Independent shops?

[cajun]

Hello all,

after spending a few weeks reading through lots of topics and learning heaps, I have a question that I hope is allowed on these boards - Is there an independent "hiking / camping" store in Sydney or surrounds that someone can recommend please?

My wifeand I are relatively fit and would like to get into a number of daywalks, with a view to doing the GOW in October (not camping). Walks like the Grand Canyon in the Blue Mountains, and others up to about 25k's are being planned. We often do smaller walks of 10 -12ks where a pair of joggers and some water is all you need. We are unlikely to do any overnights in the near future.

I have taken on the advice here re footwear (get what fits!) and socks (Darn tough Vermont) and packs (framed), all of which we have to purchase. My trouble is although I work close enough to Kent st, my experiences with the staff have not been positive. All of the major retailers (MD, PP, etc) just didn't seem particularly interested in my money. For personal reasons I prefer not to shop on the net, unless I have to.

We did buy a nice goretex shell from Kathmandu in Cronulla "on special" for my wife. It was about the same price on E-bay (delivered), but Kathmandu's RRPs were outrageous.

So in the spirit of supporting the little guy - does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks
Ken

PS - Bushwalkers use more acronyms than IT people!

[Lindsay]

Hi Cajun. I have found the team at Camp Hike Climb in Hornsby are great. Their gear is priced on a par with the Kent street shops, but they know their stuff and can offer good advice, unlike the foreign backpackers employed at some city places.

http://www.truelocal.com.au/business/ca ... mb/hornsby

[GPSGuided]

Are there still truly independent stores out there?

Kellys Basecamp is pretty good in my experience. The times I've been there, the staffs were always enthusiastic and helpful. I understand their online pricing is a tad better than their mortar store prices.

http://www.kellysbasecamp.com.au

[climberman]

www.bushcraftequipment.com.au

my local guys in Wollongong. No connection other than as a happy customer.

[michael_p]

...Camp Hike Climb in Hornsby are great...

A friend of mine dealt with this shop and was very happy with the service she received.

http://www.bushcraftequipment.com.au

I've shopped there and found the staff knowledgeable and friendly.

[FatCanyoner]

My local is Summit Gear. Katoomba and Glenbrook. Family owned, often served by the owner, and if they don't have something in stock they'll often be able to get it in for you.

[cajun]

Many thanks everyone for the quick replies. Much appreciated.

[climberman]

...Camp Hike Climb in Hornsby are great...

A friend of mine dealt with this shop and was very happy with the service she received.

http://www.bushcraftequipment.com.au

I've shopped there and found the staff knowledgeable and friendly.

Good book and map selection in stock as well. And kayak/paddle gear.

[idc1970]

Hi,
I went to Camp Hike Climb at Hornsby last Monday (first time I had been there) and found their service great along with their knowledge, I ended up buying two Aarn packs. I thought their range of stock was good and had some great quality gear.
Cheers Ian.

[cajun]

Thanks all. While we are situated on the south side we intend to take the trip up to Hornsby sometime over the next next month.

Great community you have here. I have learned so much over the last few weeks of lurking and I look forward to posting some pics when we start walking more regularly and better equipped.

Cheers
Ken

[cajun]

Many thanks to all that replied. We visited Camp Hike Climb at Hornsby today and came away with a couple of day packs and 2 pair of shoes, plus some other paraphernalia. The service was top class and prices were about what I have seen in other stores in Sydney.