Wow, Nick was so informative! I find myself often reminiscing they Santa Cruz used to be and this wonderful place is it. Nick took the time to show me 4 different example packs that would fit my needs. Grateful.

This place is amazing! The owner knows what he is talking about and has almost everything REI has. I got an osprey pack that was fitted by the owner, and osprey started in that building! So cool! Highly recomend for every stage of backpacking/camping

Purchased some lovely, locally made, down boudoir pillows with custom-made covers. Excellent quality! Great service.

The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I love this store!

If you like the outdoors, this place carries great gear. Carefully curated for function I highly recommend a visit. Covid safe too...

Always worth the visit

One of my favorite places in Santa Cruz. Down Works is small, located in a humble structure that houses the supreme intelligence regarding outdoor equipment in the county. Advice is sharp, individualization a constant, and selection tuned for people who are actually going to use these things. Prices are fair, but more to the point, I have never spent money at Down Works on something that wasnt really well made, fit perfectly, and lasted for a really long time. The custom made down garments and bags are my favorite backcountry companions. Nick and Shelley walk the walk.

Nick, the owner of Down Works, is extremely knowledgeable about equipment and only carries great gear. Its a very special place and Im glad we have them in Santa Cruz.

Good quality sleeping bags and really friendly staff. They even hand drew us a map of Yosemite so we could find some of their recommendations more easily!

Hands down the best place for camping and travel clothes, gear and everything in between. Im 67 so they custom made sleeping bags for me which is the first time ever I actually fit in a sleeping bag correctly. Theyre super helpful always and carry quality stuff.

This place is fantastic. They have a good supply of ULA packs and Montbell gear that you wont find in many other places. Its also a mom & pop shop and the owners are awesome.

Fantastic shop with an amazing amount of gear in stock. Super knowledgeable folks. Its the best place to buy serious (or not so serious) outdoor/backpacking/hiking/camping stuff.

This a great local shop for backpackers and outdoor people. It is small but full of treasures in every corner. Down Works also sell high quality down comforters and pillows. I bought a down comforter from them over 10 years ago and the stiches are holding strong!

Amazing selection. Owners very quiet at first but, once he starts sharing his wealth of knowledge on trails, supplies and equipment you should definitely listen. Friendly to dogs in Santa Cruz is always a big plus. Definitely dont feel the need to drive over the hill to REI ever again.

Bought a cool down jacket for camping, love that they have styles for women.

Great gem; found them online and the owner is super knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Allowed me to try out multiple backpacks, walk around the parking lot and gave me friendly advise and tips.

Probably the best mom & pop outdoor shop left in America. They set the bar high with their inventory and support quality products. A rare thing these days.

Nice, small, simple. They have a fantastic selection of high end camping and outdoors gear. Very nice folks, and quite knowledgeable to boot.

Nick and his lovely wife have a carefully curated selection of all the backpacking gear you could want. Terrific advice, detailed knowledge of product specs, prices are not rockbottom, but the extra couple bucks are worth the care and attention you receive.

The store manager was kind and helped me navigate to a more cost effective sleeping bag then what he could offer.

I love this place! Bought my backpacking backpack from them in 2009. Their customer service is amazing!

Real professionals very friendly and helpful

Nice selection of high end lightweight down products for your next adventure

Great place to pick up backpacking gear especially down sleeping bags and jackets. Really knowledgeable staff for fitting a backpack to your needs.

Good people with great camping and back-packing products.

Great selection of lightweight backpacking gear. Friendly and helpful owner.

Great place for high quality backpacking gear

Very kind and knowledgeable people! I went in to fix a hole in my down jacket and they provided scissors and know-how to fix it on the spot.

For sure the best products and especially service Ive ever encountered in an outdoors store.One of the originals!

Friend suggested. Only place I know that stocks Mont Bell.

High end gear and sewing repair.

An independent gem amongst the big-box stores.

This place is the best! Nick, the owner, knows everything.