Curious why you should visit your local outdoor store? Read on to see what incredible stories these outfitters have to tell, and learn more about the communities they serve.

Note: These interviews have been edited for length and clarity. 

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Lahouts

Serving NH since 1920, 8 brick-and-mortar locations

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Lahouts has been around since 1920, and holds the designation of the oldest ski shop in America.

“As the oldest ski shop in the US, we started as 1 small shop in Littleton, NH and grew to 8 locations between Littleton & Lincoln including our Lincoln Summit Shop where we carry Sawyer Products. Our niche is catering to the needs of not only your typical outdoor enthusiast, but also the local community to fulfill their needs with anything and everything for the outdoors. From footwear to kayaks, we've got you covered.”

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What is your favorite nonprofit or group making a difference in your community?

“We are currently working alongside Outdoor Adventuring For Good to put on our Lahout's 5K on 6/14. All proceeds will benefit OAFG, a local nonprofit based out of Bethlehem, NH raising awareness of and funding for trauma recovery programs that integrate mind and body healing in northern New Hampshire. It has been a pleasure to work with Renee Blacken and we hope to continue the relationship.”

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Learn more about the 5K on June 14th here.

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Follow along with Lahouts’ adventures on Instagram (to specifically follow the store along the Appalachian Trail, follow this account, too.)

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Arizona Hiking Shack 

Serving Phoenix, Arizona since 1972

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Arizona Hiking Shack is a Technical Outdoor Shop that has been outfitting and educating Arizona since 1972. 

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“We house the largest climbing department in the country (at least that's what everybody tells us) with Rock & Sport & Canyoneering & Trad & Gym as well as Rope Rescue & Industrial Rope Access equipment and a training facility, as well as Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Paddling, Mountaineering, Wilderness Medical and Survival gear and equipment WITH classes, rentals, an extensive library and maps section and an educated staff to point ya in the right direction.

We are a No Bull shop. We won't sell you something you don't need or doesn't fit and, yes, we tell every customer who purchases an awesome piece of gear like the Sawyer line of filters that they will need to pre-filter the water here in the dirty desert. When you think of the old shop, back in the day, where you knew the workers were using the gear, probably more than they were at work, that's us. 

We've just kept up with technology and, in some cases, are helping develop it.”

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What is one piece of knowledge related to the outdoors that you wish everyone had?

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“Safety is no accident. Situational Awareness (actively paying attention) is, hands down, the most important element to having an unforgettably fun experience AND avoiding & handling any problems in the backcountry.

We are dual businesses. Arizona Hiking Shack & AHS Rescue. The rescue side of the store very much keeps us alive as hiking side competes with the big box stores and online sales in the outdoor recreation world. AHS Rescue supplies organizations and government agencies across America and beyond with industrial rope access climbing gear and rope rescue gear and training, advise, etc. 

Our owner was dirt bag climber in his youth working at the Shack and later purchased the business from the original owner. He became a key player in the development of rope rescue in the 70's and 80's as wilderness rescue operations realized they needed the skills and equipment the climbers were using. He helped develop, test, and market things like the Arizona Vortex, a high angle rescue tripod that is extremely versatile and packable (an item we still sell today!)"

“He has built a reputation, over the decades, as one of the most knowledgeable and experienced people when it comes to rope access (though he probably wouldn't put it like that.)

Our Hiking side of the business continues a 50+ year tradition of educating and outfitting our clientele, be they people new to the outdoors or 3^rd generation Shack loyalists bringing in their grandkids for their first hiking shoes (we do excellent sit-and-fits here, stretching and manipulating shoes for problem feet every day).”

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Follow along with Arizona Hiking Shack’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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Walkabout Outfitter

Serving Virginia since 2005, 6 brick-and-mortar locations

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Walkabout Outfitter specializes in providing high-quality outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear tailored to a diverse range of adventurers—from Appalachian Trail thru-hikers to casual urban explorers. 

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“Our niche lies in blending expert knowledge with a welcoming, inclusive retail environment that caters to both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and newcomers alike. 

Often the outdoor recreation industry can feel daunting and intimidating, but we strive to make the outdoors accessible to everyone regardless of their outdoor experience and fitness level.”

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What is one piece of knowledge related to the outdoors that you wish everyone had? 

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“The outdoors is accessible to everyone! You don't need to be an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker to enjoy the outdoors; the outdoors is for ALL! There is a way that everyone can enjoy being outside, you just need to figure out what that is for you. Maybe that's an urban walk around town, sitting outside in a courtyard, hiking on a trail, or kayaking on a river. There is a way for everyone to enjoy the outdoors!”

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Follow along with Walkabout Outfitter’s adventures on Instagram or Facebook.

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Rusted Moon Outfitters

Serving Indianapolis, Indiana since 2002

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Rusted Moon Outfitters is a seasonal, full-service ski shop, and also stocks great recreational canoes, kayaks and paddle boards, proudly made in the USA. 

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“We’re a locally owned Independent Outfitter all about getting you outside. Anything you need, from lifestyle to hard goods for backpacking, we have the best products from some of the top brands in the outdoor industry. Whether you’re a hiker interested in thru-hikes or car camping, or require a ski boot fitting or molding, we try to carry anything you might need for your next adventure.”

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What is your favorite nonprofit or group making a difference in your community?

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“Public lands are managed for a variety of purposes, including conservation of natural resources, recreation, and scientific research. Friends of The White River  educates Indiana about local water trails, water sheds and how to maintain a healthy ecosystem for the benefit of all. 

Use public lands and leave them better than you found them. It’s our responsibility to do so.”

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Follow along with the adventures of Rusted Moon Outfitters on Instagram and Facebook. 

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The Backpackers Shop

Outfitting Sheffield, Ohio since 1966

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The Backpackers Shop specializes in backpacking & hiking gear, fly fishing gear, technical outdoor & lifestyle clothing, and stock an extensive offering of paddlesports gear.

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Would you consider your business locally owned? What does that mean to you?

“I would consider us locally owned. We are a third generation, family owned shop here in Sheffield Village. We pride ourselves on servicing the community and bringing our local outdoor community together.”

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Follow along with The Backpacker’s Shop adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and their fly-fishing-specific account.

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Mountain Ready 

Online store based in Seneca, South Carolina

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Mountain Ready specializes in curated emergency preparedness gear, tactical equipment, and survival tools for outdoor adventurers, homesteaders, first responders, and everyday families. 

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“We focus on rugged, field-tested products that are built to perform in real-world situations where reliability matters most. We carefully select gear that’s already trusted in the industry and by the people who use it every day. While some of the brands we carry manufacture internationally, we actively seek out and prioritize American-made products—and we’re always looking to partner with new, small U.S.-based businesses that align with our values.”

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Follow along with Mountain Ready’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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Would you consider your business locally owned? What does that mean to you?

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“We’re a family- and veteran-owned small business proudly based in the South Carolina, USA. To us, being locally owned means more than just geography — it’s about values.

It means showing up for our customers like we would for our neighbors, offering honest advice, and standing behind the products we carry. It’s about trust, accountability, and community. We believe in relationships over transactions and work hard to be a reliable source of preparedness and support, whether you’re across town or across the country.”

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