Best Of Tucson®

Best Outdoor Recreation Store

Summit Hut

Hey! What the hell happened to Yellow Front? Bob's Bargain Barn? Popular Outdoor Outfitters? Sadly, these dependable sellers of cheap camping gear are all gone, long gone. But Summit Hut, while not exactly cheap, soldiers on. What 30 years ago was a tiny hole in the wall at Park Avenue and University Boulevard has today morphed into two big stores and a substantial online presence. Anyone can participate in team sports--but it takes a real woman or man to climb or backpack. Summit Hut can get you set up to climb Baboquivari Peak, camp on the beach in Mexico or do an overnighter above Sabino Canyon. They even sell books, so you can park your ass at home, drink beer and simply read about the outdoors.

Runners up:

2. Sportsman's Warehouse, 3945 W. Costco Drive, 877-4500, sportsmanswarehouse.com

3. Sports Authority, 7160 E. Broadway Blvd., 722-5709; 5185 S. Calle Santa Cruz Road, 889-2081; 4225 N. Oracle Road, 292-6955; sportsauthority.com