5 Northwoods Outfitters That Will Get You Ready for Your Hiking and Cycling Trip This Fall

There’s an inviting crispness in the air. The leaves on the trees are now dipped in gold. You decide it’s a perfect day for a long hike or a bike ride in the Northwoods.

But when you retrieve your fall hiking and cycling gear from the back of your closet, you discover it has seen better days. In order to comfortably, stylishly, and efficiently take on the trails, it’s time to invest in some new, high-quality gear. Looking for a local outdoor sports shop that has what you need? Here are five shops in our region that will help you get on the trail in no time.

The Hiker Box – Eagle River

The Hiker Box specializes in hiking and camping gear, such as

• tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads
• water bottles, reservoirs, camp sinks, and water filtration devices
• backpacks, dry sacks, stuff sacks, compression sacks
• first-aid kits and hygiene products
• fire-starting kits, trekking poles, headlamps, and lanterns
• wool socks and other accessories
• maps and nature information pamphlets

In addition to the extensive selection of Wisconsin and UP maps it carries at the store, if The Hiker Box does not have a map you’re looking for, it can make a custom map for you for a reasonable price. The Hiker Box also carries outdoor accessories for dogs, so Fido can join you on your outdoor adventures this fall. (If you’re interested in learning more about dog-friendly lodging and attractions in the region, read more over here.)

Stormy Kromer – Ironwood, Michigan

This time of year, you never know when the conditions will turn from mild and dry to frosty and fierce, so you better show up to the trailhead ready for anything. If you’re looking for a rugged hat to top off your new hiking gear, head to Stormy Kromer’s flagship store in Ironwood to purchase the iconic wool cap with earflaps (Stormy Kromer’s staple since 1903). Stormy Kromer also makes and carries jackets, vests, shirts, mittens, and other accessories for men, women, children, and pets. The Ironwood location also offers free, kid-friendly, fully accessible factory tours Monday through Friday that start at 1:30 p.m. (Central time) and last 45 to 60 minutes.

Coontail Sports – Boulder Junction and Arbor Vitae

Coontail is an excellent place to go for stylish higher-end outdoor apparel and accessories. Coontail carries brands such as Patagonia, Kuhl, Kavu, The North Face, and Smartwool. If you’re thinking of hitting one of the many great bike trails in Oneida or Vilas County, Coontail rents and services bikes and sells Specialized Bicycles.

Mel’s Trading Post – Rhinelander

Mel’s Trading Post is a one-of-a-kind outdoor sporting goods store, offering bicycle maintenance, repairs, and rentals in addition to its fine selection of outdoor apparel and footwear. Mel’s Trading Post carries apparel brands such as Outdoor Research, Columbia, Arc’Teryx, Patagonia, Fjällräven, Stormy Kromer, and The North Face; footwear brands including Keen, Chaco, and Kenetrek Boots; and camping gear brands like Osprey, MSR, Sea To Summit, Kelty, and Black Diamond. If you’re looking to rent a bike for your fall adventures, you can choose from quality road, gravel, fat tire, mountain, and hybrid bikes to rent at Mel’s Trading Post.

BJ’s Sportshop – Minocqua

To set you up for your fall hiking and biking excursions, check out BJ’s Sportshop‘s great selection of apparel. BJ’s offers only the highest-quality activewear; it carries brands such as The North Face, Patagonia, Lolë, Arc’teryx, Ibex, Pearl Izumi, and Spyder. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly entry into cycling this season, BJ’s sells pre-owned bikes and rents bikes to use on the many local trails.