Big Willi Mountaineering Company

"I dropped in this morning to check out this lovely store run by the friendliest guy. Amazing selection of all your hiking/mountaineering adventure needs, with great prices! I will definitely be back the next time I’m in Lone Pine."

"Big Willi Mountaineering is the place to go for your mountaineering needs! The owner, Blair, is an avid mountaineer, friendly, very knowledgeable, helpful, and well connected to the Eastern Sierra mountaineering community! He is a great source of information about current conditions, and an expert in mountaineering gear! During our time in the Kearsarge Lakes area, my daughter and I talked about our great experience at Big Willi, and made a plan to go back again when we came out. We had purchased some items from Big Willi that we did not need or use, as we did not reach the location and altitude we had planned, and Blair was happy to allow us to exchange them for some other items we knew we would use later. Blair offered us coffee in the morning - that is a first ever for me in a mountain shop! Bought a custom Big Willie sun hoodie with store logo and wore it driving home. Works great! This is the store and experience you have been hoping to find!"

"This is an excellent gear shop but it’s much more than that. They have some excellent house made gear (sun hoodies and hats) that have a well deserved cult following. They also have a full selection of gear. Blair, the owner, is an excellent source of beta on conditions in the sierras and always had great advice. I always try to stop by here on my way through Lone Pine."

"I met Blair last weekend. I needed some Intel on the local trails for a Langley attempt. He is very knowledgeable about the local area. I got a hat, a book, and some snacks. I ended up getting altitude sickness. I passed back through to let him know how it went. He hooked me up with some great advice and a very fitting free sticker. He is kind and generous. I highly recommend spending your money here. I will be back soon for another attempt better prepared. I will definitely be stopping in here!!"

"This review is incredibly overdue -- Big Willi's owner, Blair, helped us with logistics for a trip to Mt. Whitney basecamp last April. He took the time to answer all our questions and recommend supplies. He is the best!! He is incredibly knowledgable about mountaineering and the region, and is willing to go above and beyond for his customers. Big Willi Mountaineering is the only place we will go for any and all mountaineering needs in Lone Pine! As a bonus, since last April, my Big Willi hat has accompanied us on many more slogging adventures"