Over all the years I've visited Ames, I've rarely travelled over to the West Side where Lincoln Way soon merges US 30. There's a now shuttered restaurant where my Sister had her rehearsal dinner and I sometimes passed Ames Surplus, which as it turns out has been folded into the 2-building complex that is called Jax Outdoor gear. The military surplus part of this store is not much more than a couple short aisles. Past that, Jax has loads of outdoor gear, fishing and hunting inventory, clothing, footwear, and even a corner for Boy and Girl scout supplies. It's all very high quality merchandise and a good value. I came in looking for some Carhartt pants, which they don't currently stock. I left very impressed and with a cool and nicely priced little Gerber knife. I found store staff to be friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I'll be back in Ames in a few months (or so), and I'm be sure to stop in again. I'm sure there will be new stuff to admire or goods that I missed during the last visit. And there's no need to drive all the way to Des Moines. read more

This place is a joke! I ordered online 5 different pair of mens pants. Called their customer service line to find out why the freight was so ridiculously high. I was told the customer pays to have them shipped to one location then pays to have them shipped to the final destination. I decided to go ahead with the purchase they were all name brand and still less than I could find online. Here is what I received later that day to my inbox. JAXOutdoorGearFarmandRanch Your order has been canceled Order was canceled because we did not have enough stock to fulfill your order and your payment has been refunded. Really, all of them! What a waste of time! Maybe Learn how online sales and inventory control works before trying to sell products online! read more

My new favorite shop for outdoor gear, Jax is a jewel on Ames' western side. With an incredible selection of clothing and footwear, this place is a quality stop if you're looking for clothes or shoes. I love their expertise, their tone of quality customer service, and their timing. Superb options all around, and smart as heck about accessories and needs. Dressing rooms, and zero pressure to buy. I work mostly outdoors in a customer service-related field and need versatility and quality, and they consistently deliver that to me. read more

I attempted to purchase a Jax gift certificate online (E-Certificate). When I bought it, the confirmation email with the GC number did not arrive in my email. I had one resent through their customer service. The next day, I was told via email that the CC I used to purchase the certificate with was possibly fraudulent for some reason (had this account for years & nothing like this has happened before. I had the money in my account) and they had to cancel my transaction. I didn't get more information although I tried. And when I complained we were good Jax customers for years, nothing was done to help me. I was essentially told my money was no good at Jax & even going to buy one at the store wouldn't be possible with my CC. So I guess they don't want my business anymore. I will oblige. read more

You have to come here to see all that they have. So. Much. Stuff. Also, a great variety of shoes for those of us who have to have ones that are suggested by our physical therapists. I got my last pair of New Balance here. The prices are about what one would pay anywhere, not sale prices is what I'm saying. But their selection of everything they carry is HUGE. I have been in here several times, sometimes I buy stuff, like the shoes, sometimes I just look in amazement at how many cool things they sell. Clean. Friendly staff. Lot parking. Marcy'sDinerTantrumScale 5/5- NoScreamingKids. read more

I really appreciate honest pricing with their guns and ammo. That's rare these days. Nice selection.

Expensive? Yes. High quality? Yes. My family gets our winter gear here, but we try to shop when things are on sale or clearance. Definitely a great business to support. Very kind and knowledgeable staff. Come on over to West Ames and get yourself warm and prepped for an adventure! read more

I really enjoy going to Jax because there is always something new and the staff are great. Prices are a bit expensive, but the quality is amazing so worth the cost. They have an amazing show selection!!! Go here, support our local businesses!!! read more

I'm not much of a "recreational shopper" but Jax might be the exception to the rule. Great selection in clothing and gear you can't find anywhere else in town. The type of gear that makes you daydream of exotic, outdoorsy vacations. Anyway, along with adventurous aspirations, you'll find solid quality. It does cost a bit more, but it will stand the test of time. Even better is the customer service. They don't overwhelm you but when you need them they are accessible and knowledgeable. I once purchased a shirt that didn't perform to my expectations - admittedly it was partly my own fault. Assuming that I had ruined the item, I contacted Jax to ask for tips to remedy the situation. They convinced me to bring it in and became my personal advocate in replacing the item, including placing a special order. I totally didn't expect that. How many stores would try to convince you to return something? But their extra effort and expense was worth it to keep a loyal customer. It worked and I'll keep going back. read more

The only reason to go here is because it's the only outdoor store in town. Store prices and customer service reflect the fact that they must know locals have no other option. I always seem to have problems finding an employee when I want to check out. I have found multiple products on the shelf that are at least 3x the price of the same item found at a similar sporting goods store in Des Moines. I have found that it is worth the 30 minute drive south. My boss went to buy glove last minute for work and felt the prices were insane. They were not interested in his business when he complained about a $30.00 pair of gloves that you could buy any other store for $10.00. When he said that he needed to buy 30 pairs, they adjusted the price. That said, everyone else still pays about $20.00 over. read more

Iowa is home to no national parks or forests. But you'd certainly think that Ames was on the outer boundary of one by stopping by JAX Ames Outdoor Gear. This is a VERY strong outfitter in west Ames. When I am looking for outdoor gear for backpacks in the Tetons, Boundary Waters or the North Cascades I can always count on finding the latest gear at JAX without having to pay for shipping from those big guys like REI. These guys have a deep, deep selection of camping gear, packs and equipment. Their employees are passionate and very knowledgeable and will steer you toward the smartest choice for your activities without overspending. This is one of the best retail establishments period in Ames. You'll find everything from hockey gear, to water treatment systems to Marmot gloves, guns and fishing lures here. They do tend to be a little more expensive, but given that they are addressing a specialty market I'll pay a little more to keep business local and for great service. An interesting side note here: I purchase all of my socks here. I've always been a stickler for socks that are kind to my feet and attempting to find American made ones at that. JAX has Osage Iowa's own Fox River socks, SmartWool and Teko. Teko is a very obscure brand that I have previously only been able to buy online. Buy a pair of American made high-quality socks here. Trust me you'll never go back. Some of the 10 year old socks I purchased at JAX look the same as the day I bought them. read more

Cashier doesn't understand that if there's no customer, she doesn't have job. Very ungrateful, bad attitude, doesn't understand good service means good customer service read more

This is a great shop. My favorite clothing store in town. Lot's of great brands that last! If you want cheapo clothes that wear out in a month, go to the Gap or the mall, the stuff you get at JAX will cost a little more, but you get what you pay for. Durable goods, eco-friendly brands. I'm not much of an outdoorsman, so I don't pay much attention to the gear, but there's a lot of it! You need to at least take a walk through, I'll bet you'll find something you like, and you may just learn enough to change your outlook on things. read more

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THEM ON LINE. They bait and switch. I ordered 2 of something but they sent me 2 of a similar item in a smaller (cheaper) size. When I called they said "we'll look around and see if we have what you want." Well surprise, surprise, they didn't. Anyway, they expected me to haul the crap they sent to FedEx (too big for the drop boxes) to return it before they'd issue a refund. Yeah, right. They'd get the items back on a package I'm sure they would claim "they have no record of receiving." Crooks. Stay away. PS - This was about a month ago and the bait web page is still up. read more

If you live anywhere in the Story County Area JAX Ames Outdoor Gear is a great place!! The SHOE department carries brand names like KEEN,Minnetonka, Merrell,Dansk and many others! I was really impressed- good prices too- just got a pair of Minnetonka sandals for 40% off- all leather with jewel detailing! Large clothing area and that does not even begin to cover the sporting goods! Excellent customer service! Returns are made easily. Huge selection of outdoor hats- all you can try on which is handy- online you don't always know how a hat will feel or fit! Even if you don't think of yourself as an "outdoor" person I think the gals will find plenty of cute clothes,summer dresses and lots of stylish sandals all at a great price! Great friendly customer service and always plenty of parking! If you have not been to JAX yet -head on over !! read more

Jax is easily the best place in Ames to shop. Like so many Ames staples, it has been around a long time, originally it was an Army Surplus Store. It has long since expanded, changed, and grown. While it has remained in the same (somewhat off the beaten path) location, it has added significantly to it's original square footage. There are now two buildings, the building farthest to the west is full of higher end, outdoorsy clothing, hats, mittens, gloves, base layers, accessories like belts and purses and shoes/boots. The building to the east is quite a bit larger, and houses everything from guns, to hunting, camping, luggage, tents, canoes, kayaks, animal training, guide books, snowboard/skiing, snowshoes, rock climbing, sunglasses, etc. They carry about every brand an outdoor enthusiast would want but would never expect to find for purchase in Ames, IA: Prana, Royal Robbins, Patagonia, Life Is Good, Columbia, Kuhl, Carve Designs, Lole, Keen, Ugg, Horny Toad, among many, many others. Their prices are competitive; there may be times when you can find the same items online for a buck or two cheaper, but not many and I could count far more instances where I saw a similar item for far more elsewhere. The associates that work in the store are always helpful but never overbearing. I have gone in there many times and browsed, and basically said that was what I was up to, and then others I have been very specific: i.e. 'I am here for a new tent.' This is when they are at their best. They ask questions, a LOT of them and will ultimately make sure you leave with the right product. And if it turns out that it is not right in the end (only has happened to me ONCE in all the years i've shopped there) they are absolutely gracious about returns. Most of their associates are also quite active so it is fun to pop in and shoot the breeze about their latest adventures traveling, cycling, or whatever they are up to, which makes them all quite a lot better at their jobs too, as they are wearing clothing that is sold there, playing in it as it was made to be played in. When I lived in Washington state every time i came home I'd drop $500 bucks in here, as the prices were always so much better than they were on the west coast for the same exact products and now every time I have friends visit from out of town, they always request to go here before they travel home. **I should also note that they rent canoes/kayaks and reasonably so. I have taken advantage of this service several times and always had great experiences/luck! read more

Good selection of outdoor gear. Word of caution: Winter clothes can be expensive, but since this store usually get stock early, buy your coats around October before the first chill hits. As a transplant from California, I would have appreciated this advice and pass it on to you! read more

They have good products... you can't find some of the stuff they sell at scheels, sportsman's warehouse, or basspro shop (all in des moines). They also have a nice archery range. read more

Go here! We are sending our son to Iowa State from California. We needed some winter wear. Joyce greeted us and spent the next hour helping us with everything from socks to gloves, jackets and shoes. She was all things expert and so helpful! A bonus was the winter clothing clearance! We scored and saved $298!! Great quality brands. This will be our "go-to" for all things outdoor! Make it a certain stop when you are in Ames. read more

I have been to JAX a few times now. They have a great selection of outdoor gear, however, I was quite disappointed in the customer service I stood at the gun counter waiting for someone to assist me. I notioned for help, as I watched two employees stand and talk to each other, not even acknowledging that I was standing there,although I know they saw me patiently waiting. An older gentleman walked into the store and was helped right away, and I had yet to receive any assistance. I had planned on making a purchase, but instead, I left empty handed and peeved at their poor customer service. All the employees may not act this way, but I was very disappointed in the two that were standing around when there were other customers who were also needing assistance. I do intend to return, in hopes it will be better the next time. They do have a lot of goods I am interested in and that I will use. Overall it is a great store. read more

I totally support their right to chose to sell or not to sell any items. My problem is that I went in to find a (LOW) capacity magazine 15 rounds or less for my AR15. I was told they will not carry any items for the AR of AK rifles. I'm truly OK with this except for the fact I did find magazines for the Ruger mini 14. This rifle uses the EXACT same ammunition as the AR 15 and is also a semi automatic rifle. This is TOTALLY hypocritical. read more

They are a pleasure to do business. Bought a gun from them. did not like. took back and traded for another one. They were reasonable in the price difference. read more