Backcountry

Backcountry is a leading specialty retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, founded in 1996 by Jim Holland and John Bresee out of a garage in Park City, Utah, with a modest collection of avalanche beacons. What started as a small online operation has grown into one of the most recognized names in the outdoor industry, serving enthusiasts across hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more.

Headquartered in Park City with additional operations in Salt Lake City, Christiansburg, Virginia, Portland, Oregon, and Costa Rica, Backcountry employs thousands of people and operates nine brick-and-mortar retail locations across the country in cities including Boulder, Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. The company also operates several specialty retail brands under its portfolio, including Competitive Cyclist, MotoSport, and the deal-focused Steep and Cheap. Since 2018, Backcountry has developed its own private label brand of high-performance outdoor apparel, which has expanded into wholesale distribution at select retailers nationwide.

Backcountry is known for its team of Gearhead experts who provide knowledgeable, personalized service to customers, drawing on real-world outdoor experience. The company's culture is deeply rooted in the outdoor lifestyle, with employees who are passionate skiers, climbers, mountain bikers, and adventurers. In 2024, Backcountry was acquired by CSC Generation Enterprise, a technology platform focused on building profitable, digital-first retail businesses. Under CEO Melanie Cox, Backcountry continues to expand its market presence and deliver outstanding outdoor experiences to its loyal customer base.