Outfitter The Backpacker is closing

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The Backpacker Quality Gear Inc., the hiking gear store and outfitter which opened in Columbia in 1973, is closing, according to a post on its Facebook page.

The post alerts customers that the Backpacker’s store closing sale has begun, with all store merchandise discounted from 20% to 70%.

The post, which does not include a closing date, is signed “Happy Trails, The Backpacker Family.”

An attempt to leave a message seeking comment was unsuccessful on Thursday morning, and an email to the store was not immediately returned.

The store, located at 1215 Wayne St. in the Vista, sells equipment for hiking, paddling, climbing and other outdoor activities. It was a local favorite, with the Facebook post announcing its closing drawing comments such as “Columbia won’t be the same,” “What a loss for the community” and “Making this grown man cry.”

The Backpacker’s Mount Pleasant location is closed, according to multiple websites. Its listed phone number is no longer in service.