Back Country

My wife and I stopped into Back Country Outfitters today while taking a walk through the neighborhood after supper. We didn’t realize that we were walking into the store just a couple minutes before closing time. The employee was very helpful and answering questions and helping me pick out the right gear for my needs (in this case a hydration pack suitable for commuting or day hikes). He was able to give firsthand feedback on his own use of the pack I was most interested, as he recently used it for a trip to Peru. I definitely have to say the customer service we received was top notch. .. especially so considering that we were in the store for almost 20 minutes after closing time. The staff didn’t give any indication that they were in a rush or anxious for us to leave.
Prices seemed to be at or slightly below retail price which is honestly what I expected for an outdoors store this size. They had a good little clearance section on shoes with markdowns of 50% on what we were looking at. In my experience Back Country Outfitters exemplifies the benefits of buying local: the prices may not compete with Amazon or other online retailers, but the value of knowledge and service more than makes up for the difference.

I was in today looking for some pieces to fill out my travel wardrobe and was VERY pleased with the selection available here. Also, the staff was friendly and attentive. Back Country may be my new favorite stop in the Design Moines area!

I needed to pick up Gayle at the airport in the evening and decided to leave Ames at around 2 PM and go explore the best that Des Moines had to offer. And on the strength of Lindsay R.‘s review, I consulted Google Maps and made my way to Beaverdale and to Back Country Outfitters.
Beaverdale is a cute little area and I’m glad I made a trip to a neighbourhood I would have not normally sought out. Back Country Outfitters is kind of a mini REI, with knowledgeable staff, an interesting meandering layout, and a nice selection of outdoors gear, women’s’ clothing, travel bags and gifts. There’s plenty of free parking and definitely worth the trip.

I love this store. Beaverdale is such a great little jewel in Des Moines. Back Country Outfitters is at home in a small shopping area full of fun coffee shops, book stores and consignment shops. I went in a few weeks ago just to take a look and they a lot more than I remembered them having! On top of having high quality camping, climbing and outdoors gear, they have a great selection of women’s clothing (dresses, pants, shirts, etc) on the dressy side of outdoorsy clothes. This is also the place to go if you want to buy chaco sandals or Crumpler bags!
Although it is a bit on the pricey side, you get amazing service, knowledgeable sales people and a selection you can’t find anywhere else in Des Moines.