Trekt Brings Trail Gear and Stylish Clothing to Downtown Rochester

In a town that includes miles of scenic trails and hosts the annual Brooksie Way, it only makes sense that Trekt Outdoors has opened on Main Street.

The store, locally owned, sells outdoor equipment, apparel and gear for men, women and children.

"I would say Rochester needed it," store manager Farra Rust said with a smile.

Put to the test

Rust runs. Outdoors. Every day. 

"I put the stuff to the test," Rust said. "When you speak from experience, that sells it."

Rust's favorite thing in the store right now are Salomen running shoes. 

"They have trail grip, great for making transitions and perfect for Paint Creek Trail," Rust said. 

The shoes are also weather-resistant and have the "quick lace" system; they sell for $130.

Rust said the store also takes pride in its technical gear. 

Technical gear functions to get moisture away from the body and dry fast. It is layered for maximum benefit and Trekt sells it all — from underwear to outerwear and all the layers in between. 

The store also carries Icebreaker, a top Merino wool product. And then there are the socks: lots of them, including a huge and stylish selection by Smartwool (there's even thigh-highs). The more Smartwool you buy, the bigger the discount: from two pair at 5 percent off to five or more pair at 20 percent off.

Stylish and functional

Since the downtown Rochester store's Sept. 7 opening, Rust said there have been a lot of people "wandering in" to see what Trekt is about. 

They might be surprised, as I was, to see that in addition to the North Face jackets and Gore-Tex gear there's some really stylish clothing.

Women's clothing includes the praNa line, from yoga wear to dresses, skirts and sweaters. My favorite dress, a brown and yellow knit, sells for $85. 

Men's clothing includes Mountain Khaki, which according to Rust "are made to stand up to the rigors of the outdoors but are still stylish."

The children's section right now includes coats, base layers and socks.

Although the merchandise is expanding, shoppers are not limited to what's in-store. Trekt also provides in-store access to their online merchandise; the shipping is free.

"We go to the next level and make sure you get what you want," Rust said.

Trekt Outdoor is located at 425 South Main St. Hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 248-845-2908 with questions.