Best Outdoor/Adventure Store '97

Best Outdoor/ Adventure Store

Bob's Bargain Barn
2230 N. Country Club Road

READERS' PICK: Like the mighty King Kong, the once great Bob's Bargain Barn fell flat on its back this year from its former gargantuan stature. Some claim those outdoor outlet stores are to blame--buzzing the burg like those biplanes that eventually drove the great ape from the Empire State Building. But, just like in the movie, we know it wasn't the planes--it was love. Love for big ticket items, higher-end retail and high-end customers. Love of these things drove Bob's to Foothills Mall and took away most of the beat-up surplus and quality low-end equipment we'd always counted on. The bargain had left the building.

Of course, the big-city people never embraced Kong the way his grass-skirted aboriginals did; and neither did the platinum Visas come to the new Bob's. So strangely, with a Chapter 11 filing this year, there's hope to revive the King yet. A sudden influx of the good old stuff and an enlightening conversation with a store clerk makes us believe our favorite place to monkey around may be on the upswing. We, the noble savages who've always loved and worshipped Bob's, dance on the shores of the discount island in hope of its return. Maybe we'll even toss a virgin into the trout tank this year, just to be on the safe side.

READERS'POLL RUNNER-UP: Popular, Three Locations

A REAL SCREAM: Prior to the coming of Bumjo's, 7445 E. 22nd St., eastside outdoor enthusiasts had to journey to central Tucson to find their gear. But for the past year, Bumjo's has kept shop at its 22nd Street location, thus filling a niche there in the shadow of the Rincon Mountains. The small, family-run store dispenses good gear and advice, and its equipment is always competitively priced. It's a welcome change of pace from the lonesome howl for service echoing in some of the big chains. If your interests lie with climbing or caving, this is definitely the place for you. The elder Bumjo is an avid spelunker, while the younger spends his time spidering around the myriad rock faces surrounding Tucson. If it's a great outdoor adventure you seek, go east, young pueblo.

1998 Winner: Summit Hut
1996 Winner: Bob's Bargain Barn
1995 Winner: Bob's Bargain Barn