Heading into the forest to hike or camp? Having the right footwear, backpack, and rain gear gives you the ability to move through the woods in comfort and smile at the unexpected, bringing you the desired joyous chillaxation instead of frustration and soreness. The only thing more valuable than the right gear is local knowledge—a conversation with somebody who loves to share what they know about the territory and make a few recommendations. Both of these essentials and more—served up with energy and expertise—can be found at Pitch Pine Outfitters in Gardiner. Bronwen Concors and her husband Brett grew up enjoying the Hudson Valley outdoors and understand the fine art of proper preparation. “I see a lot of people out on the trail in sneakers with nothing but a phone,” Bronwen says. “I always feel overprepared, and then I get thirsty and realize I’m actually being sensible and my feet don’t hurt.”
At Pitch Pine Outfitters you’ll find a selection of state-of-the-art domestic and imported items from names like Patagonia, Osprey, Smartwool, KÜHL, Danner, Outdoor Research, and more. They’ve got footwear, backpacks, trekking poles (there’s a reason Gandalf had that staff), first aid kits, snacks, and outdoor wear that will stay comfy and look great for more than just one season. They’ve got camp furniture and binoculars, snowshoes, and headlamps far too many nifty musthaves to list.
Bronwen grew up in Montgomery, and Brett lived about 15 minutes away in Pine Bush. Both grew up in outdoorsy families and spent much of their free time exploring the Gunks. Besides the outdoors, the two shared a talent for retail. Brett is the fourth generation of his family to run the iconic Thruway Sporting Goods in Walden, an operation with seventy years of history that retains its small-town feel while handling 25,000 square feet full of serious gear. One of Bronwen’s first jobs had been working in a Montgomery gift shop, and she’d fallen in love with the feeling of helping a shopper choose just the right thing.
The couple knew that they wanted to open an outfitting business and had been scouting locations when Bronwen found out that the property—situated at the foot of the mountain in Gardiner and convenient to Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve was available. One of the owners was someone she’d met at CrossFit sessions, so she reached out, and soon the dream was becoming a reality.
“It just kind of happened,” she says. “We bought the property and then put together an assortment of goods that we thought people would like to see and find convenient to purchase in that location, and it's evolving a little bit.
“Whether we're actually selling something or just giving advice, we're just so happy to be there.” – Co-owner, Bronwen Concors
We started out really outdoor focused, and we still are—we have all the things that one could need— but I'm mixing it up, too. I've got a really great card collection, kid’s toys, jewelry, candles—just things I find wonderful. I want people to be able to stop and grab something that they need, a gift or whatever.”
Pitch Pine Outfitters, named for the iconic tree species that thrives atop the ridge, where few other trees feel at home, opened in May of 2024, and the response from locals and visitors alike has been warm. “We're getting really great feedback,” Bronwen says. “The community has just been super supportive, and people are still coming in for the first time going, ‘Oh, I didn't know you were here.’ Then it’s ‘wow, I can't believe you have all this stuff!’”
They’ve got footwear, backpacks, trekking poles (there’s a reason Gandalf had that staff ), first aid kits, snacks, and outdoor wear that will stay comfy and look great for more than just one season.
Customer feedback and suggestions have helped guide the store’s evolution and are always welcome. This year, Bronwen wants to start a newsletter that will keep regulars up to date on sales and events; last summer, Pitch Pine hosted a fly-fishing party and a brewery pop-up. They’ve got a 2-acre spread with picnic tables and a firepit, and are looking forward to a summer full of fun.
“The community has just been super supportive, and people are still coming in for the first time going, ‘Oh, I didn't know you were here.’ Then it’s ‘wow, I can't believe you have all this stuff !” – Co-owner, Bronwen Concors
So before you dive into the magical realm that is the Gunks, plan a stop at Pitch Pine. They’ve got all the good stuff you need; they know all the best places to go, and they’d love to be part of your adventure.
Pitch pine outfitters
2809 U.S. 44-55, Gardiner
845-633-8483
pitchpineoutfitters.com
