Whether you're backpacking, running or knocking heads on the football field, the U District outpost of the national chain will prepare you well.

This shop in Ballard has become known to local surfers as the ultimate place to go in Seattle. The store also carries lots of swimsuits and bikinis, from such brands as Billabong and Quiksilver.

This retail space, music venue and art gallery builds community around a shared passion for snow and water sports.

This outdoor and travel-clothing store outlet carries everything from fast-drying underwear to bug- and sun-repellant pants and shirts.

A one-stop shop for roller-derby warriors or anyone who aspires to be one. Here, you can direct the creation of a customized pair of quad skates, pick up a pair of recreational skates that are perfect for trail skating or just browse the T-shirts and hoodies.

Feathered Friends has an expert staff who are all experienced climbers. The store specializes in high-end outerwear, its own down bags and garments and quality climbing and camping gear for climbers.

If you need to hunt something or fish for something, Filson has your number. The shop's been around for more than 100 years, and it's local, so you can feel good about acquiring your outdoorsy items there.

New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Saucony and many lesser-known brands as well -- Footzone lives up to its name by stocking them all. If you need to run, this is a good Eastside source of footwear. And there's an emphasis on customer service that adds some extra oomph.

Joe's has equipment and apparel for an impressive array of team sports, and if you're more into watching from the stands, hey, there's a generous catalog of team hats and clothing.

This store is full of stylish, casual clothing and outdoor wear for men and women. Check out the back, where seconds and past-season clothing are discounted at least 40 percent.

Lucy is a stylish sportswear store for women of all sizes, shapes and fitness levels.

Lululemon yoga wear is, in a word, amazing. Yoga devotees have extolled the virtues and fit of this line for years.

Helpful, knowledgeable salespeople are at the ready to answer any questions you have about New Balance shoes, which range from simple all-purpose athletic numbers to highly specialized running equipment. The brand runs wide, so if you're a triple-E in search of comfy footwear, try this place.

It's a local company, sort of (its headquarters are surrounded by Beaverton, Ore.), its logo is the Swoosh and its catchphrase is: "Just do it." This downtown store is where you'll find the shoes that started the phenomenon.

Climbers, skiers, snowboarders and more general outdoors enthusiasts can find all manner of gear here, from cozy, insulated jackets to sleeping bags and tents that'll get you through a bad snowstorm or a very rainy night in the woods.

A big, red sign and upended kayak invite you down the stairs to NWOC's retail store, rental office and dock on the western shore of Lake Union. Here, experienced kayakers and a patient staff will outfit you with everything you need for day trips or, if you have a few months, trips up to Alaska.

This local outdoor gear manufacturer has a retail store that includes a large sale section of close-outs, seconds and past-season clothing and gear.

The environmentally conscious company makes most of its clothing from organically harvested cottons and hemps.

If you're in the market for exercise equipment, skis, snowboards or skateboards that are inexpensive but of good quality, Play It Again Sports might just have what you want.

Shoes, track jackets and all manner of sporty apparel and accessories for men, women and kids can be yours at Puma's Bellevue Square outpost.

Find top-quality snowboards, skis, mountaineering gear, hiking boots, backpacks, kayaks and nearly everything else a soul could need to tackle the great outdoors.

The prices for used sporting goods here range from "That's reasonable" to "Are you serious? I'll take five." Great buys on skiing and climbing equipment as well as an extensive array of bike components, helmets, shoes, tires and so on.

Love playing the Beautiful Game? Soccer West has what you need in spades, from uniforms and footwear to equipment and, yes, balls. Lots and lots of balls. Fans of the Sounders who want to take the field for the first time and veteran players from way back will both feel at home here.

Don't let the name of this multisport and triathlon-equipment store scare you away. Speedy Reedy, located on the Burke-Gilman Trail, has swim, cycling and running gear for athletes of any speed or body type.

And their self-proclaimed authority truly knows no bounds: fitness equipment, apparel, footwear, stuff for nearly every team sport ever invented or imagined, golf gear, skateboarding, snowboarding and kneeboarding (!) gear, cheerleading accoutrements (pom pons?) and so very much more. Whew!

The staff at Sports X, which focuses on snowboarding, is knowledgeable, and the supply of new and used boards and gear is thorough. Sports X also offers tune-ups and board-waxing services.

Whether you're looking to run around Green Lake without passing out or hoping to take on a marathon, this shop by the lake can outfit you with shoes, apparel and more to make you the best runner you can be.

This one is for the girls. Ever wish for an athletic store as pleasing as your favorite running shoes? One with lots of sports bras, clothes that fit, clothes that work? Take a deep breath and stretch. It's here.