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March 2024 by Samuel G.
Rude, uncomfortable experience shopping here. Do not recommend overpriced. Minimal selection.
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August 2023 by 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!
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June 2023 by Son Won Kim
They are honest and good business people.I don't know how he sources these great brands at these reasonable prices! Backpackers secret place
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June 2023 by ADAM KIME
Every time I embark on a new adventure, I always make sure I stop in at youngs before I go...Great merch !!!
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June 2023 by 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!
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March 2023 by Jackie Truong
The nicest people, great service, good prices and gear selection! Support this small gear store over other big chains if you can ❤️
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December 2022 by 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!
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December 2022 by 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.
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October 2022 by Lancelot L.
Very nice experience. Low price with warm customer service. A bit sad that they won't offer refund, but I can't complain since the price is 20% cheaper than the online store. Definitely check out again in the future.
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October 2022 by 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.
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July 2022 by Thomas M
Excellent service. Great place
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January 2022 by Michael A.
I was walking through the streets of Berkeley in need of a new backpack. Stumbled upon this little store and was greeted by two friendly elderly owners with the sweetest attitude! I ended up getting a Patagonia bag, a very nice Swiss knife and a bright LED light for my future adventures for a great price. They have probably the best selection of backpacks and duffle bags I've seen. The walls are full of backpacks of different sizes, colors, brands, straps etc. An amazing backpack store with a great selection of hiking/survival gear. Anytime I'm in the area and need gear I stop by here because of the friendliness of the owners and most importantly their very great prices. Thank you once again young's backpacking!
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July 2021 by Tiffany C.
Young's is such a gem! The unassuming storefront caught my eye as a pedestrian, and the inside was packed wall to wall with quality goods new and "old" (secondhand). Prices all looked reasonable. The owners were super sweet, greeting me and checking in as I browsed everything from retro, old school outdoor gear to travel bottles in the tiniest size possible. I hope to continuing this mom and pop shop - there's not a lot of places like this anymore!
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February 2021 by 2E Ken
It’s rare to see mom and pop sporting good’s still exist. I’ve tried to support the local business 1st b4 going to others. They always have most of the camping gears that I needed.
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December 2020 by Aiden Takeo Aizumi
I was traveling in the Bay Area for work and stumbled upon Young’s Backpacking while out walking around Berkeley. I wish I lived in the area to go back. I wasn’t even in the market for a bag but left with 2.
