Pittsburgh Climbing Equipment Suppliers

Comments listed with each shop are my own. My general feeling is that we should support the two real climbing shops in town whenever we can.

Exkursion

4123 William Penn Hwy
Monroeville, PA 15146-2601
(412) 372-7030

501 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15208-2559
(412) 241-2767 check this...2787?

• The Monroeville location is across from the Service Merchandise/Computer City strip mall. The Pittsburgh location is located in 'The Factory' next to The Climbing Wall.

• There is a 10% discount to members of the Explorers Club and CMU Explorers Club (not sure about other clubs). Fred has mentioned to me in the past that he would give a 10% discount if you say you heard about it on the net. Not sure if this applied only to mail-order equipment.

• Climbing classes, shoe rental.

Mountain Dreams

1121 Bower Hill Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15243-1359
(412) 276-8660

• Easiest directions from Squirrel Hill: parkway through Fort Pitt Tunnel, first right onto 19S (Banksville Rd). Stay on 19S as it turns right past the Boston Chicken and then turns left after about 4-5 lights. Next light turn right onto Bower Hill Road. MD is about 2 miles on the left.

• Good sales regularly. You can get put on their mailing list. At one time, there was a discount on purchases of sets (nuts, cams, etc). Don't know if this still applies.

• Climbing classes, shoe rental, guiding services.

EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports)

397 South Hills Village
Pittsburgh, PA 15241-1415
(412) 835-0315)

• Other stores in Ross Park and Monroeville malls.
• Limited gear selection. There is a twice yearly 20% off sale. I believe they rent camping equipment, and this is sold (often at very good prices) at the end of each season (not sure when). I've only been in the store twice, so I don't know if they offer classes.

Outdoor Experience

500 Walnut St
Pittsburgh, PA 15232-2312
(412) 687-1386

• Very limited gear selection. Though if you want Goretex, they carry a lot of it (read: yuppie clothing store).

Other Equipment Suppliers

Gendarme

P.O. Box 53
Seneca Rocks, WV 26884-0053
(304) 567-2600 or (800) 548-0108

• The climbing shop at Seneca Rocks. Definitely should be supported if you're down there. They maintain the local rescue equipment.
• Guiding service. Aside: I also recommend the other guiding service, the Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides.

Blue Ridge Outdoors

101 E Wiseman Ave
Fayetteville, WV 25840
(304) 574-2425

• One of two climbing shops in Fayetteville, serving the New River Gorge area. Very large selection.
• I believe there is a loose association with a guiding service and a resoler (Flyin' Brian).