Guideboat

Omg. First reaction when you get in this store is OMG. It’s got the coolest clothing for men and women and accessories. And even some nice outdoors clothing for kids but small selection for kids. It’s a bit pricey but definitely worth it, clothing quality is amazing and the selection is perfect for all seasons.
The story of this company is great. The originator of restoration hardware, now retired from there, created and owns this place. And can’t wait till he opens up a shop in SF and another in our neighborhood in Berkeley. He’s very cool and very in touch with the outdoorsy/​Adirondack culture.
Love the clothes and every piece we get from there.

Possibly the least organized company I have ever shopped from. To start things off, I was impressed with the offerings they had from their catalog. I jumped online in hopes of picking some things up for me and a jacket for my wife.
The jacket did not have a size chart option or any sizing tips when I went to order so I emailed them in mid November to ask about sizing. After not hearing back for a week I just chanced it and ordered it anyway. The jacket arrived and was too large so I had to send it back. Sending it back was easy enough, called them up and got the return authorized. The customer support guy said it would take up to 12 days to get a refund. On December 3^rd I dropped off the return package to UPS. The package was delivered back to them on Dec 7^th. On Dec 20^th, I called to check the status of my return. They guy said yeah it’s only been 12 days so there’s basically nothing I can do. I called again around December 27^th. The guy said they have been really busy with returns so if I didn’t get my refund the following week it would be the week after. I expressed some frustration as this was now already 3 weeks since they received my return. I wanted to try to get something in place of the jacket but their stock goes sold out quickly and they appear awful at restocking or removing sold out items from their website. FINALLY on January 7^th (31 days after they received my return) I got my refund. What a joke.
As the other reviewer stated, it takes 20 or so minutes to get a hold of anyone on their «7 days a week» phone line (and that’s if it doesn’t ring so long that their recording just says to call back later). Their products are essentially primarily all cotton that is overpriced. I don’t care if it was made in the USA. a cotton shawl should not be $ 135.
Oh and remember that email I sent asking about the jacket sizing that I sent in Mid November? They responded on January 2^nd. Yikes.

Undoubtedly the most dysfunctional retailer with whom it has ever been my misfortune to deal. Least navigable website I have ever encountered. Phone personnel flustered, not the least knowledgeable. Finally managed to place an order. A week later, no merchandise, no communication, and the status of my order on the website is – wait for it – «processing.» Called, got interminable recording — in the middle of their business day, in the first week of December. You can’t make this stuff up. Avoid at all costs.

Interesting shop witn well-​made products. This was my second visit and am still not sure what items they sell match my taste, but was most definitely worth a look.
The brand reminds of what Lands’ End, Abercrombie, LL Bean, and Banana Republic were «supposed» to be years ago (but never really were) and the late, and not terribly great Willis & Geiger (that Lands’ End acquired and killed) and some of the better conceptual stuff that J Crew experiments with… but obviously outside of the stupid corporate politics.
Most definitely worth a visit if you’re near Mill Valley. And I expect to see this brand grow a lot in the next few years.

great for my husband’s bday gift!

Whether you are just planning to prune a few rose bushes in your front yard or seriously considering braving the lakes and rivers of the Adirondacks, Guideboat, Co. has some of the highest quality fashions available and suitable for either task. Each item serves a utilitarian purpose as much as it is fashionable. From boots and jackets to backpacks and work gloves, it’s a difficult task not to want to purchase everything in the store. Like most high quality clothing, it does not come cheap but if you realize that paying for quality will save you from purchases in future years, this store has what you’re looking for. The staff is extremely helpful and parking is a breeze in the on-​site lot. Be sure to take a walk around the property, chill out near the fire pit and play a little baggo while you’re there. If you’re lucky, you can actually see one of the true Adirondack guide boats that inspire this line of clothing being polished and tested. Finally, Guideboat, Co. is one of the few Vuarnet carriers on the west coast so if you’re a child of the late seventies and early eighties like myself, that just might be reason enough to stop in.

The website is totally dysfunctional. Can’t review the goods because I can’t order any.

East Coast catalog customer. Just placed an order last week. Arrived on time. I enjoy great clothing and do not want to meet my 75 year old self on the street each day. Hand knit British Columbian wool sweater. My God, it is better than the catalog description and picture. Expensive yes, worth it, hell yes! They don’t serve prime beef at McD’s. Count me as a well satisfied repeat customer.

It’s hard to resist not buying everything in Guide Boat Co. The store is settled in the heart of Mill Valley in a prior lumber yard building, which provides a great ambiance. Prices are a bit extreme, but the quality of their products are good. Their employees are outgoing, professional and helpful. I have visited several times and have always had a good experience. My only hope is that I can buy one of their beautiful restored wooden boats some day, but for now I will keep visiting them…

Guideboat has a beautiful open space, a curated collection of outdoor apparel and accessories, and a stunning collection of restored wooden boats… but what sets them apart is their dedication to customer service. We’ve felt welcomed like old friends both times we’ve visited, and they’ve gone above and beyond to help us get what we needed. We’ll come back, again and again!

GuideBoat is a remarkable reflection of the owner’s lifelong love of these small, versatile floating wonders. I find it pretty absurd that a person who never even ventured inside would give it a «slap in the face» ONE STAR. Disregard and go! It’s gracious in feeling, very welcoming. Beautiful in execution as you would expect of one of the founders of Restoration Hardware. This is HIS baby, personal in the extreme and, a total gift to the community. I am very grateful, particularly, for the brilliantly curated little museum of guide boats dating back nearly a century, all exquisitely restored and available for purchase at likely, ¹⁄₁₀^th of what cost went into the process. Thanks for being here!

Being a fan of Mill Valley history and all things maritime, I have been eagerly wanting to visit GuideBoat.
First, I want to acknowledge how great it is that this 19^th century property is being taken care of with such great pride. When I heard about the closing of MV Lumber Co. I was saddened by the thought that it might be torn down to make room for condos or something similar. Instead, the new owner leased it out to a tenant that has great admiration for the property. The interior has been tastefully improved; natural materials, polished concrete floors, and selectively placed industrial lighting lend the store a warm atmosphere. Changes to the exterior are minor and help retain the charm and appeal of the historic buildings’ character. Signs have been meticulously restored to their original condition (even an old railroad sign that dates back to the NWP) and fresh paint gives the building a glow that it likely only had when it was first built over 120 years ago.
The store features a large selection of wares ranging from clothing to tools. The items I looked at felt to be of high quality with most being made in the US (the others made in Europe or Japan). Prices are appropriate for the quality. Amongst the stands and shelves, you’ll find handcrafted and beautifully restored Adirondack guideboats. Each with a description of its provenance, date of restoration, and price.
I purchased a balsam fir filled pillow silkscreened with «Mill Valley Lumber Co.» They smell like Christmas in a little pouch and are supposedly a popular item (even the lady in line ahead of me was buying a pair of them). I will definitely buy a few more next time I’m there.
I am certain that Guideboat will become a new Mill Valley favorite for many years to come. I just hope that the buildings will remain for 120 more years.