The town of Boulder, Colo., boasts spectacular scenery, hiking and mountain biking trails that just beg to be played upon. Rock-climbing, kayaking in Boulder Creek and skiing are not just recreational activities done once or twice a year for Boulderites: they're serious hobbies and a way of life.

But since most of these outdoor games aren't merely a walk in the park, serious gear is required, such as climbing harnesses, ropes, outdoor attire and much more. Enter Boulder's outdoor stores!

For locals, dropping by one of these bad boys is as normal and frequent an event as going to the grocery store, which ensures that these shops offer the best deals, top-of-the-line items and the most knowledgeable staff for miles around.

Get your gear at Boulder's outdoor shops — Photo courtesy of Zaskoda

REI

Hands down, REI is Boulder's favorite outdoor haven. The store offers brands like Petzel, North Face, LA Sportiva and Solomon. Wanna save some cash? Be sure to check out REI brands, most of which are just as good as the big names but are offered at a cheaper price.

Wanna earn rewards so you can get the gear? Sign up for their credit card and earn cash back on in-store and out-of-store purchases, paid to you in the form of an annual dividend.

Boulder Ski Deals

If you're visiting Boulder during the winter months, it behooves you to take a trip up to Vail, Copper Mountain or Breckenridge for some gnarly powder. Thinking about investing in ski gear? Boulder Ski Deals is the most trusted business in Boulder when it comes to dressing you for those cold runs.

Skis, snowboards, boots and apparel can all be found at reasonable prices. Not to mention, their staff can answer any, and we do mean ANY, question you might have about the slopes.

Neptune Mountaineering

Retiring your climbing rope soon and in need of another? Want to try on some of the warmest winter mountaineering apparel? Need crampons for your latest adventure? You've come to the right place.

Neptune Mountaineering is another Boulder favorite with a reputation for fair prices, knowledgeable staff and a dedication to the outdoors. For those of you visiting from out of town who only want to rent gear instead of purchase it, Neptune's offers a variety, including snowshoes for your winter hiking adventures.

Green Guru

This awesome and unique company takes your old bike tubes, climbing ropes and wetsuits to make messenger bags, backpacks, bike gear, wallets and much more; Green Guru is a great place to stop in to grab some recycled souvenirs. You can feel good about your purchases and ensure that you're not having a negative impact as you play in the great outdoors.