Honestly I spent very little time in this shop - I saw a clearance rack right when I walked by,…read morecame in, and found a super soft and comfy tank top for $12 that I immediately bought. Clearly this is a sports goods and shoe store - I saw a few throughout Colorado so it isn't only found in Durango. But I'll tell you what - that tank top is one of my new fav shirts, I hiked in it several times and I love wearing it to hang around!

This place is amazing! Every kind of active shoe you can imagine. For any time of the year. High…read morequality flip flops and water shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, hiking shoes/boots, work shoes etc. Plus, hundreds of socks - athletic socks, hiking socks, performance socks, and a lot of insoles. Plus, clothes. Yoga pants, shorts, tshirts, long sleeve running shirts, shorts, zip up jackets, light jackets, insulated skirts - basically all kinds of performance outerwear with wicking. Not ski gear though. Plus, other outdoors and sports gear like hydration packs, water bottles, etc. they have all the high quality brands, Chacos, Altra, Brooks, Merrel, Lems, Saucony, New Balance, Hoka, Saloman, Obōz, Teva, Swiftwick, and more. Shout out to Wyatt! He is SO knowledgeable and SO helpful. He knew EVERYTHING there is to know about shoes, feet, and recommending the right shoes for your needs. He helped us so much. I'm so excited for my new Chacos slippahs (flip flops) - they have serious arch support! He said they were top rated and I can feel it. I need arch support and my Vionics died way too fast, so looking forward to these. I've had a regular pair of Chacos that I love and lasted for years and never knew they had slip on options. We also got my husband some work shoes which he said feel amazing, both comfortable and affordable. Brooks and Hoka. He spends all day on his feet so needs something that helps his feet and back. Wyatt was wearing the Brooks and said they are his second pair.

Very friendly and helpful staff. Good selection and grave helpful recommendations when they did not…read morestock something. Quality camping and fishing gear.

Bottom Line: Locally owned store selling quality gear for the outdoors…read more Shortly after landing in Durango my husband realized he forgot his sunglasses so we headed to Gardenswartz Outdoors to see what we could find. The store doesn't have any glamorous displays but it was well organized with great brands like Toad & Co, Darn Tough, Prana, Camelback, etc. I enjoyed looking around while my husband picked out a new pair of Smith sunglasses. The store has gear for men, women and kids. The store is located in historic Durango so that means parking is mostly limited to street parking. We were in town on a busy Saturday so we ended up parking quite far away but it was worth it.

This place is awesome. Great customer service. First came in came in contact with them during covid…read moreor right before -- they offer great prices for season rental, super friendly and helpful. We showed up there last week with my son's brand new board which was very damaged (the tip was flayed open) and John (?) -- artiste extraordinaire -- did an amazing job for a reasonable price. We drive up from Chandler Az 3 times a year to ski at Purgatory (well my son went to the dark side and snowboards) and it occurred to us to bring the broken board with us (damaged at Flagstaff). So glad we did. Thanks John what you do really is ART. ps- i tried to post pictures before and after twice but yelp was not having it. sorry -- it sure turned out beautiful though.

I came in a bit clueless looking to get a splitboard setup. Jack & John educated me & helped me…read morepick an awesome board and bindings without trying to sell me more than I needed. It was a great experience with friendly people. Also, Andrew helped me heat mold my boots & they fit better than ever. Support this local shop, they deserve it.

My interactions with Backcountry Experience (Durango) goes back close to when their doors…read moreoriginally 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!

I went in for some ski bindings, and they were super nice and helpful. So nice, in fact, that they…read moresuggested 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.

I've been shopping here for 25 years. I appreciate the knowledge and expertise of the staff,…read morehaving climbed and skied with some of them over the years. While I don't come in as often now as when I was a rock and ice climber, it's nice that some of the older staff knows my name. I would not expect all this at a "big box" outdoor store, like the one at which I worked in Seattle 35 years ago.

Stopped by when in town recently - super impressed with the staff and the brands they carry. Great…read moreexpertise and great gear.

Got my hiking boots. Expensive but worth it. Good quality of shoes fit hiking or outdoor stuff…read more Great customer service

The GardenSwartz staff were amazing! I was advised to come to this store by a friend from Ouray, CO…read morewho said they were really cool about swapping Camelbaks with issues. Not only were staff willing to swap out my Camelbak, but they took the time to show me that there was actually nothing wrong with my Camelbak, and even though I felt like a complete doofus for wasting their time, they were totally cool about it and gave me good advice about where to find bouldering nearby. Especially big shout out to Cameron who was my primary contact in the store. Thanks!!!

Shop here if you like rude, expletive-filled service! My son, a gentle kid who loves cats, was…read morepetting the owner's cat (the cat is the first thing you see when you walk in). The cat got a little playful, and the owner angrily said her cat only behaves this way "when it's being fucked with," her exact words to my 14-yr-old son. Wow, a real class act, do NOT give these people your money.

Great stuff! The owner has superb taste. Especially impressed with the vintage Stetsons available.read more

First off, I have NOTHING negative to say about the store or the staff. It is all first rate! I…read morebooked a half day guided trip with them. I went and spent the morning catching fish all morning. The problem was, they were all between 4-6". I'm not suggesting that some were small, I am saying every single fish was that size. To be honest, I did not know that anyone fished for fish that small on purpose. Why would you?? My guide was incredibly friendly and very knowledgable so I am a little surprised about the outing. I know a half-day trip limits locations but this was incredibly disappointing. It was a lot of money for the outing and to say I have buyer's remorse would be an understatement. So if you book and they tell you they want to take you out to the La Plata River, please insist on a different location.

This tale will be told in three parts and reflects the experience we had in the shop and with their…read moreguide Rob C. Background: Son takes dad on a fishing trip to celebrate his retirement. Part the first - Booking our float trip on the San Juan river was simple. Called up Duranglers, spoke with Spencer, got some preliminary instructions, gave payment for half. Took 10 minutes. Received subsequent emails, phone calls from Tom, the owner, about NM fishing licenses with relevant links and day of driving directions to the meeting location. Made navigating an unfamiliar territory seamless. Act II - Shop experience. I "needed" a new fly line. I walked out with much more! Prices were reasonable, shop guys were more than happy to shoot the breeze, and their selection was top notch. Great shop! Part three - The Rob Effect: Im a beginner fly fisherman, my dad was a first timer. I have had 10 or so guides over the last 3 years since taking this hobby up. Rob C. is tied with one other in N. CO as my favorite. He was patient, funny, and a wealth of knowledge about almost any topic. He is an unbelievably technical fisherman, his skill set and command of the rod is unparalleled. His respect for the river and the fish it contained was refreshing. I cannot recommend him highly enough! He made our trip the success it was. You will not be dissatisfied with any aspect of Duranglers!

I had nearly forgotten this Boure Sports. I have had several bicycle clothing items special made…read morehere in years past. Customer requested special sizes or alterations of anything, this place will gladly do. My favorite is long, loosely fit pants. They made several for me and I still wear them. I need longer length than the normal sizes offer. I am talking with these people again about doing more. I have been to Durango several times but didn't take time to go here.

The real deal. Great selection of used but usable gear, and at great prices! We scored a couple…read moreitems that had been on our wish list for a while. We will certainly visit every time we're in Durango.

Great place for nearly new/gently used items of all kinds. I've been most happy with hats/caps,…read moregloves, boots/shoes, sun glasses, and clothing I've purchased over the years. I grew up in Durango and wish this place would've been there decades ago. I was so happy to find it during one of my many annual visits a few years ago. I stop by nearly every time I'm lucky enough to get some heavenly Durango time!