Start Your Trek: 7 Unbeatable Hiking Retailers in New Mexico

Start Your Trek: 7 Unbeatable Hiking Retailers in New Mexico

From trails to rocky ridge lines, hiking takes you up and out of the known into the unknown. Before setting out, it’s best to be well-equipped. You’ll find what you need for a fun outdoor experience at any one of these excellent New Mexico stores. Get going, the trail awaits.

1. REI, Albuquerque, NM

Consumers are the focus at this cooperative membership company. Given that, you’ll find top of the line outdoor gear for all situations. Good hiking boots are indispensable. The selection here covers a wide-range of terrain from lightweight to mountaineering to heavyweight hikers. Popular names include Sorel, Keen and Salomon. For the hearty, rugged hiker check out boots from La Sportiva and Scarpa, both lightweight, waterproof, and well-built. Pick up a water bottle and a backpack while you’re here. Head out prepared.

2. Big 5 Sporting Goods, Multiple locations

This store caters to the outdoorsman in all of us with products that suit a broad range of outdoor activities. Hiking accessories include boots, socks, backpacks, hats, and clothing. There are modest prices on most gear. Boots from Columbia and Denali come in multiple styles, colors, and fit. A variety of packs from hydration to waist to backpacks from companies like Camelbak and High Sierra make finding the right match simple. Pick up incidentals like a first aid kit, flashlight, or sunglasses.

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3. Merrell, Santa Fe, NM

A company that is known for its hiking boot is a great place to begin any trail adventure. The boots are renowned for their comfort, durability, design, and versatility. The company focus is to make sure your feet don’t hurt when you’re hiking any trail in any condition. Since their inception, they’ve branched out into other accessories and now offer other hiking necessities—packs, jackets, socks, hats, as well as pants, shirts and under garments. 

4. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Farmington, NM

What began as a bait-and-tackle shop has grown into one of the leading nationwide stores for high-quality outdoor equipment, apparel, and footwear. Whether you’re just getting started as a trail walker or are a seasoned outdoorsman, you’ll find everything you need here to make the experience a success. Start out with a good fitting pair of boots. Brands include Ahnu, Adidas and Timerbland. Pick up a pair of Smartwool socks for warmth. Grab a Kelty or Field & Stream backpack to carry essentials. Get a map and go.

5. Eddie Bauer, Albuquerque, NM

The namesake for this company was a true outdoorsman, creating and patenting several products that set the standard for current gear. The company manufactures things to last and stand-up to the rigors of outdoor adventures. Down insulated outerwear, a signature product, comes in all shapes, sizes and colors for men, women, and kids. Same with hiking and trekking shoes. Conquer the cold with base layers and the heat with lightweight tops. A stop here helps get you ready for any outdoor experience. 

6. Mudd N Flood Mountain Shop, Taos, NM

When you’re on a hike, comfort and safety are two important factors for success. You’ll find a commitment to those two things in the products on sale at this family-owned store. Footwear runs the gamut from trail runners to lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight boots from well-known makers like Oboz, Asolo and Chaco. You’ll find technical gear from Marmot and Toad & Co. for all weather adventures in styles that are comfortable, yet heavy duty. Daypacks and sturdy backpacks from Osprey are also on-hand. 

7. Happy Hiker, Ruidoso, NM

This store is well-named. The store is full of colorful, cool stuff and the owners are incredibly friendly, as well as being avid hikers throughout the Sierra Blanca Mountain range, and beyond. Walk in and keep your eyes open, there is merchandise everywhere. It’s a feast for the senses. Headbands, hats, socks, food, lights, shirts, pants, and jackets for all weather hiking are available. They carry some unique brands like Cotapaxi backpacks, a company with a commitment to fair and sustainable production practices, as well as Roclite shoes from Inov-8, a leader in all terrain footwear. You’ll have so much fun here, it’ll be hard to leave!

#happyhikeruidoso Lilliana says, "HH is fun!"

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