backcountry.com

What Backcountry.com Is and What It Does

Backcountry.com is an American online specialty retailer focused on outdoor gear and apparel. It operates one of the largest e-commerce platforms for people who spend time outdoors — hikers, campers, climbers, cyclists, skiers, snowboarders, trail runners, paddlers and other outdoor activity enthusiasts can find gear there.

The company’s core business is selling outdoor clothing and equipment from top brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and hundreds more, along with accessories and other gear people need for their adventures.

Backcountry.com started and remains primarily an online store, although it has experimented with physical retail locations and outlets where customers can get personalized advice and try products in person.

History and Growth

Backcountry.com was founded in 1996 in Park City, Utah by Jim Holland and John Bresee. They started the business in a garage, selling a small inventory of avalanche safety gear. Over time, the company expanded its catalog and built one of the first successful online outdoor gear retail operations.

The business grew steadily, adding many product categories and niche sites. At one point it operated multiple specialized outlets and discount sites, though some of these have since been consolidated or replaced by outlet sections on the main website.

Backcountry has always leaned heavily into e-commerce innovation and tried to streamline fulfillment and delivery logistics to serve customers efficiently.

Ownership and Corporate Changes

Over its lifetime, Backcountry.com has changed owners a few times:

  • In 2007, a controlling stake was sold to Liberty Media Corporation, which brought in outside capital and access to broader retail expertise.
  • In 2015, the private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners acquired the company, helping expand its portfolio and brand reach.
  • Most recently, in 2024, CSC Generation Enterprise completed a purchase of Backcountry.com. Under CSC, Backcountry continues to operate under its own name, with an eye toward digital growth and broader market reach.

These ownership changes reflect how a relatively small online startup grew into a major player in outdoor gear retailing.

Product Range and Market Position

Backcountry’s online store carries tens of thousands of products across outdoor categories. That includes:

  • Clothing and apparel — jackets, pants, base layers, gloves, hats
  • Footwear — hiking boots, trail running shoes, insulated boots
  • Technical gear — climbing equipment, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks
  • Sports-specific gear — skis, snowboards, bike parts and accessories
  • Accessories — watches, electronics, hydration systems, sunglasses

The platform pulls in products from hundreds of well-known brands and some smaller niche manufacturers.

Backcountry positions itself as a premium outdoor retailer. It doesn’t just sell basic gear — it aims at people who are serious about outdoor activities or who want high-quality performance equipment.

Customer Experience

Backcountry has built a reputation for strong customer service. Many customers rate their experience highly, and the company markets features like satisfaction guarantees and responsive support. Reviews on independent platforms reflect a mix of very positive experiences — especially with customer service — and some complaints about specific order or shipping issues.

An interesting part of Backcountry’s service strategy historically was its “Gearheads” — trained staff available to help customers choose the right gear based on needs and experience level. This blends expert advice with online shopping, which can be helpful for people juggling technical gear choices.

Branding and Community

Backcountry didn’t just grow by selling stuff. Early on, it built a brand identity tied to outdoor passion, expertise, and community. The company used sponsored athletes and content that spoke directly to people who spend time outside. In its heyday, its goat logo and community activities became a recognizable symbol among outdoor enthusiasts.

There was controversy at one point when the company aggressively protected its trademark on the word “backcountry,” leading to legal disputes with smaller companies using the same word. That episode stirred backlash among some outdoor enthusiasts but didn’t fundamentally change the core business.

Competition and Market Landscape

Backcountry operates in a competitive space that includes both general and specialty outdoor retailers:

  • REI — a major outdoor retailer with both online and physical co-op stores.
  • Amazon — broader e-commerce platform that sells outdoor gear among many other categories.
  • Other specialty sites — like EVO, Moosejaw, and Competitive Cyclist (one of Backcountry’s sister brands).

Backcountry’s strength lies in its deep product selection for enthusiasts and its service features. But competition means it needs to keep innovating, especially as outdoor retail evolves and customers expect fast fulfillment and easy returns.

Strategic Shifts and Future Outlook

In recent years, Backcountry has experimented with expanding into wholesale and private label products, trying to diversify beyond pure online retail. That means selling Backcountry-branded apparel or gear through other retailers in addition to its own site.

The shift in ownership to CSC Generation also suggests a renewed focus on digital transformation, leveraging technology and data to improve customer experience and streamline operations.

Key Takeaways

  • Backcountry.com is a major online retailer specializing in outdoor gear and apparel.
  • Founded in 1996 in Utah, it’s grown from a garage startup into a global e-commerce platform.
  • The company has changed ownership multiple times, most recently being acquired by CSC Generation Enterprise.
  • It sells hundreds of brands across outdoor categories, serving hikers, campers, climbers, skiers, cyclists, and other enthusiasts.
  • Known for customer service and expert advice through “Gearheads,” but reviews are mixed on execution.
  • Faces strong competition from both general and specialist retailers.
  • Strategic moves include wholesale expansion, private label products, and digital innovation under new ownership.

FAQ

What does Backcountry.com sell?
Backcountry.com sells outdoor gear, clothing, footwear, and accessories for activities like hiking, camping, biking, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding.

Where is Backcountry.com based?
The company is headquartered in Park City, Utah, United States.

When was Backcountry.com founded?
Backcountry.com was founded in 1996.

Who owns Backcountry now?
As of 2024, Backcountry.com is owned by CSC Generation Enterprise.

Is Backcountry.com just a website or does it have stores?
Primarily it is an online retailer, but it also has some physical locations where customers can get in-person advice and product support.

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