Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

I was gonna write about the service at SC Down Works, here in California, but the topic says gear not "Companies" when it came up. So ... I'll talk about the Company and the balaclava they make.

The Down Works is great and you can call there, when they are open which is not every day -- they are a one man operation it seems. But, that one man turned me onto more stuff and ideas. So his service is top notch and if you have a question call him:

Down Works
222 River St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060-2721
831-423-9078

The balaclava is wonderful, one size fits all. Weighs nothing, my scale won't weigh it.

Durable shell, doesn't wear at all IMO. Skips all bells and whistles and is what it is. I use it for sleeping gear, although I carry it in the outside pocket of my pack in case of unexpected snow/wind. Compresses to a size like a deck of cards or less and immediately is usable.

I use it over my other balaclava and MH beanie. It is effective enough that it gets too hot.

The Down Works and its balaclava get a 5 not only because it is a great piece of gear, but because a small cottage industry guy who was involved with the Osprey Pack group when it got started has the guts and ability to make an item of this quality and to service the people interested in going UL with a heart and a passion.

Edited by bdavis on 12/07/2006 16:43:50 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

I bought my Granite Gear Vapor Latitude here. They were great about ordering one so I could compare it to the Vapor Trail.

They know lightweight stuff and are great folks. Drop in if you're in Santa Cruz.

Rating: 5 / 5

I live in Scotts Valley which is 5 minutes from The Down Works. I have purchased alot of gear from them. I find them knowledgable, curtious, and priced right. Their products in their store is geared towards stuff us ultralighters would like. Plenty of Montbell, Go Lite, Western Mountaineering, etc. Great store.

Great pick guys. This place is a hidden gem!!

Rating: 5 / 5

Down works carries pretty much everything I need, and has great customer service. They're super friendly and very helpful, I don't think i could be happier!

They carry WM, montbell, mountain hardwear, golite, AGG, ursack, platys, etc. All the stuff that REI doesn't carry. (pretty much my only walk-in alternative)

On more than one occasion I've walked out with free stuff. :-D what could be better than free STUFF?!

Rating: 5 / 5

Nick and Shelley are great. The are extremely careful in the products they select and have the best collection of ultralight gear I have seen in brick and mortar store. They are knowledge about material and design. They sometimes have access to pre-release prototypes and I believe know and and are trusted by a number of manufacturers. They do a great job on repairs and make and sell (you guessed it... down filled products). Great selection, great advise, and great customer service. What more could you ask for?

Edited by verber on 06/29/2009 19:56:25 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

I live in Canada, and when I visit in the Bay Area, I make one of my first orders of business to visit Nick at the Down Works. I've bought 4 sleeping bags from him (1 custom made and one WM summerlite that I had him add 4 oz. of down to). Their sewing on that bag was almost undetectable. They can do anything with down and have always followed up with good service. They're kind of out of the way, but they deserve a spot up there with MLD, Gossamer Gear, and Tarptent, in terms of being UL friendly.

Rating: 5 / 5

These guys are great. Never pushy or impatient if you are just in to look.Nick and Shelly always go out of their way to make sure that you get a great experience in their store. And talk about selection, they have all the stuff that you usually have to guess about when you are shopping on the internet.It is so nice to hold an item before you have to waste shipping money returning it.They even have all the weights listed on display next to the item.Their sleeping bags are super nice also,probably as nice as Western or feathered friends.

Rating: 5 / 5

It is always great to have a good local option and for backpacking gear, Down Works is just that. Imagine trying to find a down vest in late July for a trip only days away. No problem, they got them in all shapes, sizes and colors. Ripped tent? Also no problem. Fixed and ready to go in plenty of time for my next trip. Its really just a fun place to shop and talk backpacking so what else do you need? Now all they need to do is sell beer...

Edited by cbruffey on 02/04/2011 15:42:29 MST.