Amazing Outdoor Companies in Idaho
If it’s not already, Idaho needs to be on your adventure radar. Between awesome areas like the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and 89 registered State Parks, Picnic Areas, and Trail Systems, as well as NPS units like Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve and City of Rocks National Preserve, there are ample adventure opportunities to be had within the Gem State. And alongside all the fun you can have skiing, biking, hiking, climbing, and exploring Idaho, there are amazing outdoor companies based at the root of all that excitement who are happy to keep your adventure interest going. And to give you a little bit of a taste of the Idaho outdoor business economy, here for you today are 10 amazing outdoor companies based out of Idaho:
AIRE – Meridian
Built by whitewater enthusiasts looking for better products, AIRE is a lightweight boat manufacturing company that keeps everything local from their hometown of Meridian, Idaho. That means that their complete line of inflatable Rafts, Catarafts, Canoes & Kayaks, and Stand Up Paddleboards are manufactured right there in Meridian. Specializing in lightweight options, AIRE enables it’s consumers to pack lighter and go further whether you’re exploring the Idaho wilderness or beyond.
Buck Knives – Post Falls
Providing more than just Hunting, Survival, Tactical, and Everyday knives, Buck Knives has built itself from its home in Post Falls, Idaho into an American icon of a sharp-edged business. With roots dating back to 1902 when the first Buck Knife was created, the company has grown over the years to be a dependable name for everything blade related, and with Buck’s Forever Warranty and Custom Knife Making programs, they are a leading player in the industry when it comes to innovation and design.
Far and Away Adventures – Sun Valley
Far and Away Adventures based out of Sun Valley is an adventure outfitter that provides guided recreation vacations in the Idaho area. And whether you opt for their rafting trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River complete with a gourmet meal, or you catch your own dinner on the Cast and Blast fly fishing expedition, and even if you create your own adventure, Far and Away Adventures will ensure that your expedition will be a fond memory that lasts you a lifetime.
Lucky Bums – Boise
Lucky Bums based out of Boise all began 10 years ago with a conversation during a drive from McCall to Boise between two parents discussing how to spend more time with not only their children, but more time with their children outside. From that conversation a budding business was born that offers innovate gear for children including but not limited to Skis & Snowboards, Snow Sport Helmets, and even Wooden Heirloom Sleds and Toboggans. Built by parents for parents and their kids, Lucky Bums is looking to change the way families explore outside and make it easier for parents and children to stay safe and have fun in the great outdoors.
Outdoor Exchange – Boise
Located in the Linen District of Boise, Outdoor Exchange is an adventure-item exclusive consignment shop were the items for sale are often rotated off the shelves and deeply discounted, which means that each time you visit the store or shop online, you have the chance to find and afford your next favorite piece of gear. Consigning with Outdoor Exchange is easy, just bring in your slightly used gear and you will received 60-70% of the selling price that you can set yourself. And if you’re feeling like your adventure gear has gone to good use and you want to help out the local Idaho community, by participating in the Gear to Give program, you can opt to donate a portion of your sales with one of Outdoor Exchange’s partnering non-profits and charitable organizations.
Smith Optics – Ketchum
A top player in optical products, besides selling some of the stylish and utilitarian shades on the market, Smith Optics is also a top designer of Ski Helmets and Goggles. Began in Sun Valley in the year 1965, Smith Optics and their high-quality product line are sold and sought after across the globe, and to this day continue to provide innovative optical products including an Elite Line for more tactical purposes, the most advanced polarized lenses with the ChromaPop series, and the largest collection eco-friendly sunglasses in their Evolve line of sunglasses. If one thing can be sure with Smith Optics, it is that their products and the company itself is made to last.
Local Gear Shops
While there are some notable and dependable big-box outdoor gear shops in Idaho, it’s always nice to go local to get the real taste of adventure offered from Idaho. And while there are a lot to choose from and too many to list, something like The Elephants Perch and their 25 years of service in Ketchum is worth noting, as well as the rental opportunities from Gravity Sports in McCall, and while we are at it, Hyperspud Sports in Moscow also has a great shop and adventure blog for you to dive into everything Idaho and the surrounding area has to offer.
Local Outfitters
Outside of the luxury adventures offered from Far and Away Adventures, there are scores of different outfitters ready and willing in Idaho to show you a good time. And whether you choose the Bear Valley Lakes Hiking Trip with Wilderness River Outfitters based out of Lemhi, the Girls at Play Middle Salmon Kayaking and Yoga Retreat with Canyons River Company out of McCall, or any of the many trips offered by the Idaho Guide Service in Twin Falls; adventure opportunities are around every corner in Idaho.
Local Bike Shops
While the interweb might be a good place to get some good general trail information, you can’t beat the trail-beta provided by local bike shops in the area. There are many ways to support Idaho’s local bike economy and many shops to visit, and whether you are checking out Fitzgerald’s Bicycles in Victor for the latest trail conditions, getting your flat tire patched at Paradise Creek Bicycles in Moscow, or purchasing your new favorite means of transportation at Meridian Bicycles, know that when you support the local bike shops of Idaho, you are supporting the very same trails that you love to ride.
Ski Mountains in Idaho
It’s hard not to mention a few ski resorts when discussing Idaho’s outdoor industry, and a few giants that make it to the top of the list include Sun Valley Resort and Schweitzer Mountain Resort, but there are also many more resorts worth waiting in the lift line for (if there is a line). Mountain biking at Tamarack Resort is world-class, while the 2,600 skiable acres at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area can keep you busy all winter long, and the fun never stops with great shows and events at the Grand Targhee Resort. And with all the options to choose from, at least know that if you’re looking for some mountain resort action in Idaho, it won’t be hard to find and it’s guaranteed not to disappoint. And to find even more resorts to check out, be sure to head on over to Ski Idaho.com
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