Consider a variety of climbing and hiking equipment for your customers. Camping hiking gear requires different equipment than for a day hike through the woods; stocking a large inventory allows you to meet the needs of more customers, which results in more business.

Train your employees so they know how to properly fit hiking gear like boots or poles. Make sure they have a basic understanding of all of your hiking and climbing equipment so they answer questions that your customers may have and help them make the best decisions to suit them up to enjoy their outdoor activities.

When stocking a store with climbing and hiking equipment, remember the following:

1. Stock hiking gear for every age group.

2. Choose climbing equipment for novices and experts.

3. Purchase climbing equipment designed specifically for ice climbing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select outdoor hiking gear suitable for a variety of hiking conditions

Stock hiking gear for mountain hiking, hiking through the woods or just a little outdoor adventure. Hiking is often a family activity so consider stocking equipment for youths as well as adults. Include more than just boots when stocking your hiking department. Remember the things that make your customers comfortable like insect spray, sunscreen and trail mix or energy bars.

I recommend: L.L. Bean has a variety of hiking equipment, including hiking poles, quality footwear and flashlights. Eastern Mountain Sports provides you with a plethora of hiking gear, including sun hats, first aid supplies and compasses.

Use rock climbing equipment designed specifically for the hobby

Research rock climbing equipment so you know what to stock in your store. Outdoor rock climbing will typically require more gear than rock wall climbing; knowing what to stock will help you better meet the needs of your customers, provide better quality service, and increase your bottom line.

I recommend: GearExpress.com can meet all of your rock climbing equipment needs, including rappelling ropes, harnesses and safety helmets. REI has everything rock climbers need from carabiners to crampons for your rock climbing excursions.

Search for specific ice climbing gear

Talk to your customers who enjoy ice climbing and find out what type of ice climbing gear they want you to carry. Question instructors or guides in the area who can help educate you on the products so you can better stock your store and your customers.

I recommend: Black Diamond Equipment prides itself on being one of the premiere suppliers of ice climbing gear. The Climbing Gear has everything you need for ice climbing like snow probes, ice picks and avalanche beacons.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your hiking gear and climbing inventory include safety equipment like water purification tablets or systems and GPS tracking systems so your customers stay safe and comfortable while enjoying the great outdoors.