Boulder has long been a hub for outdoor retailers, but post-pandemic, even more brands have chosen to open brick-and-mortar stores in the shadow of the Flatirons.
Today, there are over 40 outdoor retailers in the city, and the number is growing. Many of them are located right on Pearl Street, which has been compared to Fifth Avenue for gear and Rodeo Drive for outdoor clothing.
So the next time you need gear or clothing for biking, hiking, fishing, camping, climbing, or any other active recreational activity, head to these bouldering gear stores. Note: Our list is not exhaustive, but rather a snapshot of some of the new, notable and long-standing outdoor shops in the city.
HIMALAYAN
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 evolved into HIMALI, a premier mountaineering brand based in Boulder. In October 2021, the company opened its downtown store, where shoppers can browse down jackets, parkas, hardshell pants, hats and underwear. 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 to Boulder in spring 2021, is proud of those roots: Its logo symbolizes a pine cone from the whitebark pine, an important part of Yellowstone’s larger ecosystem.
From rain jackets and board shorts to flannel shirts and snow bibs, the company’s clothing is designed for both “epic alpine endeavors” and the “quieter moments of mountain life.” You can find all of these products and more at its brick-and-mortar store on the corner of Pearl and 15th. Also keep an eye on Stio’s website and social media pages, as the company hosts events like film screenings, avalanche awareness nights, mountain bike tours, and more.
Fjallraven
Fjällräven may have been founded in Sweden, but it has put down strong roots since opening in Boulder in 2013. The Pearl Street store carries the brand’s signature, sleek Scandinavian designs, with products ranging from hiking pants and parkas to backpacks and sleeping bags. In addition to shopping, you can also get your Fjällräven gear repaired and adjusted here. And if you have clothing made from the company’s staple material, G-1000, the staff will also apply a new coat of wax for free.
Patagonia
Known for its colorful, fashionable year-round 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 kids’ clothing that you can easily wear from the trailhead to the brewery – and everywhere in between. You’ll find puffer coats, tank tops, sweaters, underwear, duffel bags and backpacks, sporting accessories and everything else you need for snow and off-road adventures.
And if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for in the store, you can shop online and then pick up your purchases on Pearl Street. The store also supports several local nonprofits through the Patagonia Action Works initiative: Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, the Cottonwood Institute and Resource Central.
Play it again Sport
For affordable, quality sports equipment and fitness gear, head to Play It Again Sports. The national franchise has two locations in Boulder County — one in Boulder and another in Longmont. Here you’ll find everything from pickleball racquets to cross-country skis — and just about everything in between.
Although many products are used, Play It Again Sports also sells brand new gear. You can also find apparel like ski pants and winter coats here. And if you have sports equipment gathering dust in your garage, consider selling it to Play It Again Sports – the staff is always on the lookout for used gear, especially items for the upcoming season.
Montbell
Boulder is special because it is home to the only Montbell store in America. Founded in Japan in 1975, the company specializes in high-quality outdoor gear like sleeping bags, camping gear, trekking poles and more. Montbell also makes a wide range of apparel, from insulated down jackets to alpine jackets and underwear.
Read more: Outdoor equipment gets a second life at Boulder Sports Recycler
Arc’teryx
The Arc’teryx location in Boulder, on the corner of Pearl and 16th, is one of more than 160 stores around the world. Founded in 1989, Arc’teryx specializes in high-performance outdoor clothing and technical outerwear for sports like climbing, skiing, and trail running—but you’re also bound to see people wearing Arc’teryx-branded gear while out and about running errands. The international brand opened its Boulder store in fall 2022.
Black Diamond Equipment
Whether you prefer adventures on snow, ice, or rock, Black Diamond Equipment has you covered. This historic Salt Lake City-based company opened its Pearl Street location in summer 2021, showcasing a variety of gear and apparel for climbing, backcountry skiing, snow safety, and mountain running.
Neptune Mountaineering
This legendary shop has been in Boulder since 1973, when climber Gary Neptune opened a small shop that re-shafted ice axes, added edges to wooden skis, and repaired climbing and ski boots. Over the past 51 years, Neptune Mountaineering has grown to become a one-stop shop for skis, climbing gear, camping equipment, clothing, and footwear.
It’s also a community gathering place, hosting regular events from film screenings to skills curricula. The shop’s cafe is also a nice meeting place. And be sure to visit the famous Neptune Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of mountaineering artifacts in the country.
The north face
The North Face has become an iconic brand for outdoor gear, so it’s only fitting that the company chose to set up shop in one of North America’s most outdoorsy cities. The Pearl Street store is ideal for stocking up on hiking boots, down jackets, hats, vests, graphic t-shirts, fleeces and more.
