Rusted Moon Outfitters

Great place if you’re a typical urbanite who believes you need to pay top dollar and have the best of everything for your outdoor adventure. If you’re on a tight budget or you happen to believe that outdoor adventures should have nothing to do with fashion shows or popularity contests, these people probably don’t want to talk with you.

Rusted Moon has both pros and cons. I have shopped there several times in the past few years. I’ve purchased both small and large ticket items so please do not take this as a one off bad review. RM has a great selection of outdoor gear for those of us that love to hike, backpack or camp. They also have what seems like a great selection of gear for skiing and canoeing though those are not what I am into currently. Their prices are inline with similar stores with similar quality of gear. I have loved everything that I purchased there.
Where RM falls short is customer service. It seems that one of the employees will ask if we need help about half the time and when we have needed help our level of service varies greatly. I’ve had great help with selecting a new day pack, even asked if I’d like a cup of coffee once. And on other occasions I’ve had little helpful information related to my question or a complete lack of acknowledgement I was in the store. On my last trip, while checking out the employees completing the transaction with me were so immersed in their conversation about skiing that we hardly got a hello and after spending a couple hundred dollars with them we did not even get a thank you. On the way out of the store we got the default «have a good day» and even that seemed forced. I have never felt comfortable shopping there since I am not with the «in» crowd when it comes to being part of the outdoor enthusiast world.
Bottom line is that I will shop there as a last ditch effort if I cannot find it elsewhere. I wish that were not the case since they are local but that is my honest opinion.

I went to rusted moon looking for some new winter gear. I was pleasantly surprised to see an abundance of employees waiting to help with my search. The store is pretty small but there were still 4 – 5 employees to make sure everyone got some attention. I was even offered a beverage! They also have a shop in the back where they can service your skis/​snowboard. Toward the end of the season they started to have some clearance deals, but if it’s an item they think will sell (helmets) it will stay at full price. They carry good brands though so even if uou pay too much at least you won’t end up with a lemon.
Tldr: good gear and good service but you’ll probably pay full price.

Terrific selection of outdoor wear, equipment and accessories. Much larger than it appears from the outside. Staff is super friendly and helpful, merchandise is a little steeply priced, but it’s worth it for the staff at this place.

Such a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Every sales person is extremely knowledgable. They are pet friendly & welcome dogs with water bowls & sometimes treats. The store is known to have some hidden gem sales too.

Amazing customer service! My teenage son needed some minor help getting parts for his canoe and they went above and beyond to make this happen. We are so thankful that this locally owned shop is in our neighborhood. The assistance that they gave would have never happened in a big box store. They genuinely care about their customers.
They carry very nice quality outdoor gear that is fairly priced. There is always a sweet dog walking around that loves to get a few pets. This makes shopping completely bearable for me. The fire pit outside just seals the deal.
As the seasons change they have amazing shoe sales too.
We couldn’t be happier with this store.

Stopped in one evening after dinner to drop off my skis for some servicing. To my surprise, I met a really nice guy named Jake. He said if I wanted to wait, he could wax my skis and perform a binding test, while I browse the store. While having a look around, I talked briefly with the other two employees. I ended up walking out with fresh skis and new gloves!
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable!

You’ve got to love Rusted Moon. A local shop packed with high quality gear for almost every sport as well as a great line of clothing. Prices are comparable to big box shops. The staff are very helpful and very knowledgable. One more great venue to shop local.

I’ve been in this store a few times, they never pressure anyone to buy anything. The employees all seem to have some sort of outdoor experience, and can answer a lot of questions. We bought a new backpacking pack there, and the employee actually went and checked to see if they had one on sale (which they did), and saved us $ 100. Their pricing is comparable to or better than REI in many cases. If you want to try gear (hike with that backpack on for a few miles, or drop that kayak in the water, etc…) they will let you. In fact, I think they want you to do it. I’m pretty sure the owner and employees get more joy out of getting people involved than they do with selling. If you buy here, you are supporting your local community, and not a box store.

Rocking my new Volkls and custom fitted Salomons… best package I have ever had… took a while to get used to them… but they very nearly ski themselves… rippin’ it !

Yeah, what the others say. Great advice and service. Laid back. No pressure.
I didn’t ask, but by the looks, it seems locally owned, not a chain.
They can also order about anything, so check here for outdoor equipment/​supplies before shopping big-​box chain stores such as REI, Dick’s or Gander Mountain. RMO ordered something for me, and notified me when it was in.
Dogs on premises, which is a good thing, unless you’re allergic.

I love this place. SO SO much better that the big box outdoor stores. If you want advice, personal attention and quality outdoor gear and clothing… say no more. Rusted Moon is the place for you.
I shop online too — but feel it’s really important to support this local small business. It’s the staff and owner that keep you coming back. They are incredibly knowledgable, very helpful and honest. They will really tell you how they feel about a product, because they have used it or tested it themselves. Honestly it is one of the best local businesses in town and an awesome outdoor gear store.

A wonderful and great business! Justin was very knowledgeable and pointed me into the correct direction. Check this place out before making that online purchase! Is was my first time there, but I’m sure it won’t be my last. However, parking was sort of crazy.

Locally owned. Great service. I stopped by for a day pack. $ 109 at the new REI. The owner showed me a Kelty day pack for $ 60. Plus they were serving free hamburgers and having free kayak rides on the White River. REI can’t hold a candle to the great location and great service of Rusted Moon. What can I say? Don’t let the dog in the store. RECOMMENDED!!!

I own two pairs of Vibram Five Fingers, and I got both of them here. Ordering shoes that conform to each toe and portion of your foot online doesn’t work well, and yet I don’t know many stores around here who carry VFFs. This place has them seasonally. The staff knows what they’re talking about, and they don’t mind that I take an hour or two of in-​store deliberation before a purchase.
Though this is not a bargain-hunter’s paradise, they do discount equipment near the end of the season. Also, since this is a relatively small place, their offerings have a distinct seasonality in their availability; once they’ve sold the last of the balaclavas in the spring, there won’t be any more until next season. This obviously isn’t ideal if you’re planning a trip up Mt. Everest in June and need to outfit yourself, or whatever. I love you, Rusted Moon… but sometimes I need the consistent smörgåsbord one only gets from the internet.

I came in here a couple weeks ago in search of a travel backpack; I pack light, travel hard, and thus — my (Kohl’s clearance) backpack I bought in 2011 didn’t even make it through 2012. With a serious trip coming up, I had to step up my game. I like wearing things before I buy ‘em, as well as giving my money to a local instead of Amazon, so I visited Rusted Moon for the first time.
After hearing out my space & durability & use needs, the clerk-​dude suggested a few models of Osprey packs. And after hearing how I busted through my last pack… mentioned that Osprey’s come with a lifetime guarantee. Cool! That’s information I can dig… bro. After looking at several models, clerk-​dude mentioned an anniversary sale for the coming weekend. Featuring some of the same Osprey packs.
I was planning on thinking it over anyhow, so I came back on the weekend, got a sweet sale price, and ended up with a backpack that makes my past two seem like Ziploc bags with faulty straps. Thanks for hooking me up with tips that advocate my tread-​lightly, pack-​even-​lighter philosophy!

I buy a lot of my outdoor gear on the internets. That’s right. That’s how I do it, that’s how I roll. But there are some things that I feel should always be bought in person. The fit must be ‘just so’. Those things are Vibram five Fingers and any hiking boot. From Rusted Moon outfitters I have purchased within a year of eachother a pair of Asolo Powermatic hiking boots and Vibram Five Fingers Bikila’s.
Here are the reasons why this store gives me a love boner and why I will continue shopping there. (It should be noted that I am ridiculously picky about shoes and how my feet are handled and, consequentially, I hate shoe shopping)
The staff there are extremely knowledgeable and personable. I needed boots for a long hike, some I could wear all the time, be waterproof, be awesome, and be all about it. The young man helping me, ‘Trees’ even pointed out at one time ‘If you really like those, you could get them, but these are cheaper and just as good’. Ah, Trees. You’re my new favorite fella!
When I went to purchase the Five Fingers I was skeptical about the shoes but really wanted to get back into running even though I have knee and ankle problems. Research (correctly) led me to believe that
Five Fingers were the way to go. The lady that was helping me was super nice and easy to talk to. She was warm and affable. She didn’t bat an eye at the stuff I do when I try on shoes: Jumping up and down off the benches, doing lunges, taking huge lunging leaps from one end of the store to the other. Her only comment was ‘definitely. That’s right, make sure they work for you’. They did work and I will be going back for another pair in a couple of weeks.
I have to love a place where they don’t try to upsell you and are also down to let you do calisthenics all over their furniture to ensure your shoes fit.

The staff was awesome and chatty, one of the reasons I love getting outdoors.
While the place is a bit cramped and the inventory is limited, there’s certainly enough here to cover most of your needs. Seemed like their big push: shoes, backpacks and hiking gear, some sleeping bags, and paddles.
That said: this is exactly the kind of place that people really interested in the outdoors — who maybe feel overwhelmed at larger places like REI — can get started. Plus: the staff knew about ½ the people who walked in while I was there. This place is a hub of information and activity.
Plus, you know, the shop dog.

Negatives: parking in this part of Broad Ripple can be awful. Small store is kinda cramped.
Positives: They sell just about everything you could need for your outdoor hobbies. Staff is helpful and friendly, and they have people who are enthusiasts staffing the place. They will take the time to answer your questions prior to making a large purchase, and do so honestly. Brochures and posters for local hiking and paddling groups are posted so you can get in touch with others involved in the hobby. Cute dogs are around the store, there’s a swing out front, and a fire pit.
The room up front sells packs and bags of all kinds, the central area has camping goodies like stoves, utensils, and water carriers. Along the wall are sleeping bags and more packs, and they sell climbing gear (carabiners, harnesses, ropes) as well as knifes. The back is dedicated to paddling (kayaks, paddles, PFDs, dry bags) and shoes (simple flip flops to $ 200+ hiking boots, Smart Wools). I tried on a pair of Vibram Five Fingers there, and I’ve made several purchases at their AWESOME end of season sales. The center of the store sells outerwear and clothing. Some of the brands include Marmot, Patagonia, Keen, Mountain Hardwear, Prana, and others.
Located just off the Monon Trail near BRICS (ice cream), Plump’s Last Shot (bar), and Broad Ripple Brew Pub… even if you don’t live right in the area a drive down will be worth your while.

Ol’ Dr. Jack Solomon in Semiotics /​Pop Culture 441 professed many Signs of Life. My favorite insight: the many attempts at retail stores to increase the TPV (Time Per Visit) by each customer — creating an environment where customers linger: with food samples (tastings even), better music, better space. All these things increase the likelihood we purchase more.
I always thought that REI did the best at this… and after my visit to Rusted Moon last night I’ve realized that mountaineering /​outdoor shops are going to inherently have a longer time per visit because, well, the outdoors are rad to be in to, & the supplies are endless. Infinite scenarios to run through in your mind that you’ll tackle in the great outdoors and plan for. Now… there’s no REI in Indy, so it’s this hut of a mom&pop shop that is the go-​to for outdoors-​ness. Then, add on that they have a ski lift swing out front and a portable fire pit burning… where’re the dogs & hot chocolate?
They came up in Indy as the only supplier of Patagonia-​brand coats inside 465. I didn’t want to end up like Costanza with a noisy suit or knocking over wine bottles in a giant gortex coat, so I had to try ‘em on!
Crazy helpful, and knowledgeable staff (also in the shoe /​boots section). Ready to accommodate, too (and even commiserate if you wince at a color or price).
There is so much in this store it’s unbearable not to go through it all and buy it all and have to sleep in a tent down by the river. At least I’ll have a really awesome compass and camping spork!