There’s a new outdoor equipment and apparel retailer carving out its own niche in Gardiner, and it packs a lot of charm and utility into its compact space. Named for the rare ecosystem that inspired the Nature Conservancy to anoint the Gunks one of “Earth’s Last Great Places,” Pitch Pine Outfitters had its Grand Opening on Saturday, May 18 in the building that formerly housed Base Camp. It’s located at 2809 Route 44/55, at the northwest corner of the intersection with Bruynswick Road, known locally as Benton Corners.
New owners Brett and Bronwen Concors like to describe Pitch Pine Outfitters as an “outdoor convenience store.” They’re not aiming to compete with more specialized local businesses such as Rock and Snow in New Paltz, when it comes to supplying specialized, high-tech gear for rock climbing or cross-country skiing. They don’t carry tents, sleeping bags or heavy-duty backpacks for long treks into uncharted wilderness. What they do have is every cool gadget under the sun that you didn’t realize you needed for a day of rambling on the local trails, plus clothing and footwear that will make that day more comfortable and enjoyable.
The most striking immediate impression of this shop, upon first perusal, is the great variety of merchandise on display in a space that Brett estimates as taking up less than 1,500 square feet, without seeming cluttered. “This is Brett’s magic: of packing things in,” says Bronwen as she shows us around. The main room is divided into themed aisles – almost mini-departments – devoted to such items as bicycling gear (including helmets), camping essentials, hiking stuff (including poles and gaiters), yogawear and mats, first aid, backpackable backyard games, camp furniture (including what Bronwen says is “the only foldable rocking chair on the market”), hammocks, daypacks and fanny packs, water bottles, Thermoses and food containers, hats and bandanas and sunglasses.
At one end of the room, past several racks of outerwear, there’s an entire section devoted to children’s clothing, including ponchos and rainsuits by Duck’s Day that will let your kid romp around outdoors in all weathers. As parents of an active young boy, Brett and Bronwen are committed to making it easy for outdoor recreation to be something that families do together. They also provide enticing displays of fabulous plastic animal and dinosaur figurines and Folkmanis animal puppets, which should command your kids’ attention while you shop.
There’s a whole wall of trail snacks, including jerky made from elk, buffalo, venison and wild boar, and another large rack of pet gear. The checkout counter is surrounded by displays of smaller items that would make great stocking stuffers, and an eclectic selection of souvenirs, including weatherproof trail signs for Lake Minnewaska, Awosting Falls, Gertrude’s Nose and Sam’s Point. There’s an entire case of high-quality knives and a rack of orienteering gear, trail maps, flashlights and headlamps. (Note to self: Need those lightweight waterproof binoculars for kayaking.) Gift ideas include an array of fetching nature-themed handmade metal and resin jewelry by Go Lightly.
Beyond a hallway with a changing room, there’s another sizable room dedicated to adult clothing and footwear, with an emphasis on light hiking and trail running shoes. They offer a large selection of Smartwool socks, not to mention shirts, pants, shorts and hats by such reputable manufacturers as Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Prana, Marmot and Kühl. “It’s important to me to put up a lot of inventory,” says Brett. “We tried to keep it to brands that we know that are quality.”
The proprietor comes by this knowledge honestly, as he’s the fourth generation to own and run the large retail operation known as Thruway Sporting Goods in Walden. Historically, that store’s clientele has largely consisted of folks into hunting, fishing and camping, although it has broadened its outreach in recent years since Brett’s father retired and he took over. Pitch Pine Outfitters is focusing more on day-hikers who are drawn to the Gunks, whether as residents or vacationers.
“This is my passion project, to be doing something smaller and community-focused,” he says. “I was born and raised here on the Ridge.” Brett grew up in Pine Bush and Bronwen in Montgomery; they’re now raising their family in the Town of Shawangunk. Adds Bronwen, “We’re looking forward to being part of the community.”
You can visit Pitch Pine Outfitters yourself from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Be prepared to find something cool you never knew you couldn’t live without, like a crushable sun hat or a wooden puzzle in the shape of a Sasquatch. And one can never have enough pairs of Smartwool socks. To learn more, visit www.pitchpineoutfitters.com, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558225152319 or www.instagram.com/pitchpineoutfitters.
Join the family! 
