Hiking is both wonderful exercise and great adventure. And what’s better than that? Michigan offers a host of opportunities for hiking, but as most hikers know, it's simply not accomplished without the right gear. Michigan retailers understand this point just as well. Next time you’re looking to go on a trek, check out these seven unbeatable hiking retailers in Michigan.
Lee's Adventure Sports has been bringing its patrons “fun and adventure since 1954.” Particularly these days, with retailers always coming and going, that's no mean feat. Lee's Adventure Sports got to where it is by understanding its market and providing high-end gear. Whether you're looking for a fleece jacket from the North Face or for the more specific Mountain Athletics line from North Face, you'll be able to get what you need for a long, comfortable hike here.
With several locations throughout Michigan, chances are there's a DICK's Sporting Goods not too far away from where you're inclined to hike. That's good news, because DICK's has most of the material any hiker could ask for. From dry bags and other storage gear from Geckobrands to a Kelty carrier for your infant—why not start your little one off loving hiking from an early age—you'll have all the material you need to ensure a great hike.
With locations in both Traverse City and Birmingham, Backcountry North serves as an excellent supply point before taking on some of the greatest hiking the state can offer in the Upper Peninsula. While Backcountry North's location makes it a unique find in hiking supply, it also offers plenty of the brands that customers require to get the most out of a trip. Keep yourself hydrated with an Osprey hydration pack or keep yourself dry with an Outdoor Research rain jacket. Wet or dry, Backcountry North stands ready.
Grand Haven is home to Earth's Edge, a hiking supply store that delivers on several fronts. Sure, Grand Haven is probably better known for its beach life and water fun than hiking, but you'll have ample opportunity to hike here as well. Get set up for those hikes with Keen footwear or Thule bags to carry your various bits of gear around, making sure your hike is as comfortable and safe as you can make it.
Linwood’s entry into the hiking store, Frank's Great Outdoors, has been continuously running since 1945, and that's a downright testament to how closely Frank's follows its customers' needs. This dedication shines through nicely with the sheer range of gear Frank's can offer, starting with coolers from Orca and STABILicers footwear designed to give you excellent traction even in icy conditions. Whether your hikes are warm-weather or cold-weather, Frank's will give you the leg up you need.
With locations in Marquette and Houghton, Down Wind Sports is an excellent place to get your hiking gear right in the midst of the great Upper Peninsula, which is pretty much the king of hiking spots in Michigan. Offering customers a slate of special events and even some trip reports—as well as a selection of used gear for the more budget-conscious hiker—you'll be able to incorporate a wide variety of materials into your hikes. Check out the La Sportiva footwear line, or the Mountain Hardwear line of jackets and other clothes to keep you warm and comfortable while hiking.
Ann Arbor may not seem like a likely place for hiking, but its Sierra Trading Post will deliver all the value a hiker could ever ask for. Whether you're needing some Marmot outerwear for the colder hikes, or some Asolo boots for most any temperature hiking, you'll be ready for whatever conditions the trail can throw at you. That gives Sierra Trading Post a nice leg up on many of its competitors thanks to its sheer versatility.
