Young's Backpacking - Berkeley, California

Katie Hogg

I stopped by because I needed a new water bottle and I noticed a nice display of them in their window. They sold me a limited edition hydro flask with a nice discount because it only had the tiniest dent. The couple behind the front desk were very friendly to me.

Sean Damon

An older gentleman who I am guessing is the owner was very helpful and knowledgeable about the products. He helped me choose a rain jacket, and showed me all the features it had. I really appreciated the service I received.

B. Uli Estrada

I had to write another review because I was triggered by the mere thought of buying backpacking gear again. Noticed my comment is removed. I’ll start by saying that I’ve never had an experience like this in Berkeley EVER and I’m an alumni of the University that dealt with many uncomfortable situations, but nothing of this caliber. I for one always support mom and pop shops, which is why I went here to begin with. I walked in, began to browse around and was immediately met with great indifference and intimidating stare downs. I asked a question, hoping I was just projecting past racist encounters, but no, they did not want me there! They answered my question with a firm “ No” and shush me away with their arms. I thought there might be a reason or miscommunication happening, but no they reiterated the fact that they wanted me out of their store, all three of us. Keep in mind I was with my husband, a visibly dark skin native man and myself a visibly brown big curly hair woman. I’m not one to point my physical appearance but I noticed that prior to me encountering this in the store there was one other person inside the store who was visibly Caucasian or racially white, who in fact was browsing further in the store and with the help of the owners. To be asked to leave in such a manner was so shocking to me, they had no regard towards my child or husband. We had done nothing wrong! We were there for less than 5 minutes before they asked us to leave. We weren’t disrespectful or dressed Inappropriately, nonetheless that behavior is unacceptable. I was in such shock that I had to ask the owner “are u asking me to leave ?”and they replied with a nod and shush me out of the store. I can’t explain how that felt, just terrible! I cried on the street felt humiliated and so small! I wish to never go back here, I’m not one to write reviews let alone a bad one, so just hope this doesn’t happen to folks of color who are simply trying to go about their day. In lakesh I hope people treat people with kindness dignity and respect!

Laura Pardee

This spot is a rare find if you're looking for any kind of luggage or camping bag!

I came here looking for the North Face Base Camp Duffel and found exactly what I was looking for AND the same bag in multiple sizes. The price was $10 less than the in store price at REI and the North Face Outlet, and I got to buy it from an independent local business which always feels good.

Also the customer service was perfect. I knew what I needed and was given great advice based on the specs I was looking for. The hardest part of shopping here is not buying other bags; I already have enough Chrome bags but they have such a good selection that I almost bought another one!

Definitely come check out and support this cool local gem.

Madame Paulettes

Popped in to this shop when my daughter spotted a cut Fanny pack in the window. The selection of items was incredible and the husband and wife who own the shop were very helpful and friendly. Shopping here beats Amazon any day!

Andrew Squirrel

Went in asking is they carried some of the ultralight REI Flash 18 backpacks, showed a photo to help show what I was looking for. They said they didn’t have anything like that, nothing even comparable? I went digging through their bags and there was plenty that was similar then found the bag I was looking for! No help at all nor desire to help a customer in this process. Ended up going with another small bag, brought it home and realized the color was quite a bit different (the store lighting is very dim, hard to see) and I tried to return bag the next day. They said no full returns, or they charge 20% fee. In the age of online returns this is absurd, just save yourself a trip and buy online and find exactly what you need.

A Kim

Amazing selection of backpacks and bags. Surprising number of clothes from Patagonia on sale and lots of other gear for backpacking/camping. Great little gem and glad we happened upon it!

S K

They are honest and good business people.
I don't know how he sources these great brands at these reasonable prices! Backpackers secret place