Backwoods in Overland Park, Kansas 
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The staff at the Backwoods, Overland Park store is wholly dedicated to giving each of our customers the best possible experience, and it’s this attitude that sets us apart from any other outdoor adventure store! Whether you’re just stopping by to enjoy an afternoon cup of coffee and read the latest outdoor magazine, or need to fully equip yourself for an adventure travel trip of trekking and sightseeing in Nepal, our customer service makes the difference. Our warm and friendly staff will make you feel welcome and their vast knowledge will help you choose the best outdoor gear for everything from weekend car camping to serious rock climbing and backpacking excursions.
Each person on our staff has a passion for the outdoors and most of us enjoy travel. Between us we’ve explored every continent except Antarctica and have traveled extensively throughout Australia, Thailand, Holland, Germany and Canada. Most of us have visited at least ½ of the 50 states in America. Whether you are hiking the Great Smoky Mountains or planning an adventure trip to Belize, we’d love to outfit you with whatever your plans require, from barefoot shoes to a winter coat and all the fleece and outerwear you may need to be prepared.
In addition to our shared passion for travel, we’re a fun crew that appreciates a good time! We love our pets and the craziest event we’ve ever had was our Barking Backyards at Backwoods night. Lots of folks love sharing the outdoors with their dog; once a couple came in to select backpacks and they brought along Samson and Goliath, a pair of giant Mastiffs that each weighed about 175 lbs. Our employees were so impressed with those gentle massive animals. When our Ruffwear Rep gave a presentation on taking your dog backpacking and on camping trips, our customers loved it so much we had over 25 dogs rocking Backwoods! The attitude and environment had such a positive energy, all the dogs were well behaved and there were no accidents; it was a really great time. Our employees range from young outdoor enthusiasts, to people working to supplement and support their pursuits through working at Backwoods, to retirees. Chances are that every time you walk into the store, you’ll find someone on staff to share an easy rapport and a common interest.
When we head out to test camping equipment and outdoor gear we go to the Ozarks. Spanning from Southern Missouri to North-Central Arkansas, the Ozarks offer an expansive wilderness area full of trails, rivers and wildlife. We’ve learned so much through the years, our store opened in Kansas City in 1974 and moved to our current location in 2008. And while we can sometimes surprise a customer with a pastel colored climbing helmet, or specialized hiking boots, most people come back for the familiar experience of relying on seasoned advice from a friendly staff that goes the extra mile.
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Sam’s Throne is known as a mecca for any climber who happens to be in the Ozarks. With the rock being primarily Atoka sandstone, it has formed many grooves and grips for challenging climbing, but overall it is very welcoming for beginners. Sam’s Throne is well known for its traditional climbing approach, as opposed to sport climbing. The views from the top of the cliff are absolutely breathtaking, a welcome relief after a long hard day of climbing.
Clinton Lake, near Lawrence, Kansas, is the perfect place for a quick overnighter or an introduction to someone new to backpacking. With the 6 mile loop trail beginning and ending in Woodridge Primitive Park, one can get a good hike in before a night under the stars. Numerous campsites litter the trail, in addition to 15-20 sites at the park itself, so finding a spot is not usually a problem. Don’t forget lots of bug juice, the trail winds through several fields that are a haven for ticks and chiggers.
The Buffalo is a great place to be to get away from it all. With options stemming from 4-day backpacking trips on the trail’s west side to isolated scenic float trips of the river’s east side, this park seems to have it all. The west side of the river is perfect for a day float, while the east is a more suitable option for an extended float trip. Bluffs tower one side of the river while gravel bars perfect for camping dot the other. Wildlife is abundant throughout the park; keep an eye out for the occasional black bear.
