Maine Sport Outfitters was founded in 1976 by current owners Stuart and Marianne Smith. This family-owned and operated business was built on the concept that providing quality products and excellent service would be essential for the healthy-minded community of Midcoast Maine. While early product lines revolved around athletic apparel, the business quickly became engaged in the outdoor apparel and equipment industry.
In 1990, and after several years of rapid growth, Maine Sport Outfitters moved out of the small downtown Camden location to the current flagship location on Route 1 in Rockport. At that time, the store became an early adopter of sea kayaking activities and also developed a robust Outdoor School providing numerous outdoor trips and activities for both visitors and year-round residents of Midcoast Maine. The store soon became the regional leader in paddle sports, bikes, camping, fishing, winter sports, outdoor apparel, and footwear.
The Smiths were active members in the community during this time as well, assisting to develop the area’s youth basketball program, partnering to build a community hockey rink and indoor tennis facility, as well as helping to construct a new regional High School.
Since 1990, Maine Sport Outfitters has expanded three times and has now remodeled and reopened the original store in Camden. Most recently, a new location in Rockland was opened, designed to meet the needs of the local adventuring community. The one-floor 10,000 square foot store features all the essentials for getting outdoors, stocking a carefully curated selection of outdoor apparel, footwear, and gear. The stores' focus on providing customers with only the highest quality products, knowledgeable and personalized service, and unique experiences that foster a love for the outdoors.
MSO is now proud to be one of the Northeast's largest dealers of Trek bikes, Old Town Canoes, Northstar Canoes, Eddyline kayaks, and outdoor footwear and apparel. Here at MSO, we continue to stay focused on providing only the best products and experiences to help more people safely access outdoor recreation.
Our team members receive regular training from industry leaders and are experts in their respective departments. For over 30 years we have helped our customers enjoy the great Maine outdoor experience. We also offer the best selection of outdoor trips and instructional programs in the Northeast.
In 2022, the 3 stores began to sell L.L.Bean apparel, footwear, and gear. We are proud to be working with a quality outdoor brand so deeply rooted in the Maine outdoor tradition.
In 2024, Maine Sport Outfitters expanded its programs selection to include even more local and statewide adventures, including several overnight trip options. The company now offers guided kayaking, canoeing, e-biking, mountain climbing, cross-country skiing, and fishing, in addition to training courses for wilderness guides. Our rental fleet of outdoor equipment continues to expand yearly.
Maine Sport Outfitters is a part of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, an organization dedicated to the health and growth of the specialty outdoor retail industry. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a cohesive community of independent outdoor specialty retailers and brands that drives evolution within the outdoor industry. Click here to learn more.