The Approach Trading Post

05/15/2026

We're heading to Strawberry Music Festival next week (May 19–25) to host the Artisan Tent — which means the shop will be closed. Extra Sunday hours (10–6) this weekend so you can prep for whatever Memorial Day adventures you're scheming. Regular hours return on Tuesday, May 26.

05/03/2026

SPECIAL HOURS NEXT WEEK: We're taking Mostly Sweet Jewelry to the Whole Earth Festival in Davis, so the shop will be closed Thursday May 7 through Saturday May 9.

With Mother's Day coming (ahem), we're adding a few bonus open days before we go: Sunday & Monday (May 3-4).

04/28/2026

Ten months ago, we wondered if someday, maybe, we'd be Patagonia caliber. Today:

04/23/2026

Summer stock is almost here, so we're clearing the racks. But it can't be long until the pass opens, and you and I know layers come into play year round in the Sierra. Steep savings right now on what's left of the Rab Downpour rain jackets, Rab Stavel fleeces, Marmot Highlander down jackets, and Marmot Drop Line fleeces. Sizes are limited.

04/19/2026

This is a win-win-win-win-win situation we invite you to get in on.

Have gear that you don’t use anymore and have been looking for a needy and deserving organization or community to donate to?

Find our Watershed Council option at The Approach Trading Post and donate the proceeds of your consignment to us.
We thank you for your support and appreciate your stewardship in our beautiful county✨

04/16/2026

On the way down from Red Peak Pass last summer, deep in the Merced headwaters, I started wondering how we could support this place from behind the counter at The Approach. This Saturday at the Merced River Fest, we launch a partnership with the Upper Merced River Watershed Council to do exactly that. You can now consign used gear through our Switchback Gear Exchange and donate the payout directly to UMRWC. Drop your quality used gear at the shop, we'll handle the rest. We'll be at The Grove House for the Fest, or stop by the shop anytime to learn more.

04/10/2026

We'll be at the Mariposa Facelift tomorrow to kick off a new partnership with the Yosemite Climbing Association! Their Facelift events mobilize thousands of stewardship volunteers to care for our backyard. To support their efforts, you can now consign used gear through our Switchback Gear Exchange and donate the payout directly to YCA. Bring your quality used gear by the shop and we'll take care of the rest. Find us at Facelift, at The Grove House after party, or stop by the shop anytime to learn more.
Volunteering tomorrow? Swing by The Approach for a free Honey Stinger waffle, until we run out.

04/01/2026

Naturally, it's time for spring hours.

If you ever have a need when our doors are closed, send us a text - we'll help if we can.

03/27/2026

Our water filtration section just got a serious upgrade. Sawyer has been the standard on the trail for years, and now they're on our shelves where they belong. We've built out our filtration selection to cover pretty much any hiker — from the day tripper who wants something simple to the backpacker filtering for a whole group.

Not sure which one is right for you? We developed a product guide to help you sort it out.

What's your go-to filter on the trail?

03/21/2026

Closing early today at 4pm — we've got the Mariposa County Business Awards Dinner tonight. LothLorien has chosen from her Grand Old Opry theme wardrobe options. Michael is scraping it together at the last minute. On a related note: if anyone has a pair of men's size 10 cowboy boots to lend, and can drop them by the shop this afternoon, it would go a long ways towards closing the Approach-owner appropriate attire gap.