Avi industries has t-shirts that dry double fast and socks that keep you warm in -20 degrees Whether it's the promise of steaming Idlis or the guarantee of quality goods at down-to-earth prices, Matunga is teaming with quirky surprises. Located on the ground floor of the weathered Shriji Sadan is Avi Industries, a store that specialises in trekking, rock climbing and mountaineering equipment, and possibly one of the suburb's best-kept secrets. 
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Ravi Kamath's Avi Industries specialises in adventure sport equipment. pics/dutta kumbhar</td></tr></tbody></table>A less-than-five-minute walk from Matunga Central station, and a few suggestions from helpful shopkeepers should land you in front of the stone steps leading up to this compact store that manages to stock everything from tents to socks.u00a0 Walk in and you will find Ravi Kamath, storeowner, and his son Avinash sitting behind functional desks talking into dusty phones to potential clients. When it comes to the store's USP, rather than a specific product, it lies in their unique philosophy. "We don't just sell, we know how to use our equipment," says Kamath. "We're even prepared to give live demos," he adds, an assurance that is sadly no longer a given at most places.u00a0 Kamath, who has completed certified courses in mountaineering including one under legendary Mount Everest scaler Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, says getting into the business was accidental. "I am a commerce graduate. Mountaineering is a hobby. I started by making things for myself since specialised equipment or even raw materials weren't easily available at the time." Today, Avi Industries is the sole distributor for companies including Fixe-Faders and Mund from Spain, and Rock Empire and Makak from the Czech Republic. They even custom-make sweaters for those moving to colder climates. "We use synthetic fabric as it's light-weight and quick-drying," says Kamath. Be sure to take the yellowed sign, taped on to the wall that reads, "All Rates Fixed", seriously. For as Kamath will himself sternly inform you, "We don't give discounts because we don't overcharge our customers." Rock-climbing shoes The first in the series of shoes designed by iconic rock climber Chris Sharma, the Pontas is said to be ideal for the toughest climbs. For: Rs 5,000 Quick-dry tees Imported from France, these half-sleeved T-shirts are ideal for day-long treks in warm weather. They dry within an hour of being washed and are convenient to carry in your haversack. For: Rs 599 (S, M, L, XL) Everest socks We didn't know we could go to places as cold as minus 20 degrees C! With these anti-bacterial, anti-fungal socks, made from synthetic fibres, your feet will stay warm and well-looked after. For: Rs 550 onwards Fancy headgear Available in a range of bright colours, funky designs, and celeb heads (don't miss Audrey Hepburn!), these bandanas can be tied in 10 different ways. A bit pricey, but these serve more than just decorative value and help shield you from harmful UV rays. For: Rs 800 to Rs 1,400 At: 13, Shriji Sadan, 352, Chandavarkar Road, Matunga (E), Mumbai. Call: 24143810

Avi industries has t-shirts that dry double fast and socks that keep you warm in -20 degrees

Go to Matunga before you take a hike

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Go to Matunga before you take a hike

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