It’s hard not to have a good time camping in Utah, but if you don’t go prepared, it’s likely you’ll wish you were sleeping in your own bed rather than in the great outdoors. Across the state, you’ll find plenty of retailers ready to deck you out in only the best gear for a memorable camping experience. These seven outdoor stores are some of Utah’s best.
If you’re looking for the best in camping gear, Out N Back is the place to go. Located in Orem, the store is a great resource for outdoor products and gear that has a very “local” feel. The store’s staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and extremely passionate for anything and everything outdoors. It’s clear the employees aren’t just working for a paycheck, but because they genuinely love what they do.
With 2017 marking Recreation Outlet’s 30th anniversary, it’s a great time to visit the outdoor powerhouse. With low prices, an interesting array of lesser-known (and some local!) brands, the store’s sheer size almost guarantees that you’ll find what you’re looking for. The store has both economical and professional options.
Patagonia is tops when it comes to outdoor gear. This Salt Lake City outlet gives you an opportunity to score some seriously killer deals if you’re there on the right day. Either way, Patagonia is well worth the investment. You are paying for quality, and for a jacket, socks, gloves, and more, that will last you for years to come.
Kirkham’s Outdoor Products is the center for all things “tent.” This means Springbar tents, wall tents, down and synthetic sleeping bags, backpacking tents, and more. Kirkham’s really is a crucial stop on the quest for the perfect tent. Odds are you’ll find what you’re looking for. And in the process, you’ll feel comforted knowing that you’re supporting a local company.
Reportedly Utah’s oldest sporting goods store, Al’s Sporting Goods just opened a second location in Orem to join its original location in Logan. Here, you’ll find all of your favorite brands, such as the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Arc’Teryx, as well as awesome customer service. Both of Al’s locations are clean, well-organized, and easy to access.
Among the many outdoor stores in Moab, GearHeads Outdoor Store is one of the largest and easily one of the most popular. With over 60,000 items in stock, GearHeads has the necessary equipment for all your Southern Utah adventures. One of the best parts of GearHeads, however, is 100 percent free. In the store (which is open seven days a week, all year long), there is a filtered water station where you can fill up your water bottles and Camelbaks free of charge! That’s looking out for your fellow outdoors folk.
Willow Canyon Outdoor is a labor of love. Run by California natives, the store mixes a love of the outdoors with a love of literature and coffee. Yes, this is place where you can buy the perfect backpack, but also where you can sit down and enjoy the newspaper with a cup of coffee. Even better, the store’s location lends itself to a variety of adventures in Utah’s various state and national parks.
