Backcountry Essentials expands storefront with new location on State Street

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – In 2006, Backcountry Essentials first opened its doors to outdoors enthusiasts on Holly Street.

For the first few years of the business, Backcountry Essentials focused on selling niche outdoors gear for hikers, climbers and skiers who were looking to take on the great outdoors. Over time, Backcountry continued to grow their business, brand and connect with Whatcom County residents.

But after 18 years of wanting to expand, business owner Chris Gerston has made the decision to move his store to a larger building on State Street.

“Pretty much every department is going to have room to grow,” Gerston said.

Chris Gerston stands near the entrance of the new Backcountry Essentials location on State Street. Photo by Sam Kristofferson

Located in between VITAL Climbing Gym and 20th Century Bowl, the new location for Backcountry Essentials will showcase a wider selection of inventory as well as an open floorplan for unique items.

“This is a continuation of a goal and a trend that we have been pursuing since we first opened,” Gerston said. “This is going to be big on our ‘lifestyle’ departments with a lot more room to grow.”

Gerston also mentioned that the used gear section, formally on the second floor of their Holly Street location, will be expanded to take over the entire bottom floor of the new building. This was important for Gerston, as he believes that offering used gear and clothing at discounted prices makes outdoor recreation more accessible to more people.

The bottom floor of the new storefront will feature a larger selection of used gear and clothing. Photo by Sam Kristofferson

“For people who don’t have big wallets, getting into used sales and closeouts is what allows them to get into a new sport,” Gerston said. “That was my background when I was younger—I wanted to try everything—and it was all through used gear.”

Gerston made it clear that this new storefront will be Bellingham-centric, featuring items made here in Bellingham as well as an inventory that specifically caters to Bellingham residents.

“Something we have always asked ourselves is ‘What would Bellingham like?’ and that’s why we added a beer cooler to our store,” Gerston said.

The new Backcountry Essentials storefront will be located at 1417 N. State St. in downtown Bellingham. An opening date has not been announced at the time of publication.