Bushwalk Australia

I've been into this (relatively) new shop a few times, but haven't had the need to buy any equipment since it opened. As far as I can tell, this is a one-off independent store - is that correct? Or is it part of a small or larger chain? Their website only mentions Launceston and refers to "the store" as though it was the only one and talks about serving the Tasmanian outdoor community.

https://www.aspireadventureequipment.com.au/

Has anyone had any experiences with buying from this shop that are worth reporting here?

Are any members of this forum also staff at Aspire?

I'm surprised I haven't seen any discussion here about this store, but it's possible that it happened while I wasn't looking and my search skills are simply lacking.

My only gripe with this shop is that they don't seem to stock One Planet, which is a preferred brand of mine for packs, sleeping bags, tents, gaiters, polar fleece, downies and rain jackets. But they appear to have a decent range of gear from a few other brands.

I have seen it mentioned as a source for gas if coming off the ferry for the OLT on some thread here.
Also on the youtube video from that American firm -Zpacks- doing the OLT.
It is also present in the OSM data base for mapping.

{edit} I am confusing this with "Allgoods" ! Both start with A .. but one is in Launceston the other in Devonport!
Aspire is also in the OSM database for mapping {/edit}

Perhaps a talk to them about One Planet might see them stock it? I would prefer to support it as an independent store.

Have only been there once for food and gas but the staff were friendly and helpful. Seemed to be reasonably well stocked from a quick stalk around (saw plenty of montane and mont stuff).

I bought an Aarn effortless rhythm pack from them a couple of months ago. Very friendly and helpful staff. They were very patient with me (late middle-age guy relatively new to overnight hikes in Tassie). Hope they do well, especially considering that just 20m across the road MD store appeared to be closing.
Btw, the aarn pack is amazing. I am aware that there is another thread for packs, so will just confine my comment to say that I would have not bought the pack had I not been able to try it in store with helpful staff.

Warin wrote:I am confusing this with "Allgoods" ! Both start with A .. but one is in Launceston the other in Devonport!
...
Perhaps a talk to them about One Planet might see them stock it? I would prefer to support it as an independent store.

I agree about supporting independent stores (so long as they also support us with good service and products, of course).

Allgoods and Aspire are both in Launceston. Although I think Allgoods do have a store or two elsewhere around the state. Yes, I will send them a message about One Planet.

Rai wrote:Hope they do well, especially considering that just 20m across the road MD store appeared to be closing.

It is sad that Mtn Designs have closed down. I walked past it yesterday, and it was empty with a "For Lease" sign in the window. Apparently all of their stores have now closed down and they're trying to sell off what's left of their online store. For more info, see this topic.

That's interesting. The 'new store' was mentioned in passing on the Spirit of Tasmania, but I thought it was Devonport, not LTN.

They've replied to my query about stocking One Planet. They said they'd like to stock their gear, but another shop in Launceston has an exclusive agreement with One Planet. So it's not possible for now.

*&^%$#@! Anti-competitive exclusivity agreements!

I supplied an image for that store. So far as I understand they are independently owned and operated.

Warin wrote:I have seen it mentioned as a source for gas if coming off the ferry for the OLT on some thread here.
Also on the youtube video from that American firm -Zpacks- doing the OLT.
It is also present in the OSM data base for mapping.

{edit} I am confusing this with "Allgoods" ! Both start with A .. but one is in Launceston the other in Devonport!
Aspire is also in the OSM database for mapping {/edit}

Perhaps a talk to them about One Planet might see them stock it? I would prefer to support it as an independent store.

Allgoods are in Devonport as well as Launceston.

Just to add that 'Blue Peaks', an independent store, also stock a good range of One Planet gear (in Devonport).

We were in there a few months ago and they mentioned they were doing something with the upstairs area with a view to holding information evenings - both practical technique related and also product try out evenings. I do hope they do well.

Seem to be a few ex-Tasmanian Expeditions guides on the staff (my husband recognised them from his guiding days)

I was passing by Aspire again today and went in to have another look around.

THEY NOW HAVE ONE PLANET GEAR!!!

Sorry, I’m a bit of a One Planet tragic.

On display, I found One Planet packs, fleeces and rainwear. I asked about OP sleeping bags and they said they have them, just not on display yet.

The lady behind the counter said that she can now be open about using a McMillan for the past few years.

I have a friend who has bought a few things from Aspire. She's an experienced bushwalker, and speaks very highly of their knowledge and service.

Tortoise wrote:I have a friend who has bought a few things from Aspire. She's an experienced bushwalker, and speaks very highly of their knowledge and service.

Agreed. When you talk to them about where you're planning to walk, or why you make your gear choices, their eyes don't glaze over as though you're speaking another language. They are genuinely interested and able to make sensible conversation.

It's as though the staff there actually go bushwalking!

Hey SoB,

Do you know if Aspire is still affiliated with RiverFly/Hackett? I know they had a affiliation and Hackett used to sell his gear and have his clients meet on the top floor of the shop.

I have had very good experiences dealing with Aspire - great customer service.

I certainly hope that there is no affiliation with Hackett - it would end my dealing with them.

Paul.

Joel wrote:Hey SoB,

Do you know if Aspire is still affiliated with RiverFly/Hackett? I know they had a partnership and Hackett used to sell his gear and have his clients meet on the top floor of the shop.

I hadn't heard anything of this but after bit of googling found this:

RiverFly Blog wrote:The RiverFly 1864 team are moving! We are excited to be opening a new base and departure lounge on the second floor of Aspire Adventure Equipment at 136 York Street, Launceston.

https://riverfly.com.au/back-to-guiding ... um-30-off/

It's unclear if there is any actual business association, or if it is a simple matter of renting the space.

Would anybody like to ask them and find out?