The upcoming closure of Next Adventure has sent ripples through the Portland outdoor community, stirring emotions among local enthusiasts and families alike.
Next Adventure has served as a homegrown fixture in Portland’s outdoor retail scene for 28 years, embodying a spirit that resonated with adventurous ski bums and outdoor aficionados.
With its final day set for September, the store, famously adorned with signs crafted from cardboard and Sharpie, is preparing for its liquidation sale, which commenced on May 28 and will run through the end of the month.
Many local parents are grappling with the implications of this closure, particularly regarding the annual November Ski Swap—a beloved event for outfitting young skiers.
However, as the community adjusts to the loss of such an iconic store, alternatives are primed to fill the substantial void.
For those reluctant to travel to the REI locations in Beaverton or Clackamas, a variety of outdoor retailers within Portland city limits offer promising solutions.
Local retailers anticipate a surge in business this fall, as the closure of Next Adventure leaves a considerable gap in the market.
This change comes amid a turbulent few years for the outdoor retail sector, marked by closures of several established names including the Pearl District REI, military surplus store Andy and Bax, and the U.S. Outdoor Store.
Mike Turner, former manager at Next Adventure and now the owner of Foster Outdoor, expressed mixed feelings about the shift.
“I’m excited for our opportunity, but it also makes me a little sad they’re shutting down a Portland institution,” Turner noted.
Foster Outdoor, located at 6615 SE Foster Road, has emerged as a viable option for those seeking both new and secondhand gear.
Opened in 2019, this retailer focuses heavily on consignment, giving customers the opportunity to track their sold items online.
Turner highlighted the store’s appeal to budget-conscious adventurers, stating, “Very few of our customers want to come in and spend $1,000 on a ski setup, so we can get them out the door for a couple hundred bucks with a secondhand setup.”
Spotting excellent deals is a common occurrence at Foster Outdoor—new sleeping bags at 50% off, stylish barely used Sorel snow boots for $32, and an array of used camping gear upstairs tempt bargain hunters.
Evo Portland, situated at 200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., is another option in town, even if it is seen by some as a Seattle-based chain.
The store, located in a former Salvation Army building, excels in mountain sports gear, featuring everything from bikes to skis and snowboards.
Adding more to its allure, evo also doubles as an art space, showcasing works from artists like landscape painter Rachel Pohl, which complements its impressive gear display.
The shop boasts a full-service tuning and rental shop, making it a convenient option for gear enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, for those focused on outdoor apparel rather than sporting equipment, The Portland Outdoor Store at 304 SW 3rd Ave. stands out.
This longstanding establishment, dating back to 1919, specializes in outdoor apparel and accessories, particularly for equestrians, with a notable selection of quality outerwear from brands like Filson, Woolrich, and Carhartt.
Together with items such as Carhartt beanies for $20 and Pendleton blankets priced at $299, the store offers more than enough to justify a visit.
Changing gears from apparel to a more extensive inventory, Mountain Shop, located at 2975 NE Sandy Blvd., has been a staple in Portland since 1937.
The shop is on the brink of settling into a new, more expansive location at the former Standard TV & Appliance showroom, with plans to open by September 2023 and hopes to introduce a used-gear basement and a broader selection of snowboards and car-camping gear.
Manager Jeremy Ray expressed optimism about the upcoming move and the chance to expand offerings as Next Adventure exits the scene.
While the Portland outdoor retail landscape undergoes changes, local enthusiasts are encouraged to explore these alternative destinations as they look to outfit themselves for the seasons ahead.
Whether searching for budget-friendly secondhand gear at Foster Outdoor, diving into the diverse offerings at Evo Portland, or browsing the rich selection at The Portland Outdoor Store and Mountain Shop, the spirit of adventure in the community remains resilient.
As Portland says goodbye to Next Adventure, it also welcomes the opportunity to forge new connections with local outdoor retailers that will continue to inspire and equip adventurers for years to come.
image source from：https://www.wweek.com/culture/shop/2025/06/03/finding-a-next-next-adventure/
