JL Waters

This is the friendliest outdoor shop I have ever experienced. Great service with a smile. Mick was super knowledgeable about his camping gear, and put in more than the usual effort to explain and demonstrate products.
- Photo shows the lightweight gear I purchased (left) to fit into my backpack that I already had (right) for an extended backpacking trip around the USA.

Great shop to look around in, you can spend a lot of time in it looking at the decor. Excellent selection of knives.

Upon arriving I was pleasantly surprised at how much bigger the store was than I initially thought, the selection of quality gear is impressive and the prices are no doubt competitive, this IS NOT some overpriced boutique. As I said before, the selection of quality gear is excellent but above and beyond all that what impressed me most was the level of individual, one on one, service! Brandon seemed genuinely interested in not just what I wanted, but me as an individual. I could tell his end goal was to have a satisfied customer who left with exactly what I was looking for, which for me was a pair of hiking shoes. All the staff are very knowledgeable and I left with a better understanding of the gear I was looking at. I will DEFINITELY return for more in the near future! So far so good on the Altra Olympus 5 GTX I purchased! This place was a refreshing change from the usual lack of customer service elsewhere, GREAT JOB JL Waters!

Stopped in today for a BWCAW map. The staff was wonderful as usual. Highly recommend this place. Great people and products.

I went here recently to buy hiking socks. I work in the woods so I need heavy duty, durable socks. Unfortunately, the pair I chose didn’t work out great and were damaged in less than a day. I brought them back in a few days later and had no trouble returning them. They were very understanding and even helped me choose a different brand that might work out better!

Very cool store. We bought a few items. They have lots of things for being outdoors and camping. The staff were all really nice. We also got to meet a cool dog.

I've been coming to this shop since 1979, I still have the patagonia pullover I bought (doesn't fit my round body now). Anytime I am in Bloomington i stop in and visit and usually buy something and share a story and laugh. Thanks for being consistant all these years!

This was one of my favorite shops in Bloomington while I was an IU student, and being back to visit is no different. The employees are always so genuinely helpful and kind, and it’s great to shop local. I stopped in to check my shoe size for a new running shoe, and was able to get exactly what I needed. Thank you!

J.L. Waters carries both road and trail running shoes. Sales associate waited patiently on me as I tried on three pairs of max cushion shoes. The staff here has product knowledge and hands-on experience to go with it. Hands down favorite store in Bloomington. Would recommend to anybody.

I've been going here for years, and I am glad that we still have an independent outdoor store in Btown. They have a good selection of men's and women's clothing, footwear, camping equipment, climbing gear, knives, canoes and kayaks etc. They can also order items specifically for you, from the brands that they carry.

Each employee I've interacted with here has been so kind and helpful. This is my favorite place to shop for any outdoor gear as well as clothes in general! They have great selections. Only thing is I wish they carried some larger women's shoe sizes - if you wear size 11, you'll have to place an order!

Their shoes and shoe inserts are always well stocked and no more expensive than buying online, so why not support a local business! I often buy other gear items because it is convenient, the staff are friendly and helpful, and I love having JL Waters on the square. And in the summertime, they always have a bowl of water out for dogs and dogs are always welcome inside!

I received amazing help from Kate and Jess today. They helped me find exactly what I needed and were knowledgeable on all subjects. Thank you, and God bless!

Exceptional service from a staff that has always been warm & considerate. Product selection is great.

Wow! I was looking for my first pair of proper hiking boots, and I was blown away by the knowledge of the footwear salesperson. He knew all about what to look for and also made it very easy for me to understand. Amazing customer service, I'll definitely be coming back soon!

Stopped in the store today for some fly material and struck up a great conversation with Brandon. (I’m pretty sure that was his name, I’m not the best with names so I apologize if I’m incorrect) Very knowledgeable and he’s a great resource for any of your fly fishing needs.

I have to admit I walked in with a bad attitude thinking I was going to be hassled for not wearing a mask and walked out feeling like a jerk. Thank you guys. Looking forward to my next visit.

Great place to shop for anything camping. They are always helpful and fun to chat with. You might pay a little more but the service and experience are what you get in return. You also done have to sort through all the junk camping products like at the big box stores. From what I can see they don't sell junk. Buy once and cry once is what I always say.

Amazing shop! Allows dogs inside! Incredible selection of quality products. Very helpful, kind, and knowledgeable employees! Enjoyed shopping here!

I love going into JL Waters. It's nice to have a true outdoor store in Bloomington. I've purchased lots of stuff there over the years. The staff are always helpful and friendly. They have the best selection of shoes in town.

My favorite outdoor store in all of Indiana! I come in every year for a new pair of Chacos and to stare longingly at all the gear I wish I had.