The employees of this store went above and beyond all expectations in making our visit to Mt whitney go smoothly. They were knowledgable, friendly, funny, and really cared about us "having fun and being safe". Couldn't recommend enough. read more

This place has anything and everything one might need to make final preparations before heading into the high country to hike and/or climb. It's like a mini REI. read more

This little outfitter is packed with the stuff you need to climb and hike the Sierras. Great gear and great service read more

Elevation Sierra Adventure Essentials - Elevation - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Lone Pine, California

Super friendly knowledgeable staff. Everyone eager to help and give info about the area and where to go and what to see. The young lady that helped us was from Darwin And we would like to thank you for the awesome recommendations! Definitely a go to place. read more

This place rocks! We came in to check out some gear, John has massive intel on everything gear related, my buddies and I got some great stuff. Thanks Elevation! We'll be back read more

I thought REI was the best store until I came into Elevation. Hands down best customer service you can find. Much more personal experience and he carries more of the high end top quality produce you can't find at other stores. read more

Great little hiking store. They have everything you need to conquer everything from the Alabama Hills flats to mighty Mount Whitney. All high end quality gear. They also have a great rental fleet of trekking poles, bear cans, etc. The guys working there are very helpful and knowledgeable. Just like a mini-REI. My only gripe is they recommended the Muir Energy Blueberry Matcha gel which literally made me hurl the second I tried to eat it 45 minutes into my Whitney ascent. I know it wasn't the altitude or anything else because I was feeling good beforehand and never had altitude problems in previous Whitney ascents. After gulping down some water and a tried and true Gu, I was feeling good again and summited 6 hours later. read more

Went in looking for a few things we needed last minute and a little local advice about the conditions at Whitney Portal. Left feeling insulted and with wildly inaccurate information about the conditions. read more

Wanted to put out a shout out for the excellent customer service and experience at Elevation. We come to Lone Pine to hike Mt Whitney and heard we needed to rent crampons for the snow. Blair helped us out with mapping out our hike and his advice was spot on. Had great recommendations about our gear, where to eat, where to stay, and you could tell he really wanted us to have a great trip. Loved his advice, enthusiasm, and felt like he really cared. Took time to meet all of us, and he was spot on with telling us about what to expect with the snow conditions at the different times of the day. Small store is packed with lots of great merchandise. Store also has a darling, mellow, friendly dog. We will definitely be back! read more

Great store and very helpful owner. Gave use great info on local backpacking spots and had a genuine passion for what he was talking about. Fully stocked and had everything we needed! read more

Very disappointing experience here. Came in on a ranger's recommendation to look at microspikes before a backpacking trip. They had them in stock, though at a higher price than one would expect at other retailers. Held my nose and bought them. Ended up not needing them on the trip (in fact, didn't even take them out of the box) and stopped in to return them afterward. The receipt does say "no returns on climbing gear" which is a policy that many stores have because returned climbing gear (such as harnesses, ropes, carabiners, belay devices, or protection) is a liability issue. Totally understandable. But microspikes are not climbing gear. In fact, if you look at the box, "climbing" is not among the product's uses. Unlike actual climbing gear, there is no liability from taking microspikes back in stock The woman working did NOT tell us that all sales were final on the microspikes, but when we tried to return them, we were told by a male employee that it was not permitted. And in a condescending way. Based on the high prices and poor customer service, it seems clear to me that this store only survives because of its location. Pity that a better store couldn't open up in its place. read more

Yes, it's a tiny store front in a small town on highway 395 - but the folks at Elevation gave me and my crew the best service ever on our Whitney/Langley weekend back in June. I've always written off getting knowledgeable help while shopping for outdoor gear unless I'm in an REI (like a hiking buddy once told me, she walked into a Sports Chalet and asked for a day pack to fit inside her backpack, and the clerk looked at her like she was crazy). The owners of Elevation don't have the shelf space for a massive selection, but they have one or two of everything you could need. What they stock is their hand-picked favorites of whatever you're buying: quality stuff. From recommending footwear adjustments based on blister locations, to offering the latest water purifying gadgets, they did it all. Update May 2008: While passing through Lone Pine on the way to Mount Williamson, I saw that Elevation is movin' on up. They're at the prime hiking crossroads of the Owens Valley now, right at the corner of 395 and Whitney Portal Road. read more

Live in Atlanta and brought a group of 10 teenage JROTC kids out to do Whitney. John was amazing along with his staff. I wouldn't go anywhere else in Lone Pine or 100 miles around to get gear. They are the masters. read more

This is the best gear shop in the East Side. It is probably the smallest but they have everything you might have forgotten for your trip. They also carry brands not available at other shops such as Rab, Montbell, etc. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgable. Definitely worth popping your head in on your next trip up to the hills. read more

Places where the guys and gals who work there actually know the area and know the gear are hard to come by these days. Yes, the prices are higher than Walmart and your local Big5, but it's because they only sell the good stuff here. I've bought ice axes and crampons (shout out to the tip from the guy working, we would have been screwed without them on Whitney), a jacket, and long underwear. They have all lasted a long time. This place is probably my favorite outdoor store on the 395 corridor, even if you have to pay a few bucks extra. The advice and info they dish out is more than worth it. read more

I rarely feel the wish to write a glowing review, but for this store, I want to make an exception. We came here to resupply, just some small items, tape, bug spray etc, and in passing mentioned that we had problems with two new Katadyn Be Free filters that we had bought elsewhere (they were leaking at the seam). These guys were super helpful in offering advice and they replaced them for us even though they we had bought them elsewhere, so we could continue our hiking trip. We were just passing through, and Elevation Sierra didn't make any money of us, but just acted like people who know their stuff and are ready to help. A big Thank You! read more

What do you get when you mix a local entrepeneurship teacher with with a climbing shop owner? A small, carefully stocked climbing shop with the best customer service West of Amazon! "What? You need a new sleeping bag because the one you brought is not warm enough? It's snowing on you now? I have just the thing. The top of Lone Pine Peak? Let me see... That's 12 hours away by foot - I'll have it there in 2." Holy Cow these guys take care of their customers. I wonder if anyone has ever STOPPED going there. I doubt it. Go there. You'll see... read more

worth a stop to gear up and round out any last minute camping or backpacking needs...a gem in this little town

I went hiking Sunday to Mt.Whitney and needed some last minute stuff. After visiting multiple stores for crampons everyone was out. I guess it was a busy weekend. I needed to rent two sets of crampons and were put on a waiting list. Late Saturday evening we get call saying they were able to accommodate us, thank goodness. Late late Sunday evening John opens the store so we can return our gear. I never have had this happen for me before and it was a great feeling. Thanks for being such a great store for us unprepared/last minute folk.... Visit this store before going up the mountain! read more

The owner is highly knowledgeable and very friendly. Its like a mini REI of the town!

Very friendly staff as I walked in looking for an item they did not have. I loved the store so I looked around a little bit. Awesome store to have in Lone Pine. Especially if you're a hiker. read more

Been coming here for years. Almost every trip I would forget something and they would always have what I needed. Now I just hold off and plan on making a visit every season to purchase mountaineering gear. They have it all and the staff have lots of practical knowledge given that they actually live in the Eastern Sierra. They have an amazing boot and shoe selection, clothing, bags, and all the odds and ends. read more

Great place! We came in looking for a map and asked a question about our trek through Evolution Basin and were helped by a very knowledgeable and friendly John. After a quick crash course in topography we are on our way. Shop is stocked with Tom Harrison maps, clothing, water filters and anything else backpacking or climbing you might need - will always make this stop up 395. read more

UPDATE: Mid July, Got a call back and follow up. The issue was resolved and, while it took a while, I appreciate that the owner had the initiative to contact me. Short story: unresponsive customer service and management. Went here early June 2016 to rent gear to hike Mt Whitney. From a rental standpoint the gear was in good shape. They offered a deal where if we bought ice axes then our crampon rentals would be free. We were in a rush, and admittedly did not look at my itemized receipt. I was charged for three ice axes (bought two). I had originally thought the extra charge was a deposit for the rentals. All gear rented and purchased was great and the staff were helpful. 3 days after our summit and returning the gear the charges did not come back so I started calling. It took well over a week to get a hold of anyone in the store. Once I did I was told that they had no way to verify and couldn't take my word on it. The person on the phone took my info and said the manager/owner would contact me. One month later and numerous follow up calls and no resolution. read more

I was having car trouble and was running on a spare when I stopped by this shop to ask for some information about nearby auto-repair shops. One of the owners gave sound advice and took his time to help me understand the market conditions of the shops. After some additional discussion, I now know that this is most definitely the place to go for sporting goods along the 395. The owner knows exactly what he is talking about, knows the best destinations, and has a great stock of gear (in case you forgot anything). read more

I went to every outdoor store in Lone Pine, and this is the best one. The gear selection is pretty good given the square footage, and the staff has been helpful every time I've gone in. In Lone Pine, this is as good as it gets. If you need more than this store offers, try Eastside Mountain Sports or Sage to Summit in Bishop. read more

This store has all the essentials you'd need on the hike: crampons, axes, boots, gear. The staff are really helpful, taking their time to explain how to strap on crampons and use ice axes. Very helpful staff. read more

I bought a pair of boots (Salomon's). 2 days into the JMT they broke (the grommet that holds the laces snapped off). As soon as I got off the trail I went back. They wouldn't do anything for me. I spent $254 on boots that didn't even last two days and this store could care less. That just told me to call Salomon. Horrible customer service. read more

Had to call 5 or 6 times before they finally picked up the phone to reserve crampons. When I showed up, the clerks were outside (out of hearing the phone range). They would not rent me or 2 other people in my party crampons for 'insurance' reasons, forcing us to buy mini spikes at $70 each, no returns. Other customers were having the same problem that morning. Please be aware that your mountaineering (not hiking) boots must have 'three quarter shank' (by their standards) minimum or they will not rent them to you. And the paperwork you sign will release them of all liability. (So where is the insurance issue???) Upon returning the bear can and 1 pair crampons 3 days later, I walked into the store and the phone was ringing. The woman behind the counter advised me that she was on break.... read more

This is my first Yelp review and will probably be my last. But I wanted to pay these folks back for all the help that they gave me. I'm tempted to commend them for their absolutely outstanding custom service. But it was so much more than just customer service. I called in the afternoon to get some information about snowshoe rentals. When we discovered that I would be getting into town after they closed, they called around to all their employees to see if anyone could open the shop just for me at 9pm (3 hours after they closed). Their employees were, understandably, occupied, but they did arrange to open two hours early the next day just so I could get an early start the next day. For information about conditions in the mountains, skip the Park Service. Just ask these guys. Directions on your way out of town after you've gotten what you needed or completed the return of your outstandingly maintained rental gear? They're happy to help. Best camping 200 miles in any direction? They know where it is, when it's available, and who to call for reservations. And if they don't, they'll look it up for you. They genuinely care about the people that come to their shop and they show it. They're small, but you wouldn't believe what they can fit into their tiny store front. I'm going to stop here whenever I pass through Lone Pine and buy something just to support one of the best Mom and Pops I know. You should too. read more

The morning clerk at the Comfort Inn recommended this store when I was in need of a replacement walking stick. I couldn't believe all the stuff they had packed in that one little store. It was amazing. With the help of the staff member, I apologize for not remembering his name, ,I was able to try out and find the perfect walking stick. much better than the one I left behind. He was able to tell me the pros and cons of all the equipment. I give it 10 stars for service. Goodbye REI, I'm waiting to buy my equipment on my quarterly trips to the Sierras. read more

Great mountaineering store. These guys will get you any items you forget for your trip and give you updates on conditions. It's the place to rent gear and get advice for your trip. read more

I spend a fair amount of time in both Lone Pine and Bishop, and go out of my way to stop in here when I can. The prices are reasonable, (we're talking a small shop here, so of course, they are not going to compete with mega chains) and the staff is very knowledgeable, gracious and friendly. Really excellent customer service is what keeps me coming back. read more

They seemed nice, saw nice gear, rental gear was in good condition. But... they told me I needed to rent crampons because one of their employees had run into lots of snow 4 days before. In the event, I got up on the route and there was no snow anywhere; I paid for and carried crampons for nothing, slowing me down and lightening my wallet. I ended up feeling like the chatty ex-alaskan guide, 40's-50's ish, is a pretty sly and subtle salesman, not my friend. I ended up feeling like they are on the route of the Great Cattle Drive up Whitney all summer, and I was just another cow to be "harvested". If you go, be wary that someone is trying to sell you/ rent you stuff you don't really need, that they are really really subtle and though acting like a climbing buddy, they are really a salesman on a mission to get into your wallet. In contrast, East Side Sports in Mammoth, when I called, seemed to be provide a more honest "climber community service" of sharing as accurate info as possible, while still being happy to take your money. Note that Elevation had cheaper crampon prices I THINK, the pricing formula was not that clear or adhered to. read more

I got the wrong size hiking shoe. And they let me exchange them. Having the wrong size was all my fault and I am experienced enough I should have known. But unfortunately I bought them walked all the way back to my hotel and realized i made a fatal error. Thank god the guy let me exchange them or I would have been in a "world or pain" read more

Terrible store, Terrible service. I was lied to as soon as I entered the store when I asked about rentals. The guy behind the counter said that no one rented out crampons and ice axes due to insurance reasons. however, we could buy their ice axes for $200. Upon leaving the store, I walked 100 ft down the road and found a place that rented them at a very reasonable price. Not only this, but everything in the store was extremely overpriced. read more

Picture this - a lonely Pacific Crest Trail Hiker, just walking out of the Sierra's. I no longer need my super large, bulky bear canister and the one thing I am overjoyed with is I had sold it online and just needed to ship it out. I waited at the post office for an hour only to find out - it was MLK day and they were closed! On a whim, I walked over to Elevation and asked if they could mail it for me so I could get on my way and not keep this extra 3 lbs with and they did! They were super nice and helpful and saved my another week of lugging it around. If I needed any gear I would have grabbed it from them - great people and awesome for the hiking community. read more

I love, LOVE stopping in here during my visits to the Eastern Sierras. A month ago, I was leaving late in the day for a trip, and "needed" the lightest weight bear proof food protection available. I called Elevation to find out if they had any Ursacks available for sale. John, the owner, answered the call and took payment by phone. Since I wouldn't be arriving to the area until around 11pm, he delivered it to the Dow Motel where I picked it up at the front desk. John also made sure the night clerk at the Dow would show me how to use the optional sleeve insert. When you're looking to great advice, great service, and in my case to also shave ounces, do yourself a favor and stop in this store. Now, if I could only try on Elevation's helmets over the phone for my trip tomorrow.... read more

Great customer service, great selection. If you're complaining about maybe paying a few dollars more for something, then maybe you shouldn't have forgotten it at home. read more

I was a tad disappointed with the service. I called several times from the ranger station, where I was picking up my hiking permit, and never got an answer. When I pulled up in front of the store, two employees were sitting out front. I said I'd been trying to call them and they said, "oh the phones must still be out." The sad thing is that they pretty much have a monopoly, in the area, on gear. On a positive note, the people are very knowledgable in all things mountaineering. read more