Here's what's great about Summit Hut, besides the fact that they carry whatever you might need for your outdoor life: the staff is remarkably helpful whether you speak the language of hiking/camping/rock climbing/etc. or if you're just looking to get started. Yes, there are other places to buy this stuff, but Summit Hut carries items worth paying a little extra for, and when you're hanging from a rope on the side of a cliff, you want to know you didn't go the cheap route.
Runners up:
2. REI
3. Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
