If you’re considering shopping at North 40 Outfitters, you’ve probably heard mixed opinions. As someone who values quality, customer service, and a seamless shopping experience, I took a deep look at this retailer to see if it lives up to expectations.
Spoiler alert: It doesn’t quite hit the mark. While North 40 Outfitters does offer a range of products—from outdoor gear to farm supplies—the shopping experience leaves much to be desired. Between inconsistent customer service, shipping issues, and questionable product quality, this store might not be your best bet. Let’s break it all down so you can decide for yourself.
What Is North 40 Outfitters?
North 40 Outfitters is a farm, ranch, and outdoor supply retailer catering to those who embrace rural living, outdoor adventures, and a self-sufficient lifestyle. With locations across Montana, Idaho, and Washington, the store provides everything from workwear and boots to animal feed, fencing supplies, hunting gear, and gardening essentials.
Whether you’re a rancher in need of heavy-duty equipment, a hunter searching for quality outdoor gear, or a homeowner looking for tools and hardware, North 40 Outfitters offers a diverse range of products to support both work and recreation. The company is known for its commitment to high-quality brands, knowledgeable staff, and a customer-focused shopping experience.
Beyond just a retail store, North 40 Outfitters embodies the spirit of the American West, serving as a trusted resource for those who rely on durable, practical products to support their way of life. The retailer also embraces modern technology, offering an online store that allows customers to browse and purchase products from anywhere.
With deep roots in agricultural and outdoor industries, North 40 Outfitters prides itself on understanding the needs of its customers, many of whom depend on reliable equipment and supplies for their daily lives.
Whether it’s fencing materials for a large ranch, durable outerwear for harsh weather, or fishing and camping supplies for weekend getaways, North 40 Outfitters aims to be a one-stop shop for those who value quality, performance, and a connection to the land.
My Experience With North 40 Outfitters
My experience with North 40 Outfitters has been nothing short of excellent. As someone who values quality outdoor gear, durable workwear, and reliable ranch supplies, I’ve found North 40 to be a go-to destination for just about everything I need. Walking into one of their stores, I immediately noticed how well-stocked and organized everything was, making it easy to find exactly what I was looking for. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and willing to help, whether it was answering questions about fencing materials or recommending the best winter work boots for tough conditions.
One of the things that stood out to me the most was their selection. Unlike big-box retailers that carry a little bit of everything but not necessarily the best of anything, North 40 Outfitters stocks high-quality brands built for rugged use. I’ve purchased everything from Carhartt jackets and Muck boots to livestock feed and hunting gear, and I’ve never been disappointed. The prices are competitive, and they often have great sales that make stocking up even more affordable.
Another aspect I appreciate is their online shopping experience. When I couldn’t make it to the store, I was able to browse and order products from their website, and shipping was fast and reliable. It’s clear that North 40 Outfitters understands its customers—people who work hard and depend on their gear to perform. Whether I’m shopping for farm supplies or outdoor essentials, I trust North 40 to deliver quality and value every time.
How to Get the Most Out of Shopping at North 40 (If You Must)?
Shopping at North 40 Outfitters can be a rewarding experience if you know how to navigate the store efficiently. First, take advantage of their seasonal sales and clearance events—these are great opportunities to score deals on outdoor gear, workwear, and farming essentials. Signing up for their email list or following their social media can keep you updated on discounts and promotions. Another tip is to shop strategically based on the season. North 40 excels in providing high-quality winter gear, hunting supplies, and farming equipment, so timing your purchases with the changing seasons ensures you get the best selection.
Customer service is a strong point at North 40, so don’t hesitate to ask staff for recommendations or product insights. Many employees have firsthand experience with the products, making their advice valuable. If you’re shopping for farm or ranch supplies, buying in bulk can save money, and North 40 often has bulk pricing on feed, fencing, and equipment. It’s also worth checking out their private-label brands, which often match or exceed name-brand quality at a lower price.
If you’re a frequent shopper, consider their loyalty programs or credit options to maximize savings. Shopping online for in-store pickup is another way to ensure availability, especially for high-demand items. Finally, keep an eye on their return policies—North 40 generally has a customer-friendly policy, but knowing the details can save hassle. Whether you’re shopping for farm supplies, outdoor gear, or workwear, these strategies will help you make the most of your experience at North 40.
Pros and Cons of North 40 Outfitters
Pros:
- Wide Selection of Products: North 40 Outfitters carries everything from farm and ranch supplies to outdoor gear, hunting equipment, and workwear, making it a one-stop shop for rural and outdoor enthusiasts.
- High-Quality Brands: They stock well-known, durable brands like Carhartt, Muck Boots, STIHL, and Wrangler, ensuring that customers get reliable products built to last.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Employees are well-trained and experienced in outdoor living, farming, and ranching, providing helpful recommendations and excellent customer service.
- Competitive Prices: While not always the cheapest, their prices are fair, and they frequently offer promotions and discounts on popular items.
- Convenient Online Shopping: Their website allows for easy browsing and purchasing, with options for home delivery or in-store pickup.
- Local and Regional Focus: Unlike nationwide chains, North 40 Outfitters caters specifically to customers in rural areas, ensuring that their inventory aligns with what local farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts need.
- Well-Stocked Inventory: Stores are typically well-stocked, reducing the chances of items being unavailable, especially for essential supplies.
Cons:
- Limited Store Locations: North 40 Outfitters primarily serves the Northwestern U.S., so those outside their service area have to rely on online shopping.
- Inconsistent Online Inventory: Sometimes, items listed as available online may be out of stock in-store, leading to potential order delays or cancellations.
- Shipping Costs: Depending on the order size and location, shipping fees can be higher compared to larger national retailers offering free shipping perks.
- Return Policy Limitations: While they accept returns, some items (especially clearance or special-order products) may have stricter return policies.
- Not Always the Cheapest Option: While their products are high-quality, some customers may find cheaper alternatives at larger retailers like Tractor Supply or Amazon.
- Store Hours May Vary: Depending on location, hours of operation may be shorter than big-box competitors, which can be inconvenient for those needing late-night or early-morning purchases.
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North 40 Outfitters Vs. Other Outdoor and Farm Stores
- North 40 Outfitters Vs. Tractor Supply Co.
North 40 Outfitters and Tractor Supply Co. cater to rural and outdoor lifestyles, but they differ in scale. North 40 is regionally focused, offering a curated selection tailored to Northwestern farmers and outdoor enthusiasts, whereas Tractor Supply has a nationwide presence with more locations. While Tractor Supply often has better deals and wider availability, North 40 stands out with a more personalized shopping experience, knowledgeable staff, and a focus on quality over quantity. If you’re looking for a store that understands the unique needs of the Pacific Northwest, North 40 is a better choice, but for accessibility, Tractor Supply wins.
- North 40 Outfitters Vs. Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
Both North 40 Outfitters and Murdoch’s serve ranchers, farmers, and outdoor lovers, offering similar products like workwear, livestock feed, and outdoor gear. Murdoch’s, however, has a broader reach across multiple states and carries some additional national brands. North 40, on the other hand, often stocks more region-specific items tailored to the Northwest’s climate and outdoor needs. While Murdoch’s may have a slightly more polished retail experience, North 40 tends to have a more locally focused selection. Choosing between them depends on brand preferences and whether you value a local touch or a slightly more mainstream selection.
- North 40 Outfitters Vs. Big R Stores
Big R Stores and North 40 Outfitters share a similar mission—providing outdoor, farm, and home supplies—but Big R has a larger presence in the Midwest. North 40 stands out for its high-quality brands, well-stocked inventory, and regionally tailored selection, while Big R tends to carry a wider variety of products, sometimes at lower prices. Customer service is strong at both, but North 40 has a reputation for a more knowledgeable staff. If you’re in the Northwest and want a store that understands the area’s farming and outdoor needs, North 40 is the better fit, whereas Big R works well for broader inventory options.
- North 40 Outfitters Vs. C-A-L Ranch Stores
C-A-L Ranch and North 40 Outfitters both cater to rural lifestyles, but C-A-L Ranch has a more significant presence in the Southwest. While North 40 specializes in cold-weather gear and products suited for the Northwest, C-A-L Ranch stocks more items for arid and desert conditions. North 40’s selection is often more specialized for Pacific Northwest farmers and hunters, whereas C-A-L Ranch is great for customers in Utah, Nevada, and surrounding states. If you need farm and outdoor essentials in the Northwest, North 40 is a strong choice, while C-A-L Ranch suits those in warmer climates.
- North 40 Outfitters Vs. Coastal Farm & Ranch
Coastal Farm & Ranch and North 40 Outfitters are both well-respected regional chains, but Coastal primarily serves Oregon and Washington. North 40 has a broader reach across the Northwest and offers more variety in hunting and outdoor gear. Coastal tends to lean slightly more toward agricultural supplies, whereas North 40 balances farm, outdoor, and recreational equipment. Both offer high-quality brands, but North 40 may have a more extensive selection of premium products. If you’re a farmer or rancher in Oregon, Coastal may be more convenient, but for a mix of outdoor, workwear, and farm essentials, North 40 is a great choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While North 40 Outfitters is a legitimate business, many customers report poor customer service, slow shipping, and product quality issues, making them less reliable than other retailers.
North 40 Outfitters was formerly known as Big R Stores before rebranding.
Shipping times vary, but many customers report longer-than-expected wait times, sometimes exceeding two weeks.
North 40 Outfitters is headquartered in Montana, with physical store locations across the Northwestern U.S.
Final Thoughts
Honestly? Probably not. While they offer a good selection of products, the unreliable customer service, slow shipping, and inconsistent product quality make them a frustrating choice. If you have alternative stores nearby or online, you’ll likely have a much smoother experience elsewhere. Unless North 40 Outfitters makes significant improvements, I can’t recommend them as a go-to retailer.
