Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order from you over the phone?

Yes! The retail store accepts phone orders during business hours and can ship anywhere in the United States. Call us at (206) 971-1496.

Will you ship something to me in Canada or outside of the U.S.?

Unfortunately, we are not able to ship to Canada or outside of the United States. If you are looking for a retailer near you who may carry a specific product, please contact Customer Service: (888) 467-4327.

I have something to exchange; can I do it there?

We will gladly exchange any items purchased at the OR Retail Store.  If the item was purchased elsewhere, please contact the place it was bought for an exchange.

Do you rent climbing equipment?

Yes! The OR Retail Store rents snowshoes, trekking poles, crampons, ice axes, helmets, glacier glasses, stoves, headlamps, shovels, probes, and beacons, at reasonable rates. If you would like to rent crampons please bring the pair of boots you will be using with the crampons. Our rental policy requires that you have them with you at the time of rental: no boots, no crampons. 

I’m taking a group out snowshoeing; can we rent through you?

Yes!  With an advance reservation you can take out our entire fleet of adult and children’s snowshoes.  We have seventeen adult pairs and three children’s pairs.

Does the OR Retail Store participate in community events?

Yes! We always try to attend or facilitate events which pertain to our core sports and the outdoors.  We hold evening talks, clinics, slideshows, and film screenings in our next-door showroom. Please contact storeevents@outdoorresearch.com  if you are interested in working with us to put on an event.

I found an Outdoor Research product on your website or the website of another vendor. Will you carry it in the store?

We do our best to carry the entire line of the current season of Outdoor Research headwear, headwear, gaiters, and men’s and women’s apparel, storage and shelter barring issues of availability.

Do you carry children’s coats or jackets?

No, Outdoor Research does not produce a children’s apparel line. We do carry kids’ mittens and gloves, headwear, and non-OR accessories that pertain to the current season (helmets and goggles in winter, packs and trekking poles year round, etc.)

Do you repair Outdoor Research products?

Absolutely. Our infinite guarantee is honored for all OR product that was purchased in the Retail Store. When you bring your freshly laundered Outdoor Research product in, we will send it up to repairs to be fixed.  Repairs can take from 2-4 weeks to be completed.  Please be aware that we cannot repair zippers at this facility.  In the case that your item cannot be repaired, a replacement will be offered under our Infinite Guarantee.  Unable to come into the store?  Our Customer Service department will help you over the phone:  (888) 467-4327. 

Will you help me size my gaiters?

Yes! We love helping you figure out what gaiter size and type you need. Just bring your boots with you into the store, and we will help you choose the best pair!

I have a specific question about a piece of gear. Can you help me?

Absolutely. We will do our best to answer your questions about gear that we carry, or else direct you to the resource that can most appropriately address your question or concern. We love chatting about gear, and our knowledgeable staff is here to help you make the best informed decision we can. If you’d like to set up an appointment with a staff member, please contact them via the email link provided with our staff profiles (see the “what we can offer you” page).

What are your hours? What days of the week are you open?

We are open 7 days per week, and on Monday through Friday from 10 am to 7pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6pm, and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. We are closed on January 1, New Year’s Day, July 4, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and December 25th, Christmas Day.

What brands do you carry?

We carry Outdoor Research’s full current line, subject to availability, as well as seasonal items from other retailers. We carefully select all soft and hardgoods that we carry here in the store, and though our space is limited, we are able to carry some really great selections from retailers including Backcountry Access, Big Agnes, Black Diamond, Bridgedale Socks, Chaco, Croakies, Deuter, ENO Hammocks, Exped, Garmont, Gregory, Green Trails Maps, Grivel, Ibex, Jetboil, Julbo, Kuhl, Life Link, Mammut, Mary Janes Farms, Montbell, MSR, Mountaineers Books, Moving Comfort, Nalgene, National Geographic Maps, Nixwax, Nuun, Osprey, Petzl, Platypus, Patagonia Footwear, Prana, Ruffwear, Smartwool, Smith, Snowpeak, Sol Sunguard, Suncloud, Therm-a-Rest, Teko, and Vessel.

I am just starting out with mountaineering, backcountry skiing, paddling, or another of Outdoor Reseach’s core sports. You carry most of the products I’ll need, but where will I go for everything else?

Thanks for thinking of the Outdoor Research Retail Store as the ideal starting point for your new outdoor pursuit. Our knowledgeable staff can help point you in the right direction by recommending a local retailer who will carry what you need if we don’t, as well as direct you to a local guide service, book, or other resource to help you get started with the learning process. We love talking about the best way to build your layering system, trad rack, or ideal backcountry ski setup. We’d love to help you figure out what you need and where you can get it. Don’t hesitate to stop by and pepper us with questions—that’s what we’re here for!

Meet Our Staff

Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you. We pride ourselves on legendary customer service, and part of that promise is one of accessibility. Feel free to make an appointment with any of our sales associates listed below, via the provided email link.

 Ellie Wheat

Paddling, White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking

 Ellie Wheat hails originally from Fort Collins, Colorado where she spent many summers as a raft guide, instructor and safety kayaker.  Her passion and knowledge of anything to do with a kayak is extensive!  When she is actually on dry land she can be found snapping photos (another hobbie) or hula-hooping at a BBQ.   .  Email Ellie!

 Jeremy Park

Alpine and Mixed Climbing, Mountaineering, Skiing, Store Events

 Jeremy Park is our most veteran store employee and dabbles in everything. Mr. Park has climbed the majority of Washington's Volcanoes.  He also teaches classes at Stonegardens Climbing Gym and volunteers with the Northwest Weather & Avalanche Center. He also is the go to guy for questions or ideas for store event. Email Jeremy!

 Jessie Rowe

Sidecountry and Backcountry Skiing, Mountaineering

 Jessie Rowe grew up in the South but came to Washington for its ocean and mountains. If she’s not in the store you might find her teaching private skiing lessons of all levels at nearby Crystal Mountain Resort.  She also practices yoga, and volunteers with the Northwest Weather & Avalanche Center and National Backcountry Ski Patrol.  Email Jessie!

 Lauren O'Connell-Fujii

Trekking, Thru-Hiking, Sport Climbing

 Lauren O'Conell-Fuji is our assistant store manager. Lauren hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. As you might guess, she's especially skilled at recommending gear for Thru-Hiking and multi-day, multi-week, and multi-month treks. Lauren also sport climbs in her spare time. Email Lauren!

 Micah Faville

Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Hiking

 Micah Faville is the stores only Washington native.  Micah is at home when he is in the woods or out in alpine air.  His passing is for climbing and he has been to most areas between here and Smith Rock.  When he isn’t in the store he can be found working at the Seattle Bouldering Project or out on a local volcano or rock wall.  Email Micah!

 Pat Maher

Hiking, Camping, Skiing

 Pat Maher comes to us from the great Midwest.  Pat has a great enthusiasm for any activity that happens in the outdoors and when he’s not here he can be found backpacking or camping somewhere in Washington.  His knowledge about stoves and general camping gear is extensive.  Email Pat!

  Sarah Amrhein

Backpacking, Thru-Hiking, Alpinism, Skiing

 Sarah Amrhein joined the OR store after working in the Peace Corps and hiking the Appalachian Trail. She can recommend gear for lightweight backpacking and distance trekking. She loves the openness and sense of family that comes from working at OR and is our fearless leader as our store manager.  Email Sarah!

 Steffan Gregory

Rock Climbing, Splitboard Mountaineering

 Steffan joins the OR staff after a stint as a climbing guide at Mt. St. Helens National Monument. He loves to snowboard and split-board, and is passionate about rock climbing and all things mountainous and snowy. If he isn’t in the shop you might find him guiding on local volcanoes with KAF Adventures. Email Steffan!