Appalachian Outfitters

Went to Appalachian Outfitters this weekend to get ready for an upcoming trip to Patagonia. As a relatively inexperienced hiker/​camper, I specifically needed a good pair of hiking boots and a backpack that will last me for the 2+ week trip.
So glad we came here as opposed to some big box store — I feel really confident that I ended up with the right gear for me, and I don’t think I would have been able to pull it off on my own without AO’s help.
The saleslady who helped me with the boots measured both my feet, pointed me towards the right pair of socks, and recommended a couple additional pairs of shoes to try that I had originally dismissed. I ended up with a pair of boots a half a size larger than I normally wear and I think I’m going to be really glad of that on the trail — my toes have plenty of room to wiggle around!
For the backpack, the salesman measured my torso and helped me find the right pack/​strap combination. He loaded 10 lb sacks of sand into the bag so I could practice adjusting all of the straps and get used to walking around with the weight. Then we ‘heat molded’ the hip strap to my body so it fits perfectly — no breaking in time needed!
My family and I have been coming to AO for years — great selection, super knowledgeable staff, locally owned. Can’t wait for this trip!

Great! Came here a few weeks ago to purchase my fiancé som sandals. The shoe clerk was PHENOMENAL! He knew so much about the products and had such a positive attitude throughout the experience. We ended up buying a pair of Chacos and my guy says they are the comfiest shoes he’s ever had! Great selection of shoes, clothes, outdoor gear, and even kayaks! We will be back for supplies before our Hawaiian honeymoon in April!

Worst shopping experience ever. The staff in the store is so rude. Had to buy some insoles for my Scarpas but refused to buy anything else. Never going here again.

Went here to buy a pair of hiking shoes. The lady who helped me was very friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. She explained the different types of hiking shoes and the special qualities that can come with some of them. I ended up with an ankle pair that is waterproof and something that I can grow with as I go from light to moderate hiking (paved trails to rocky trails). I spent $ 140 which is way more than I wanted to, but I am confident I will get my monies worth. I actually went for a good little hike in CVNP about 15 minutes after I bought these shoes and they definitely stood up to the test. My only suggestion would be to buy wool socks with your shoes so your feet don’t get really sweaty.

Horrible return policy. Bought a sleeping bag as gift for daughter with cash. On wanting to return it, they would only give store credit. Great looking store at entrance to park but that shadiness stopped me cold. All my spending on four active kids goes anywhere but this shifty retailer.

Super friendly and helpful staff for a total newbie like myself. Nice selection of various outdoor equipment.

When you want to buy outdoor stuff and you want to support a local business vs. shelling your money out to Dick’s Sporting Goods… this is the place to go. All the top outdoor clothing and gear plus a helpful staff. And it’s conveniently located next door to the rock gym and a stone’s throw from the Ledges in case you get cold or wet during a trail run. Large selection and they always have a range of sizes to pick from which is great.

Nice store that caters to the outdoor enthusiast. They have a wonderful selection for hiking and backpacking. They carry a lot of paddle sport supplies with kayaks, canoes, and all related gear.
All in all this is a place to get top quality products, and not for the bargain shoppers.

I’m an open-​minded kinda guy; I’ll hear you out if you really think that climate change is a hoax, or country music is way better now that only pretty people sing it, or you believe Appalachian Outfitters deserves five stars. Hear you out, then tell you that you are so very wrong.
I’ve been to this place dozens of times, perhaps fifty or so, with my family, by myself and shopped for and/​or bought clothing, boots, ski stuff, fly-​fishing stuff. I’ve left some money there, okay?
So, I thought maybe I’d let the dust settle over the most recent disgusting bit of retail chicanery, and give the shop another try. I tie my own flies, for the most part, and when I decide on a new pattern like to have one that was professionally tied to use as my model, for scale, color, texture, all that perhaps important stuff. So back I go, to the lonely little outdoor store and head over to the fly display. Then, I see the prices. I had chosen eight fly patterns. The least expensive was more than I’ve ever paid for the MOST expensive fly. Guy comes over, «Find what you need?» Yeah, seeya.
Head up to Chagrin River Outfitters, get the SAME eight fly patterns, for about a third the cost. Almost covered my gas.
How serious are they about fly fishing? Their web page, devoted to fly fishing, reads, in total: «Fly Fishing.» (I cringe when I think of the poor, wide-​eyed people staggering into this store, thinking that they’ll be in good hands. Your wallet will be.)

A lot of folks looking for great outdoor gear patronize one of the many online powerhouses like REI, including me, but AO is a great local store. My wife and I always try to patronize the local shops first, and rely on the online outlets when we have too. This is a two story shop chocked full of high quality hiking, camping, kayaking, and outdoor gear. The staff will help you with any request, and do fittings for gear you need.

Appalachian Outfitters is an excellent outdoor gear store located near the entrance of the Cuyahoga Valley NP. It is located just off Akron-​Cleveland Rd on Kendall Park Rd about a half mile from the park entrance. The store is two stories and carries almost any outdoor gear you might need. The lower lever includes outdoor shoes, rugged clothing, books on enjoying the outdoors, and many other misc. stuff you may need outside. On the upper level, there are kayaks, canoes, and tents. Attached to the store is Kendall Cliffs, a rock climbing center for which a separate review is available. Overall, if you need some outdoor gear for any fun outdoor activity, stop in at Appalachian Outfitters either at this location in Peninsula or in Canton.