Established in 1975 by Scott Brown, The Base Camp emerged as a pioneering backpacking store in Montana. This past year, Scott’s daughters Lauren and Cody Brown took over the family business and they are loving every minute of it! We sat down to ask them a few questions about life as entrepreneurs, getting involved with the community, memorable trail stories and what’s next!
What was life like before The Base Camp and how did you get more involved in the family business?
Before joining The Base Camp, our lives
were all about learning everything we could about the outdoors from our parents. We grew up immersed in the business—helping out in the store as kids and spending weekends hiking or camping with the family. Eventually, we both decided to take a more active role in the business when we realized how much we love not just the outdoors, but also the community that comes with it. Adjusting to being fully involved has been a rewarding challenge, and it’s been amazing to see the store grow while still keeping that same spirit of adventure our dad instilled all those years ago.
Why do you support Billings TrailNet?
Growing up in Billings, we spent a lot of time hiking the rims and biking or walking all over town. For us, getting outside and staying active has always been key to feeling good. As a business that gears people up for outdoor fun, we know how important it is to keep building up the spaces that make it all possible. Watching the trail network grow and connect over the years has been incredible, and we’re proud to be a part of that positive change in Billings.
Why do you think trails are important to the community?
Trails are the lifeblood of any outdoor-loving community. They offer a place for people to exercise, enjoy nature, and spend quality time with their families. Trails foster a sense of connection—not just to the outdoors but also to each other. They bring people together, whether it’s for a weekend hike on the rims, a morning run, or a family bike ride. There’s no better medicine than a walk outdoors in our opinion. In Montana, where we value open spaces and fresh air, trails provide an essential infrastructure to allow everyone to recharge. At The Base Camp, where we’re all about open spaces and fresh air, we see trails are the key to a healthy fun lifestyle.
How do you most use trails?
Between ourselves and The Base Camp team, we probably log a ton of trail miles on a very wide range of trails! Personally, we do dog walks, and shorter walks and hikes to get our kiddos outside these days, and also the occasional family bike ride! Many of our staff are very avid backpackers, and hike trails here in Montana and across the world. Several of our staff members only walk or bike to work as well.
Do we have a favorite trail?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite, but locally, we love Zimmerman Park for its stunning views of the Rims and the Yellowstone Valley. It’s a great spot for a peaceful walk or to get some fresh air. Outside of Billings, we’re partial to a secret spot in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness we’ve been going to since we were little girls with our parents. We actually built a fort there in the forest that still has remnants intact. There are amazing little streams with the clearest water and tiny little trout and a mini granite wall that we would climb when we were little.
Any memorable stories on trails?
When we were pretty young, our parents took us to climb Emigrant Peak. Upon arriving, Cody realized I hadn’t packed any hiking boots, so she summited the peak in her Converse. Needless to say, Cody’s feet were sore but our hearts were full.
What’s next for you both?
It’s an honor for us to continue serving our local community and supporting initiatives like Billings TrailNet that share our passion for the outdoors. We are also actively involved in planning events and workshops to further support the community.
On Friday, October 4th from 4-7 PM, we will be hosting a free event called Campfire • Community • Connection which is all about bringing the community together. Enjoy beer, cider, campfires, and live bluegrass music while shopping for great clothing, footwear gifts and gear! Plus, all new or existing Billings TrailNet members get 20% OFF their entire purchase and a free gift (while supplies last).
We also have a couple of in-store clinics coming up including a Bear Aware clinic hosted by The Base Camp and Fish Wildlife and Parks on Thursday, October 10th from 4 – 7 pm.
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