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Located at the base of the Adirondack Mountains in the Keene Valley of New York State, The mountaineer has been outfitting hikers, ice climbers, anglers, backcountry skiers and adventure enthusiasts since 1975. It was started by two families from Greenwich, Connecticut, in search of a more intrepid life, and today the attitude remains: “We respect our role as the last point of contact before people head into the wilderness,” says current custodian Charlie Wise.
Designed by cofounder Sid Miller from locally sourced hemlock and fir, the tent is “all bold lines and angles, with pitched roofs that can handle the snow load,” says Wise, who took over the shop in 2018, having been a longtime client. Inside, a wood-burning stove sets the stage for a buffet of international outerwear, from Patagonia’s reclaimed fleece zip-ups ($169) to Positron Pro Down jackets from British manufacturer Rab ($430) and base layers from Norway’s Norrøna (tights, $149). “We love brands that have a sustainable philosophy or component, as well as great design and technical chops,” Wise says. Technical gear includes Black Diamond’s ultralight tights. Steam helmet ($139.95) in energetic shades of Blizzard and Octane and footwear that promises to be fit for Everest: the G2 Evo boot ($999).
Wise describes the store as a two-story “gear-lover candy store” containing more than 10,000 different items. He takes particular pride in the knowledge of his staff, “all of whom are experts in a particular discipline,” he says. “Our mountain shoe expert guided a group up Denali.” [North America’s highest peak] This summer, and our ski “This guy is a Dynafit expert who knows the best backcountry boots.” The staff recently outfitted a longtime client for an Everest expedition, supplying him with the full layering and insulation system, crampons, ice axes and boots. The only condition? “That the summit photo be taken wearing The Mountaineer bandana,” Wise says. The photo now hangs on the wall.
The store also serves as a community center, hosting clinics led by local guides on topics such as wilderness first aid, ice climbing and avalanche awareness. Annual events, such as the Adirondack International Mountainfest and the Great Adirondack Trail Run, benefit local charities and nonprofits.
“I like to say that we capture people at a good moment, when they are in a good mood and ready to get started,” says Wise. “We want to amplify that emotion. Outdoor time is essential to our happiness.” The hundreds of client photos, spanning from the peaks of India to the slopes of France, prove they do just that.