TAO the Adventure Outfitters

The big problem now that they moved downtown is less floor space, means less product. They’ve always had more women apparel (which is fine), but the main issue is that their inventory is inconsistent.
What I mean by that is that you would see a lot of clothing products coming one time only or wait a very long time to see new stuff from the same manufacturer.
Now for gear, they do better. You can generally find the items you need for camping. They have an ok selection of tents & sleeping bags. Canoe & kayaks also are well stocked in certain brands.
They usually some good clearance sales a few times of year.

I have visited TAO several times, but have never bought anything significant. When they were in Bayer’s Lake they were just too far out of the way, but since they have moved close to MEC I have been trying to remember to consider them as an option. Unfortunately I just don’t find they carry a lot of the gear I want or need. They do seem like they might be a good option for a lot of people though.

Tao’s struck my peripherals today and I had to investigate. With the store’s sneaky side-​street entrance and minimal signage, this «Adventure Outfitters» shop was nothing I’d previously known about. Is it fairly new? I’m unsure, but its interiors revealed more than a few shreds of promise for trekkies and outdoor sport-​stars of all kinds.
The space is large, open with sky-​high ceilings and a full stocking of premium gear. The focal point would be the selection of kayaks and canoes– a scaling of sizes and models, Tao are kind of pros in this area of outside adventure. Also handy are the displays of state of the art camping equipment from tents to cooking gear. There are lots of handy supplies available for overnight expeditions, and things that I didn’t even know existed. Apparently, and thankfully, there are loads of ways to make your trips more eco-​friendly, comfortable and efficient. In my time away from these sorts of stores, I’m noticing a sure advancement in technologies here.
Apparel is pretty standard, with typical brands like North Face popping up. Jackets, boots, t-​shirts and regular everyday wear are all available, although I’d say this spot is more about the gear.
I’d most definitely head back to Tao if ever in need of adventure equipment. More of an indoor cat, I tend to dally close to home… but I suggest checking the quarters if you’re in the market.

Oh the delightful trekking gear you will find. How you will drape yourself in Gortex, dancing through stacks of active wear with tents scattered to and fro. Water bottles, carabiners, coats and camping gear — this shop packs a punch when it comes to living life on the edge.
I’ve made a few worthwhile purchases from this outdoor gear mecca over the years, most notably my lightweight Marmot rain jacket. Heavy downfalls and easy drizzle are no problem with this top of the line, breathable coat. It did cost me an arm and a leg ($ 160ish), but I’m of the mind that it’s a lifetime or at least an every decade investment.
The employees are helpful and knowledgeable outdoor adventure fanatics, so are keen to help you pick out the perfect products for your specific needs. Whether you’re hitting the water or climbing a mountain, TAO can get you geared up and ready for some serious action.

The Adventure Outfitters fulfils it’s name to a tee.
This store is packed with all your typical camping, backpacking, hiking, canoeing and kayaking essentials, all the equipment you could want or need to keep you moving in the great outdoors. Unlike smaller sporting goods stores that carry primarily clothing and footwear and few options for additional gear, TAO carries the widest selection I’ve seen of quality tents, small boats (canoes/​kayaks), snowshoes and skis.
The gear that TAO carries includes a range of travel supplies as well. Things like mosquito nets and biodegradable cleaning supplies for when you’re living off the land.
Like all expenses related to recreational activities, these prices can be pretty steep, but you’re paying for quality and the peace of mind that your products wont fail you, and you (probably) wont spring a leak while paddling in the middle of a lake.
Hot Hint: Check out TAO’s online calendar for outdoor related community events, or to post your own event for some free publicity.

Disclaimer: I am not sporty. At all. So for me to review an outdoors-​store is pretty special to begin with.
TAO (The Adventure Outfitters) is a store chock-​a-​block full of nifty gear — and I’m a big fan of nifty gear, particularly when it’s camping-​related. TAO has the latest and greatest in all sorts of outdoor gear, from tents to camp stoves and everything in between.
I first visited TAO when I wanted to buy some Crocs. They didn’t have any (at the time they were selling Croc-​offs, though) but I had a fun time wandering through the different departments.
I love camping and I particularly love drooling over camping gear, even though we haven’t gone in a few years. I can browse tents the way some women shop for shoes — at length, with deep affection and no regard for budget.
The staff at TAO are knowledgeable about the product they sell, which is a must when you’re peddling niche gear. You need the advice of someone who’s been there, done that.
I can’t wait to get back to TAO to see what they have in store for the new season. See you there!

TAO Adventure Outfitters is located in Bayer’s Lake Park. There motto is
«We provide the gear. Nature provides the rest» They are locally owned and operated.
If you are into the outdoors, this is the place for you. It is there speciality and they support local companies. They carry Red Lake Canoes, Grohmann Knives, Just Us, and N’Vogue.
They carry some high end clothing such as, North Face and Marmot as well.
The staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. They actually asked if I needed help. Since I was in looking for a jacket, I was ok.
This is a great store to shop and support.