About the Business
The Trail Head is an independent outdoor retailer in downtown Missoula, offering apparel, footwear, and equipment for hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and other western Montana adventures. Its Front Street store also provides gear rentals, repair services, recreation information, and a year-round used-gear exchange built around consignment.
The business began in 1974 at 501 South Higgins, serving the growing backpacking and camping market. Todd Frank, who had worked at The Trail Head since 1994, purchased it in 2000. After buying and renovating a historic downtown warehouse, he moved the store to 221 East Front Street in August 2004, close to the Clark Fork riverfront trail and Brennan’s Wave.
The store’s inventory includes men’s and women’s outdoor clothing, footwear, backpacks, camping equipment, climbing gear, skis, snow equipment, and accessories from specialty outdoor brands. The Trail Head Gear Exchange, launched in November 2020 after an idea from Frank’s daughter Megan, accepts quality used outdoor apparel, footwear, and gear on consignment, with sellers choosing cash or a higher store-credit payout after an item sells.
The downtown shop is the original retail location. Trail Head River Sports is a separate sister store focused on non-motorized boating, rentals, parts, and repairs. The company also publishes regional recreation guides and sells online, extending its role beyond retail into trip planning, equipment upkeep, and practical local knowledge.
Profile Researched August 2026
Services Offered
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Trail Head sell?+
The downtown store carries outdoor apparel, footwear, hiking and camping equipment, climbing gear, skis and snow gear, backpacks, and accessories.
Can customers rent outdoor gear?+
Yes. The official website lists gear rentals, with online booking available for selected equipment. Availability varies by season and item.
Does The Trail Head repair outdoor equipment?+
Yes. The downtown store advertises an on-site repair shop. Customers should contact the store first to confirm whether a specific item or repair is accepted.
How does the Gear Exchange work?+
The Gear Exchange accepts quality used outdoor gear and clothing on consignment. After an item sells, the previous owner can choose cash or a higher payout in store credit.
Is Trail Head River Sports at the same address?+
No. The main Trail Head store is at 221 E Front Street downtown. Trail Head River Sports is a separate Midtown sister store focused on non-motorized boats, water-sports gear, rentals, parts, and repairs.
Does The Trail Head offer local trip-planning information?+
Yes. Its website includes recreation guides for hiking, climbing, skiing, floating, whitewater, and other activities, with distance and difficulty information for many regional destinations.
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