By Giovanni Marini
Passion, technical quality, aesthetics and sustainability: today I take you to discover a very special reality in the outdoor world: ‘Campo Base’, a physical store dedicated to trekking, trail running, mountaineering, climbing, hiking and camping enthusiasts, but not only. In fact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alessandra, the mind and heart behind this project. Campo Base is much more than just a shop but a place of meeting, exchange and passion for nature and outdoor activities. In this interview, she tells us about her story and philosophy of responsible and conscious outdoor use.
VALLEY LIFE: Why did you decide to open Campo Base? What was the initial idea?
ALESSANDRA CHELI: I decided to open Base Camp because it was a project that I had in mind for a long time. Even before I had my son, I already had in mind to create something of my own, a place that represented me, that was beautiful and functional. I wanted to create a technical, specific store that would fit into a fast-growing and very transversal sector such as the outdoors. The idea I liked most was to offer the community a physical point where they could enter, stock up and find quality products, carefully selected.
V.L.: Why the outdoor sector?
A.C.: The outdoors is a great passion of mine. I have a personal story that binds me to this world: I have always skied, since I was a child, I love walking, trekking and hiking. It is a passion that I also try to pass on to my son, who has accompanied me on walks since he was a child, even in the mountains at three thousand meters, carried in a sling. For me, the outdoors is a beautiful sector, with quality products and a wide choice, and I strongly believe in the value of giving people outdoor experiences with the right equipment.
V.L.: The shop is very large and well-stocked: what kind of products do you offer?
A.C.: Here at Campo Base we have a very wide assortment, for many different needs: you can find clothing and accessories for hiking and trekking, both for day hikes and for longer and more demanding walks. We also have all the technical part, such as hardware, mountaineering and climbing irons, camping equipment. We offer technical shoes, technical clothing and all the accessories necessary to face a walk or a journey in safety and comfort.
V.L.: Do you also have handicraft products, perhaps from specific companies?
A.C.: Yes, we have a great focus on quality and sustainability. About 80% of our products come from large Italian companies such as Scarpa, Salewa, Ferrino and Karpos. But we also have smaller, artisanal and very ethical realities. For example, E9 is a company that produces everything Made in Italy, with organic and recycled yarns and a limited-edition family production, which focuses on quality and not on warehouse overload.
Another example is Bioline, which makes handcrafted shoes with organic materials and special soles, all handmade. We also have Ticket to the Moon, famous for its extremely durable hammocks made from recycled parachutes, produced locally in Indonesia by small craft groups. These products represent our philosophy of being outdoors, attentive to the environment and sustainability.
V.L.: How important is the topic of sustainability for you?
A.C.: It’s a fundamental aspect today, and it has been from the beginning. We believe that in order to experience the outdoors in an authentic and respectful way, it is essential to choose products made with sustainable methods and recycled or organic materials with attention to the environment. Not only to reduce the impact, but also to ensure quality and durability. Sustainability is not just a trend, but a responsibility towards the nature we love and frequent.
V.L.: Do you also have camping equipment? What accessories do you offer?
A.C.: Yes, we have camping tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags and all the minimal equipment to enjoy the outdoor experience to the fullest. We offer folding cutlery, glasses, innovative water bottles that fold up to take up little space, and many other accessories designed for those who love to eat and live outdoors with practicality and comfort. Our goal is to offer everything you need to enjoy nature without giving up.
V.L.: Who is the typical visitor to Campo Base?
A.C.: Our clientele is very varied: outdoor technical clothing is also very suitable for everyday use. For example, those who work outdoors or spend a lot of time outside the car need waterproof jackets, comfortable and high-performance shoes, technical garments that are functional and comfortable even in everyday life. We also use various hunters, fishermen, workers who need Merino wool underwear and socks to thermoregulate their body temperature. Anyone who wants a lightweight, compressible technical garment, such as a hundred-gram down jacket that can be easily slipped into a backpack or bag, can find what they are looking for with us. In short, our shop is aimed at all those who want quality and functionality, both for outdoor activities and for everyday use.
V.L.: How important are your advice and in-store service?
A.C.: It’s one of the main reasons why I opened Campo Base. Despite the growth of online, I strongly believe in the importance of the physical store, where people can enter, meet someone sunny and available, who knows how to accompany them in a conscious and targeted purchase. It is not just a matter of selling a product, but of understanding what those who enter the store really need and helping them choose the most suitable equipment to make every outdoor experience pleasant and safe.
V.L.: How do you handle availability and special requests?
A.C.: If a product or brand is not in our range, we can order it or recommend good alternatives. The important thing is to maintain an open dialogue and find the best solution.
V.L.: Do you also have hiking guides and maps?
A.C.: Yes, we have a selection of paper guides that many enthusiasts still prefer over Apps or GPS. For example, we offer the guide “The Paths of Italy”, with over two hundred itineraries in the Italian territory, and detailed hiking maps with all the paths traced. It’s always helpful to have a paper map in your backpack as a reliable medium, especially in areas where phone coverage can be poor.
V.L.: Where exactly is the store located and what is the link with the territory?
A.C.: The shop is located just outside Sansepolcro, in a strategic and convenient position to reach. Exiting the E45 at Sansepolcro Sud and taking the direction of Anghiari, you get there. There is a large free car park, also accessible in wheelchairs thanks to an entrance ramp; The location is also ideal for those who want to stop before or after a walk or hike.
V.L.: Is the shop a reference point for hikers?
A.C.: Absolutely, right in front of us passes the Way of St. Francis, the official one, and during the walking season we see many pilgrims who stop to take a break, drink a coffee or simply rest on the bench of the portico. It has also happened that some pilgrims with broken boots have come to us to find solutions that would allow them to continue their journey in the most comfortable way possible. This dimension of landing and support point is very important to us and makes the store an integral part of the walking community.
V.L.: What are the types of backpacks you recommend?
A.C.: We have a wide range of backpacks ranging from 6 litres up to 80 litres, from daypacks for short hikes to technical backpacks for long and demanding treks. Everyone can find the right backpack based on the type of excursion or trip they intend to face.
V.L.: What social channels do you use to communicate with your customers?
A.C.: We have an Instagram page and a Facebook page where we share news, advice and updates on the store and the outdoor world. In addition, we have activated a WhatsApp Business channel linked to the store number, a chat where we upload the entire catalogue with the available sizes. It is a direct and convenient way to stay in touch with those who follow us, answer questions and help in choosing products even from a distance.
Campo Base is a place where quality, sustainability and human relationships are at the centre of everything. Anyone can find high-quality, technical products, personalized advice and a point of reference to make the most of their adventures. If you are passionate about trekking, mountaineering, camping or simply love to be outdoors with reliable and sustainable equipment, Campo Base is a reference to keep in mind: a shop that combines competence, passion and attention to the environment, for unique and conscious purchases.
Info: Via Alessandro Goracci 19/A, Sansepolcro (Ar) / Tel. 0575 1697701 / Mob. 333 7312696 / www.campobaseout.com / campobaseoutdoor@gmail.com