A new outdoor gear store has appeared on Grove Street, in a small storefront that used to be home to an architecture firm. Mountain Up officially opened its doors to the neighborhood last night. 

Eric Melampy (who used to own Octavia's Haze Gallery), is the man behind the new shop. An avid outdoorsman, Melampy splits his time between Mount Shasta and San Francisco. "I'm inspired to bring the positive attitude of outdoor living a little closer to San Francisco, by opening a shop in the heart of the city," he said in a press release. "I'm thrilled to be back to reconnect and support other local businesses."

The displays in the shop are made using hand-cut cedar wood, as well as authentic antique pieces from Melampy's property, such as an old cast-iron pan. The gear itself highlights practicality—an orange backpack is also completely waterproof, as is a duffle bag. Water bottles can be emptied out and rolled up to save space. 

Melampy and his store manager Christine Imfeld already have plans to bring the community into the shop. Imfeld, a former bartender, mentioned doing whiskey tastings in the space. Melampy would like to sponsor an athlete down the line. And part of the store's proceeds will be donated to Shasta Disabled Sports. But "the ultimate goal of this brand is to encourage a certain lifestyle and positive attitude towards the preservation and celebration of mountain life, lake life and city life," he says. 

Mountain Up is open Wednesday to Saturday 12-6pm, and Sundays from 12-4pm. You can also find a selection of their items on their online store.