“There is no uncertainty, there is only adventure.” – Robert Assagioli
The words that make up the vast quantities of inspirational outdoor quotes could create books in and of themselves. But that is so, in part, I believe because there is something so innately human about being in nature. There is something so awe-inspiring about standing underneath a towering Ponderosa, looking up at the centuries of wisdom jetting into the blue skyline. There is magic in the mossy forest floor. There are mysteries that dance in the desert. There is poetry to be found along the rocky shorelines of the Salmon River.
And you can certainly find your place in nature with simply the shirt on your back and whatever shoes you’ve donned that day. But let’s be honest—it gets a lot easier with the right gear.
Boise Army Navy
In the late 1800s, a man named Francis Bannerman was credited with starting the military surplus industry, purchasing large swaths of civil war supplies and selling them at a discounted rate in his New York storefront. The industry has prevailed today and made its way to the Treasure Valley in 1983. Founded by Pete Darr, transferred to the Turrittins, and eventually making its way to current owners Clint and Emily Thompson.
“We both come from a military background,” shared Emily. “When Clint heard the owners of Boise Army Navy (BAN) were ready to retire, he saw an opportunity to own one of the coolest businesses in Boise. We knew this venture would fit his personality and went for it. We both love the Idaho outdoors and were excited to continue to provide the Treasure Valley with military, rafting, and outdoor gear.”
The walls of BAN are the epitome of an outdoor survivalist’s dream. Tents, ropes, rafts, knives, clothing, cast iron everything. It’s truly a store you have to experience for yourself to understand the full breadth of what BAN has to offer the Treasure Valley. | 4924 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City
SCORE Outdoors
Have you ever been frustrated with the process of buying and selling goods online? Yeah, I thought so. Steve Luke had the same irritation and set out to do something about it. An avid outdoorsman with a thrifty side, he resolved to open his own consignment store, filled to the hilt with everything one could need for an adventure.
Family owned-and-operated since 2012, SCORE Outdoors prides themselves on customer-centric service, aiming to find the right gear at the right price. Because things can add up quickly. So whether you’re a cyclist with an upgrade in mind, looking to dive into a new winter sport, or simply looking for another kind of lure for your rod, SCORE has it all. Without breaking the bank. | 10422 Fairview Ave
Idaho Mountain Touring
The story begins in the late 70s, with two men working at a bike shop in Corvallis, Oregon. John Platt asked his friend Chris Haunold if he wanted to partner with him. ‘Do you want to start an outdoor store in Boise, Idaho?’
“We Opened Idaho Mountain Touring (IMT) in a little space on Jefferson Street in 1984,” said Platt. “John decided after a few years that he didn’t want to do retail. My wife Jill joined me running the business in 1989 and we have run it together with the help of our three sons ever since.” He continues, “We have a wildly diverse product offering. Everything from jewelry to bikes, to skis and cool clothing. We are constantly looking for new innovative things to share with our customers.”
Fun fact for the history buffs out there. “Our Boise location was an old bottling plant built ‘outside’ the city around 1880 and bottled Pepsi and Acme Beer. And the Meridian location? An old video store. Yeah, you remember those. | 1310 W Main St, Boise |1739 W Cherry Ln, Meridian
Stio Mountain Studio
New to the Treasure Valley, Stio opened their Boise location in late 2022, although the business began eleven years prior in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with founder Stephen Sullivan. “A veteran in the outdoor apparel industry, Sullivan aimed to create versatile clothing that could seamlessly transition from outdoor adventures to everyday wear,” explained Sarah Niklas, Stio’s Communications/PR Director.
Some of their featured products for the upcoming season include the Turpin Fleece, Colter Footwear, and Skycrest Outdoor Wear. | 124 S 6th St, Boise
The walls of BAN are the epitome of an outdoor survivalist’s dream. Tents, ropes, rafts, knives, clothing, cast iron everything.