SALT LAKE CITY & SAN FRANCISCO — June 25, 2026
Executive Summary
Backcountry has partnered with Affirm (NASDAQ: AFRM) to introduce pay-over-time financing across its online stores, giving eligible customers a transparent payment option when purchasing outdoor equipment and apparel. Affirm will be available at checkout across Backcountry and its family of brands, enabling shoppers to view upfront payment schedules, know exactly what they owe, and complete purchases without late fees or hidden charges, subject to eligibility.
Announcement Overview
Backcountry announced a new partnership with Affirm that expands payment flexibility for customers purchasing outdoor gear online. Eligible shoppers can now select Affirm during checkout when buying products from Backcountry, Competitive Cyclist, MotoSport, Steep & Cheap, and Level Nine Sports. The integration combines Backcountry’s outdoor retail platform with Affirm’s payment network, providing a financing option designed to offer clear repayment terms, predictable installment schedules, and greater visibility throughout the purchasing process.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Strategic Partnership and Payment Solution Integration
- Companies Involved: Backcountry and Affirm (NASDAQ: AFRM)
- Announcement Date: June 25, 2026
- Payment Solution: Affirm pay-over-time financing at online checkout
- Availability: Eligible online shoppers across Backcountry and participating brands
- Participating Brands: Backcountry, Competitive Cyclist, MotoSport, Steep & Cheap, and Level Nine Sports
- Primary Purpose: Provide eligible customers with a transparent and flexible way to pay over time for outdoor gear purchases
- Key Customer Benefits: Upfront payment schedules, clear repayment terms, no late fees, and no hidden charges
- Supported Purchases: Outdoor gear, apparel, cycling equipment, camping gear, skiing equipment, mountain bikes, and related products
- Checkout Experience: Customers can review payment amounts, due dates, and repayment schedules before completing purchases
- Affirm Network: Backcountry joins Affirm’s global network of nearly 515,000 merchant partners
- Eligibility: Payment options are subject to an eligibility check and may vary based on purchase amount
- Financing Providers: Loans are provided through Affirm’s participating lending partners
- Strategic Objective: Expand payment flexibility while improving purchasing transparency for outdoor enthusiasts
- Industry Focus: Outdoor retail and consumer financial technology
Partnership Brings Affirm to Backcountry’s Online Checkout
Backcountry has expanded its online checkout experience by adding Affirm as a payment option for eligible shoppers across its digital retail portfolio.
Customers shopping through participating Backcountry brands can now choose to finance qualifying purchases using Affirm at checkout. According to the announcement, the partnership is intended to provide greater payment flexibility while maintaining transparency throughout the financing process.
The rollout extends beyond the flagship Backcountry website and also includes several specialty retail brands within the company’s portfolio.
Participating brands include:
- Backcountry
- Competitive Cyclist
- MotoSport
- Steep & Cheap
- Level Nine Sports
The companies stated that customers using Affirm will receive a clear repayment schedule before completing a purchase, allowing them to understand payment obligations in advance.
Payment Experience Focuses on Transparency
The partnership introduces a financing option centered on payment clarity and predictable repayment schedules.
According to the companies, eligible shoppers selecting Affirm at checkout receive information outlining repayment terms before confirming a purchase.
Key characteristics highlighted in the announcement include:
- Transparent payment schedules
- Clear repayment amounts
- Defined payment due dates
- Known loan completion timeline
- No late fees
- No hidden charges
The companies indicated that this approach is designed to help customers make purchasing decisions with greater confidence while preparing for future outdoor activities.
Outdoor Categories Supported Through the Partnership
The payment option is intended to support purchases across a broad range of outdoor recreation categories available through Backcountry and its affiliated brands.
Examples highlighted in the announcement include:
- Ski equipment
- Mountain bikes
- Camping equipment
- Outdoor apparel
- Adventure accessories
The companies noted that outdoor enthusiasts often invest in equipment intended for long-term use, making flexible payment options relevant for a wide variety of seasonal and year-round purchases.
Leadership Commentary
Kevin Lenau, President of Backcountry, said:
“Backcountry is a gateway to new experiences, new challenges, and more time outdoors, not just a place to purchase gear.”
He added:
“By offering Affirm, we’re giving customers more flexibility in how they pay, helping them feel as confident at checkout as they do in the gear they’re choosing.”
According to Backcountry, integrating Affirm aligns with its objective of improving the overall customer purchasing experience while supporting access to premium outdoor equipment.
Affirm’s Perspective on the Partnership
Affirm stated that the collaboration reflects growing demand for payment solutions that provide customers with greater visibility into financing decisions.
Pat Suh, Senior Vice President of Revenue at Affirm, said:
“Outdoor enthusiasts are planners. They research, compare, and invest in gear they expect to use for years.”
He further stated:
“They deserve a payment option that gives them the same level of clarity and control.”
Regarding the partnership, Suh added:
“We’re proud to partner with Backcountry to help customers pay in the way that works best for them, without having to worry about late fees, compounding interest, or other surprises.”
Expansion of Affirm’s Merchant Network
Backcountry joins Affirm’s global merchant network through this agreement.
According to the announcement, Affirm now works with nearly 515,000 merchant partners worldwide.
The company noted that its network includes a wide range of retailers across multiple industries.
Examples referenced in the announcement include:
- Costco
- StubHub
- REVOLVE
- Net-a-Porter
- StockX
The addition of Backcountry further expands Affirm’s presence within the outdoor recreation retail segment.
Customer Checkout Experience
Eligible customers shopping online will be able to select Affirm directly during checkout where available.
According to the companies, the checkout process is designed to provide customers with important financing information before completing a purchase.
Customers can review:
- Available payment options
- Repayment schedule
- Amount owed
- Payment due dates
- Expected completion date
The announcement states that payment options remain subject to eligibility requirements and may vary depending on purchase value.
Strategic Context
The partnership combines Backcountry’s outdoor retail platform with Affirm’s payment technology as both companies continue expanding customer-facing digital capabilities.
According to the announcement, the integration supports Backcountry’s efforts to improve purchasing flexibility while allowing eligible customers to spread payments over time using a transparent financing option.
Affirm stated that its payment network is designed around clear repayment terms and consumer transparency, providing merchants with an additional checkout option while giving customers greater visibility into financing commitments before making a purchase.
About Backcountry
Backcountry is an online specialty retailer focused on premium outdoor equipment and apparel. Founded in 1996, the company serves adventure enthusiasts across activities including cycling, hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, climbing and fly fishing. Through expert customer service, curated product selections and personalized recommendations from its Gearheads, Backcountry supports customers preparing for outdoor experiences. The company operates multiple specialty retail brands that serve different segments of the outdoor recreation market.
About Affirm
Affirm provides financial technology solutions focused on transparent consumer payments. The company offers a payment network designed to help consumers finance purchases with clearly disclosed repayment schedules and without late or hidden fees. In addition to serving consumers, Affirm provides merchants with payment solutions intended to support customer purchasing flexibility and business growth through its expanding global merchant network.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit backcountry.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement
