The locals here in Bishop like to say that we are a "small town with a big backyard".
True to that spirit, our staff of local adventurers works hard to be a "small store with a big reputation".
See below the latest news coverage and media highlights featuring Eastside Sports across numerous major publications and online platforms showcasing our achievements and industry impact!
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The Greatest Mountain Shop in America - 21 Nov 2017 "You don’t have to covet 80-meter climbing ropes or be a gramobsessed through-hiker to understand what makes Eastside Sports in Bishop, California, the greatest mountain shop in America. All you need to know is that the place, open since 1977 and known as Wilson’s (for the former owner), long ago transcended gear-store status to become one of the great community centers and devotional sites for alpine purists and dirtbags. Packed to the ceiling with more obscure and hyper-specialized toys than anyone could use in a lifetime, and staffed by weathered veterans who spend their days off trail-running barefoot and establishing new climbing routes, Wilson’s reassures road-weary adventurers that they have come home." |
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The Best Outdoor Gear Shops in the U.S. - 18 Apr 2019 "We’ve become known as a place where people can come in, ask questions [about the best places to hike, climb, etc.], and we will be really honest,” Iverson says. And when folks come through with broken or ill-fitted gear, Eastside Sports helps them get sorted. The store stocks many common replacement parts for tents, trekking poles, and apparel, and the staffers are experts in shoe fitting, a skill that’s in high demand with thru-hikers who come in with blisters." |
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Bishop Area Rock Climbs - 2007 "Need a guidebook?...Tape? Chalk? Check out Wilson's Eastside Sports on Main St., downtown Bishop for all your outdoorsy needs." |
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Top Shop - Wilsons Eastside Sports - 15 Jun 2012 "In the tiny town of Bishop, California, in sight of the Sierra Mountains, and just a 30 minute drive from the famed Buttermilk bouldering, you'll find the 6,000-square-foot Wilsons Eastside Sports, a core gear shop with over 20 years of history. Rick Wheeler founded Wilsons Eastside as a shoe repair shop in 1977. It has since evolved into a full mountain store, with James Wilson (whose words appear below) joining in 1979." "Is there a philosophy behind Wilsons Eastside Sports? Tell the truth. Be helpful. Be fair. Go outside: life is outside." |
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Sierra Nevada Geotourism - 2013 to 2025 "Wilson's Eastside Sports opened in 1978 as a boot resole shop. In line with the rural nature of Bishop, cowboy boots were repaired alongside climbing shoes, hiking boots and telemark ski boots. Through the years the store morphed into a full service mountaineering shop. Backpackers will find everything they need for their trip including repair parts and expert knowledge by staff who are outdoor enthusiasts themselves. Of course there is also a huge selection of clothing that you don't need to be an outdoor enthusiast to like, and you will always find something on sale. There is a broad selection of rental gear if you are traveling and prefer to not haul it with you. And then there are those fun and odd items that you just never know what you will find in here. This is the place to stop before heading into your next outdoor adventure or if you are just passing through town." |
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Podcast Episode #1022: "Eastside Sports, Bishop, California" - 27 Aug 2024 "Since 1977, Wilson’s Eastside Sports has been more than just a mountain sports store in Bishop, CA. This family-owned business is a hub for adventurers, offering not only top-quality gear but also deep local knowledge of the Owens Valley and its rugged beauty. Whether you're planning a hike, a climb, or just exploring, their expertise makes all the difference. 🌄" |
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How to Shop the 10 Best Outdoor and Camping Stores in the US - 29 Oct 2021 "When it comes to an extensive array of dependable goods for just about any rugged outdoor activity, Eastside Sports is nearly impossible to beat. This incredible retailer sells pretty much everything, including commonly-overlooked items such as Bear-proof food storage and cargo vests for dogs." |