Save yourself some hassle and go to the San Diego REI for ski service…read more I dropped off my skis for a hot wax because 50% off for members. Wanted to add a safety check for skis and boots going into new season. Filled out all paperwork, passed inspection and paid for both upfront. When I came to pickup nearly a week later, and past the date I was told they would be complete, there was an issue that the heel plate was worn down just over the allowable threshold. REI will not make adjustments or anything to skis/bindings. I was told I got a voicemail, but I never received a call. Pulled up my cell phone record on the spot. Worst of it all, they did not even do the wax. So my skis just sat at this location for a week, with my money, and then I picked them up and got my money back and nothing but wasted time.

REI is a great store for athletic and outdoorsy clothing and gear. One of the best perks is their…read morereturn policy. You can return or exchange items for up to a year if you're a co-op member (or up to 90 days if you're not), even if the items have been used. I absolutely love my hiking shoes from here (Lowa brand-pricey but worth it), and they carry so many high-quality brands like Vuori and Patagonia. Every time I shop here, the service has been friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Highly recommend for anyone who loves the outdoors or needs reliable gear.

Love Patagonia as a brand and this location reflects that well. The store gets busy but the staff…read moreis always helpful. Great place for quality outdoor gear and a company that stands behind strong environmental values. Customer service is great.

Anytime I travel and encounter a Patagonia store I must check it out. This beautiful store sits…read moreright on the coast highway in Cardiff By The Sea. Easy to find but limited parking. This store is not as big as other stores I have visited, but they still carry a lot of great items for adventuring. I like the fact that this store specializes in surf gear. I trust the Patagonia brand and their clothing and hats always fit well and last a long time. I wear a lot of Patagonia when I am on the trail or kayaking. Yes, they are a bit pricey but I like knowing that what I purchase is not going to tear or fall apart. We were greeted by friendly and helpful staff. I just browsed while my friend found herself a new hat. She received great service when checking out and I would definitely shop here in the future. Thanks Patagonia for keeping me warm and comfortable on the trail and cool when I am on the water.

Christina is fantastic! She spent over a half hour, making sure we got the right shoe at the right…read moreprice. She is devoted to customer service and is just a nice person.

Husband and I came here to look for some Padres clothing wear. Being a sporting good store they of…read morecourse had a good Pardres clothing section. Cute beanies! The area looked picked over, a bit of disarray. But staff on the floor were busy and I must say very friendly. The young floor staff were quick to check on you if you needed anything or had questions. When we asked a question, they were quick to answer with enthusiasm. For the most part the store is clean and organized. I still find some of the merchandise to be on the upper end if you were to do comparison shopping. But, it looked like they had some good deals. We made it to the counter with our purchase with the employees checking you out, the goal being to move the line along. I don't think that would hinder us from returning.

Had an awesome experience at 5.11 Tactical. The store was well stocked and easy to browse, and the…read moreoverall vibe was great. Angelo Astorga and Theo Lord were both fantastic to work with. Super knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely helpful throughout the visit. My son and I really enjoyed our time there and felt taken care of from the moment we walked in. We left with exactly what we needed and will absolutely be coming back.

Ted's the man. Came in very close to closing (my bad I know) but instead of being perturbed, Ted…read morewas super helpful and cheerful. 10/10 ontop of a 'no bs' brand.

I came here to shop before my Alaska trip. As a AAA member, we received an invite-only access for…read morethe month of May. This store is huge. We purchased winter jackets, hiking pants, sweaters, and hiking boots. Thank you to Elliot and "J" for being so kind and helpful. Jasmin at the front desk was welcoming. Free parking lot.

Men's, women's and kid's clothing, shoes and accessories are available at this Columbia Employee…read morestore, which is also available to the public WITH A PASS. We get the pass through my employer or at the Prana Carlsbad Outlet store. (Just ask when you make a purchase). If you're a senior you can go on Tuesdays or the military has access year round with proof of affiliation. Brands that are on offer are: Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, prAna, and SOREL. Items offered are anything from women's workout wear to fleece jackets, puffer jackets, jeans, hiking/travel pants, shirts, vests, T-shirts, beanie hats, socks, blankets, yoga mats and more. The store is located in a business park setting with free parking. They're open 10am-7pm every day of the week. You first check-in with the front desk where they will check your pass and then you're free to wander the store which is a large warehouse type setting. Fitting rooms are available to try things on. Restrooms are located at the front near check-in. We've typically been going a few times a year over the last 5 years or so. It's hit and miss -- sometimes we spend a few hundred and other times walk out with nothing. Size selections vary. Stock does change, but I also see the same staples there all the time. The merchandise is discounted, but is still pricey due to the fact the brands on offer are pricey brands to begin with. (i.e. these are not TJMaxx kind of prices!) If you're into the outdoors, camping, hiking, traveling, working out and you can get your hands on a pass (or go Senior Tuesdays or are in the military) check this store out! Note: The store is always freezing cold, so go prepared! Helpful?

I came into this place twice with my wife to look at binoculars and we were greeted by the nicest…read moremen inside! Sometimes it's intimidating, as a female, to go into serious sporting/outdoors stores because people are often judgey, but this place was SO welcoming and had the best vibes because of these men! 100% this will be my go-to outdoorsy store because of the great customer service! We looked at their binoculars called "nocs," and they were REALLY good quality, and pretty! They came in different color options! I ended up buying 2 pairs, a green and a blue, and I am in love!! I'm going to use them for bird watching. They also sell everything you can imagine for rock climbing, camping, outdoors cooking, maps, and more. Definitely coming back!

Nomad always has what I need for climbing. Great gear selection, friendly staff, and just good vibe.read more

If you're at all, considering purchasing a firearm, these guys absolutely know the product the…read moremarket and can give you some great advice on what to get and how to use it. The pricing is just fair, but I go there for the service.

first time california firearm purchase…read more Andrew was very knowledgeable and helpful! 10/10 would recommend this place for first time buyers.

Stopped in the shop today to get some advice about a skateboard deck that I've had laying around…read more Jonathan was extremely affable and quick to educate me on what I needed to get it going. Really enjoyed the experience and will be back for a T-shirt in the near future. Thank you for a great experience experience and customer service.

We always have such a good experience. I have no skate background but my daughters are getting into…read moreit and we have gotten all their gear here. James helped set the girls up with their boards, helmets, pads and he is always so knowledgable and nice. He was patient with my young daughters and let them take their time picking out grip tape and helped explain the board as he put it together. Definitely recommend this shop :)

Seaside Racket had amazing service and an amazing pickleball rental program! We were able to speak…read moreto the owners about tips and tricks to improve our game and identify the paddle for us. We were able to take home two trial pickleball paddles for a small deposit. When purchasing the paddle of our choice, they used the deposit towards the purchase of the new paddle, which is an incredible deal! They have an incredible business and adds so much vale to the paddle purchase.

Total disappointment. I stopped by yesterday to purchase some gear and in my excitement at finding…read morea local place where I could talk squash, I inadvertently managed to offend the owner, Sunny, who proceeded to treat me like I had typhoid fever. Really unpleasant interaction. So I went back today to apologize for whatever I did that she found so offensive and to let her know that I really did want to support a local business and at least come to some sort of rapprochement. Her response was to accept my apology and tell me effectively that the great thing about America is that she can react to me however she damn well pleases. And she's totally correct. I'd go out of my way to avoid purchasing from her. And unless you've a knack for walking on tenterhooks around prickly proprietors, I'd advise the same. They did do a bang-up job of regripping my racket, and they have a great selection of gear for racket sports though. Really wish my experience hadn't been so acrimonious. Well I see Sunny reads her reviews... I placed the racket I had planned to purchase back on the counter after being treated as though Sunny wiped me off the sole of her feet. She proceeded to throw the receipt for my purchase at me. I'd just refer everyone to the sheer volume of people whose experience mirrors mine. The reviews make for convincing reading. Or maybe it's all me. Yeah, that's it.

Malo'o rack is the best product for beach lovers and outdoor activities lovers. I use it every time…read morewhen i go to the beach, especially after surfing. The rack is perfect for drying wet towels and wetsuits. The amazing thing is the pads on the rack that make sure that it doesn't scratch the car. And it's so user friendly that everyone could easily pick up how to use it instantly. Malo'o rack is definitely a must have for outdoor lovers!

From the owner: Malo'o manufactures Outdoor Adventure Gear ; The Lounge Wagon, The WetHoodie, DryRacks, DryPack…read moreWaterproof Bags, SeatGuard Seat Covers, Adventure Coolers and more.