When we’re planning what new camping gear we’ll need for the year’s trips, we’ve been a bit disappointed by supposed camping ‘superstores’ that really don’t offer much choice.
So, we’ve compiled a list of all the best places to shop for camping equipment, along with returns and delivery details. We hope it helps!
Did you know…
If you pay by PayPal for an item and the retailer doesn’t offer free returns, PayPal will refund the cost? There’s a limit on the number of transactions and you have to make a claim via your account, but it’s easy and it works!
All our reviews at Campfire Magazine are independent and honest.
Ebay isn’t just for secondhand camping gear. Many real-world shops also have Ebay shops.
Returns are usually simple and payments are really well protected.
It’s a good place to check prices, though don’t assume everything is a bargain. We’ve sometimes found cheaper at some of the other stores and on Amazon.
Love it, hate it, can’t live without it? Amazon is almost unavoidable, but it’s often our choice because returns are usually trouble-free and the range is enormous.
Be wary of reviews
The reviews can be helpful, but many are fake. If you see an item with masses of five-star reviews, just have a look at the author of a couple of them. If they only ever post glowing reviews and if they harp on about the features in a way that sounds unlike a regular customer, be wary.
Check prices
It’s a good way to check prices, but isn’t necessarily the cheapest. We usually put links in to products on Amazon if we’ve found their prices are good (and we get a small commission to help pay for the running of the magazine), but it does pay to shop around.
Cotswold is a sister company to Snow + Rock and another that has real-world branches in some places. Bigger branches usually have a few sleeping mats and bags to try out, but the ranges are quite limited.
They also do some tents and camping accessories, plus lots of walking jackets and boots. Sales are good!
Delivery is free over £50 (express and free over £100) and you have to pay for returns unless an item is faulty.
An unbelievable range of sports, outdoor and camping gear and fantastic prices too. Decathlon‘s Quechua and Arpenaz tents are virtually all you see on mainland European campsites – and the reason is that they’re affordable, easy to put up and have some clever features.
Free delivery over £30 and 365 days to return (free to some locations).
You probably haven’t heard of Wildbounds? We hadn’t. It’s a newish and smallish company that specialises in some unusual and top-quality brands for camping and outdoor equipment.
More adventure camping than family trips, but lots of lovely things, including some of our favourite bivvy hammocks and backpacking stoves.
One of the best ranges of walking shoes and boots we’ve found. And prices can be good too. Certainly not just sports or running, and outdoor clothes as well as footwear!
SportsShoes delivery is £4.99, so factor that in. Returns are easy, with lots of options and a 100=day promise. The cheapest is via Hermes drop-off at £2.95.
A lesser known online store for camping gear, although they’ve been selling equipment since 1906 (not online, of course!). Fantastic range of brands – everything from wellingtons and socks to tents and sleeping mats – and good prices too.
Delivery is £1.95 and free after £50, all next day. No-fuss returns. You pay the cost, but if you want to exchange, postage back to you is free.
Whether you prefer maps, apps or books, the Ordnance Survey has them all. We came across it when researching for our article on apps for walkers and cyclists.
Did you know that buying a real map gives you access to digital versions for your phone or tablet too?
All maps are delivered for free.
Definitely not just food, but their range of expedition and camping meals is the best in the UK.
As well as those, they specialise in high-quality, lightweight gear for wild camping, backpacking and serious expeditions. Stoves, pots, water bottles and more.
We bought our fantastic Solo Stove Ranger smokeless firepit from them. Great service. Prices are competitive, delivery is free. Returns up to 30 days, but at your own cost.
Ultimate Outdoors has a fantastic range of camping equipment, outdoor clothes and more. Prices are very good on many brands too.
Free delivery over £70. Returns within 28 days and you pay the postage back. Not the greatest rating for service, but you might decide a bargain is worth it.
For a massive range of road, mountain and electric bikes and good prices, Leisure Lakes Bikes is fantastic. They also have ten actual shops. Free delivery if you spend £10 or more.
Our current ‘real-world’ favourite (though a five-hour drive away) is Norwich Camping and Leisure.
As an indication of their range, they have more than 70 barbecues to choose from. As well as every bit of camping equipment you can imagine, they also sell all those tiny odds and ends that just have to come in useful for something.
Free next-day delivery over £100. You have to pay for returns (and original delivery cost isn’t reimbursed). See the PayPal note above.
They also have an Ebay shop you can buy from onlline.
]Ready for our series of articles on outdoor swimming, we’ve discovered Drybags UK. An independent online shop with the best choice of waterproof bags, tow floats and more.
30 day free returns and reasonable postage from £2.50.
Watersports, bikes and more – from wetsuits to walking boots. A great range, lots of offers and and actual phone number should you need to contact them!
Jackson Sports also offer free delivery over £70 and only charge £2.95 if your order is under £30. You pay for returns, so use the PayPal refund system if needs be.
Probably better known for the best surfing and watersports gear, Ann’s Cottage in Cornwall is now bursting with outdoor clothes and accessories.
Super brands and a massive range of everything from backpacks to bikinis.
Free delivery over £60 and just £3.50 below that. Free returns.
