The Pathfinder is an independent specialty outdoor equipment store in Manhattan, Kansas. We opened in 1975 and specialize in gear and clothing for bicycling, backpacking, paddling, climbing, traveling, and other outdoor activities. The Pathfinder has become part of the Alpine Shop family.
Alpine Shop, with several locations in Missouri, offers the same high quality clothing and gear and personal customer service that you've always enjoyed at The Pathfinder, and now they bring a new vision and perspective to our business.We have new brands and new product -- come in and see them! Camping can mean many things to many different campers - from camping along the river on a fishing trip to Colorado to camping at Tuttle over the weekend.
Alpine Shop, with several locations in Missouri, offers the same high quality clothing and gear and personal customer service that you've always enjoyed at The Pathfinder, and now they bring a new vision and perspective to our business.We have new brands and new product -- come in and see them! Camping can mean many things to many different campers - from camping along the river on a fishing trip to Colorado to camping at Tuttle over the weekend.
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The Pathfinder is a family owned and operated outdoor equipment store in Manhattan, Kansas. We opened in 1975 and specialize in gear and clothing for bicycling, backpacking, paddling, climbing, traveling, fly fishing and other outdoor activities. The Pathfinder is located in Downtown Manhattan, Kansas.
Our staff works hard to provide you the knowledge and expertise you expect in a specialty store. From personal experiences (backpacking the Appalachian Trail, skiing the mountains of Colorado, cycling area century rides, competing on bike teams, camping in the Rocky Mountains, and more) to professional training and regular clinics, we want to provide you with skilled staff members to assist you in your purchasing.
One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors is by heading off down a trail. Whether you're just hiking a trail for a day, taking a 3-day backcountry trip in the Rocky Mountains, or making lifelong memories on the Appalachian Trail, we are here to help you. We carry gear and clothing to make your trip comfortable and safe, and our staff has experience using the products so we can give you advice on what you need and how to use it.
Head up to our third floor to see which canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards we have in stock. North-central Kansas offers many great opportunities for paddling, and we carry several styles of kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes ideal for recreational paddling on small county lakes or down public river sections.
Local climbers enjoy the new climbing wall at the KSU Recreation Complex, as well as trips to Colorado and Missouri for climbing adventures. We have increased the variety of climbing gear we carry in recent years, in order to assist climbers with their varied needs.
Our most popular climbing items are chalk bags and chalk balls, perfect for the climbing wall, and we also offer a wide variety of carabiners and several styles of harnesses, as well as basic climbing shoes and a few ropes.Don't see what you need? Ask us - we may be able to order it for you.
Our most popular climbing items are chalk bags and chalk balls, perfect for the climbing wall, and we also offer a wide variety of carabiners and several styles of harnesses, as well as basic climbing shoes and a few ropes.Don't see what you need? Ask us - we may be able to order it for you.
Reviews (10)
Douglas L.
Jan 06, 2021
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Great store for all your outdoor needs. Today, I purchased a pair of biking shoes from them and they tore the place apart trying to find a size that fit me. Finally they found a good fit, and even cut me one heck of a deal on them because they were an old model, and lightly used. Don't waste your time at the big retail stores. Support local and get some actual customer service while you're at it.
Katie A.
Sep 09, 2020
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Great store with a friendly atmosphere! They have fair pricing, unlike some outdoor supply stores, and a wide selection of gear! The staff is knowledgeable in their supplies and super nice! Another small note is that they aren't quick to talk down to customers. I feel like I often go into small outdoor supply shops and feel like I'm being judged for not looking like a typical outdoorsy person but not here! They're welcoming to the inexperienced and experienced alike! The staff also seems to test a lot of the stuff they recommend and rep the brands they, themselves, trust. Be sure
Jordann S.
Aug 14, 2018
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New to the biking world so I was a bit nervous to go to Pathfinder and buy a bike but my boyfriend told me they were great so I decided to try it out! I'm glad I did!
The staff was so helpful and not only did they make me feel like my questions were important but they encouraged them so I could learn more.
I ended up with an amazing bike that I love to ride!
They have everything outdoorsy you may need!
A little pricey but worth it.
The staff was so helpful and not only did they make me feel like my questions were important but they encouraged them so I could learn more.
I ended up with an amazing bike that I love to ride!
They have everything outdoorsy you may need!
A little pricey but worth it.
Rebecca S.
May 22, 2017
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Shelley G.
Apr 14, 2016
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Terrible customer service is what I experienced at this business! There were 3 sales associates at the counter talking, and after searching for a specific item for 10 minutes, I finally approached them and asked if I could get some help. To top it off, I was the only customer in the store.I try to shop local, but next time I need to make a bike purchase, I will drive out of town!
Derek B.
Apr 03, 2016
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I used to live near The Pathfinder and returned to buy my new bike. I drove ~100 miles to do so. While two bike stores are within thirty minutes of my new home, I prefer The Pathfinder. I take *forever* to make a purchase and I ask a ba-zillion questions (by phone, e-mail, and in-person). At every point the staff (without exception) answered my questions and made recommendations that met with my specs and budget. "There are no stupid questions" is often said but the staff at The Pathfinder mean it. As the weather gets warmer, outdoor stores become busy places. The staff at The Pathfinder
Lisa R.
Sep 25, 2015
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The Pathfinder is like a local REI. Since I used to live on top of a REI store, I got used to having the comforts of great socks and bike parts at my disposal. The Pathfinder is a comforting find, as it is a multi-level store with everything active and outdoors-related. There is an entire bike section, plus tents and camping gear, kayaks, winter coats, active wear, hiking gear, long underwear, hats, camelbaks, and anything else you can imagine. The staff is friendly and helpful. The location is great, downtown between great shops and restaurants, a few paces from the mall. The Pathfinder
Hugh M.
Jul 21, 2014
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The Pathfinder is a great place to get camping gear from a local trusted shop. You just can't find awesome local shops like this anymore. If you haven't been there yet, check it out! I've got family in the area and when we visit we like to hit the trails, these guys have the info and gear we need before we get off the beaten path.
Had a big crash on my Marin and they were able to fix it up with no trouble at all for a reasonable price, I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area again.
Had a big crash on my Marin and they were able to fix it up with no trouble at all for a reasonable price, I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area again.
Wesley F.
Jan 09, 2006
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Trevor D.
May 20, 2005
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