This place is great! It's the closest thing to an REI that I've seen in Europe. When I first walked…read morein, I thought it was another little German hiking shop, probably with the same standard stuff, hopefully with a few bits that I couldn't find elsewhere. Then I turned the corner, and the store just kept going.
They carry more brands and variety than most (maybe any?) camping stores I've found in Berlin, and more of the real gear you need if you're doing more than day-hikes.
The sales staff is friendly and helpful, though horribly outnumbered, even during the work day. Some of the other customers were a great laugh. I struggled through with German, but most of the employees seemed to speak at least some English. There were several who were very helpful to my girlfriend without a word of German, and without being at all pushy toward a certain brand or type of gear.
Ace!
Update: I got there late on a Friday and couldn't find anyone to grab a pair of shoes for me to try on. The available employee was too busy tying the laces on the display shoes to be bothered with my trivialities. I went back on Saturday - big mistake. Terribly understaffed. Nearly impossible to get a little help, though there were bright spots. I'm going to have to make a third attempt if I want to try on a pair of their shoes. I'm taking a star away, just to say "Do not go on the weekend!"
