Small camping supplies stores

[Mat Mason]

Is it just me or have smaller camping supply stores been gradually disappearing in favour of the Rays and BCF franchises? When I first starting ‘going bush’, every second suburb of Melbourne had a disposals or camp supplies store of some description. Today, after tiring of the same stock in every Rays/BCF store, I went in search of the smaller suppliers. Apart from the usual shopping centre suspects and specialty city stores, I found none. I have nothing against large chains and will buy from whoever provides the best product for the best price but some options would be nice.

[dee_legg]

Little Bourke St???

[jcr_au]

There's still a few hanging on in rural areas but they seem to be disappearing as well. One of the Hardware stores here in Seymour used to have a range of camping stuff but it closed about 10 years ago (and with my memory if I think it was 10 years it was probably really 15) and it really only had car camping stuff.

Larger places like Wang still has a reasonable outlet (I think, haven'' t been through the town for about 18 months).

But I think for bushwalking stuff its Lt Bourke or the internet. I know I've been using the internet for walking stuff for nearly 8 years (I think - see above)

[ULWalkingPhil]

There's a few where I live, but they don't sell quality gear, more like crap for the prices of quality gear.