK YOU DAVE!! Kenco has become my only stop for kayaking needs. read more

My fiancé and I go here to get boots, as we need them for work....I agree with a previous post that stated people that work here are WAY more focused on socializing with each other than helping customers. Every time I've went in there I have to wait on line for a ridiculous amount of time because the workers are talking to each other instead of helping the customer...and once you're at the counter whoever is helping you often doesn't know something and has to walk away for awhile or loudly yell to a coworker and ask them...it's just VERY unprofessional and there always seems to be some kind of excuse for the behavior "Oh, the normal guy isn't in today...I'm not sure where it would be... *yells way too loudly for help* " Additionally, we waited 2 months to hear any information on the warranty on boots we sent back....despite me calling more than once about this and being told I would receive a call back with info the very day I called.We drive over an hour to get our boots and other things needed for work from here...but after our credit from our old boots is used we unfortunately will not be returning which is a shame because we always like to support the local businesses.... read more

True gem!!! stopped by here as a last stop to Jersey from a day of snowboarding in Hunter....we needed to get a last minute gift for our kids.....wound up getting all excellent gifts and a crash course in archery...thanks, Lisa!! it 's so comforting to know that stores still exist where the workers are truly knowledgeable and personable....I just wish this store wasn't so far away from Jersey....but definitely worth the drive. MUST GO BACK! read more

I didn't trust it was actually an outdoor gear store until I walked through the front door; and what a great store it is. One couldn't ask for friendlier more helpful people. Definitely glad it's down the road. read more

This store has a great selection and is beautiful inside. The prices are astronomical but the products are very good quality so what are you going to do. I was not pleased when I found out they charge for gift boxes either-- really tacky. Also, the service sucked. The people they hire are space cadets who are easily distracted and know nothing about the products they sell and are all about socializing with each other. read more

go to kenco to purchase your kayak rack or anything else kayak related. They were very helpful with install; you wont get that service at Gander Mtn or Dicks. Bill and Tara really went above and beyond. Nice store, well worth the travel, very knowledgable about their products, again you wont get that at Dick's or Gander Mtn. Also, they have a little pond there where you can try out some kayaks too! read more