FAQ
KEEP THE QUESTIONS COMING!
What do you carry in stock?
Everything you need for a day hike in Shenandoah National Park. We also carry gear for cycling, fly fishing, trail running, and backpacking. Our stock is visible and searchable online at: https://happycamperva.com/collections
What brands do you carry?
We proudly carry Altra, Asolo, Benchmade, Beyond Yoga, Buck, Darn Tough, Fjällräven, Gossamer Gear, Helly Hansen, HOKA, Houge, KÜHL, LEKI, L.L.Bean, Mountainsmith, Mountain Hardwear, Orvis, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, prAna, Ruffwear, Salomon, Sherpa Adventure Gear, Teva, The North Face, Topo Athletic, USWE, YETI, and many more. https://happycamperva.com/collections
Where are you located?
We're just 75 miles from Washington, DC, with four-lane highway the entire way to Sperryville. You'll find us at the Thornton Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park, on the route to Virginia's most popular day hike, Old Rag, and right next to Main Street Sperryville.
Are you a camping store?
Yes! We specialize in hiking and backpack camping. We also support cyclists, fly anglers, and trail runners with quality gear and apparel.
Do you carry camping food?
Yes. We stock dehydrated meals, backpacking stoves and cookware, plus energy snacks and active nutrition for hikers, trail runners, and cyclists.
Do you carry hiking boots?
Yes! We carry a large selection of hiking boots, hiking shoes, and trail running shoes from Altra, Asolo, HOKA, L.L.Bean, Salomon, Teva, Topo Athletic, and more. We also have a wide selection of Darn Tough socks.
Do you sell water bottles and hydration gear?
Absolutely. We carry water bottles, hydration packs, reservoirs, and water filtration systems. We also offer a complimentary filtered water refill station so you can start your adventure fully hydrated.
Can I leave my car while I go cycling, hiking, or trail running?
Yes. We have one of the largest retail parking lots in Rappahannock County, conveniently located next to Main Street Sperryville. You're welcome to use the Happy Camper Equipment Co as your adventure basecamp.
Do you have maps and local recommendations?
Yes! We carry maps and are always happy to recommend hikes, cycling routes, fly fishing destinations, trail runs, restaurants, and other local attractions.
Do you carry daypacks?
Yes. We stock daypacks ranging from minimalist 2-liter running packs to 40-liter light hiking packs from brands including Fjällräven, Gossamer Gear, L.L.Bean, Mountainsmith, Orvis, Patagonia, USWE, and more.
Do you carry rain gear?
Yes. We offer rain jackets from Helly Hansen, KÜHL, L.L.Bean, Outdoor Research, Patagonia and The North Face. We also carry eco-friendly emergency rain ponchos for both adults and children.
Do you carry hiking poles?
Yes. We stock trekking poles from LEKI and Mountainsmith for hiking, backpacking, and trail running.
What fly fishing gear do you carry?
We carry the essentials for fly fishing in the Shenandoah area, including rods, reels, flies, leaders, tippet, accessories, and gear from Echo, Fulling Mill, Orvis, Patagonia, and other trusted brands.
What cycling gear do you carry?
We carry essential repair and maintenance supplies for gravel, road, and mountain bikes, along with hydration products, jerseys, gloves, and locally made custom bike bags inspired by the Shenandoah region.
Do you carry sun protection?
Yes! We stock sun hoodies, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and other sun protection essentials. We also carry swimwear and quick-dry towels for hikers who want to cool off in our local streams.
Can my hiking, cycling, or trail running group use your store as a meeting point?
Absolutely! Let us know when you're coming. You're welcome to use our parking lot, and we're happy to provide access to our restrooms and filtered water refill station. With advance notice, we're often able to extend our store hours for organized groups.
Do you carry products for kids?
Yes! We have a dedicated kids' corner featuring books and outdoor gear for young adventurers. We also carry children's hiking shoes and shirts.
Do you have fly fishing guides? Yes we recommend guides and have clinics. Check out our website at: https://happycamperva.com/pages/fly-fishing
Do you carry gear for dogs? Yes! We carry dog gear from Orvis, Ruffwear, and Vermont Flannel; along with treats and accessories for your four-legged adventure companion.
Do you offer bird watching and nature tours? Yes, you can Join us for a nature walk with a local biologist on some of Rappahannock’s exclusive private properties. https://happycamperva.com/pages/monthly-nature-walk
What is recommended for a day hike in Shenandoah? Water Feet Sun
Water bottles, Water filtration/purification, Sunscreen, Hat, Sun-shirt, Chapstick, Sunglasses, Wool Socks, Rain coat, Warm Layer (Fleece and/or down), Hiking shoes (w/ toe and rock protection), Insect Repellant (Primarily Ticks), Trail Bars+, Electrolytes, Map, Compass, Backpack, Hiking poles, Toilet paper, Pets (food, water, waste-bags, leash), Alcohol hand wipe, Croakie (glasses strap), Old Rag gloves
Emergency: First Aid Kit, Benadryl, Insect Bite, Advil, Neosporin, EpiPen, Moleskin or Leukotape, Headlamp + backup battery, Knife, Cell phone battery backup, Cell phone water proofing, Mylar Rescue (Space) blanket/shelter, Whistle (included in many packs)
What is with the Fez?

Sometimes you find a funny hat, put it on your head, and change the world, transforming the essential nature of your very self. “But a fez?” you might ask. Oh, yes. Absolutely, yes.
For when Nutty the Squirrel found the fez, abandoned in an unexplored valley near Weakley Hollow, and placed it on his nut-brain of a head, he entered into the sacred society of the BIG CAMPER: The Benevolent and Improved Gathering of the Aligned Council of the Mystical Power of the Enchanted Old Rag Mountain and the Forces of Nature. (Order of the ACORN, of course.)
He awakened the BIG CAMPER spirit within him. He became The Grand BIG CAMPER himself. And he stood on a stump with his tail twitching in the Blue Ridge breeze and proclaimed the THREE GREAT COMMANDMENTS:
REVERE THE RAG! SHARE THE BIG CAMPER SPIRIT! BE HAPPY!
And now, that HAPPY CAMPER spirit can touch all of us. Just put on a unique hat, stand in the open air, close your eyes, hold out your
arms, and shout the enchanted phrase: HAPPY CAMPER!
Before you know it, you’ll be transported to the place where it all began:
HAPPY CAMPER EQUIPMENT COMPANY, Sperryville, VA
Come visit us! (Fez and other unique hats optional but encouraged!)
And may the Great Camper Spirit be with you! -Ron King