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Best Outdoor Gear Stores In Pittsburgh

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The term 'outdoor gear' can mean a lot of different things to a Pittsburgher. To some, it may mean the items necessary to get through a frigidly cold Steelers game, and to others it may mean enough equipment to successfully run a marathon. Not to be pigeonholed, CBS has collected five of the best outdoor gear stores who cater to all of the aforementioned, plus others. Check out the selection, and be amazed at all of the selection the 'other guys' - that is, the non-chain stores - have to offer.

Esporta
7208 Grand Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15225
(412) 299-9122
www.esportapittsburgh.com

Not only does this innovative store clean and refurbish your tired, dirty gear (think hockey, lacrosse, ski and scuba gear, plus more), it also carries a wide selection of STEP steel skate blades, goalie equipment and also offers skate sharpening. Family owned and operating in Pittsburgh for the last decade, Esporta caters to the athletes at Shadyside Academy, Chatham University and Robert Morris universities, so you know your equipment is in masterful hands. Esporta will also re-palm, lace, place or stitch baseball mitts or goalie pads and blockers. Call today for an estimate.

The Archer's Edge
7261 Steubenville Pike
Oakdale, PA 15071
(412) 489-5670
www.thearchersedge.com

Pittsburgh's preeminent location for everything bow-hunting related, The Archer's Edge is a family-owned sporting goods store catering to the outdoor enthusiast. From tons of bows to women's-specific gear, plus a small indoor range to try before you buy, this store literally has everything you need to bag your next buck or ace your next target practice. Friendly staff, competitive prices and a wide variety of items make The Archer's Edge your best bet for affordability and satisfaction. Be cautious, as the signage of the store is near impossible to see from the road.

Thick Bikes
1408 Bingham St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 390-3590
www.thickbikes.com

A biker's paradise with a bit of an edge, Thick Bikes is Pittsburgh's spot for seemingly endless merchandise and the capacity to order nearly anything in the biking universe. Carrying the top names in the industry, like SE, Fuji, Surly and Torker, Thick Bikes also stocks fenders, shirts, shoes and used (read: refurbished) bikes. If the aforementioned isn't awesome enough, the store also boasts repairs and custom-built service – plus free high-fives, which puts the metaphorical cherry on top. If you're a new or seasoned biker and you haven't been to Thick Bikes yet, you're missing out.

Related: Best Used Sporting Goods Stores In Pittsburgh

Splash Water Sports
2905 Banksville Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 531-5577
www.splashws.com

Splash Water Sports, which claims to be Pittsburgh's only five-star PADI IDC, not only certifies novice and expert scuba aficionados, but also carries the latest in dive equipment. Local dive trips are constantly running, and whether you need a new certification or a refresher course, SWS has you covered. Lastly, Splash Water Sports also boasts PADI eLearning courses for anyone. Call today for an estimate or to schedule your own diving excursion.

Up N Running
1095 Pittsburgh Road
Valencia, PA 16059
(724) 898-2525
www.runpa.com

Not many privately owned stores in Pittsburgh cater exclusive to the running-and-walking enthusiast, but Up N Running does. Its dedicated staff is quite knowledgeable and gives each customer a customized foot analysis so he or she may find the perfect shoe to fit their unique gait. In addition to footwear, the store carries compression gear, clothing and accessories. The best part of this family-owned operation is the personalized touch the owner, Ed, gives each and every one of his customers. If you're so inclined, inquire about the weekly Saturday run he's organized for every shape and ability in Pittsburgh.

Related: Best Running Clubs In Pittsburgh

Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn't studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she's out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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