Think Eastwood in
The Eiger Sanction. Think Belushi in
Continental Divide. Whether you fumble around in the woods like most of us or need the latest high-tech climbing gear, Summit Hut has been fulfilling Tucson's need for high-quality outdoor gear since way back in 1967. There's an old newspaper photo that shows the two grinning 15-year-old kids who actually started the business out of their bedrooms. The business has grown a bit since then, boasting two huge stores and an Internet presence shipping goodies across the country and around the world. Summit Hut is one of the few home-grown Tucson businesses that's managed to hang in there and thrive rather than getting eaten by some huge national chain, and there's something to be said for that.
Runners up:
2. Popular Outdoor Outfitters, 2820 N. Campbell Ave., 326-2520; 6314 N. Oracle Road, 575-1044; 6315 E. Broadway Blvd., 290-1644
3. Big 5 Sporting Goods, 4901 N. Stone Ave., 292-2778; 5695 E. Speedway Blvd., 296-3326; 6441 S. Midvale Park Road, 573-4135
