Blacks is the latest addition to Belfast's camping scene (yes one does exist) and with the infamous…read moreMourne Mountains so close, Blacks is entering into a market that has so far been pretty much owned by it's little brother, Millets. However, whereas Millets says hello with a handshake, Blacks gives you a bear hug and keys to your own Porsche. Everything in this shop is bigger, better, cheaper, and much more appealing to the non-campers amongst us. Having only recently opened its store in the city centre, it is the prime location to enter the market with a bang. The staff are fresh faced, the store is well thought out, well laid out and well stocked. Everything just looks much fresher and funkier. Millets have (if reports are to be believed) struggled with this old recession but with Blacks as it's older and better brother, there really is very little point in keeping Millets open. We went to a Blacks store in Liverpool and it was better than any Millets stores I had been in before. Thankfully, and luckily for us, the new Blacks store in Belfast is even better than that. Mourne Mountains, here I come.

I'm not really what you could call an outdoorsy type but I do like a spot of camping (no jokes) of…read morea summer so Blacks is what you'd call an essential stop-off point. Recently opened right in the town centre the swanky logo and shop front seems to be keen to put any 'fuddy duddy' images of camping and hiking behind them. The ground floor is split into two areas and there is an amazing amount of outdoors clothing in there. It's actually quite impressive to see all weather gear that doesn't come in black, blue or green. A large selection of women's clothes also hints that this is not your usual Millets-type deal...all the bigger brands like North Face and Berghaus are well represented. Upstairs is the 'hardware' section and again the selection is pretty comprehensive. Loads of tents, sleeping bags, climbing gear and boots plus all the usual kit you'd need to survive on a trip or if the apocalypse comes early. The staff are really nice as well, they gave me ample time to browse unhassled in this great shop. Pros: Great selection. Cons: You either dig being outside or you don't.

Hiking and outdoor clothing suppliers Blacks has just opened a branch in Belfast City Centre. As I…read morewas getting desperate for a new pair of walking boots/shoes I stopped in here to discover they were having a brilliant opening sale full of bargains. Having had a preliminary look and been assured by staff that there would be plenty of stock in my size I decided to come back the following day and found an excellent price reduction -£90 down to £50. Assistance was enthusistically offered but took them a while to find my size, there was some confusion over where things were though one clued up girl knew all along where it was. There is also a range of summer clothes evidently aimed at backpacking holidays as well as weather proof jackets and coats. It's somewhat bland perhaps but still a useful addition to Belfast City Centre.

Camping shops seem to be breeding in Belfast city centre - within five minutes of each other we…read morehave Millets, Tiso, Costwold Outdoor, and now Blacks. 'Tis the weirdest thing... Now, camping / outdoor pursuits and I go together like chalk and cheese. The only time I have been in a tent has been at a Christian Festival at the King's Hall (for five years running, granted), but it wasn't camping in the true sense. We had toilets, electricity and food all available nearby, and there was no requirement for all the heavy duty clothing etc. that comes with camping...thank heavens. As you can gather from the above information, I had no real need to go into Black's, but it looked much more interesting than some of the other camping shops, so I decided to have a look. I was pleasantly surprised to see a rather nice collection of ladies clothing - floral tops, floaty skirts and attractive jeans / trousers were a world away from the dull raincoats and khaki outfits you immediately associate with these kind of stores. They had a fab sale on too, which meant that the already affordable clothes were practically given away - I saw a dress for £9.99, that had been £39.99! Of course, there's still all the average camp store stock - heavy duty coats, fleeces, walking shoes, sleeping bags, tents, camping furniture, rucksacks and so on. But still, those clothes were pretty sweet...

I've only been in here twice and both times was with a friend and both times he was the camping…read moreexpert, so my overall experience was hampered somewhat by the fact he knew exactly what he was talking about and then he and the member of staff got into a converstation about the waterproof-ness of a jacket with a hood or something... I nodded along and laughed when he laughed. It was the most useless I'd ever felt. But that is not to say Tiso isn't a good store. Far from it. The staff are incredibly knowedgable, the store, though a bit clumsily laid out, is well stocked and the place is tidy. However, I can't really phathom the prices in shops like these, with waterproof jackets costing £50 when you can get one in Dunnes or Primark for a tenner. The people who like this sort of shop, LOVE it. But for me, alot of the stuff in here seems a bit unneccessary and if you have to spend that much to get you ready to go camping, why not book a holiday to Cyprus in the first place? Overall, it's your run-of-the-mill camping shop, complete with jackets, tents, bags, shoes etc Everything you need to go camping. But if you aren't planning to be at one with nature for a couple of days, I can't really see the point of this shop.

I have a campervan and with that comes the need to stock up on all things camp related. I have…read morepurchased smaller than normal pots and pans, reflective stickers and packs that heat up in your hand when you break the little metal disc inside. My first real memory of Tiso was from about 9 years ago when I was jetting off on an around the world trip and my partners in crime and i needed backpacks. On the top floor, three floors of steep steps up there is the holy grail of backpacks and tents and roll up mats! It was a godsend and we managed to get all we needed for good value prices. I am always in Tiso at Christmas time as they do the best quality winter wear such as padded gloves and scarf/bandana/hat/facemask things in town. Usually at least one Cristmas present comes from here as well. Great informed staff and a well packed shop. The stairs are a killer though but the local artwork and calanders of Norn Iron should keep you amused as you ascend.

Conveniently located on Arthur's Street Trespass is the go to place if you're planning a camping or…read moreoutdoorsy trip. They sell everything from walking boots to board shorts. The staff are great - I popped in for a look and they were straight over to see if they could assist me in any way. It really seems that people are becoming more active and really embracing the country side so shops like this are seeing a huge upturn. Trespass often have great sales on so if you are after something in particular keep an eye out and you might bag a bargain. When looking at their shoes I noticed that they were actually quote expensive in comparison to other shops and online. Overall Trespass is A-OK. Good for outdoorsy stuff and a great place to go in and have a look round if you are planning an excursion.

Yet another outdoor retailer though it is, I've taken a huge fancy to Cotwold because there are a…read morefew surprises that make it a bit different. First, the waterproof luggage bags, just the thing for when you bag falls into a river in Outer Mongolia or whereever. It happens, though if you think you'd feel silly at the airport with one of those there are the usual nylon ones and a range of rucksacks. For winter trips, there are some lovely fur lined boots for women, an item which can be hard to find in this country, so I hope they continue to stock them for when I (hopefully) go somewhere snowy. Third, there's a selection of travel books and maps, with armchairs to sit at when you're tired looking at those bags and boots. For me, it's hard to resist a travel book so I bought one of the latest ones on Russia, just to prepare for that winter trip. Otherwise, there are the usual tents, torches, coats, fleeces and sleeping bags. I didn't look at those so closely, but no doubt I will because Cotswold well placed for regular visits as it's just before the entrance to the Victoria Centre.

This is a recent edition to the usual crop of outdoor retailers in the city, Millets and Tiso being…read morethe other big two. I don't really go camping very often and usually it's something festival related when I do. I was after a back pack, something fairly small just to keep the usual items in. I had a wander around and it was more of the same. Lots of tents, mainly aimed at the higher end of the market, all weather gear, torches and water proof clothing. Didn't make a purchase but prices seemed quite good in comparison with other retailers so well worth a try.

Really love this shop!!!! The staff really know their stuff,…read moreeven the part-time staff are great. So helpful and thet keep a great rannge of stuff for quite a small unit. Good Job!!!

I tend to take a day out every now and then, drive down to Newcastle and spend a few relaxing hours…read morewalking up hills in the Mournes. Just about all of the gear I have - waterproof coats and trousers, gaiters, socks and my beloved Airtrek hiking boots - have been purchased in Millets. At first impression, the stuff you're looking for might seem to be on the pricey side, but you should know that I bought my boots about a decade ago and they're still going strong. Yes, I treat the leather (with a cream purchased in Millets) after every time they are used, but I paid a mere £80 for them a long time ago and they're going to do me for ages yet. In fact, I don't even have to purchase stuff in Millets that often because everything lasts so long; I just find it a pleasant shop to have a nosy around in.

Mountain Trail may not catch your attention and drag you in off Holywood High Street but once…read moreinside it has a certain charm. From the moment you enter you feel like you have been transported back in time. Not because the products are dates, because they certainly aren't, but because of the old fashioned customer service on offer from the shopkeeper. A bell rings when you swing the door open and up jumps the friendly proprietor to greet you and ask can he help. From the moment I entered I felt at home and ended up chatting for half an hour. The shop itself sells a whole range of outdoor activity accessories and bikes. They have everything from racing bikes, mountain bikes to an old school BMX that I had my eye on. I was in the shop to look at the outdoor coats and I was expertly guided through the range. If you are an outdoor enthusiast I would highly recommend paying mountain trail a visit.

Mountain Trail has, more or less, all the same products as Tiso except it can be cheaper and you…read moredon't have to slug it all the way to Belfast. I have used the shop twice - the first time to buy a warm water proof fleece for the long Saturday afternoon rugby matches at Ravenhill - I got a regatta in pink for under £40 - a bargain I felt. The second time I used this shop was to buy little heat pads that you hold in your hand, break the metal disc and they heat up - you can put them in your socks to keep your feet warm or in your pockets for your hands - again I managed to get these cheaper than in other outdoor stores. Both experiences have been fine - I have got what I needed and been helped by a nice man who was full of information and advice. I also love the noticeboard outside that tells of local events and charity ventures one can take part in to do with the great outdoors - a great place to check if you fancy an adventure!

This is a superb shop for all things out doors. I went in looking for a specific size of gas…read morebottle. The sales assistant told me exactly where it should be. I duly went to the location (upstairs) but Al's it wasn't the one I wanted. However saw some amazing equipment and merchandise. Definitely a goto place for outdoor gear!!

Cotswold outdoor is a retailer of outdoor clothing and equipment including footwear, casual…read moreclothing and waterproofs. Similar to the Outdoor Store also on the Boucher Road, it has a great range of products to add to the customer's dilemma of exactly which items they should choose for the job. If you're planning a trek to the great North Pole or a similar camping trip with the family, this store will have all you need from sleeping bags to back packs. If you're a novice with the whole equipment malarkey this shop may send you over the edge with its technical jargon.

When a refund is necessary for faulty goods or service, they will not give refunds. The service of…read morethe staff is shockingly bad and at times offensive. I got my tennis racket restrung and it was done very badly, not by the owner who usually does restringing, but by the son. I asked for it to be redone and they are expecting me to pay again. This shop does not respect consumer rights, they would rather lose a customer rather giving a refund where it is necessary. Do not get your tennis racket restrung by Gotto sports.

All Sports is a little independently owned sports goods store in South Belfast's fashionable…read moreStranmillis area. Due to its size and locality to schools, it is the go to shop for some of the kit school kids will need for the upcoming year. As well as catering to the local's needs, it contains all the products needed for the enthusiast of almost every sport I can name and I watch a lot of sports, just ask the groove on sofa! The shop's staff are friendly and always willing to help. A lot of them are students studying sports related subjects so are able to answer any questions you may have. My experience of this shop was a panic trip to buy a pair of football boots for a charity competition I was competing in. Despite my frantic sense of urgency the shop assistant was very helpful and sought out the perfect boots for what I needed instead of just trying to get me to pay for the most expensive pair in the shop. This is something you don't often get in the big chain stores in the city centre, which is what makes All Sports great.