Skip the big-box, “membership” “co-op” outdoor discounters and go to The Bivouac. Great staff, strong inventory, authentic product knowledge. This isn’t a national chain store trying to do everything at once and dragging the outdoor industry down with repetitive “SALE!” promotions and persistent nagging to join a social-movement cult. The Bivouac is just good, old-fashioned outdoor retail done right. Big selection of the best brands, great closeout area in the basement, but mostly just a strong staff, solid merchandising and good assortment stocked deep enough so they usually have what you need. The downsides: parking is bad (it’s Ann Arbor), don’t even think about it on game day, and the space is smallish so it’s packed a bit tight and you’ll be climbing some stairs. But I say, worth the effort and a better retail experience than the big outdoor membership, virtue-signaling, cult-like co-op chain stores in the strip malls. Just solid outdoor specialty retail done right.

Hey Bivouac. Wanted to share I’m still rocking my fleece Patagonia pants I got from you in 1993. 30 years. Quality. A few burn holes from the campfire. Still going strong!!

Very helpful staff. Good pricing. Extensive selection of quality brand merchandise

Best place in the area for high quality outdoor gear. Soup to nuts. And the Bargain Basement… wow!

This is the number one place in the area for high end outdoor softgoods. The boot room is second to none. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Be sure to check out the bargain basement for incredible deals.

Good customer service. They don’t always have my size pant (34X34), however.

A lot of run of the mill overpriced outdoor wear (e.g.Patagonia). The staff was modestly friendly, but annoying as they will follow you up and down the stairs afraid you are going to steal something.

Great service, line up of products and sometimes great discounts!