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Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive
Nominate Your Favorite Outdoor Gear Store!
The winner will receive our first-ever Retailer of the Year award.
If your favorite retailer is worth a shout-out, fill out and submit the simple nomination form over on SNEWS.net and get it to us by August 31.
We’ll visit the nominees in the coming months and, in next spring’s Gear Guide, we’ll announce an overall winner—plus top performers in categories ranging from community involvement to conservation.
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READERS COMMENTS
outdoor gear exchange ,burlington,vermont. great store very knowledgeable and uber friendly staff ,has been there and done that !always ready with trip and good gear suggestions,great value on merchandise!
Posted: Aug 25, 2008 hikrhank
outdoor gear exchange ,burlington,vermont. great store very knowledgeable and uber friendly staff ,has been there and done that !always ready with trip and good gear suggestions,great value on merchandise!
Posted: Aug 25, 2008 hikrhank
Throw in another vote for REI from Atlanta -- great service, great products, great outreach = great store.
Posted: Aug 24, 2008 Jen
REI is great but above all else should be Eastern Mountain Sports
Posted: Aug 21, 2008 John Metcalf
I am going with my local store...Nature Outfitters in Milford, Ohio. Great staff, good variety of gear, and they know what they are talking about when they suggest a product.
Posted: Aug 20, 2008 Darryl
REI definitely - great choice, knowledgeable employees, awesome return policies, and their free store pickup for online purchases rock
Posted: Aug 20, 2008 Pat
I wish I could add my store but I guess being in Canada keeps us out, too bad, but if you get up here find a MEC, or mountain equipment co op.
Posted: Aug 19, 2008 Brian Rice
Travel Country Outdoors in Altamonte Springs, Fl has my vote.
Posted: Aug 19, 2008 stevefl
Appalachian Outfitters
Peninsula, Ohio
Posted: Aug 19, 2008 Jeffrey Sherwin
BVO of RI is the best store to shop at for any outdoor gear. Why? Simply, the staff. This group of guys, and sometimes gals, takes the time to fit YOU to the product you are looking for. There is no high pressure sale, no push on what is in overstock like the big chain stores. These products are sold by people who actually use them, not by some kid on a school summer vacation. Ohh did I mention the canoe and kayak tours? The hiking trips?? Yes they do that too.
Get there and get an honest dollars worth from a couple honest guys.
Posted: Aug 19, 2008 Chistopher Scarpetti
REI. Their return policy is awesome and they are everywhere now.
Posted: Aug 18, 2008 Stormtrooper
Sun & Ski Sports in Oklahoma City on N.May has one of the most comprehensive selections of equipment with lots of sales through the year!
Posted: Aug 18, 2008 William Joyce
REI gets my vote in Houston. It is close to my home, has a decent selection, knowledgeble staff, and does not sell hunting supplies.
Posted: Aug 18, 2008 Dan
Great Outdoor Provision Company gets my vote.
Posted: Aug 15, 2008 Bryan
Agreed. Great Outdoor Provision Company (all around North Carolina) is pretty fantastic.
Posted: Aug 15, 2008 Robert
Great outdoor provisions!!! They are the best
Posted: Aug 14, 2008 Leif Ellsworth
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