Backcountry Essentials

We were in Bellingham heading to Alaska. Needed gear. Frugal. Answer? Backcountry Essentials, a shop selling new, and here’s the special part: USED gear, from boots to coats and more. Just what we needed to supply some extra warmth and rain protection before heading to Alaska in September, when it is definitely no longer summer. We arrived just before closing and the staff was very patient as we perused, tried on, questioned, and then, yes, purchased some items we were later very glad to have found. I wish there were used/​consigned sports goods/​clothing shops like this everywhere!

I have been involved in the ski industry for over 30 years and it is wonderful to have this expertise in Bellingham. I typically get pro deals but have had difficulty in the past finding quality gear and advise for family and friends. No more. My girlfriend got a complete backcountry set up this year at backcountry essentials and has been very happy. There was even an issue with the top sheet of the ski she bought and they worked with the company (DPS) to resolve the problem to our complete satisfaction. It is so nice to not have to travel to Seattle for quality and expertise anymore!

If you live in Portland you can kind of think of this place as the «The Mountain Shop» of Bellingham.
What do I mean by that? Well, I mean that, although it’s not a «co-​op» it does have much more legit gear than the corporate co-​op a mile or two away. Stuff you’d never find there like: self-​arrest ski poles, ice screws, pitons, and BEER!(?) That’s right, in addition to bona-​fide, legit mountain gear, they also sell singles of many canned and un-​canned NW brews! Seriously, what a concept, saves me a couple trips!
I will definitely be back!

I love this place! Really warm & inviting w/​a sweet doggie that comes out to greet you. Found a pair of Columbia snow pants (consignment) for $ 40 & am now going up to the snow with good gear. Yeeeyyyyyyyy!!!

I dunno ’bout this place… the dudes in the store are very dude-​like and recently pissed me off. I went in to see if they would buy a pair of my skis for used gear. I called ahead though and told them exactly what I had (newer skis, previously mounted) and they told me to come down.
I walked down carrying my skis, and as soon as I showed them they said they couldn’t take them because I had already mounted 2 pairs of skis on them. What the heck, is that is the policy why can’t you tell me over the phone?!
Their used ski selection is pretty junky in my opinion, I thought my newer less used skis would be perfect.
They also had wool base layers advertised on the front door, but my boyfriend only found XL short sleeve with nothing in the back. Poor selection.
The gear they have is nice for sure, but limited selection is annoying. I’d rather buy from REI and at least be sure of their policy to stand by their products for a year. Who knows what their willy nilly policies are here.

They are so friendly and helpful here. We were looking for a specific item that we couldn’t find anywhere in Bellingham. They didn’t have it either, but Steve spent several minutes looking online and placing calls around to see if anyone else had any in stock. Totally above and beyond. Next time we have to buy something for outdoor adventures, we’ll go here first.

Ooh… A treasure hunting outdoor gear shop and… used merchandise on sale too!
Nothing like this up north in Van. that I know of.
Hiking and running shirts, shoes and boots and snow gear too.
What do you mean I can have a light rain shell that is not a heinous colour like my old one, and for less than 45 bucks? Pinch me! I’ll take it!
Yeah, we’ll be back… and back…

This is the best Backcountry gear shop in the area. It’s safe to say there is nothing as specialized or has a staff as knowledgeable as Backcountry until Seattle. They sell new and used gear… and they have over 100 types of beer for sale. Beer and gear. Not much better. They’ll be doubling their space to the upstairs in early 2011.
If you need AT gear, mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking gear, etc this is the place to go. They offer brands and gear that can’t be found at places like REI.

This store is legit! A great place to search for good quality outdoor gear for your next adventure. They have a nice selection of used «sport» gear, such as; coats, pants, shirts, boots, snow gear, etc. Also, the owner is a beer connoisseur and has a great selection of premium single beers to choose from. Keep up the great work BCE!