This is a really fantastic place! Basically, it's an outfitter for those who love the outdoors. And for a relatively small downtown store, they have about everything that you could need. The stores in an old building, so walking on the wood floors is kind of aesthetically appealing But the bigger deal is this: I'm the kind of shopper that I like to walk into a store and assumed that they will probably have what I'm looking for even if I don't really know what I want And whether it's shoes, clothing or camping supplies this place absolutely fits the bill You will not be disappointed when you go in here. They have items on sale in the basement so keep an eye out for that. You expect to find superior places in big cities, as opposed to where I'm from, but I really had nothing to complain about this one ! read more

Great local spot for everything outdoor outfitting. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Love coming here whenever we are in Ann Arbor!

Classic Ann Arbor outdoor stuff retailer. Nice experience today. Helpful staff. Lots of sales for Fathers Day celebrations. We bought a pair of Birkenstocks. read more

Bivouac - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

This place has been here along time and I always like browsing around and have bought Number of items over the years. They have outdoors themed clothes, backpacks, luggage, camping gear, shoes, assessors and other goods worth looking at. The price always seems to be higher than other outdoor stores but I usually don't mind paying a little more than REI or Amazon as I like small businesses. I will say a key negative has been for the past year(s) it seems, that there is an excess number of sales people that ask numerous times if you need help. This is normally the same person, but when you move to another section you can be asked once or twice minimum and it adds up. I overheard two employees complaining to each other a year or so ago that they were given instructions to always stay in their section and engage customers and their manager was on them about it. Not sure if that is why they are relentless, but it makes me uncomfortable at times, as if I am pressured to buy or being watched for theft. They are friendly, but I come here less as a result since I like to shop in peace. I really like the selection, the store itself, the location as it is in downtown Ann Arbor/walkable, near nice cafes and restaurants. I think engagement with customers is good.....but for me anyway needs to come across less repetitive/intrusive of the shopping experience. read more

The selections are amazing, but they have incredibly rude staff. One of the older male employees opted to like square up with me instead of talking to me like a human. I guess go shopping here if you want to be scared. 10/10 do not recommend. Drive to Somerset for the same brands without the drama and humiliation. read more

Absolutely atrocious customer service. DO NOT buy from here. They do not respect their customers and do not honor any returns. Buy at your own risk. Horrible horrible management read more

Came in today to check for great deals and I did! As much as 75% off selected items. My husband and I were able to buy merchandise from North face and Patagonia. Great time to buy winter boots for 50% off from Merrill, Sorell and others. The lady in the register was very friendly, the Sales Person with a cute dog named sage was very helpful too! read more

Bivouac - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

A lot of Patagonia outer wear. They have a discount shop in the basement. All that is pretty expensive even on sale. I like that stuff but can't see paying that much, even though it's supposed to be good clothing. read more

We all have our favorite large comprehensive outdoors stores where we shop near home or by internet. But it's wonderful to still find long time family owned single location local stores like this. We were visiting Ann Arbor and downtown after visiting some campus museums when we passed by this store on our way back to the parking garage. We also knew people who shopped there years ago and had heard about it back the. Compelled to stop in. The building itself seemed historic in architecture, much like I remember my grandparents store in another state back east. We saw lots of familiar outdoor brands we buy all the time but it was nice to see the variety each store across the country picks. Yes the manufacturers all have websites these days, but here one can try stuff on or get an accurate view of color. We did not see too much gear or try on shoes on this visit, but much winter clothing was already stocked in, my husband found a shirt he liked and the staff was so helpful and fun. As much as we shop and love some of the national stores, if we lived in Ann Arbor, Bivouac would definitely be part of our repertoire of shopping for outdoors gear, footwear and of course, clothing for all sorts of occasions. read more

beautiful north face jacket cropped got it in the mail right away! and gift wrapped! great price the jacket was 330$ and I got it for 140$

I used to really like this place back when I was in college but my most recent experience was horrible. I went in casually browsing and ended up buying a white sweater that I thought was really cute. After I got home, I was trying on the sweater and realized that there was a makeup stain on the inside collar, and I know it definitely wasn't from me since I normally don't wear makeup. I went back to bivouac the next day and tried to talk to an employee to exchange it for a different one. They told me that I can't return or exchange it since the sweater had a makeup stain, and when I tried to explain that I bought it that way, they wouldn't believe me and refused to do an exchange. I then asked if I could get a discount since the item was damaged when I bought it, and they also refused. They basically accused me of lying about the makeup stain and wouldn't help me at all. Absolutely awful experience. I will never go back to this store. There are other cute stores on campus and everything here is overpriced anyway. Stay away from this place. read more

I was at Bivouac over the weekend looking for hiking shoes. AJ was extremely helpful and knowledgeable making sure I found the right shoe for my feet and needs. I am always amazed by the staff and quality of the merchandise they carry. read more

Placed a group order for Patagonia sweaters for my department and AJ was a pleasure to work with! Quick responses and addressed all of our questions. Would definitely recommend going here for large group orders! read more

-- Loyal brick and mortar shopper. Bivouac's staff is peppered with priceless knowledge. I.E.: I raised a concern for filling an air mattress with moisture rich breath leading to biofilm. The associate quickly assured me that the first failure would likely not be the plastic coating but rather a seam or puncture. To further his credibility he shared that his research study is in polymer chemistry. I can't get that kind of service online. He measured things for fit, asked great questions so I'd see the right product, and went above and beyond to educate. Now that's service! read more

Bivouac - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Purchased online all the way from Washington state. I'm super stoked to find this store with the item I have been looking for my toddler. Thank you for fast shipment. read more

Bottom line: Refused to give me store credit for a gift that didn't fit. Pros: So I also try to patronize the local businesses. And Bivouac gets points for great selection and well-informed staff who are motivated to help. Meh: Parking not so easy, as the location caters to walk-up college students. I had to feed the meter while they adjudicated my case. Cons: Unlike other nearby alternatives (REI), their return policy is pro-company, anti-customer. My story: I tried to return a gift that I received about a month ago (ice cleats that attach to hiking shoes) and only wore for about 45 minutes, because they slipped off the heel, even after I adjusted them three times. I made it clear that I only wore them once. They were a gift, so of course I had no receipt. Bottom line: They refused to accept the refund. They wouldn't even give me store credit. Because I "used" them (how the hell am I supposed to know they fall off?). read more

I received my order (TNF Caroluna jacket) and I could not be happier. Since it was the first time I ordered from them, I elected the free courtesy gift wrapping so that I can see how it look in event I decide to use the site to send a gift. The wrapping was far better than I expected. It was beautiful. With free shipping, free gift wrapping, and the ease of the online ordering process, I will defintely being ordering from Bivouac again. read more

Placed an order for an Osprey backpack, and then later in the day received an email saying I was being refunded for my order and my order was cancelled. As of me writing this review, the bag is still up on their website for sale. Very disappointing. read more

Purchased some gear during the pandemic and the ship-to-home process was smooth as could be. I was very happy with the service, speed, and the awesome price! read more

You know... I used to be a big huge fan of Bivouac!!! I L-O-V-E all the great gear they have, great selection of shoes, etc. for the outdoor enthusiast, blah, blah, blah. And I also like their so so selection of fancy jeans and cutie yoga duds. However... they really do have shitty customer service! Most of the time I'm in there these days I feel like a majority of the staff thinks they are way too cool to help me out, or even feign interest. I freaking grew up going there and have spent loads of dough over the years, always thinking I'd be a loyal customer. Apparently NOT! Bummer Bivouac, I thought we were going to be lifelong pals. O.K.... I'd like to add this... see, I too am a gear head. I may not LOOK like one, but I know my shit. So when I'm ignored and not respected 'cause I don't go around flaunting the fact that I know how many oz. a freaking titanium spork weighs, I get pissed!!! Good customer service = treating everyone who walks through the door with respect and a friendly attitude!!! And that includes over the phone, btw. read more

okay, I went in looking for a new pair of gloves. Not only could I not find a pair that fit, but the cheapest option was higher than last month's phone bill (keep in mind that I call overseas A LOT, so you know that's a lot of money). I think they work on commision because the salesperson kept trying to convience me that although my hands were swimming in the gloves that they were "perfect" for me. Sigh. Needless to say, I went to REI where the guy measured my hand and ten minutes later had me trying on six diffent options (all under $30) - it turns out that I wear a children's size large (boys) or x-large (girls) or aged 12-14 (unisex). Incidently, this place is decidedly NOT disabled access friendly - there are stairs with no lift, no room for people to move who use a chair or walker, and the staff could not figue out how to deal with my shopping buddy (she's blind) - they kept talkng to me instead of to her and I had to remind them, she's blind, not deaf, mute and unable to recognize that you are being offensive. The guy didn't even try to mask his surprise when she said she treked through Nepal and climbed Mt. Everest. Take THAT, you ignorant salespeople! read more

I ordered a pair of sandals online. The price was only $50 while sandals at other places were $105. The sandals arrived at my door in Austin, Texas fast via free UPS ground shipping. The shoebox was packed in a plastic mailing envelope; the shoebox inside could theoretically get crushed. My sandals were fine and as shown on the website. I would order from Bivouac again. read more

I can barely speak this store's name without a gagging sensation creeping up from the back of my throat. From the wannabe staff that can't be bothered to the rediculously over-priced designer clothes...what's not to love about the Biv? The main reason they are still in business is that A2 has woefully few shopping choices, especially for what they offer (the camping/outdoor gear and designer jeans). So it almost forces the unsuspecting shoppers to be subjected to their price inflation and rude service. There is definitely a reason for them averaging one or two stars here on yelp. I will admit, I am not an outdoor enthusiast, so I really can't say if the $50 yoga tanks really are worth it. One thing I can modestly claim to be an expert in, is designer fashion. I have worked in fashion for over 8 years, working closely with many of the brands they sell here. I *know* jeans. I know what brand is popular (even if you haven't heard about it yet) or what style is forcasted for the next season, or what wash is current. I also, know exactly what they retail for. They do offer a nice range of brands and styles that you don't see everywhere but one thing I've noticed here is that they charge full retail (or sometimes more) for jeans that are over a year old!!! That's just bad form, Biv-o-whack. Being around Ann Arbor for a little bit has really left a bad tast in my mouth about this store... catching their managers go into competing stores in the area and taking cell phone pics to swipe ideas, bad mouthing other businesses, intructing staff to do the same...it's just gross business practices and it will all bite them in the end. Really, you'd be much better off if you shop online. There's nothing at all in here that you can't find cheaper (with better service!) online. *** In response to the owner's comments. Yes, they price match NOW...but that is a recent feature, probably due to the complaining of high prices. Do you really want to wonder if you can get it cheaper somewhere else and then bring back the price for them to give you a discount? Too much of a headache. Again, I KNOW how much these things cost, I've worked in fashion for a million years. So I'm not saying "wow, jeans for $100+?" I'm saying "wow, these are a couple years old and shouldn't be this price". And guess what? The jeans area buyer DID instruct staff to go around campus and pass the info on that other shops in town carried fakes or used clothing. This was first-hand from my cousin who worked there, and verified by her two sorority sisters. That woman is wretched. Just because the owner did not know about it or sanction this behavior, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Tacky. read more

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, I want to support my local economy wherever possible. I was pleasantly surprised with my recent online shopping experience with Bivouac. I purchased two pairs of shorts, Patagonia Baggies and Strykers, for my other half. The quality of the packaging and speed of delivery was excellent. When I needed to return one of the two items, they were very helpful. I spoke with a customer service/shipping employee who was professional, friendly, articulate, and truly dedicated to correcting any errors which can occur when you shop online. I received a refund and had a mixup resolved in less than 24 hours! Bivouac me feel good about supporting Michigan businesses and fully demonstrated the midwestern courtesy and politeness I enjoy so much! read more

I got a message from AJ the owner? which is shown after my review. I then sent him this in reply: I see why your shop is the way it is. Honestly, I WILL pay a premium for food/clothes/etc sold by friendly people with soul and or heart and/or kindness which your store is notoriously lacking (tho I do have to admit that last summer there did seem to be an improvement). Instead of saying, "oh wow, maybe our store should listen to these yelpers and make some improvements," you just say, "you're wrong!" Really lame people/customer relations skills. And then another message from AJ: Hey PJ, My response to your original review didn't come off how I meant it too. I do apologize that you have had such a bad experience in our store. I was just frustrated with the amount of bad reviews, most of which said we are overpriced. I just want our customers to know that we do not overprice our merchandise. I take all Yelp reviews very seriously and have made vast improvements with my staffing. I believe that at this time we have a great staff working. My number one priority is to make our customers happy. I would love to have you come in and shop with us again. I would like to offer you a discount on your future purchase and apologize to you personally. Also if there are any other ways you think we could improve our store I would love to hear them. Thanks for taking the time to review our store, -AJ Davidson OK, so I gotta give some props for either genuine humility or at least basic business sense, right? All these reviews are trying to say something and a business owner can get mad OR think---"hmmmm, maybe there's a problem here that I have nit been seeing." A friend of mine also had a really bad experience there with staff just last summer (left a bag inside after closing and after making a rather large purchase by the way- multiple staff completely ignored them knocking on the window and door trying to tell them they left something) later they told a manager who seemed very responsive, so maybe they really are trying! (But still- when you have multiple staff just flat out ignoring people knocking repeatedly on your window and door- isn't that saying something about the attitude of the staff there?) I may take you up on the discount offer, I may just do a secret visit again this summer-- you'll know me by my presence at the sale racks only! (I'm not saying you are too expensive, you're just too expensive for me and for having attitude!) read more

I received a really great jacket as a Mother's Day gift from Bivouac which unfortunately was not the right size. When I brought the jacket into the store, the salesgirl immediately (and very rudely) told me it was a final sale saying, " I'll let you look on our sale rack for something." When I couldn't find anything another sales person told my shopping companion I could spend my money on anything in the store. I was unable to find anything and the first sales person told me she would "do me a favor" and let me have a store credit. There are many ways to communicate and I would have accepted being told it was a final sale, sorry, but every salesperson I encountered in this store was extremely rude in their tone and manner. I asked for a manager and as crazy as it was, I was talking to the manager, whose name I found out was Tina. When I pointed out to her that her tone and attitude were condescending and that she made me feel as though she was doing me a favor by letting me shop in the store, she didn't blink an eye nor apologize. The two ladies I was with were as shocked by the behavior as I was. Mr. Davidson, you really need to have a long talk with your employees about customer service; I guarantee I will not be back for more abuse! I will do my best to find something online, or forgo my $90 - anything but return to your store! read more

I recently came into this store due to a friend's recommendation. The second I walked into this store, I fell in love with it! THEY HAVE EVERYTHING!! From Paige denim to Patagonia. You can literally shop here for a nicer outfit and/or camping gear. I've never seen a store (not even a Nordstrom or Bloomingdales) with this good of a selection! The employees were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful to top it all off! They made sure I was 100% satisfied with my purchase (which was a cute graphic crop tee) I was extremely shocked to learn that this is their only location! They need this store literally everywhere!! read more

Hailing from Colorado and California, I've been to A LOT of outdoor gear stores, and Bivouac takes the cake for being my least favorite. One. There are more employees than I can count on both hands AND both feet. They're either talking to each other or stalking potential shoplifters. Yet not one of them is actually helpful. I've stood in front of two employees as they've discussed their weekend for 5 minutes. I've asked questions only to get the most ridiculous answers possible. I haven't had a single pleasant encounter with someone here. And I'm no age-ist but most of the employees are really young and more importantly, inexperienced. I want someone to know the ropes, otherwise I'd go to Meijer (exaggeration for comedic effect) or shop online for better prices. Two. Their selection is not that great. For a few tents or backpacks, this place cuts it. I haven't found many other things worthwhile here that I can't get at REI (or my new favorite place for these things, Moosejaw). Do you wear black leggings and call them pants? How about UGG boots? This is the place for you, dear friend. If you want to get some outerwear that more than likely will only be worn for "innerwear," but you want the name brand, this is your jam. Ok. All sass aside, they have a pretty extensive selection of clothing. That's about the only redeemable quality I can find. Plus if you bring in a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance card you get something like 15% off your purchase. I'm bummed. They're local. They're right next to the Arcade. I'd rather give them my support than a chain. But after a least a half dozen visits over 2 years, there's no way I'm coming back. read more

Woah, surprised by the lackluster reviews here. Sorry, everyone - high quality camping and hiking gear is expensive and, most of the time, you get what you pay for. Many high-end items like tents, backpacks, boots, rain gear, coats, etc. should last you years if not decades. Is some of this stuff, particularly the clothing, just grossly overpriced gear aimed toward the wealthy, "earthy" yuppy set? Sure. But I'm not going to fault a store for catering to their market. I stopped in here to buy my brother a super-nice, ultra-light backpacking pack for his graduation and Bivouac did not disappoint. This place is HUGE with an incredible selection of anything you could possibly need to enjoy the outdoors. I had no idea what brand or even what size pack I wanted and the salesdude was extremely nice, helpful and informative, helping me pick a seriously awesome backpack. My mom also tried on a couple different shoes (again, just an insane selection) and ended up leaving with a pair after being helped by yet another nice and helpful guy. I will come here again if I need boots or a nice coat or backpack or anything similar in a heartbeat. A beautiful store and a true gem on State Street. read more

Yes, they sell top of the line outdoors equipment, clothing and shoes. But do they have to be such snotty pants whilst selling it? Methinks not. I have been into Bivouac more times than I can even count, but yet I CAN count on one hand (specifically 2 fingers) the number of times I have been greeted in a friendly and welcoming manner upon entering. Because of this my trips there tend to be brief in-and-out encounters in which I grab what I need and go. I find it surprising that this store has been around for so long- what with the unfriendliness and all. But I guess all the guidesses from the east coast with their parents credit cards don't care about "friendliness" and "good service". They just want their North Face jackets and Ugg Boots. Ugg. read more

This store has kind of a split personality. It has two extremes; on the one hand, it caters to the uber-outdoorspeople who are willing to shell out megabucks for the latest thermal/down/polyproplenemeshthingamabob. On the other hand, it caters to the highly brand conscious and yes-I-will-pay-over-$100 for a pair of #hipsterjeggings. Are these people the same people? Typically, hells to the no. Hence the issue in trying to make sense of any of the previous reviews. Me? I'm neither extreme; I sort of like a little bit of both fashion-y clothes and outdoorsy clothes (wool socks in Chicago winters are a must). Except I NEVER like paying too much. So, I go to the sale racks. Here, I was able to find a nice pair of unique-looking dangly earrings for $30 (highly recommend the jewelry selection, their buyer does a good job although most is pricey) and a very light, cute turtleneck for $20 perfect for not-yet-cold fall weather and layering under things. So, I'd give them about 3.5 stars for their little social experiment. read more

Bivouac - Ann Arbor, MI For a gear freak like me this store is heaven. I will buy here just so I can actually touch and feel the stuff as opposed to ordering online. They have a great selection of Patagonia, North Face, Marmot, Mountainsmith and all of the other many many small gear companies you will not find anywhere else locally. Here's a little secret for all of you that complain Bivouac is overpriced. They will match any price from any store, even online merchants. All you need to do is find the exact color and size that you want and print it out showing the price. Pretty awesome! They also have pretty good sales on their own stuff when it gets to the end of season. I picked up a micropuff jacket for 40% off last spring and I'm loving it right now. If I am about to make a big purchase for some gear then I will check around to try and find the best price, then ultimately make my purchase at Bivouac. They will special order almost anything so if they don't have it now they can get it. Service- I've mostly had good experiences although I tend to be very educated going into the store knowing exactly what I'm looking for. I have had associates alert me to good deals when I've been browsing, which is nice. Their discount shoe basement is the stuff of legends, actually I shouldn't say anything more about it, nevermind you didn't hear that from me! Check this place out for a local institution and the only one of its kind. Yes the sticker prices are usually at full retail but do your homework and save $. The styles and variety in stock blows away their competitors. Keep up the great work! read more

Yes, it is over-priced. Yes, it is staffed by snots. Yes, it is poorly laid out. It's handy for gifts if, for some reason- say your feet have been cut off- you can't be arsed to walk into any of the other shops in the arcade. read more

There's a method to follow while shopping at Biv, and it goes something like this: - SMILE: Enter the store smiling and staff will flock to you like a pack of wolves to a moose carcass. All questions and inquiries will be satisfied so long as you look peppy. - HAVE A PLAN: Act like you know what you're looking for, even if you don't. Understand how many people come into Bivouac just to "browse" (tourists) and walk out with nothing. If you appear to be on the hunt for a specific item, the staff will kiss your butt and follow you around like a lost puppy in an effort to help track down the perfect purchase. - SALES: Check out the sales, they're amazing! 50% off racks full of name brand (Arcteryx, Mountain Hardware, Patagonia, etc.) clothes/accessories, 30% off running shoes that are still being sold at full price in competing stores..need I say more? While Bivouac may be limited in hardcore outdoor gear, they do carry what most "outdoorsy" people would need if staying in Michigan. My experience with the staff has always been pleasant; the guys in the shoe section are really helpful and kind, and the females in the fashion section of women's clothing are chirpy and cute. I've been shopping here for over ten years (yes, even during college years - it's called sales racks and parents' credit card), and I don't see myself going anywhere else for retail therapy anytime soon. read more

Although they have a great selection of high-end clothing, I found that the employees were very rude, and don't seem to be motivated at all. I went shopping there on a recent Sunday, when they open at 12:00 noon. There were several of us waiting for them to open, but they didn't even open the doors at noon. They were busy counting change while we knocked at the door and pointed to our watches. They did finally open the doors at 12:03pm. I asked them what the problem was, and why they would waste time counting quarters while several people waited in the cold for them to open, and was told it was "only 12:01, and it was nickels, not quarters". I asked to speak with the manager, and was told that the manager wouldn't be there until the next day. I was directed to an older gentlemen who was the one that mentioned it was only a minute late (even though it was actually more like three or four, and we had been waiting since 11:45am). Apparently they don't need the business...they will not be getting mine. _____________ Update May 3rd, 2012: I'm happy to report that upon my 2nd visit, I was treated much better. Several people politely asked me for help, and I encountered no problems whatsoever. I'll chalk up my first visit to a bad day/bad crew. I'll change my rating from 1* to 3*. read more

I used to work at Biv so I love it.. 1st of all it is not expensive people!!!! You are all just confused. This is not Forever 21 they sell Designer Clothing... so the clothing anywhere else will be priced like that. Its not Bivouac that makes these prices its the DESIGNERS go to nordstrom and the prices are probably higher for the same brands.. I will agree that when you hire a bunch of Michigan students that don't need jobs the turn over rate and service is horrible. Im not sure they can afford to pay the staff better. I worked there for 9 months and I had a good experienced. But whats Bivouac to do?? They can't keep the same employees so.... therefore service wont be top notch. They are trying but I think if they paid a little bit better and did more training they would appeal to people who actually want Sales Jobs and they'd have better sales. Its not rocket science bivouac it is business...not sure why we are all so confused here. Not everyone can sell. HIRE SALES PEOPLE... SALES.. not cute students.... again SALES PEOPLE.... and you will make more money and be able to pay better commission. :-) read more

I've shopped at this boutique numerous times and have been generally satisfied with whatever I have purchased. I usually stick to the candles and sale rack upstairs because their fashion clothing is just too expensive for regular people like me who pay our own bills. Well, today I went to purchase Tokyo Milk perfume (specifically as a gift). I asked if they had any new bottles in the back because nearly all the ones on the shelf had clearly been sampled. I was informed that the only products of these kind are on the floor, which is really ridiculous if you ask me. I was lucky to find a bottle that was full, but it had scratches on the cap. So I'm not satisfied with this product because the store does not attempt to stock untouched merchandise for the customers. Furthermore, when I attempted to pay, my card was declined because I was not told to wait for the machine to be fully ready. Cashier was snobby about it and made no attempt to ring it up again, only after I had asked to run it through did she do it. Finally, what astounded me the most was that I had gone through this trouble of asking for a fresh bottle of expensive "eau de parfum" made of glass, she put this fragile piece of glass into the bag without any wrapping tissue. When I asked if she had tissue, she pointed me to a shelf full of lotions. I was confused and she came behind the desk to give me a box of Kleenex. My expectations of Bivouac have been ruined after this interaction. I will stick to shopping at boutiques on Main Street due to this lack of decent, common sense customer service. read more

Overpriced, understaffed, understocked, elitist markups. What more is there to say? The staff is friendly enough, but they don't know much about the brands they're selling. BTW management - please keep a measuring tape handy, in you know, a clothing store! Last time it took them 10-15 minutes to find one. read more

Bivouac is a great store. Sorry I can't sympathize with those who feel it is overpriced. it is expensive but it isn't overpriced - they just carry top quality gear and that ain't cheap. I like my bargains as much as the next joe and while they do have 40% off sales, etc, they don't have the 80% off sales of my dreams. However, if that is really what you need, then you should try shopping at Dick's. Kmart, Burlington Coat, etc. Bivouac has a great selection of high end clothes - and yes that will appeal to people with money as well as people who save up and choose their gear carefully. Most of the staff have an impressively deep knowledge of their products or grab someone who does. That helps tremendously in picking the right gear - and if your comfort or safety depends on it, as is not infrequent when used for its intended purpose (instead of just to look outdoorsy at a party), it makes a huge difference. And no instant chat rep with little to no training ( and by the way, they don't look anything like those cute pictures bombarding your screen to "Chat now"....) can provide that kind of meaningful help. Does Bivouac have its downside-sure. I'd like to see sales deeper and I'd like not to have to bring in proof that the same item is available and instock on the web to get the very lowest price. However, I think it is a great business model so that "those rich UM kids" who can't be bothered to do some comparison shopping can pay full retail price and those of us who are more price conscious can bring in a screen shot or come back if we didn't come prepared to get the BEST PRICE AVAILABLE ANYWHERE. It might take a while to figure out where Bivouac fits in the foodchain but they have a wide variety of gear and largely knowledgeable people and they will price match. You don't go to the Caddy dealer for a Ford Pinto. Good luck in your search for the perfect outdoors store. read more

Shopping for a winter jacket at Bivouac was a great experience. Someone on your staff helped me pick out the best winter coat I've ever owned. I probably tried on every woman's coat in your store that was in my budget. With no luck, your associate showed me a jacket that she thought would be good for me even though it was outside my stated price range. She acknowledged that before showing me -- she wasn't pushy in any way. I agreed to try it on and it was perfect. Your associates really know your products inside and out. There has been a mix of weather this winter (per usual in Michigan) and the coat has lived up to it's promise. By the way, it's the Pategonia Tres Parka. Just wanted to say "Thanks" :) read more