***ATTENTION read the low rated reviews - Absolute Cowboys! Avoid!…read more Bought £150 climbing shoes which degraded after only 1.5 months! Upon going back to Taunton Leisure I was met with rudeness and condescending attitudes both on the phone and in person. After Taunton Leisure's "inspection" they informed me that premium climbing shoes failing after only 25% of their typical lifecycle was completely acceptable and therefore they refused me an exchange! Additionally the store manager requested I sign their form which he told me was their proof of them having given the shoes back. Luckily I read the form before signing, which turned out to be a document removing them of all responsibility! I refused to sign of couse but needless to say, Taunton Leisure aren't above outright Fraud either it seems!! I have now launched a case with my bank to recover the money and also will be reporting Taunton Leisure to Trading Standards. Dont use Taunton Leisure guys, theres plenty of other places for all your climbing, hiking & outdoor needs. I'd recommend Banana Fingers, EpicTV, GoOutdoors or Mountain Warehouse (Links below). Any of these are reputable brands that in my experience, wont break trading regulations in order to thieve your money... unlike Taunton Leisure!

Whilst there are no fewer than three outdoor gear shops in the town centre, it is definitely worth…read moreheading out here to Taunton Leisure. It is barely in Bedminster, before you reach Asda on the left. A large blue shop, they have supplies for camping, walking and climbing here at reasonable prices and some high-end brands as well. There is a room for tents with a couple on display, and an area for women's clothes which is pretty good - they don't pander very much to the pale blue and pink outdoor gear that a lot of brands seem to think that women want to wear. Staff are knowledgable and friendly, and don't push you for a sale. There are a lot of them as well so you won't have to wait to be helped when it gets busy.

If you're planning an expedition, hike or marathon you'll want to make sure you're fully equipped…read more And one of the best place in Bristol for you to head to is The North Face. Here you'll find serious gear including training, jackets, vests, thermals, sleeping bags and tents (and much much more). The North Face isn't for people about to brave Glastonbury (I found this out the hard way) - it's only for people who need good quality equipment and are willing to pay the hefty price tag. The staff are welcoming and helpful, so if you're looking for something specific, don't hesitate to ask.

North Face. Good Good quality equipment. Slightly over priced, especially in the UK. I recommend…read moreall of their summit gear and their bags (however if it is one of their courier bags your after get a yak pak). Stick to their clothing and carrying equipment (or bags as they are more commonly known)....because everyone has their strengths. Wince and pick up a Ski DVD at the counter.

If you're planning something a little more exotic than a trip to Costa Brava then this is a great…read moreplace to come for sensible and practical advice on travelling and to get any vaccinations done. Although it seems a bit odd to head to what initially looks like a camping shop to get your yellow fever jab done actually these guys are up-to-date with the current information on what you need where and when. You can get same-day jabs if you haven't been good at planning or have an emergency trip. In the shop below they have high-end hiking and travel-kit gear, but they do take their sales seriously so expect good discounts when they are on. If you go instore (or online) they have handy 'kit-lists' for different types of climate so you base your packing around it. Great for first-time explorers and professionals alike.

If you're in Bristol and getting itchy feet to be somewhere warmer/friendlier/more adventurous,…read morethen (after the travel agents) Nomad should be your first stop for travel essentials and jabs. There's plenty to see in the shop but it's best for clothes, sleeping bags, and stuff you need to stay healthy abroad. Although there's plenty here for the more laid back or less serious traveller, they do specialise in catering for more adventurous people too, with some pretty heavy duty tents and coats. If you're a complete beginner and not sure what you should be getting for your trip the staff can help out too. It's not cheap and there's lots of slightly useless 'travel accessories' to waste your money on (e.g. a solar powered ipod charger). Nevertheless, an essential shop if you want to taste something a bit more wild than Bristol.