The Gear Closet
305 Signal Mountain Road
North Chattanooga
(423) 413-3298
What they sell: Used and affordable outdoor gear, from T-shirts to tents, shoes to sleeping bags, plus kayaks, bikes, helmets (of all varieties) and more.
Coolest thing on offer: A collection of kerosene lamps.
Why you want to shop here: The money you spend goes to support WaterWays, a nonprofit seeking to improve watershed health in the Tennessee Valley and the Caribbean Islands.
Staff photo by Cameron McKeon / Rock/CreekRock/Creek
301 Manufacturers Road
North Shore
(423) 265-5969
What they sell: Hiking and camping gear, name-brand outdoor clothing, tents, packs — it's akin to REI, but smaller and more localized.
Coolest thing on offer: The "Babiators" (fashionable sunglasses for kids) get honorable mention, but Rock/Creek's selection of hammocks earns the prize for being the coolest.
Why you want to shop here: For an active and outdoor summer around Chattanooga, Rock/Creek has everything you need, with no shortage of Patagonia and North Face apparel.
Staff photo by Cameron McKeon / Fast Break AthleticsFast Break Athletics
802 Hamilton Ave.
North Chattanooga
(423) 265-0531
What they sell: Anything for trail running and running in general. Their personalized shoe-fitting process includes three different foot measurements and a gait analysis.
Coolest thing on offer: Branded "Keep on Runnin'" crewnecks.
Why you want to shop here: Runners would be hard-pressed not to find what they need here. Fast Break also sponsors the Chattanooga Chase, an annual 8K and 1-mile race on Memorial Day.
Staff photo by Cameron McKeon / Front Runner AthleticsFront Runner Athletics
4251 Hixson Pike
Hixson
(423) 875-3642
What they sell: Lots and lots of shoes, mostly for running. There's a swimming section as well and a corner of the store with soccer gear.
Coolest thing on offer: Soccer balls.
Why you want to shop here: Front Runner is the most convenient and reliable option in Hixson for outdoor equipment and running, swimming and youth soccer gear.
Staff photo by Cameron McKeon / Four Bridges OutfittersFour Bridges Outfitters
315 N. Market St.
North Shore
(423) 531-0990
What they sell: A wide selection of new and used clothing to fit your outdoor needs, along with a range of equipment for adventure sports, including rock- and ice-climbing gear, kayaks and other water sports equipment.
Coolest thing on offer: Ice picks, climbing chalk and waxed boot laces.
Why you want to shop here: Besides all the outdoor gear on offer, there's a small rock wall at the back of the store and a beautiful mural at the entryway.