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If you’ve ever fallen down a rabbit hole researching the “best” ski jacket, hiking pack, or trail running shoe, chances are Backcountry.com showed up in your search results. This Utah-born retailer has grown into one of the most trusted names in outdoor gear, known for stocking everything from major brands to niche, under-the-radar finds. Here’s a full breakdown of what Backcountry offers, how it compares to other outdoor retailers, and whether it’s worth shopping.
What Is Backcountry?
Backcountry is an American online specialty retailer built around one simple mission: connecting outdoor enthusiasts with the best gear for their adventures. The company started in 1996 in a garage in Park City, Utah, founded by two skiers with a shared obsession for the mountains. What began as a small operation selling ski and snowboard gear has since grown into a full-scale outdoor retailer covering nearly every category of outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, climbing, trail running, and both alpine and Nordic skiing.
Today, Backcountry is known not just for carrying major outdoor brands but for employing “Gearheads” — staff with real, hands-on outdoor experience who provide expert product guidance to shoppers. The company has also expanded into designing its own in-house gear and apparel, giving customers both trusted third-party brands and Backcountry’s own tested products under one roof.
What Makes Backcountry Different?
- Expert-driven shopping experience — staff and online gear advice come from genuine outdoor enthusiasts, not just sales reps
- Massive brand selection — from major names to smaller, harder-to-find outdoor brands
- In-house product design — Backcountry designs its own gear and apparel based on real Gearhead experience and feedback
- Multi-brand family — Backcountry’s parent company also operates Competitive Cyclist for pro-level cycling gear and Steep&Cheap for deeply discounted, limited-time deals
- Growing physical retail presence — in addition to its online store, Backcountry has been expanding brick-and-mortar locations across the US
Backcountry Product Categories
Ski & Snowboard
- Padded ski and snowboard travel bag built for dream destinations
- Adjustable length fits skis or boards up to 195cm
- Fully padded with edge protection to guard gear in transit
One of the brand’s founding categories, covering jackets, pants, boots, bindings, skis, snowboards, and avalanche safety gear like beacons, shovels, and probes.
Hiking & Camping
Backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, hiking boots, trail apparel, and camp cookware for everything from day hikes to multi-day backcountry trips.
Climbing & Mountaineering
Harnesses, ropes, crampons, ice axes, and technical apparel for climbers and mountaineers at various skill levels.
Mountain & Road Biking
Bikes, apparel, and accessories for on-trail and on-road cycling, with additional pro-level gear available through the Competitive Cyclist platform.
Trail & Road Running
Performance running shoes and apparel designed for both trail terrain and road conditions.
Fly Fishing, Kayaking & Rafting
Water sport gear and apparel for anglers and paddlers, rounding out Backcountry’s warm-weather category range.
Men’s & Women’s Apparel
Insulated jackets, fleece, baselayers, rain shells, and everyday outdoor-inspired clothing designed for both performance and casual wear.
Backcountry-Branded Gear
The company’s own in-house line, designed using insights from its Gearhead staff to fill gaps in performance and fit that customers have flagged with other brands.
Is Backcountry Good Quality?
Because Backcountry curates a mix of established, well-known outdoor brands alongside its own in-house designs, quality varies primarily by the specific brand or product rather than the retailer itself. The company’s long-standing reputation in the outdoor community comes largely from its product expertise and customer service — shoppers can access detailed product guides, gear comparisons, and Gearhead-written advice to make informed decisions before purchasing performance gear like ski boots, climbing harnesses, or backpacking packs, where fit and function matter significantly.
For its own branded gear and apparel, Backcountry designs products based on direct feedback from staff and customers who actively use the gear outdoors, which tends to result in practical, field-tested designs rather than purely trend-driven pieces.
Backcountry vs. Other Outdoor Retailers
| Feature | Backcountry | Typical Outdoor Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1996, Park City, Utah | Varies |
| Product expertise | Gearhead staff with real outdoor experience | Varies |
| Brand selection | Major brands + niche, harder-to-find labels | Often limited to mainstream brands |
| In-house product line | Yes, Backcountry-branded gear | Not always offered |
| Sister sites | Competitive Cyclist (cycling), Steep&Cheap (deals) | Varies |
| Categories covered | Ski, camp, hike, climb, bike, run, water sports | Varies, often narrower |
Tips for Shopping Backcountry
- Use the Gearhead guides — Backcountry publishes detailed buying guides for categories like avalanche safety, camping, and mountain biking that are worth reading before a big purchase
- Check Steep&Cheap for deals — Backcountry’s sister site offers limited-time, deeply discounted gear for budget-conscious shoppers
- Compare in-house vs. name-brand options — Backcountry’s own gear is often priced competitively against bigger names while offering similar field-tested performance
- Read fit notes carefully on technical gear — items like ski boots, harnesses, and packs benefit from checking detailed sizing and fit guidance before buying
- Look for seasonal sales — outerwear and ski/snowboard gear often see notable markdowns at the end of a season
Final Verdict: Should You Shop Backcountry?
Backcountry has earned its place as one of the most trusted names in outdoor retail by staying true to its roots: gear picked and explained by people who actually use it outside. With a massive selection spanning nearly every outdoor category, genuine product expertise, and a growing lineup of in-house gear, it’s a strong one-stop destination whether you’re outfitting a first camping trip or upgrading technical ski gear. For anyone serious about getting outside, Backcountry is worth bookmarking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Backcountry founded? Backcountry was founded in 1996 in Park City, Utah, starting as a small ski and snowboard gear shop before growing into a full outdoor retailer.
What does Backcountry sell? Backcountry sells gear and apparel for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, climbing, mountain biking, trail and road running, fly fishing, and kayaking, along with its own in-house product line.
What are Backcountry Gearheads? Gearheads are Backcountry staff members with real outdoor experience who provide expert product advice and guidance to help customers choose the right gear.
Does Backcountry have its own brand? Yes, Backcountry designs and sells its own in-house gear and apparel, developed using feedback and insights from its Gearhead staff.
Is Backcountry the same as Steep&Cheap? No, but they’re related. Steep&Cheap is a sister site under the same parent company that offers limited-time, deeply discounted outdoor gear deals.
Does Backcountry sell cycling gear? Backcountry offers mountain and road biking gear directly, and its sister site Competitive Cyclist focuses specifically on pro-level cycling equipment and apparel.
