This May, Backcountry Essentials turns 20—and we’re celebrating all month long.

What started as a small, community-focused shop has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of, and it wouldn’t be here without the people who’ve shown up for us over the years. This month is a chance to say thanks and have a little fun along the way.

Throughout May, we’ll be rolling out vendor gift-with-purchase promos, featuring special offers from some of our favorite brands. We’re also releasing a limited run of anniversary merch to mark the occasion. Also swing by for free storage waxes on your skis or boards all month long!

On May 15, join us in the shop from 5–8pm for an anniversary party with drinks, snacks, music, and a raffle stacked with prizes—earn tickets with every purchase.

We’ll wrap things up on May 29 with a Black Diamond shoe demo next door at the climbing gym, plus 20% off Black Diamond apparel and select climbing shoes in-store during the event.

Stay tuned for more information!

Join us May 15 (5–8pm) as we celebrate 20 years of Backcountry Essentials—drinks, snacks, music, and a raffle stacked with prizes. Earn tickets with every purchase and help us mark the occasion.

Interested in backpacking? Looking for other adults to backpack with? Taken a few trips but it's been a while? On Wednesday, May 20th at 7 PM, join Kate from Her Backpacking Prep for a free workshop on backpacking basics: skills, gear, and human connection. You'll walk away with a three step plan to get you on your first overnighter and hey, maybe a couple of new friends to come along. Registration is free, easy, and required to join the fun. See you there!

Come and try the latest climbing shoes from Black Diamond at Vital Bellingham and then head over to Backcountry Essentials for 20% off BD apparel and Momentum climbing shoes + tons of swag! (Through May 31)

Join us for an evening of story sharing and education with the local mountain guides and climbers. Hosted by Cascade Mountain Ascents. Doors at 7, presentation at 7:30. 

Downtown Bellingham Partnership is hosting the 10th annual spring wine walk! Meander around 19 shops as they host pop-up tasting rooms showcasing an array of regional wines. As an attendee, you'll receive tasting tickets to redeem for samples of the wines of your choice, and if you find a favorite, you can take a bottle (or two!) home by making a purchase right at the tasting location!

Join us in celebrating spring Downtown by sipping and shopping local.

Tickets available here

If you've been, you know you're in for a good time. If it's your first time, we can't wait to see you. Raffles, fashion shows, shopping, amazing community, and more! Doors open at 7, runway at 7:30, shopping, drinking and ice breakers from 7:50- 8:30, Raffle at 8:30.

Join us for an evening presentation with Brian Kertson, carnivore researcher with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. He'll be discussing cougar ecology and behavior while providing plenty of safety tips for anyone recreating where cougars live.

Ready... Set... HIKE! 

Starting now through October 1st, complete 8 of the 10 hikes in either one of our trail challenges listed here.
Post a picture of each hike on Instagram with the hashtag #BCETrailChallenge to enter our raffle for some sweet prizes once the challenge ends.

Join Cascade Mountain Ascents and Shifting Gears for a free avalanche awareness talk @ Backcountry Essentials.

Join Cascade Mountain Ascents, Grounding Truth Holistic Guiding, and Backcountry Essentials for a screening of Girl Winter, a collection of short films celebrating women in snow sports and filmmaking. Expect rad skiing, compelling storytelling, and plenty of good humor. The event includes six short films, a raffle, free popcorn, and opportunities to support local non-profits. Admission is free, with donations encouraged!

📍 Location: Backcountry Essentials, 1417 North State St, Bellingham, WA
🕡 Time: Doors at 6:30 PM, Films at 7:15 PM

More info: girlwinterfilmtour.com/films

Join us for a hands-on Ski Tuning Workshop! Whether you're new to tuning or looking to sharpen your skills, the professionals will guide you through the essentials of ski maintenance-covering edge sharpening, base repairs, and waxing techniques. Learn how to keep your gear in top shape for the slopes this season, ensuring a smoother, faster ride. Perfect for skiers/boarders of all levels. Bring your skis or a snowboard! All materials provided! Sign up HERE

Join us at Backcountry Essentials on April 17th for an evening of storytelling, film, and community action in the Bellingham area! Hear inspiring readings, watch powerful short films, and connect with local organizations making a difference.

After the presentations, explore ways to get involved—plus, enjoy snacks, happy hour beer prices, crafting with Eliza Carver and earn a raffle ticket by engaging with local groups for a chance to win great prizes!

RSVP Here : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoWdiqiIIG6TR4AHzu-zx4Z68W1ZVS7WXt-8NSOafd0NBvoA/viewform

Doors – 7:00 PM
Presentations – 7:15 PM
Happy Hour & Community Engagement – 7:45 PM

Break out the shades, your loudest shirts, and a fresh coat of sunscreen—spring corn season is calling! Cascade Mountain Ascents invites you to an evening dedicated to the magic of spring ski mountaineering. From dreamy ski traverses and steep couloirs to iconic volcano descents, we’re diving deep into the art of chasing perfect corn. Join us for a social night of stories, stoke, and expert insights on how to time your lines just right during the season we wait for all year.

Doors @ 6:30

Presentation @ 7:15

Ken Wilcox, an expert in outdoor recreation, will be leading an engaging event exploring the best local hiking trails in Whatcom County. Attendees can expect to learn about the region’s diverse landscapes and discover hidden gems for outdoor adventure.

7-8:30 PM

From backpacking, to mountaineering... gear wears out and breaks! Join us for an evening of socializing and learning from community experts in gear care, repair, and modification. Representatives from Gear Aid, Cascade Mountain Ascents, Phenix Threads, and Larrabee Gearworks attending.

Black Diamond & AIARE present Designed For The Deep

Join Black Diamond & AIARE at Backcountry Essentials (1417 North State Street, Bellingham, WA) for an evening of community, avalanche awareness, and backcountry tips—featuring BD Athlete Adrian Ballinger alongside AIARE instructors. Entry is just $5, which includes two raffle tickets, with more prizes up for grabs! All raffle proceeds benefit AIARE and NWAC.