My interactions with Backcountry Experience (Durango) goes back close to when their doors originally opened (2006?). It has always been a treat to shop at BCE. As the days of consumerism continues to move towards online shopping, it is paramount to support any local business of recognition. BCE is one of those establishments. Not only is their inventory exceptional, but their personnel is also top-tier. Their associates have the wherewithal to remediate any issue, whether it be a repair to gear or replacement (if required and possible) to selling of items that are nice to see in person. Thanks to the crew members Ethan, Crystal and Cal for their expertise! read more

I went in for some ski bindings, and they were super nice and helpful. So nice, in fact, that they suggested another local business might have more selection. It's so refreshing in today's world to encounter such helpfulness and selfless honesty. Even though I didn't buy my bindings here, I will definitely be a consistent future patron because of their putting me first as a customer. read more

Tried to sell us broken goggles - had pretty much zero selection you're better off going to pine needle down the road

Eli was very helpful in assisting me in the selection and purchase of work pants. He put up with me trying on several brands and sizes. Awesome employee and very knowledgeable. read more

I have shopped here for years, but a recent experience has inspired me to finally write a review. Graham was on duty at the store when my wife called searching for a USGS map for an upcoming trip. Not only did he dig out this obscure map, but he waited for my wife to show up and ran the map out to her car instead of closing and going home. All of this was for an $8 sale that the store probably made pennies on. Ask around Durango and you'll hear a lot of similar stories about these guys. Prior to this recent experience I had a great experience with Graham on a boot fit, and he also spent a ton of time helping my daughter find a perfect shell. As the staff there often does, he explained the options and what features she could get at different prices and volunteered to special order a different color if there was one they didn't have. No pressure, just good info that allowed her to make the best decision to meet her needs. The owner Ben is also great for running shoe and hiking boot fits and does the best ski boot fits in town. This is the ONLY true outdoor store in Durango, and Backcountry Experience gets locals what they need at a price they can afford. All businesses are struggling right now with Coronavirus. I hope Durango locals support the store that has always supported them and shop at Backcountry Experience. read more

Best outdoors store experience I've ever had!!!!!!! After living all over Colorado ski towns I would have never guessed in a busy lil city like Durango that I would find people with such huge hearts. Not only is the staff hands down amazing for being informative, listening well and fun, the owner Ben will stand out to me for literally the rest of my snowbunny life. In some of the hardest times this country has been through this shop has helped me with the things I've needed wether I am spending a whole paycheck or $50 they never have treated me any different. Plus... they always have the best deals! Right now I saw tons of gear for 20-40-% off of the best brands. It's hard living away from family, some of us rely on our community in that sense and backcountry experience can make you feel right at home. #Blessed SHRED POW. REPEAT. read more

I dropped in this store to look for hiking backpacks for my family and discovered that the store was having a 20% off sale on everything! I was excited and bought 3 backpacks, shoes, socks, bladders, and a few other things. After I got home I discovered that all the items had been marked up to reflect the sale price so I didn't get the deal that I thought I was. My husband's backpack had a bottom sticker of $350 and the top sticker was marked $390. Of course there was a no return policy. So if you are going to shop at this store and there is a sale going on you probably aren't getting any kind of a deal and might as well shop online because I found price's cheaper there. On a positive note their customer service was great! read more

I went into Backcountry Experience looking for a pair of trail running shoes. I am very particular about my shoes. Crystal, the store manager, was so helpful and fun making my experience not only a success, but a fun experience. I left with the perfect shoes that were even on sale! I will definitely be back. read more

This is a mecca for amateurs to pro sports lover who would love to engage themselves in exploring this beautiful part of the country. Its a pricey place but offers pretty decent array of options and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts. read more

Backcountry Experience - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Durango, Colorado

This place is pretty much fully stocked! It's not very often that you come across a gear shop that is actually a gear shop! They carry most of the proline brands and gear. Ice and rock is fully covered here and the staff is super chill! read more

Backcountry Experience - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Durango, Colorado

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Love this store. Awesome people, helpful & caring. Lots of amazing clothes. Huge sale on all kinds of quality clothes. The are mask wearing social distancing AWESOME!!! Thank you for a great experience in your store. read more

Our new toy store in Durango. Staff knows their stuff about what they sell and applications. Great knowledge base on area activities. Good selection of backpacks, shoes, and clothes. We like to support local specialty stores and this one is one that goes the extra mile to help outdoor enthusiasts. read more

Levi the bootfitter didn't rest until I had backcountry ski boots that were comfortable on my feet and that he was comfortable with me skiing in! He was amazing. Great shop, travel all the way from New Mexico to get our gear here. Thanks!! read more

Second I am here and love the selection of their stuff. Great quality of clothing. Bought couple tops on sale, such a great bargain. read more

Backcountry Experience - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Durango, Colorado

E and I stopped in yesterday because A) I needed a bathroom, and B) we like outdoor equipment stores anyways. Obviously. It's the entire reason we require a second bedroom, since our current one is filled to the gills with our gear. Anyways... It's a fun store with creaky floors and it's PACKED with stuff (kinda like our spare bedroom...). Lots of gorgeous Osprey packs (their backpack brand of choice) and hiking books and boots and clothes. E and I found something we have never seen before - self-inflating pads that are filled with goose down but pack down pretty damn small for backpacking. It sounds incredibly awesome and feels even better :) I bought a new Mountain Hardwear beanie and got to use the bathroom and picked up some treats for the pups. It was a fun store with lots of helpful staff. It may not be the flagship REI in Denver, but it'll do for when I live down here :) read more

Stopped by on Saturday morning for a legit sale! This store is massive! They are sure to have whatever you are looking for for your outdoor adventures. Some of the things I spotted while perusing: skis, boots, wool undergarments, vests, jackets, sleeping bags, shoes, socks, hats... the list goes on! It was pretty crazy because of the awesome prices but I managed to find a nice pair of gloves and a warm windbreaker for fishing/hiking. The staff didn't have everything set up at 9 AM when they opened so that made things difficult to find at first. Also there were only two changing rooms which probably works fine for normal business but the line was painfully long to try things on :( read more

Backcountry's customer service goes above and beyond! Thank you for helping me out!! I would recommend this store as their apparel and supply selection is amazing! read more

This place has everything you need for your adventures. I went in a few months ago to prepare for an expedition up Mount Rainier and I worked with Keegan who had been up Rainier before he knew exactly all the gear I would need. His knowledge and time he spent with me was very much appreciated and rare to find in Durango. They have the best gear and the most expertise in store. read more

I needed help with layering for big hikes and a mountain camping trip. Michelle was so helpful explaining why she liked certain brands, and the different circumstances to layer a certain way. Looked at and talked about pros/cons of down vs synthetic jacket. Things I had read and kind of get--but made more sense when I'm in the store seeing it for real and able to put together items I already have in my wardrobe. Each time we are in the store the staff is attentive and helpful. I liked that I went in on Monday and felt like I had my own personal shopper. read more

I've been to a ton of outdoor outfitters both around the US and internationally. I have to say that Backcountry is one of my all-time fav's. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. I recently brought in a item for warranty that was purchased elsewhere. No problem, they sent it right off for repair without any issue. They always go above and beyond to make sure the customer is happy. You never get that "I'm too cool for school' attitude that is sometimes experienced in some climbing shops. Keep up the good work, guys! read more

Sam was very patient and helpful when I needed to get a ground cover and fit for my pack. Michelle is a hero, helping me after hours at the store and coincidentally when I saw her on the trail. read more

Their salesman refused to sell me hiking boots, or let me try any on. He said my orthotics were "absurd, ridiculous, and two and a half sizes too big." But my physical therapist said they are in excellent shape, fit perfectly, and do not need to be replaced or refurbished. I called to speak with the owner, Ben, and was told he was there but couldn't come to the phone. I left my number; he never returned my call. I then sent a polite letter to which he did not respond. The verbal interaction with the salesman was friendly and civil, but how strange that an outdoor gear company refuses to sell outdoor gear. read more

I was in need of a small two person tent last month that was not difficult to set up. The young man said that he had just what I was looking for and pulled out a Nemo Galaxi tent. Fine, so far. But, then he moved shelves in the store to create an open space to show me in person how it worked! Now that was service. If I lived in Durango I would certainly do more business with this store! read more

Came in during the summer for some assistance with ski gear, some metal leashes for my tele set-up. Since it was the off-season they didn't have them out on display, but they were willing to dig through the store room to search for them. In the end, they couldn't find what I wanted new, so they gave me some perfectably servicable ones they had that were used - at no charge! Awesome service. read more

I've been into BCEXP about ten or so times and the staff have always been super friendly and helpful. It's nice that the staff acknowledges my presence and let's me know they're there if I need help with anything. However, I have gone in before, taken a quick five minute browse and walked out without encountering any staff; so no shop is perfect. They have a modest selection of products ranging from nice price point pieces to some expensive top quality gear. I particularly like their climbing gear selection. I have yet to find something that I feel I really need that they don't carry. They also carry Western Mountaineering sleeping bags, so if you need a down bag go to BCEXP. They obviously don't carry everything and are missing a few of the major brands (e.g. Patagonia, but they would if they could). That being said, they do carry some less common brands (e.g. Aku boots) and I think it would be easy to walk in with nothing and walk out pretty well equipped for your next outdoor adventure, whatever it may be. I also believe their brands balance out well with what's available at other Durango outdoor retailers. So if you have an adventure coming up, I can easily recommend stopping by Backcountry Experience for your equipment needs. read more

BackCountry Exp , Quite simply the best selection of gear in Durango, (OMG they have so much stuff) they are community orientated with their participation in and support of the running and biking races and their fun yard sales. They let you bring your dog in the store ! They have great yards sales in the parking lot where locals can clean out their closets and sell with the pros. Usually in support of a local non profit. The backroom ( Sale Room) is always open for a deal on shoes, backpacks and Jackets. NO other store in Durango has anything like this. Ben and the staff are the best boot fitters in the area with all kinds of custom solutions to fitting probs. read more

I've shopped there for years and received superior customer service above and beyond what is customary.

I had an issue with a water bottle that was a year old. I was told by the company to bring it to where I purchased it to be evaluated. I did so, and dealt with Nicole, who helped me. I was told it would be 4 weeks. I know it sounds weird but my water bottle is like my security blanket. It goes everywhere with me. I work all over the world as a medevac nurse/Paramedic. I came in today to find that the company still had not sent a new bottle despite Nicole's best efforts. I spoke with Sarah , a manager and told her I am leaving for a month for work. Sarah helped me and got me back on the road with my warranty bottle without hesitation. I wholeheartedly recommend Backcountry Experience. The sales folks are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. They didn't have to help me but they went above and beyond. I am a 30 year local and ex firefighter / ski patroller/ heli ski guide/ river expedition guide. I know a great outdoor shop when I see one. Backcountry Experience is the best anywhere! read more

The best customer service out there!!! The staff and owner are knowledgeable and are very pleasant to work with. They had the largest selection of OBOZ hiking boots out there!!! They are the premier boot fitters for Southern CO!! I would highly recommend them. read more