3 Rivers Outdoor Co.
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
3 Rivers Outdoor Co. (3ROC) is an independently owned, local outdoor gear shop renowned for its exceptional, personalized customer service and highly knowledgeable staff. It offers a diverse selection of new and used mid to high-end outdoor equipment, including a valuable consignment room. Beyond retail, 3ROC is a community hub that actively hosts various outdoor events (runs, MTB rides, music) and provides a genuine, supportive alternative to larger corporate outdoor retailers.
Key Highlights
- ✓Staff are 'expertly helped and advised by a friendly pro' (Review 1).
- ✓Store manager, Eli, provided 'incredibly helpful' support, including coordinating a Garmin watch return and new shipment 'across the country' (Review 3).
- ✓Staff are 'friendly, knowledgeable' and 'always willing to take extra time to help' (Review 4).
- ✓Offers an 'ample selection of new and used mid to high end gear' (Review 4).
- ✓Features a popular 'consignment room in the back' for finding 'really great gear' (Review 5).
- ✓Actively involved in the community, hosting 'runs, MTB rides, music, and a variety of other events' (Review 4, 5).
- ✓Praised as a 'fantastic local business who helps make the neighborhood a better place to live' (Review 2).
Standout Features
- ⭐Highly personalized and proactive customer service, exemplified by Eli's assistance with a Garmin watch return (Review 3).
- ⭐Access to expert advice and recommendations for outdoor gear purchases (Review 1, 3, 4).
- ⭐Regular community events, including runs, MTB rides, and music (Review 4, 5).
- ⭐The consignment room provides opportunities for acquiring quality used gear at good value (Review 5).
- ⭐Ability to help customers find and order gear not currently in stock (Review 4).
- ⭐A strong local and independent business ethos, offering an alternative to large chain stores like REI (Review 5).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Engage with staff for 'expertly helped and advised' insights on outdoor gear, as they are willing to 'take extra time to help' (Review 1, 4).
- →Check their social media or website for an updated schedule of 'continually' hosted community 'events' (Review 2, 4).
- →Explore the 'consignment room' for 'really great gear' and potential savings on outdoor equipment (Review 5).
- →Consider 3ROC for significant gear purchases like 'backpacks or climbing gear' (Review 2) or high-end items like Garmin watches, given their excellent after-sales support (Review 3).
- →Support a local business that 'helps make the neighborhood a better place to live' (Review 2).
Things to Consider
- ⚠No specific negative concerns were reported in any of the 5-star reviews.
- ⚠Parents specifically looking for 'Kayaking for Kids' activities, lessons, or rentals will find no direct information or mention of these services in the provided reviews, which focus solely on the retail shop and community events.
Price & Value
Offers 'ample selection of new and used mid to high end gear' (Review 4), suggesting a range of quality options. The 'consignment room' (Review 5) is highlighted for providing 'really great gear,' indicating good value for pre-owned items. The overall value proposition is significantly enhanced by the expert advice and outstanding customer service provided, rather than specific low prices.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Not mentioned in reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in reviews (as it is primarily a retail outdoor gear shop, not a food service establishment or entertainment venue with explicit food policies).
🚗Parking Info
- •Not mentioned in reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not explicitly mentioned, but the descriptions of staff being 'more than welcoming' and taking 'extra time to help' (Review 4) suggest a generally accommodating and non-rushed environment, rather than an overly crowded one.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Not mentioned in reviews (as it is primarily a retail outdoor gear shop).
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your primary goal is to find a venue offering structured 'kayaking for kids' activities, lessons, or rentals *at the shop's location*, as the reviews describe a retail gear shop and community event host, not a dedicated children's activity center for kayaking.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
7th Annual 5Point Adventure Film Festival with ASCEND
Friday, October 3, 2025 (Doors at 6:00 PM | Show at 8:00 PM)
$10
Outdoor film festival in partnership with ASCEND and The Watersmith Guild (First Waves/SurfSUP Adventures). Located at the 3ROC parking lot (1130 S Braddock Ave), with a rain location at ASCEND South Side. Activities include food from local Regent Square eateries, drinks from Goodlander Cocktails and CoStar Brewing, corn hole games, vendors (3ROC, ASCEND, The Watersmith Guild, Grow Pittsburgh), live music (Mountains Meet the Moon Band, Bob Augustine, Ol Whitetail), and a sweepstakes with over $1,000 in prizes (proceeds benefit The Watersmith Guild). Film runtime is 82 minutes. Films include: Drop The Mic, Annika: Where She Lands, If I Disappear, Welcome To The Pit, Ask The Girls In Cairo, The Book Of George, A Baffin Vacation: Love On Ice. Attendees should bring their own chair or blanket.
🍎Food Policy
- • Food from local Regent Square eateries and drinks from Goodlander Cocktails and CoStar Brewing were available for purchase at the 7th Annual 5Point Adventure Film Festival. No general food policy specified for regular store visits or other events.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • For used gear consignment: Items must be clean, in working condition, and have useful life remaining. Items requiring batteries must include batteries for testing. All tents will be set up and inspected by staff. Items that are dirty, ripped, torn, heavily worn, have strong odors, or are missing parts will not be accepted. Specifically, used helmets, lifejackets/PFDs, and skis with releasable bindings are NOT accepted for consignment, implying safety concerns are handled by not reselling these items.
📅Booking Policy
- • For used gear consignment: An electronic 3ROC Consignment application must be completed (in-store or online via desktop browser). An appointment is required for consigning more than 10 items.
- • Tickets for the 7th Annual 5Point Adventure Film Festival are available for purchase.
🚗Parking Information
- • On-site parking available at the 3ROC parking lot (Regent Square location) for events.
What People Say
What's Great
- Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 7 reviews)
- Great for birthday parties (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Liam Kiser
2 weeks ago3 Rivers is fantastic! I've been here twice, and both times was expertly helped and advised by a friendly pro. In addition, they just have such a cool collection of stuff in their shop. Would love to visit again!
Scott Shearer
4 months agoA fantastic little local outdoor shop. Helpful staff, small but nice selection of clothing and outdoor gear. Definitely recommend purchasing backpacks or climbing gear from here. I purchased a new pack and sleeping pad from here recently. They continually have events so be sure to check them out. A fantastic local business who helps make the neighborhood a better place to live. So shop local, and support small businesses.
Olivia Bayer
2 months agoThis outdoor shop is SO GREAT. I wanted to buy a Garmin watch, but was hesitant to make such a big purchase without seeing one in person first. I noticed 3ROC is a Garmin dealer, so I stopped by the shop to take a look at their watches. The store manager, Eli, was so incredibly helpful and even reached out to their Garmin sales rep to get some answers for me about the two watches I was considering. After purchasing my watch, I noticed a problem with one of the features and contacted Eli for help. He immediately reached back out to Garmin on my behalf, coordinated a return, and got a new watch shipped to me -- even though I'm currently traveling across the country. In a society full of Amazon and other faceless corporations, I honestly treasure shops like 3ROC more than ever. I can't even remember the last time I had a customer service experience that was *this easy* and personable. I'm excited to continue shopping here in the future!
Ben K
4 months agoA gem of the Regent Square neighborhood and city of Pittsburgh. An independently owned outdoor store with a group of friendly, knowledgeable staff who are always willing to take extra time to help. Ample selection of new and used mid to high end gear; If they dont have something in stock they are more than happy to help you find what you need and order it. I stop in frequently, sometimes to just browse and talk with the staff and they are always more than welcoming to me and my 2 girls. 3roc is very active in the community, hosting runs, MTB rides, music, and a variety of other events.
Wren King
6 months agoAbsolutely awesome outdoor company. When I moved to Pittsburgh I wanted to find an alternative to REI, and 3ROC does that. I love the events and how 3ROC prioritizes the community over all. I especially love the consignment room in the back, I've gotten really great gear back there.