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Adventure 16, a San Diego-based backpacking and rock climbing outfitter with a long history of manufacturing and retail, seems to have hit hard times, with the closing of its Oceanside store, and upcoming closure of its West Los Angeles location. I had recently planned to apply for a summer job at the Oceanside store, but I just found out it is closed. There are three REI locations in San Diego County, including one in Encinitas/Leucadia, not far from the Adventure 16 Solana Beach and Oceanside locations. Perhaps having two North County stores was a bit over-ambitious on the part of Adventure 16. I am not sure how long the Oceanside store had been in place.

I remember Adventure 16 in the 70's, (also known as A-16), its main location out by Alvarado Canyon in a little old red house with white trim. That is long gone, of course. Also long gone are the many kinds of gear the company used to manufacture. They had very innovative (for the times) designs in backpacks, sleeping bags, tents and other gear. More recently I believe the brand name is only found on some rock climbing gear, such as chalk bags. I'm not sure these are still available. I regularly used tent, sleeping bag and trademark "Hiphugger" backpack. I still own the backpack, and used it as recently as 5 years ago. Very comfortable for hauling big loads.

The remaining locations in San Diego, Solana Beach and Tarzana (LA County) are still providing good service, selling top brands, and offering many other services as well. Check it out. These locally owned places deserve credit for hanging on in today's world of cutthroat competition. http://adventure16.com/category.asp?itemid=441

azbackpackr wrote:The remaining locations in San Diego, Solana Beach and Tarzana (LA County) are still providing good service, selling top brands, and offering many other services as well.

Good Memories.. I moved from Fort Collins, CO, to Escondido, CA, in 1991 and soon purchased my first Marmot Sleeping Bag and Backpack Tent from the A-16 San Diego Store in early 1992. I used this same sleeping bag for all five nights this past week on my Sierra Ancha vehicle camping/hiking trip

I purchased boots and I think my first backpack, a big ole Dana Design, from there. I can't remember the store location ; it was quaint and excellent customer service.

It has to be tough selling quality (and therefore expensive) gear for serious wilderness use when your competition (like REI) is mainly catering to casual users who seem to care mostly about looking cool.

toddak wrote:It has to be tough selling quality (and therefore expensive) gear for serious wilderness use when your competition (like REI) is mainly catering to casual users who seem to care mostly about looking cool.

Well-said!