Next Adventure confirmed that its longtime Portland outdoor retail business will wind down operations later this year, with the company preparing to close all four of its locations as owners Bryan Pape and Thorleif Hagen retire after nearly three decades in business. The announcement marks a major change for Oregon’s outdoor retail landscape, where the company built a strong presence through used gear sales, paddle sports, ski equipment, and community-focused outdoor recreation programs.
The company stated that stores in Portland, Sandy, and Scappoose will eventually cease operations following inventory sell-down efforts and seasonal business transitions. Leadership indicated the decision was tied to retirement planning rather than financial insolvency, ending a retail run that began in the late 1990s and expanded into one of the region’s most recognizable independent outdoor brands.
Customers and outdoor enthusiasts across Portland reacted quickly following the announcement, with discussions spreading across social media pages, hiking forums, and local recreation communities. Many longtime shoppers referenced the retailer’s role in helping introduce residents to outdoor recreation through affordable secondhand gear, equipment rentals, and beginner-friendly access to camping, skiing, paddling, and climbing activities.
Portland Outdoor Retail Sector Faces Another Independent Closure
The shutdown announcement arrives during a period of continued transition within Portland’s independent retail environment. Local businesses across multiple sectors have experienced operational pressure tied to changing shopping habits, rising commercial costs, and increased competition from national e-commerce brands.
Unlike many outdoor chains focused primarily on premium retail inventory, Next Adventure developed a business model that combined new merchandise with used equipment trade-ins and discounted seasonal products. That approach helped the company attract customers ranging from experienced mountaineers to first-time campers preparing for regional outdoor trips.
Its flagship location on Southeast Grand Avenue became especially well known within Portland’s recreation community because of its large basement paddle sports department and rotating used gear inventory. The store also served customers traveling to Oregon’s coast, Mount Hood recreation areas, the Columbia River Gorge, and Central Oregon camping destinations.
Industry observers have noted that independent outdoor stores face increasing difficulty competing with large online retailers and national chains that can distribute inventory at scale. However, smaller regional companies have often remained important to local recreation economies because they provide specialized expertise and community engagement that larger operators do not always replicate.
The company’s closure also affects seasonal employment and vendor relationships connected to regional outdoor brands and equipment suppliers. Independent retailers frequently partner with Oregon-based manufacturers, guide services, ski programs, and outdoor nonprofits throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Community Response Highlights Longtime Role in Oregon Recreation
Following the announcement, customers shared personal experiences connected to the retailer’s stores, equipment trade-ins, and instructional programs. Many residents described purchasing first camping kits, skis, kayaks, or climbing gear through the company’s used inventory sections.
Portland-area outdoor culture has historically emphasized accessibility alongside recreation, particularly among younger residents seeking lower-cost entry points into hiking, backpacking, and snow sports. The availability of secondhand outdoor equipment played a significant role in expanding participation among students, families, and recreational beginners.
The company’s paddle sports programs also became closely associated with summer recreation throughout Oregon waterways. Rentals and equipment support connected customers to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities along the Willamette River, Columbia River, and coastal regions.
For many customers, the stores represented more than a standard retail environment. Educational workshops, seasonal gear swaps, ski fitting assistance, and outdoor preparation advice became recurring parts of the company’s identity over the years.
The retailer additionally maintained a visible presence during Portland outdoor events and community activities, often supporting local races, recreation festivals, and environmental initiatives. Its connection to grassroots recreation culture distinguished it from larger corporate outdoor chains operating in the region.
Some customers also pointed to the company’s role during periods when interest in outdoor recreation increased significantly, including during the pandemic years when hiking, camping, and cycling participation expanded across Oregon. Demand for affordable used gear became particularly important during those years as supply shortages affected outdoor retail markets nationally.
Owners Cite Retirement After Nearly Three Decades in Business
Company leadership indicated that the closures are tied primarily to retirement decisions by ownership rather than immediate operational collapse. Bryan Pape and Thorleif Hagen founded the business during the late 1990s, gradually expanding from a smaller retail operation into a multi-location outdoor retailer serving multiple Oregon communities.
Over time, the business diversified beyond standard camping equipment and developed dedicated departments focused on skiing, cycling, climbing, paddle sports, and water recreation. The expansion reflected Oregon’s broad outdoor recreation economy, which includes mountain sports, river activities, coastal tourism, and year-round camping travel.
The company also became recognized for promoting gear reuse through trade-in systems and consignment-style outdoor sales. That model aligned closely with Portland’s longstanding interest in sustainability, secondhand commerce, and environmentally conscious consumer behavior.
Used outdoor gear departments became especially valuable for families and newer outdoor participants because high-quality recreation equipment often carries significant costs. Access to discounted products allowed broader participation in outdoor activities without requiring large upfront investments.
Throughout its years in operation, the retailer maintained a distinctly regional identity centered on Pacific Northwest recreation patterns. Seasonal inventory reflected Oregon weather conditions and local outdoor interests, including snow sports during winter months and water recreation during warmer seasons.
The business additionally benefited from Oregon’s tourism and recreation economy, which consistently draws visitors seeking hiking, skiing, mountain biking, rafting, and camping experiences throughout the state. Portland’s position as a gateway city for many outdoor destinations contributed to the company’s customer base over time.
Outdoor Recreation Remains Central to Oregon Lifestyle Economy
The closure announcement renewed attention on the importance of outdoor recreation to Oregon’s economy and culture. Outdoor activities continue supporting tourism, equipment sales, hospitality services, and seasonal employment across the state, particularly in communities connected to hiking, skiing, camping, and water recreation.
Portland has long maintained strong ties to outdoor travel because of its proximity to destinations such as Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Oregon Coast. Local outdoor retailers often serve as more than stores, with customers relying on staff for trail guidance, equipment advice, and seasonal recreation information.
Independent outdoor businesses have also contributed to Portland’s identity as a city associated with environmental awareness and active lifestyles. While national chains remain active throughout Oregon, locally founded retailers like Next Adventure have maintained close relationships with regional recreation communities and outdoor organizations over the years.
