Looking for a mildly depressing stat to start your day? Amazon collects roughly 38% of all online sales in the U.S. That’s right, more than one-third of the stuff bought online goes through a single company – and that percentage is growing. For comparison, Walmart, Apple, and eBay combine for less than 20% of the digital retail space.
While Amazon continues to challenge our collective definition of a monopoly, there are many great smaller, local options available. These are places with friendly people to talk to, sage advice about gear, and shelves stocked with useful products, not just race-to-the-bottom shit. Many of these shops have been around for decades, standing the test of time due to their ingenuity, investment in the community, and adaptability.
My distaste for Amazon is fairly obvious. The rise of the online mega-warehouse directly correlates with the decline of specialty climbing, skiing, kayaking, and mountaineering shops across the country. And with the loss of these technicians, tuners, and pack fitters, we also lose their hands-on experience and knowledge. So, if you’re near a small gear shop that offers what you’re looking for at a fair price, I encourage you to give them your business. That’s why we’ve rounded up our picks for the 14 best outdoor stores — all small and locally owned — in the U.S.
Ascent Outdoors
Seattle, Washington
This iconic Seattle shop was the catalyst for writing this story. When I heard that Ascent was closing back in 2020, I was really bummed. In my mind, it’s always been one of the last bastions of buying gear local, widely known for its friendly staff, quality rental gear, and endless advice. Fortunately, it was acquired and re-opened just a few months later. Based in Ballard, the shop focuses on activities such as backpacking, camping, climbing, trail running, skiing, and biking.
Elevation
Lone Pine, California
This small and unassuming gear shop in the equally small and unassuming town of Lone Pine, California, is an absolute hidden gem. The floor space is compact and almost always cluttered, just like your gear closet at home. Based at the doorstep of the Eastern Sierra with direct views of Mt. Whitney, the shop focuses mostly on rock climbing, hiking, and mountaineering. If you’re driving 395 on the backside of the Sierra, it’s always worth a visit just for the used gear rack.
Neptune Mountaineering
Boulder, Colorado
A true mountain shop in the shadow of the Flatirons, Neptune has rooted itself in the Front Range community thanks to reliable advice, without spin or trendy hype. The staff has ample hands-on experience, and the shop carries a wide variety of products for almost any activity you’ll want to do in Colorado. Whether you’re buying a tent or looking for the best inflatable kayak, they’ve got you covered.
Pagan Mountaineering
Moab, Utah
Pagan cares little about fancy marketing (its “website” is its Facebook page). This local, home-grown rock climbing shop is run by climbers, mostly for climbers. The staff has first-hand experience with mountaineering, canyoneering, backpacking, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, and base jumping. Based in downtown Moab, the shop offers great info on climbing in the area and suggestions for other fun activities when the weather isn’t right. If you need help choosing a bike or finding the best kayak fishing accessories, they are a great resource.
Mountain Shop
Portland, Oregon
Founded in 1937, Portland, Oregon’s Mountain Shop has the most seniority on this list as the oldest local outdoor shop in the country. They offer gear for camping, climbing, hiking, and skiing, plus rental packagers, demos, and equipment repair — all with heaps of local knowledge.
Piragis Northwoods Company
Ely, Minnesota
Over its four-plus decades in business, Piragis has become a home away from home for many people as they begin trips into the Boundary Waters. Based in Ely, Minnesota, Piragis strives to be the paddlers’ best friend up north, having the right stuff in stock and greeting everybody who walks through the door. Founded by newlyweds in 1979, the store includes the best outdoor clothing, Northwoods gifts, unique camping gifts, a full-service bookstore, and an outlet store, as well as guiding canoe trips in the BWCA wilderness.
Rutabaga Paddlesports
Madison, Wisconsin
For the last 35 years, Rutabaga has been a paddler-owned-and-operated specialty shop in the hub of Madison, Wisconsin. The company sells, services, and rents the best paddling equipment, including canoes, kayaks, inflatable and stand-up paddleboards, and more. Their outdoor programs constitute the largest flat-water paddling school in the country, with classes for all ages and skill levels, multiple certifications, and masterclasses.
Alpenglow Sports
Tahoe City, California
Providing locals and visitors inspiration and knowledge since 1979, Alpenglow offers a wide variety of equipment to help you get outside. The shop caters to cross-country and backcountry/off-piste skiing, trail running, hiking, camping, and rock climbing. It takes pride in being a community, socially and environmentally responsible to ensure Lake Tahoe stays one of the country’s best places for outdoor play.
Pack Rat Outdoor Center
Fayetteville, Arkansas
This Arkansas institution loves two things – helping neighbors have amazing adventures and giving back to the community. It invests heavily in sustainable business practices, including renewable energy resources, reducing the consumption of single-use plastics, leading stewardship events, and recycling all waste possible. Oh, and Pack Rat offers gear for all kinds of activities like hiking, running, camping, paddling, and biking.
The Trail Head
Missoula, Montana
Started as a partnership between friends in 1974, The Trail Head found its footing by selling and servicing backpacking and camping gear in the 70s and 80s. Since then, the shop has grown to include other sports like climbing, running, and skiing. The Trail Head’s mission is to create trust between buyers and sellers and enhance the opportunities for everyone in the outdoors. The shop provides technical equipment, clothing, informational resources, and service to the region.
Midwest Mountaineering
Minneapolis, MN
Although the name may be a bit of a misnomer, the advice I’ve gotten in Midwest Mountaineering is some of the best I’ve ever received. Founded in 1970 and still true to its roots, the shop is best known for offering high-end technical gear and advice, often being able to speak from personal adventures they’ve been on. They offer backpacking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and trail running products.
The Fifth Season
Mt. Shasta, California
The Fifth Season specializes in just skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering for a reason – so that the company can do it exceedingly well. It honors suggested retail prices and does not discount often. They do not sell into a gray market or offer products without a warranty. They offer some of the best services I’ve experienced and are trusted by elite skiers and alpinists all over the state.
Taos Mountain Outfitters
Taos, New Mexico
First opened in 1969, Taos Mountain has been selling apparel and footwear to customers for a half-century. Instead of focusing on hundreds of stores nationwide, the company sells stuff specifically for Taos – the best boots for Wheeler Peak, camping gear for high altitude, and water shoes for rafting the Taos Box. The staff here offers advice on running and biking trails, weather conditions, ski areas,
URE Outfitters
Hope Valley, Rhode Island
This second-generation, family-owned outdoor gear shop has been chugging along in Southern Rhode Island (near the Connecticut border) for almost four decades. It’s well stocked with a long list of supplies for just about any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re camping, hiking, bird-watching, climbing, or just looking to get lost in the Whites, you’ll find what you need here. There are even oddball things like bedding, pet supplies, and unique home decor gifts and items to boot. The staff is among the friendliest in New England, and many can offer solid advice that comes from years of first-hand experience.
