Down Works, Santa Cruz, California

On  a recent visit to Santa Cruz, California, I dropped in to see Nick Gravem at the Down Works. The  speciality hiking and outdoor equipment store was founded by Nick and his wife Shelley in 1974. In it's fortieth year now, they have been providing personalised service to trekking and mountain enthusiasts like myself.

Down Works carries most of the top of the line brands like Osprey, Western Mountaineering, Arc Teryx, Scarpa, Smartwool, Black Diamond, Mountain Hardwear, North Face, to name a few. Most of the equipment is hand picked by Nick based on his personal experience and quality.  In addition, there is the range of customised  down sleeping bags, quilts, pillows and balaclavas made by  Down Works themselves!

Nick Gravem with a full range of Osprey backpacks at his store 

It is always a pleasure to interact with Nick and get his views and experience on the gear which he recommends.

In this era of Internet shopping and large departmental stores selling everything from salt to software, a visit to Down Works is like a breath of fresh air!

To contact Nick and Shelley do visit their web site www.downworks.com and if you happen to be in Santa Cruz a visit to the store is definitely recommended!