I was really happy to find out that there is an Eastern Mountain Sports in Connecticut. It was…read morereally popular some years ago when they had so many stores. Right now this is the only store in Connecticut, but one of the workers there told me that they're opening another one in Manchester, Connecticut. That's great! It's an awesome store. This store is right next to Bob's. One of the workers told me that the owner owns both stores. The Bob's side has the toilets. The workers are helpful. There's a good selection of outdoors stuff. You can become a member for free, and you get money back and coupons. There were already some Black Friday deals out. They had a sign that you can rent stuff too. Great store!

EMS is one of the few remaining store fronts to get good quality hiking gear. I recently purchased…read morea new pair of boots in preparation for hiking the White Mtns and the staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and they had my size in stock. Refund policy was clearly explained and I spent a couple days wearing my boots indoors only as they mentioned. Thanks for being such a dependable supplier of outdoor equipment!

Very cool store. A little of everything for the outdoors. Great brands and well selected options…read more Prices are comparable to bigger stores/online shopping so please support local business!

This is a hidden gem for those outdoor enthusiasts. It appeared that they had everything one would…read moreneed to survive in the woods from clothing, camping equipment, food, tools, maps, sleeping bags, tents, hunting standings, etc, etc...you get the idea. The interior is amazing with countless mounted wildlife and nature scenes. There are bears, deer, moose, ducks, etc etc...again you get the idea. This is reason enough to go see the amazing wildlife they have in the building. The staff was friendly and available if we needed them. Prices were reasonable and they had a clearance section which is always a plus. There was plenty to choose from and it is easy to get to and easy parking as well. Go for a nice ride down to beautiful Hope Valley and visit URE, you will feel like you are hundreds of miles away in some small town in Northern New England.... We will be going back. As a scouting family, I am sure we will grab some great items to go camping with in the near future.

Came with my 10-year old grandson who wanted to pick out a rod and reel. The staff was so…read morerespectful to him and helpful-the kind of treatment a child seldom gets, but can make such a difference. He was delighted.

We're in Westbrook a lot over the summer and had no idea they rented paddle boards and kayaks here…read more The water was so calm! My girls (9 and 12) were able to paddle board and kayak on their own. They never paddle boarded before but caught on quick. I used an inflatable paddle board at another location in CT but found the non-inflatables at Black Hall to be much easier to stand. The price is very reasonable here. I believe it was $40 per person for 2 hours on the paddle board. I was in the tandem kayak with my 9 year old. We were paddling out of sync at first but got into a nice rhythm in no time. Some bickering at first but all in good fun. 2 hours was plenty of time for us. They're also very friendly here! Paul mentioned that they are open pretty much all year round though you probably don't want to kayak or paddle board when the weather gets bad in the winter. The store sells a lot of fishing equipment and bait. We saw someone purchasing eels. Yikes! Restroom inside. Love this place.

In the beginning a+now I feel as though they want only big spenders and not us locals. The attitude…read moreof the lady behind the counter is really not professional when u come in 1/2 hr b4 closing and she's adamant about letting you know that.

Went in on a Friday morning with my son- explained to them that I was returning to fishing after a…read more30 year layoff and getting my son in to the sport now. Told them what my intended use was and the budget. I had checked around on their website before going in and had an idea of what I thought I wanted, but the gentleman who was assisting us suggested a different reel and rod setup based on what I had told him. Glad I listened to his advice, have been out a couple of times already and am very happy with the performance of the setup. The staff seems very knowledgeable and helpful, not to mention the shop has everything that you will need, great selection and options for every budget. Love the fact that it's a local shop as well, and not just another Dick's or Walmart.

New owners is a good guy. New inventory being brought in daily. Fishing section completely revamped…read moreand stocked with the latest and greatest gear. Firearms selection is awesome. If he doesn't have it in store he will track it down and get it for you.

New owner Dan is a nice guy he is getting up to speed on upgrading this old store. A little slow…read moreand flaky on special orders but he is a one man show for now so it's understandable.

Got my board repaired, excellent job. Nice products in the store, great presentation and Matt was…read moregreat to talk to

From the owner: Tailored outdoor gear & service dedicated to help you plan, outfit and prepare for your next…read moremountain experience. Whether its skiing, camping, or however you like to explore - we've got everything you need to get out & play! At Mountain Expedition Supply, we start by investing in your next adventure - who you are, where you are going, how you want to perform, & your budget - and pair that with custom fittings with meticulously curated gear. Not sure where to start planning your next expedition? The MES Concierge Service will curate a plan and navigate the planning and reservations for you!

Picked up an online order for dock lines 20 minutes before closing. Needed to return due to it…read morebeing the wrong color, found a new product and checked out within 10 minutes, we were the last people in the store. The manager, an older man possibly named bill but I don't recall his name, was standing with a younger man(the cashier). The manager looked completely out of it and couldn't be bothered. When it came to process the return the cashier didn't know how to do the return, he proceeded to turn to the manager and ask for help. The manager looked at me and said "you'll have to come back another day when someone who is working knows how to do this" This man wasn't a young new manager, he's been working there for a while. This wouldn't have been a problem but I live over an hour and a half away and can't just come back. The manager just wanted to go home and hurried us out the door. A man shows up after they shut the doors behind us and the manger perks up and tells the man they will stay open as long as that customer needed. Clearly two grown women aren't better than a grown man.

West Marine is a place for people that like boats or the water. This store isn't the largest but it…read moreis conveniently located right on Rt. 1 close to the marinas in Clinton. It has the usual books and maps, clothing, wetsuits, ropes, pfd's, electronic stuff and the like. It also has the little hooks, straps, stickums and other odd little things that can be so frustrating and difficult to find. It you have a boat or even if you just end up around boats this is a good place to poke around and find stuff you will eventually need.