Whether your sport is skiing or camping, climbing or kite-boarding, Midwest Mountaineering will take care of you with a smile. The store in the heart of Cedar-Riverside has been providing Minneapolitans with the gear they need to brave the wilds since 1970, when founder Rod Johnson was unable to find proper climbing gear and decided to start a business. Nowadays his place caters to the most hardcore hiking hippies and conservation nerds, who come not just for the low prices and great selection but for expert advice from salespeople who know the right products for the job because they've personally put them to the test. Best of all, Midwest has its own outlet store upstairs, where a little rooting around can get you even better deals on closeout merchandise.