The Backpacker

Want to #GeauxOutThere and explore the world? You’ve come to the right place. Here at The Backpacker, we have a goal to keep you moving and exploring. It all started with Dale Mathews, our founder. In the early 1970s he was leading one of his first adventures to the Colorado Rockies and noticed people were scotch-guarding their jeans to repel the snow.

This inspired him to open the first adventure shop in Baton Rouge and sell top-quality outdoor gear. It was camping and ski gear in the beginning, but it soon became much more than that.

Today, our outdoor gear shop continues to serve Baton Rouge and Lafayette with that same passion. With over 40 years of outdoor experience, we offer gear, clothing, kayak rentals, ski packages, and expert advice to help you make the most of every adventure.

We also host events and connect with our community to share the beauty of Louisiana’s outdoors. Our team is trained to understand your needs and share their own experiences, so you leave ready for whatever’s next. Let The Backpacker be your go-to for all things adventure and help you #LoveYourAdventure every step of the way.