Beaver Sports - Fairbanks, Alaska

Abbi F.

I love this place over REI or other sporting stores in the area. When you walk in you are immediately welcomed in. The environment is also very homely and cozy! I would choose this store to shop for anything you could possibly need while living or visiting Fairbanks. Plus they have great end of summer sales!

Team U. E. W. &. B.

So this place is the best place to go and get all
Your outdoor needs. They have 3 floors as well as another building out back that is for all your paddle needs. The staff is super friendly. We went there over a week ago to have some adjustments made to our bike before we left to do the Dalton Highway and they took care of it that day for us. Since we’ve been back we’ve taken and bought a few things from there. Much better then the REI store in town. The only negative there is there is a older gentleman that is at the counter in the bike section and 3 separate occasions that I went to that section and asked for something from him he would look at me
Like deer in the headlights look and not say anything or he would mumble about and not give me any answers. But the mechanic in the back is amazing.

Jon S.

We showed up to rent some fat tire bikes for the snow. We were told if we came back at 5 we could go on a demo ride for free. It was awesome. There were 5 or 6 locals that joined along with 3 employees. It wasn't a super easy ride but definitely worth it.

Torin H.

I’m giving 3/5 because although I’ve had negative experiences at the store, I’m trying to remain objective. On the positive, Beaver is a locally owned sporting goods store with relatively good stock and selection relative to its size. Furthermore, most of the staff are quite friendly.

However, there are two big issues I have with the store. 1) Staff are often badly under-informed about the products in their store, yet they seem to be instructed to still give out advice, even if it’s outside of their wheelhouse. While it’s annoying to get bad advice about a backpack or a stove, this behavior can quickly become dangerous when it comes to technical climbing equipment. I have received bad advice multiple times from staff pertaining to climbing gear. The most egregious incident was when I was in search of prusik cord, and was directed to cord that was 4 mm, which is not an acceptable diameter for such an activity. The store would do well to ask staff to be clear about the limits of their knowledge; this change would make the store safer and more respectful to customers.

2) My second issue is with their return policy, or more specifically the store’s misleading representation of it. I understand that a small store cannot operate with the return policy of a company like REI, and I wouldn’t expect it to. However, in light of that fact, the sales staff should be MUCH more clear about the VERY limited nature of the return policy. I recently purchased an expensive down jacket from the store, and was assured by a sales associate that as long as the jacket was returned within 30 days and was in “like new” condition, it could be returned for a full refund. Obviously, “like new” is a phrase that could be interpreted multiple ways, but what wasn’t made clear is that Beaver Sport’s interpretation of “like new” is that the article of clothing has never been worn, not even once. It doesn’t matter whether or not there’s any noticeable damage or wear and tear. If you so much as put the piece of clothing on, you can forget about returning it. It is extremely unethical not to make this point clear, especially if specifically asked.

Multiple of my friends also report such issues: being given false assurances about the essentially non-existent return policy, only to learn it after the expensive purchase is made.

I hope in the future, Beaver Sports improves their messaging and sales practices. I made a conscious choice to shop locally at the store, which typically means opting to spend more than at REI and certainly more than online. I will no longer be doing so.

Steven S.

I wish I could rate my experience here higher then five stars. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Set us up with everything we needed to rent and give us recommendations on where to go for the best hiking locally. Would definitely recommend renting your gear from them.

Corey R.

Very pleased with ski boot fitting service. Bruce is the man and corrected issues I had with my boots and liners when other shops in town could not(or at least didn't know how). Definitely a fan of Beaver Sports!

Connor K.

Fat bike rentals were tuned perfectly. Ripping around snowy Creamers field was smooth thanks to Jeff and the well oiled drivetrain

Melanie A.

I needed a pair of good winter boots in between my mukluks and my arctic rubber boots that gives enough support for walking the dogs in varied conditions, provides good traction and is warm. I went to two other local (and locally owned) stores and quite literally could not get anyone to help me. I left both places frustrated and a friend reminded me to try beaver. I got immediate help without asking, and a manager even came down to look for a size we couldn't find and to offer her advice. They had a great selection, were knowledgeable, and the service was impeccable. Next time i need gear they'll be my first stop.