Boulder has long been a hub for outdoor retailers. But, coming out of the pandemic, even more brands have decided to set up brick-and-mortar shops in the shadow of the Flatirons.
Today, the city is home to more than 40 outdoor retailers and counting. Many are located right on Pearl Street, which has been compared to the Fifth Avenue of gear and the Rodeo Drive of outdoor apparel.
So, the next time you need equipment or clothing for cycling, hiking, fishing, camping, climbing or some other active pursuit, head to these Boulder gear shops. Note: Our list is not meant to be exhaustive—rather, it’s a snapshot of some new, notable and long-standing outdoor stores in town.
HIMALI
Ten years ago, Dave Schaeffer and Tendi Sherpa crossed paths at the base of South America’s highest peak, Aconcagua. They forged an international friendship that eventually blossomed into HIMALI, a Boulder-based premium mountaineering brand. In October 2021, the company opened its downtown storefront, where shoppers can peruse down jackets, parkas, hardshell pants, hats and base layers. HIMALI donates 5 percent of its net proceeds to the Tendi Sherpa Foundation, which provides infrastructure and access to education in remote areas of Nepal.
Stio
Stio was born out of adventures in the Teton Mountains near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. And the growing company—which expanded into Boulder in the spring of 2021—is proud of these roots: Its logo symbolizes a pinecone from the whitebark pine tree, a key part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
From rain jackets and board shorts to flannel shirts and snow bibs, the company’s apparel is designed for both “epic alpine pursuits” and the “quieter moments of the mountain life.” You’ll find all these products and more at its storefront at the corner of Pearl and 15th. Keep an eye on Stio’s website and social media pages, too, as the company hosts events like film screenings, avalanche awareness nights, mountain bike rides and more.
Fjällräven
Fjällräven may have started in Sweden, but it’s established strong roots since first opening in Boulder in 2013. The Pearl Street store carries the brand’s signature sleek Scandinavian designs, with products ranging from hiking pants and parks to backpacks and sleeping bags. In addition to shopping, you can also get your Fjällräven gear repaired and tailored here. And if you have clothing made from the company’s cornerstone material, G-1000, staffers will also add a fresh layer of wax for free.
Patagonia
Known for its colorful, stylish, all-season clothing and gear, Patagonia has been a Pearl Street staple since 2008. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel that can seamlessly go from the trailhead to the brewery—and everywhere in between. Puffy coats, sweater jackets, pullovers, base layers, duffels and packs, active accessories and anything else you need to adventure in the snow and the dirt, it’s all here.
And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for in the store, you can shop online, then pick up your purchases on Pearl Street. Through the Patagonia Action Works initiative, the store also helps support several local nonprofits: Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, the Cottonwood Institute and Resource Central.
Play It Again Sports
For affordable, high-quality sports equipment and fitness gear, head to Play It Again Sports. The national franchise has two Boulder County locations—one in Boulder and another in Longmont. Here, you’ll find everything from pickleball racquets to cross-country skis—and nearly everything in between.
Though many products are used, Play It Again Sports sells brand-new gear as well. You can also find apparel here, like ski pants and winter coats. And if you’ve got sports equipment gathering dust in your garage, consider selling it to Play It Again Sports—staff are always looking to buy gently used gear, especially items for the upcoming season.
Montbell
Boulder is extra special because it boasts the only Montbell store in America. Founded in Japan in 1975, the company specializes in high-quality outdoor equipment, like sleeping bags, camping gear, trekking poles and more. Montbell also makes a wide array of apparel, from insulated down jackets to alpine jackets and base layers.
Read More: Outdoor Gear Gets a Second Life at Boulder Sports Recycler
Arc’teryx
Perched at the corner of Pearl and 16th, Arc’teryx’s Boulder location is one of more than 160 stores located across the globe. Arc’teryx, founded in 1989, specializes in high-performance outdoor clothing and technical outerwear for sports like climbing, skiing and trail running—though you’ll also definitely see people wearing Arc’teryx-branded gear when they’re out and about running errands. The international brand opened its Boulder store in the fall of 2022.
Black Diamond Equipment
Whether you prefer to adventure on snow, ice or rock, Black Diamond Equipment has got you covered. This historic Salt Lake City-based company opened its Pearl Street location in the summer of 2021, showcasing a variety of equipment and apparel made for climbing, backcountry skiing, snow safety and mountain running.
Neptune Mountaineering
This legendary store has been operating in Boulder since 1973, when climber Gary Neptune opened a little shop that re-shafted ice axes, installed edges on wooden skis, and repaired climbing and ski boots. Over the last 51 years, Neptune Mountaineering has grown and evolved to become a one-stop-shop for skis, climbing equipment, camping gear, clothing and footwear.
It’s also a community gathering hub, hosting regular events ranging from film screenings to skill clinics. The store’s cafe is also a fun place to hang out. And be sure to visit the famed Neptune Museum, home to one of the largest collections of mountaineering artifacts in the nation.
The North Face
The North Face has become an iconic outdoor gear brand, so it’s only fitting that the company chose to set up shop in one of the outdoorsiest towns in all of North America. Located on Pearl Street, the shop is ideal for stocking up on trail shoes, down jackets, hats, vests, graphic tees, fleece pullovers and more.
