Our Beginnings
In
the Spring of 1978 Jay Knick, along with 3 partners, opened a small, outdoor gear and clothing "seconds" outlet in Santa Rosa
California, center of the wine country in Northern California.
It was back in the days when almost everything for the outdoors
was made in the U.S.A. and outdoor gear was not so easy to find. At the time, most of our inventory was purchased while
making trips to Berkeley, Portland and Boulder, where many of
the products were made, and manufacturers were located . Inventory was
found by rummaging through the seconds and closeout bins in
the back rooms of warehouses.
Today, Sonoma Outfitters has grown to include a significant Internet presence. While the partners moved on long ago, Jay has stayed, doing what he loves, running Sonoma Outfitters. Times have certainly changed in the outdoor business!
Sonoma Outfitters has grown from 600 square feet to a 17,000 square foot store specializing in high quality outdoor equipment and clothing. Our purpose for this web site is to make available famous brands and expert advice for the hiker, traveler, skier, paddler, climber, or armchair mountaineer. We feature upcoming outdoor events and things to do in the Wine Country and the North Coast .
We are located 50 miles north
of San Francisco, and we invite you to visit our store
if you are ever in the area. Just take the Downtown Exit off
Hwy 101 and make a left, we are right there on the corner of Third & Davis Streets at 145 Third Street,
Santa Rosa, California 95401
