Neptune Mountaineering

Neptune Mountaineering is an iconic outdoor gear shop in Boulder, Colorado. It was founded in 1973 by Gary Neptune, and at first it was a simple boot repair shop. But under Gary’s leadership it grew to be one of the best outdoor retailers in the land, known for its expertise, authenticity, deep shelves of high quality gear, and his famous collection of mountaineering relics.

In 2013, Texas-based Backwoods purchased the business from Gary. Backwoods, a family run company also founded in 1973, had 9 stores throughout the country in its heyday. But by 2016, the once-bustling shop was struggling. The new owners led from afar, and that’s no easy task. Locals visiting the shop found dwindling inventory and worried staffers.

Early in 2017, Andrew and Shelley Dunbar, local owners of the North American rights of Aussie accessory maker, Sea to Summit, purchased the depressed business with the intent to bring it back to its glory day. The newly remodeled store—complete with climbing wall, cafe, guide services, and yes, relics from Gary Neptune’s original museum—is quickly re-establishing itself as an outdoor enthusiast mecca.