From day one Summit Bound emerged from the embers of community, it was at local gym events and pop up shops that the squirrel first found its home amongst the mountains.
Founded by Colin and Diana late 2024, Summit Bound Outfitter first opened its doors on January 31st, 2025.
Origin
After 9 years of working in the industry, wearing many hats, and wearing through many shoes Colin decided its been enough. He tired of the age old process of ordering shoes online with the high percentage of getting the wrong size. It’s not so secret that the climbing shoe industry suffers from a big sizing issue. Colin searched far and wide across the globe and saw how shops enabled the opportunity to get what you need and do it right. He noted the culture of climbing areas in Europe, and even nearby-The Gunks, and thought…
“Why not Boston?”
He dreamed of the day that anyone can come in to a place and decipher the puzzle of climbing shoe lasts, toe boxes, and baggy heels.
In that dream, emerged Summit Bound Outfitter.
The Logo
Why a Squirrel?
Squirrels are agile climbers, clever, adaptable, and found globally.
Like rock and gym climbers, they exist in the city and in the mountains.
The faces you know and love!
With decades of climbing experience amongst us we are proud to get you fitted and kitted for your next adventure.
Whether at the gym or the crag don't be shy and come say hi!
With over a decade of experience in the Boston area climbing community, he’s worked at multiple gyms and spends as much time as he can at the local crags. After years of complaining about buying climbing shoes and seeing other cities doing it right, Colin decided to open Summit Bound Outfitter! He loves sharing his insights, so be sure to stop by and chat with him about climbing gear, travel tips, or local food recommendations!
Summit Bound’s co-owner and director of marketing. Diana is also a full-time physical therapist. When she has the time, Diana spends her days off helping out in the store. She’s also one of the inspiring Brown Girls Climb Leaders in Boston, making a difference in the climbing community. Beyond climbing, Diana loves exploring local food spots, grabbing drinks with friends, and finding the best shopping gems. Need recommendations? Ask her!
You know him, you’ve seen him, chances are you’ve heard him speaking the good word of Summit Bound at Boston Bouldering Project, Central Rock Cambridge and Central Rock Framingham. The man loves his climbing! But fun fact, did you know he’s also got serious acting chops?? Talent oozes at Summit Bound! No one at Summit Bound can match the energy and vigor Alex brings to his customer interactions. He knows how to lighten the mood with his quick quips and can dish out knowledge with the best of them in articulate, informative monologues that leave you with the best shoe fit possible. When it comes to the spirit of Summit Bound, Alex is THE man, and the store reviews let you know it too!
This is Steph, you might recognize her from behind the desk @centralrockharvardsquare or @centralrockwatertown —her bubbly energy and radiant smile are hard to miss. We’re also lucky to have her here at Summit Bound, where she brings that same warmth and enthusiasm to our shop community. She’s also a newly minted Brown Girls Climb Leader, helping foster inclusivity and connection in the Boston climbing scene. Whether she’s chatting gear, welcoming climbers, or repping BGC, Steph brings heart and positivity into every space she’s in. Next time you’re in the shop, say hey—she’s always down to talk about anything… literally.
Former Boston area Route Setter and Coach, Will now brandishes the Summit Bound insignia as it's Assistant Manager. Will is an active member of the Puerto Rican climbing federation, and regularly competes across Bouldering and Sport Climbing disciplines at World Climbing competitions all over the globe. He's typically quiet but if you want to know about training and competing, he becomes an encyclopedia of climbing with the right questions!
A recent transplant from New Jersey, you’ll probably find him at the climbing gym mummifying his fingers in tape. David has worked in climbing gyms around the tristate area, but this is his first foray into the world of climbing gear retail. Ask him about your favorite pizza place in the Boston area - despite the short time he’s spent here, he’s probably already been, and if not he’s always open to recommendations 🙂
From Curated Gear to Curated Climbing Trips.
Summit Bound strives to be your one-stop shop to adventures and beyond.
Community is Core. Here at Summit Bound we are Climbing Community Core.
We hear you, see you, and prepare you for all endeavors you strive for whether in the gym or at the crag, Summit Bound has your back.
At Summit Bound, safety is paramount.
We only stock the highest quality gear from the brands we know and you will love.