Earlier this week, we published an opinion piece by Todd Frank, owner of The Trail Head in Missoula, Montana, lambasting Ibex or its treatment of its specialty retail partners. Our readers had a lot to say on the topic.

Of course, there are two sides to every story, and we spoke to Ibex about its retail relations shortly after it decided to pull away from the wholesale model and focus strictly on direct sales.

Read our story on Ibex's decision to convert to a direct-to-consumer only company.

It got us to thinking, which outdoor brands deserve praise for their specialty retailer support? Which brands have proven to be loyal partners to the stores that have helped build them? Which brands recognize the intangible value that customer service from a well-run brick and mortar shop? Which brands have policies in place to help those stores grow and thrive?

Here's your chance to weigh in. And if we didn't list your favorite brand partner, be sure to indicate that in our poll and write your nominee in the comment section.