If your idea of a perfect day is trekking through the lush forests of Louisiana, at some point you’re going to need to get some gear. From hiking boots to trekking poles to bug spray, you’ll find everything you’ll need at the great outfitters of Louisiana. Here are our favorites.
Featuring great brand name products from companies like Patagonia, North Face, Black Diamond, and GSI Outdoors, the Backpacker should be the one-stop shop for all your hiking needs. Located in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the philosophy behind this store’s success has remained the same since opening its doors in 1974. Focused on selection, service, and quality, the Backpacker has grown into the state’s premier outfitter with the largest selection of hiking, camping, skiing, apparel, and outdoor gear. Check out their price match guarantee and save even more.
Originally founded in Arkansas in 1997, the success of the store led to an opening of the location in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2013. With the same mission to help people be active and enjoy the great outdoors by offering high-quality products and sharing their extensive experience, they back every product they sell. Besides carrying their own line of products, they also have items from Merrell, Patagonia, Yeti, the North Face, and more. They offer educational opportunities, and their charitable arm, Gearhead Gives, is a community-supporting organization that seeks to carry out their mission statement outside the walls of the store.
A sporting goods retailer with a focus on apparel and shoes, Hibbett Sports became a publically traded company in 1996 after being in business since 1945. Official retailer for Nike, they have been the recipient of national awards for excellence for many years. Besides having the best inventory of all outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking, Hibbett Sports believes in giving back to the community, and they do so by sponsoring organizations like the American Heart Association with charitable donations and fundraisers.
Ever since their opening in 1972, Massey’s has been selling great gear and apparel that support your outdoor adventures with a focus on non-competitive recreational activities like hiking, camping, skiing, backpacking, kayaking, and canoeing. Stocking nationally-recognized brands that are the best in the industry like Patagonia, Osprey, and the North Face, the focus shifted to specializing in the products needed by hikers and backpackers at this location.
What started out as a working man’s clothing and accessories store in the early 1900s became a place over the next 100 years as a store that specializes in clothing and outdoor apparel for big and tall men. With great brand names like Dickies, Columbia, and more, the store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you love exploring outdoors and are looking for a source of equipment, gear, and apparel for your next hiking, backpacking, fishing, rock climbing, camping, or boating adventure, stop by Pack & Paddle in Lafayette, Louisiana. What started as a backyard effort selling canoes in 1974 has grown to a store of over 6,000 square-feet that has a great selection of outdoor products from companies like Eagle Creek, Patagonia, and Salomon. Not sure what you need? No problem. The staff at Pack & Paddle have the experience and knowledge that will get you going with helpful workshops on topics like how to purchase the right equipment and where the best spots around the state are for hiking and camping. They also sponsor outdoor adventures and private trips.
Southeast Louisiana Scout Shop, located in Metairie, Louisiana, is an official retailer for the Boy Scouts of America, and carries everything from uniforms and apparel, to literature, crafts, gifts, and gear and equipment for hiking and camping. Featuring great and trusted brands like Eagles Nest Outfitters , Sawyer, and more, Southeast Louisiana Scout Shop carries a full line of men’s, women’s, and youth products and educational adventure literature.
