
Shopping for the holidays might feel a little different this year, but we're still as excited as ever. As always, one of the great joys of Christmas is finding the perfect gift for each special someone on your list. If you happen to know a few outdoorsy types, you know they can often be some of the hardest people to shop for.
Not to worry! Ohio is home to some truly amazing gear stores and outfitters. Head to one of these great shops to find a great gift for the hiker, skier, cyclist, or fisherman on your holiday shopping list.
25401 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070
Village Ski & Snowboard is your destination for all things winter sports in Northeast Ohio. Founded in 1974, they excel when it comes to offering great winter gear because that's all they do. The store closes in spring after the ski and snowboard season is over, only reopening again in fall. The store is packed with great gear and staffed by genuine ski-and-snowboard experts, so you can rest assured that any purchase you make here will be a good one. They're also running some great holiday sales right now.
60 Kendall Park Rd. Suite A, Peninsula, OH 44264
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If you're a hiking, backpacking, and backcountry camping enthusiast, Appalachian Outfitters is the type of place that will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. And if you happen to be shopping for someone who loves outdoor gear, you'll find just about anything they could possibly want here. From backpacks and tents to hiking boots, clothing, and camp cookware, every bit of equipment you need to make you a happy camper is here.
50 Plaza Dr., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Geiger's has been one of Ohio's premier outfitters since 1932, and they have three locations in Northeast Ohio—Cleveland, Lakewood, and Chagrin Falls. You'll find a lot of cool stuff in their stores, but where they really shine is outdoor apparel. This is a great store to find rugged, hard-wearing outdoor-wear that's as stylish as it is functional. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable, and the selection of merchandise always wide-ranging and unique.
833 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43214
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Named for one of Ohio's great fishing streams, Mad River Outfitters is the go-to destination for fly-fishing gear, tackle, and equipment in the Columbus area. Whether you're shopping for a fly-fishing novice or a seasoned pro, Mad River Outfitters is a perfect place to find them a gift. This store has you covered for all things fishing related, from rods, reels, flies, and line to men's and women's apparel. They even offer fly fishing classes and guided destination trips. If you're unable to make it to the brick-and-mortar store, they offer free shipping on orders over $50 within the U.S.
3980 Easton Station, Columbus, OH 43219
Offering an amazing variety of high-end outdoor gear and apparel, Filson is one of the best places in Columbus to get a gift for the rugged outdoorsman or woman on your holiday shopping list. You won't find anything in this store that isn't of the highest quality. Their Mackinaw Cruiser and Rugged Twill Original Briefcase are classic gifts, but be sure to browse around, as they offer new and unique seasonal offerings every year. At present, the store is open for curbside pickup and limited in-store shopping.
4584 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
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Columbus has a reputation as being a great bike-friendly city. As a result, it's also a city with its fair share of excellent bike shops. Even so, Beechwold Bicycles really stands out above the rest. Founded in 2019, they're relative newcomers on the local bike scene, but they've quickly made their reputation by selling only the highest quality bicycles and equipment. Beechwold Bicycles is currently open for in-person shopping—bike shops are considered essential businesses in Ohio—but curbside pickup and delivery are available too.
9525 Kenwood Rd. #24, Cincinnati, OH 45242
Outdoorsy types in the Cincinnati area know that when they want the best hiking, camping, and climbing gear, Benchmark Outdoor Outfitters is the place to go. Offering all the top brands in the outdoor supply world, this is a store that serious adventurers visit when they need to gear up. If you know somebody who loves to climb mountains, ford rivers, and cut new paths through uncharted territory, Benchmark Outdoor Outfitters is the place to find that person a perfect gift.
2708 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
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The Cincinnati sporting community has been getting their gear from Delamere & Hopkins Outfitters for more than 25 years, and it's not hard to see why. Offering an amazing selection of fishing tackle, hunting equipment, outdoor clothing, footwear, artwork, gear, and accessories of all kinds, the store has a cozy mom-and-pop feel. It almost feels like walking into a field guide's house, except everything you see is for sale. Delamere & Hopkins is a great place to find a unique gift for the outdoor fanatic who thinks they have everything.
118 Main St., Milford, OH 45150
Roads Rivers and Trails is one of Cincinnati's premier outdoor outfitters. This family-owned store is managed and staffed by folks who really know what they're talking about. Whether you're in the store to buy a pair of hiking boots, a new tent, backpack, or kayak, there's a good chance the person you buy it from has actually used it. Be sure to call ahead and ask about the store's current COVID-19 policy.
From hiking the Buckeye Trail or fishing Lake Erie to camping in one of Ohio's 83 state parks, this is a great state to call home if you have a passion for the outdoors. Use the comments section to tell us about your favorite Ohio outdoor adventures!