Looking for my first complete ski set up! Levi was awesome in helping me with this major purchase. He answered all my questions and even made suggestions for me to consider after hearing all about my skiing style and preferences. I’ve always rented skis. The thought of purchasing was overwhelming since I didn’t know what questions to ask, or any technical information regarding skis. I previously shopped three other local stores in town. They all had great gear to choose from, but I was not confident with the sales people meeting my needs. When making a major purchase like this I wanted to be happy with the gear as well as it suiting my needs. Instead of just hooking me up with random gear the shop wanted to clear from their inventory, Levi listened to what I needed. He gave feedback on my selections and made some of his own offering easy to understand translation amidst all the tech talk.Thanks again Levi & Backcountry Experience!!

Ben, the owner of the store, is one of the best human beings Ive ever met. The store has the most extensive selections of outdoor clothing in town. Whether you are a pro or someone who is looking to get outside for the first time in their life, the staff at Backcountry Experience is stoked to help you get ready for your next adventure. Usually, they have personally tried any gear item or brand you may have questions about. This is a fun spot to visit, even if just browsing. Keep on the lookout for cute shop dogs too.

Very helpful in getting my camelback fixed up for my hike.

I recently purchased some gear from Backcountry Experience that didnt perform as expected. Since I was passing through Durango, I was unable to stop in the store to return the items. That didnt phase the Backcountry Experience team. They worked with me over email and refunded my card for the faulty gear. I will definitely be back next time I am in town.

Ryan was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. I came in looking for a sleeping bag and ended up purchasing a Western Mountaineering bag. I sleep well and stay toasty.

This place is awful with costumer service and will not help with your needs. They will accuse you of wearing something if you return it and they are extremely rude. Better off ordering off line

Its a great place to get your outdoor needs. Durango is fortunate to have them in their city. No mask requirement a huge bit of freedom 🇺🇸

Found a great day hike Osprey pack. The lady that helped me was amazing. She knew I was on a budget and found something that met my needs that I could afford. I wish I had gotten her name. I used my new pack to summit my first 14er! Uncompahgre 😁 Thank you for all your help! Dont forget to try the taco place I mentioned lol.

The staff were so helpful!! This was our first time outfitting for skiing. Chrystal went above and beyond to explain everything! Customer 4 life!

Had a great experience. Came to visit with no quality shoes.Thank you for the help

We came into the store looking for an obscure part to rescue our camping trip. We talked to an employee who was very friendly and helpful. He let us know the store did not have our part currently, but asked how quickly we needed it. When we explained we are from out of state and left the rest of our 11 person party back in Mesa Verde National Park, he asked us to wait there for 10 minutes and hed run and grab the part from us from the stores storage!!! This employee saved the day!!! I will forever tell anyone that Backcountry Experience is a fantastic store with great service. We had a few other questions and hard to find things and they met us with cheerful, positive, and helpful employees all along the way. True experts in the craft of outfitting for the outdoors.

We came in to rent xc skis on a busy Saturday morning, they went the extra mile to make sure we had what we needed. I was super impressed with them! The equipment they rented to us was fantastic, too! I would definitely rent from them again.

This is the best shop in town. They have the best selection, best products, and super helpful staff. Its not your regular gear shop run by a bunch of people who dont go outside. They actually know what they are talking about.

Blown Away with the customer service I received! I walked in with the motivation of finding a cheap piece of gear to fix my very old old Telemark binding. They dug through miscellaneous parts and pieces for me only to conclude that there was nothing left behind that would suit my archaic bindings. They compromised with me and busted out some demo bindings that were a couple Generations newer. Still older! Which I like. Then they asked me how much it was worth to me and I said Priceless so they named a fee and it was reasonable. Then they mounted them for me same day within a couple hours. Im not saying youre going to get treated like a king as I was, but you may be treated like royalty! It is a biz that deserves your support. Thank you so much Ben for your knowledge and your service.

The sales staff helped my girl friend find some very nice hiking boots, she has a bad ankle and the guy there had the perfect boot for her.

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!

Do NOT come into this store if you have children!! They have a dog inside walking around un attended that bit my not even 2 year old daughter on the side of the face. I was told this dog was “great with children” when I walked in and employee insisted on petting it. Once my daughter started petting it, the dog bit her right on her cheek.

Thanks (once again!) to Ben and the crew at Backcountry Experience! After much laughter at my camping experience and poor decisions on purchasing light weight backpacking gear through discounted sources, Ben set me on my intended comfortable course. The crew is always helpful and knowledgeable, the inventory of gear is only the best available. Always my first stop before heading out into all the beautiful country that surrounds us!

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!!

Awesome local gear shop with super friendly staff. They are especially knowledgeable when it comes to fitting footwear, thanks guys!

Nice shop with helpful staff

Wanted to give a shout out to Levi and the crew at Backcountry. Levi took the time to help me find the right fit on a pair of boots after I had messed up in choosing a pair previously. Above and beyond guys! Shop local! Many thanks!—Trent

Was not in this particular store but maybe the parking lot.

If I could add stars to this rating I would do so. First visit to Backcountry. Good deal on an Osprey pack & I wore new O-boz Sawtooth boots out the door... so dang comfortable, I walked home. True story kids.Glad to help Oboz plant a tree. Quality boot- perfect insole.The only thing better than Backcountrys vast gear selection is the relaxed & knowledgeable people that work here. Great adventure energy fills this shop.I browsed a couple of the outdoor gear stores downtown & theyre OK, but Backcountry is a whole different class of outfitter.Top shelf products in abundance and variety.From the owner on down, these folks clearly care about you and your kit.Feel like I made new friends in this cool space.So just follow The Crows...they know where to go in The DRO.

My favorite mountian store for selection just about anywhere!they have the best stuff.HUGE selection of the best brandsprobably the best backcountry rental shop.and super friendly staff.

Everything needed for outdoor activity - camp stove to water purifiers, climbing gear to hiking shoes, performance clothing, sleeping bags, sunglasses. generally knowledgeable staff. a good place, if a tad bit pricey!

My favorite local shop!Their staff is extremely knowledgable about everything they sell which is gear for the backcountry! Shout out to Levi for helping my wife choose the prefect XC ski gear for her. I picked his brain for 30 min about an alpine touring setup and he was extremely helpful.These people know the local snow pack and what gear is best suited for the San Juans (or wherever you are going). You may be able to save a few bucks online, but support local and keep that money in the community.

Very helpful staff! They were very busy but the lady working the floor and register was attentative to everyone. The outdoor selection is great, picked out some nice trail shoes and a backpack.

Very well stocked and great knowledgeable employees. Better than the other “outdoor” stores in Durango I visited.

Awesome gear and staff but you pay for it, bring your wallet

Great local knowledge and great variety

This is my go-to store for all my backcountry recreating needs and has been for many years. Their selection is great and the staff is always super friendly and knowledgeable. I recently purchased my first full AT ski set up here and I could not be more confident and pleased with my decision to trust their experience and expertise with such a big purchase. Ben went above and beyond with his attention to detail with my boot fit, and his guidance for gear choice was properly thorough. This is a place that values their customers and it shows! Looking forward to being a happy customer for many more years to come!!

I loved the ladies that helped my daughter and I today. O H I O

Good selection and helpful staff.

These guys are knowledgeable and really want to make sure you are not only finding what you need but that you are having a great customer experience! They didnt have the pack I was looking for but the sales guy pulled up the company website and offered to order what I needed. Talked with me about my interests and really got to know what my needs were and how he could help me. The sales team was talking amongst themselves when I walked in but when they saw me looking around, and I was the only person in the store, I was treated like I was the only person that mattered. Great staff, go check it out.

Staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about outdoor brands and equipment. Highly recommend.

Great customer service and quality gear

Great selection, fair price, and friendly staff!

Cece was so helpful! Thank you

Our go-to source for quality outdoor gear. We were just in again today and got organizer bags and lip balm. Weve gotten approach shoes, undies, packs, climbing gear and other items here and very much appreciate the selection. Their well-chosen staff are knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant. The store is a bit cramped here and there, but Ive come to feel its part of the charm, and if it werent, there wouldnt be the wide selection. Great store and a well-earned positive review.

This place is great, I purchased some climbing shoes and accidentally ending up with the wrong box with the wrong size and I went back, after bleeding all over them and dust embedded after a trip to the creek and explained what happened and left with the right pair in my hands. I have great respect for the owner and everyone that works here, super honest and just want to provide the best experience possible for their customers. Thanks Backcountry!

Awesome local outdoor shop.

First time there. Broken tent pole section first night of vacation. Ben fixed my tent pole, Josephine pitched a demo tent. I browsed the store’s gear and apparel. They stock what works at a reasonable price. My new outdoor home away from home. Thank you!

I came in with a whirlwind of things to purchase, rent, exchange, and turn-in for service. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Even on a busy Friday morning, the ski tech got me in for a quick hot wax. THANK YOU! The girl that helped me exchange and fit my backpack was knowledgeable about the pack and its systems. She fit me for my torso length, which Im glad she asked because I originally purchased an extra-small torso length when I should have had a small. THANK YOU! She also rung me up which was also quite the process with needing to pay for various services. I rented a pair of snowshoes, and she patiently walked me through the new gear rental system. I paid cash for those. Then I got my skis waxed, exchanged a pack that was more expensive than the first pack, plus I used a coupon for the first pack, and bought some gaiters, and had another coupon, and a store credit from some warrantied gear. So she had to figure out all the math to get the remaining balance. Great work! THANK YOU! They also allow dogs, and were fast friends with my pup. Fantastic customer service all around. Thanks everyone at Backcountry Experience!

A really large store with great inventory. The staff here is GREAT. Was greeted upon entering and found what I needed in a very short time. Thanks for a great shopping experience!!!

Cool shop! Great staff!

They were under staffed, so I ended up helping another customer get the right size pack. Lol, it was pretty fun actually.

Love all the people very informative. I like that they took the time to help my son get his gear correctly without overselling to him. He loves the brand Black Diamond and they have the best selection on the western slope...must see gear for rock climbers.

The customer service impeccable and attention to detail by Ben was incredible. Ben and his team were phenomenal in their product knowledge, essential sales skills is first class and the quality of gear outstanding. Everyone is aware of how everyone else works and they excel!

Great place. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Reasonable prices for quality gear.

I just bought high-quality hiking boots for the second time in about 15 years. I went to Backcountry Experience because of the excellent help I received the first time, from a man I later learned was the owner, Ben. This time, I received the same excellent level of help from Michael. Its the human connection that keeps me going back (for more than just boots)!

Best outdoor store in town. Always a great visit.

Always very helpful

The staff is all very knowledgeable about the gear and helpful in making your decision. They are not overly pushy to make a purchase and genuinely seem to want to help.

Had a really great hiking boot fitting with Keagan! He and the rest of the staff were really welcoming, helpful, and focused on getting us what we needed.

Heres to having an awesome small business and gear shop in town! Ive had to replace a lot of gear and outdoor clothing/equipment this year because Murphys Law. You guys always have what I need, along with a knowledgeable sales staff to show me whats up. Fist bump!

Great locations, store and staff. They had everything I needed and then some. Love this shop!!

Very easy-going and knowledgeable stuff! Bought my first hiking shoes there💪🤩

Its a good place to buy gear. Not the cheapest. But good selection, acceptable prices, nice staff.

One of the best gear stores in the region. Staff is knowledgeable and kind. Have always received beyond normal service, even when I’m just browsing.Also, I was with a friend today and had a flat tire right outside the store. Ended up needing a second jack after a mishap with our jack. Michael was behind the counter and did not hesitate to help with his own jack. Employees like Michael are the reason I’ll keep coming back to shop for my gear here.

Great staff and selection. For sure the best outdoor equipment store in Durango. These guys will set you up with what youre looking for and make sure you buy the gear appropriate for your needs. With their consultation your next adventure is bound to be a success, if you need no consultation, fear not, they will help guide you to the product you know you want

Got some Hoka shoes that solved an issue Im having with my big toe and the service from Graham was very good. Shoes are amazing! Its a terrific store and will be my go to for the merchandise they sell. Thanks, Ryan

Great Park near running water needs more lighting after Dark close around 10 p.m.

Backcountry Experience was a pleasure to work with! Ordered item online. Though my own mistake, Liz was knowledgeable, understanding, and a pleasure to work with to help me get what I needed. Would definitely order from them again and hope to visit their store in Durango.

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 Nicoles 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 didnt 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!

Excellent customer service and the staff are extremely knowledgeable! Also, the staff helped me choose the perfect day pack (Osprey Talon 22) to fit all my hiking needs. I recommend stopping by here first.

Great place to grab what you need and be off on a photo shoot

Extremely knowledgeable staff - and the selection of gear is phenomenal. I recommend this place for any level hiker for gear and advice.

Very helpful staff .. Bought some boots, jackets, gaiters, etc. All great quality at good prices. Wed definitely go here again if we need anything outdoors.

Bought some Oboz shoes. My second pair. A big salute to Jo, she was a breath of fresh air and contributed with some great insight. Thanks Jo from Joe

Go see Ben for ski boot fitting, he is clearly very experienced and takes the time to get it right. As a physical therapist, I can appreciate his understanding of the biomechanics and anatomy of the foot and ankle, and how he takes that into consideration when finding the perfect boot/liner/footbed fit. Ive spent most of the season with unhappy feet and Ben fixed that for me first try. Excellent patience, knowledge, and customer service. Thank you!!

Best place in the Four Corners to get quality outdoor gear. The staff is always knowledgable and more than willing to help. Prices are comparable to shopping on line, but customer service is out of the world

This is a very cool shop. Lots of second hand gear

Excellent selections and helpful staff, if they dont have it, they will order it for you. Where the locals go.

Top notch customer service! Came in to hike and climb at Chicago Basin and forgot my crampons. I called 20 mins after they were closed and the owner Ben still picked up the phone! He arranged to have one of his employees open up an hour early the next morning so I could get the proper gear neccessary for our trip and make the 8:45 train to needleton.. Cant thank these guys enough. You truley were a lifesaver!

I went in today hoping to buy super feet for my new fire boots and Keegan (sp?) Sat down with me and explained everything I needed to know about them. He helped me find the perfect size and was very patient. Super helpful, knowledgable and friendly! Dope place! Dope staff!

You get what you pay for and the staff gives military discounts. Way better experience from pine needle mountaineering durango, who completely ignored me.Staff members welcome you and answer any questions you might have. Only place that treats me well regardless of the clothes I wear. Loyal customer

Sam is great at patiently explaining backpacking options and solutions.Michelle is a hero, helping me twice after store hours -- once in town when I left gear at the store, and once when I happened to see her out on the trail.

All my outdoor gear comes from here. Good selection and knowledgeable staff. I appreciate the limited Boy Scout supply section as well.

The staff were incredibly helpful in offering route suggestions for our weeklong backpacking trip in the San Juans. They have all the technical equipment anyone would need for a wide variety of wilderness sports. Highly recommend!

They ALWAYS have what we’re looking for while being super helpful and knowledgeable. Went in for an Exped Megamat Duo and and we love it! We moved from Durango a few months ago but when we come to town we make sure to stop in.

Theres a bigger selection of gear here, especially with respect to climbing gear, than other gear stores in the area! Not so much the case for trail running, but thats fine. Our biggest complaint is the unsolicited advice from staff. We know what were doing, but if we need help, well ask. So, I imagine folks just starting out in an activity will enjoy the shared knowledge, but folks who just want to get their gear and get out might be subjected to a p**sing contest by recreationalist college boys on staff. I know some knowledgeable and experienced people work here, but again, if we want help or advice, well ask.

As usual mice supply of quality outdoor clothes and equipment. Pricey but good.

Its a a little pricey but they have all the toys!

Very attentive and knowledgeable! Great selection of new, used and rentals!!

We get all of our equipment and clothing here. Great help and great employees

Good Qualty, high prices. Helpful Staff

The workers dont ignore you and actually know what their talking about, or theyll find somebody who does. Unlike the other outdoor stores...

Great customer service!! These guys really know what they’re talking about! If you’re looking for anything camping/hiking/backpacking related chances are they’ll have it!

This place kicks ass. The wide selection of gear and excellent knowledge base of the staff set aside, the level of customer service Ive experienced here is second to none. Ive had ski and binding problems all year and this shop has gone above and beyond to accommodate every incident. They have gone so far as contacting ski companys to replace my equipment as well as provide plenty of information on whats going on with my gear and how it functions. Their service is patient and timely, and one time they even allowed me to use their tool bench for a brief moment to mount clips on my skins. Sometimes you can catch pretty screaming deals at Backcountry Experience as well. Having been to nearly every other shop in Durango I can say that this one is hands down my favorite.

High end gear. Good stuff. Periodic sales in the parking lot

Major kudos to Backcountry Experience for saving my vacation. I broke a tent pole section that rendered my tent useless. They took the extra time to evaluate and repair my pole on the spot – on a tent that I did not buy from them on a brand they did not even sell. This is what real customer service is about. Five stars!!!!!

Ive been shopping for the right backcountry ski set-up for over a month now and finally pulled the trigger after my serendipidous trip to Backcountry Experience! Investing in an AT set-up is certainly not cheap and even intimidating. Fortunately, the staff at Backcountry are incredibly helpful, super nice (dare I say funny!), and worked with me to find the right set-up at a great price! It was the AMAZING boot fitting; however, that prompted me to write this review. Backcountry knows how to properly fit a boot, I wouldnt go anywhere else. In fact, I dont think Ive ever been properly fitted in the past. All I can say, Im super grateful for my experience at Backcountry and encourage anyone looking for a boot fitting to check out this wonderful establishment!

Very helpful, knowledgeable and courteous when renting snowshoes and buying a coat..

Great people, great selection.

Great deals, good gear

Good place to grab what you need for rock and ice climbing and hiking if you forgot it but better prices online

Great selection and knowledgeable staff. Great brands and gear.

Lost some spark hardware on a tour and they dug up some spares in the back for me. not so bad

Great service, excellent staff, need something ?... get it here