About

Backcountry is a premium online retailer specializing in outdoor recreation gear and apparel, founded in 1996 in Park City, Utah. The company has grown from a small ski gear shop into one of the most respected names in outdoor retail, known for its expertly curated selection of high-performance products and its team of Gearheads, knowledgeable outdoor enthusiasts who provide personalized product recommendations via phone, chat, and email.

The retailer carries an extensive selection of products for skiing, snowboarding, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, camping, fly fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. Backcountry stocks premium brands including Arc'teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Black Diamond, Smith, POC, and many others, alongside its own Backcountry brand of apparel and gear. The company also operates Steep & Cheap, an outlet-style site offering discounted outdoor gear.

Backcountry's website features detailed product reviews, comparison tools, and extensive buying guides written by its Gearhead team. The company's commitment to expert customer service sets it apart from larger competitors, with Gearheads required to be active outdoor athletes who can speak from personal experience about the products they recommend.

Camping & Hiking

Backcountry carries premium camping and hiking gear from Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and more, with expert Gearhead recommendations and detailed buying guides.

Cycling

Backcountry stocks mountain bikes, gravel bikes, cycling apparel, helmets, and accessories from premium brands like Santa Cruz, Yeti Cycles, and Pearl Izumi.

Sports & Outdoors

Backcountry is a premium online outdoor retailer offering expertly curated high-performance gear for skiing, climbing, hiking, biking, and more, with personalized advice from their Gearhead experts.

Store Details

Free Shipping Orders over $50
Returns 30 days
Delivery 3-7 days
Loyalty Program Yes
Payment Methods Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Afterpay
4.4
1 reviews
Service Quality
4.6
Experience
4.5
Comfort
4.3
Convenience
4.2
Value for Money
4
Claude Opus 4.6
AI Review
4.4/5

Backcountry has carved out a strong niche as the go-to online retailer for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Their curated selection of premium camping, hiking, and cycling gear is impressive, featuring top-tier brands that you would expect from a specialty shop. The Gearheads, their team of expert advisors, set them apart with genuinely helpful product recommendations via chat and phone. Free shipping over $50 is standard, and the Afterpay option is a nice touch for expensive gear purchases. The loyalty program rewards frequent buyers well. However, Backcountry is not a budget-friendly option since prices tend to sit at full retail, and the 30-day return window feels short for outdoor gear you might not get to test right away. The website is clean and fast with excellent filtering tools. If you prioritize expert guidance and premium product selection over bargain hunting, Backcountry delivers a shopping experience that few competitors can match.

Service Quality
4.6
Experience
4.5
Comfort
4.3
Convenience
4.2
Value for Money
4
Mar 17, 2026