Now This is a real oldie, it is located next to Bangor's oldest building and it would not be far…read moreoff being Bangor's oldest shop. Trap and tackle sells all the things you could possibly need for fishing. When I was young I called trap and tackle the gun shop. This is because it had a massive selection of pellet guns and hunting knives. It is the sort of shop that you see Ray Mears and Bear Grylls queueing at the counter Kitting themselves out for a lads weekend in the wilderness.

Perfectly situated right by the pier for rods, reels, nets and bait - basically everything you need…read morefor a days fishing you will be able to pick up in this wee shop. With fishing off the pier or chartering a boat being a popular past time in Bangor, particularly in the sunny summer months, there is real need for a shop like this that has something to offer for occassional fisherman or the seasoned professional. I used to go in here when I was younger to get stuff when me and my friends spent summer days fishing off the pier and the staff were always friendly and happy to help out. The prices are pretty standard, so you definitely won't be ripped off and won't be sold anything you don't actually need.

Parkgate Saddlery sells all the equestrian gear you can think of, from riding coats, boots and…read moregloves to saddles and bridles. It's well out of the city near the quiet village of Parkgate and there are always customers around. The shop is in an old railway like building, with plenty of space to park outside and inside there is that wonderful smell of leather and oil which nice saddlers have. In the past I have bought good equipment here such as gloves, an inexpensive pony rug and a waterproof coat. Anything to do with horses is never cheap but there is quite a range of price and choice in the equipment on offer which can help a bit. On my latest visit I bought a bag of feed here which could have been more economic from a local agricultural supplier. However, Parkgate Saddlery is reliable source for endless horsy needs and open on Saturday afternoons unlike the agricultural places.

This is one of a chain of surf, skate and mountain gear shops in Northern Ireland and has been an…read moreabsolute fixture in Bangor's Main Street since I was in my teens. You can pick up clothes, as well as all sorts of gear and hardware that you will need for a sporting weekend that extends beyond a game of squash or a kickabout in the park. The staff in here are absolutely brilliant. They have been running the shop for years and really, really know whats what. They're inviting, friendly, enthusiastic and so well informed that they can help you with any questions you may need. There is no need to be intimidated or put off if you are a beginner, as can be the case in these kind of places. Top stuff.

You won't be too shocked to hear that Surf Mountain sells all you could need to go surfing or climb…read moreup a mountain. Now the first I find quite appealing, but why, why, why do people climb mountains? Why not just look at pictures of mountains in a book or go for a gentle stroll around the block? Anyway, if you really need feel the need, Surf Mountain will kit you up for exploring the great outdoors. Boots, coats, camping equipment and proper hiking clothing and gadgets and stuff to keep you safe, and all from reliable brands like North Face and Jack Wolfskin. The husband always insists on browsing round this section, god knows why. Then there's all the surfing stuff which my kids love and which even I like. Swimwear, hoodies, boards, accessories from labels like Billabong, Animal and Silva. Nice trendy stuff which you can wear even if you don't plan on going near a beach or a wave any time soon.

The Old Mill is a long established and well respected saddlery that has been growing and going from…read morestrength to strength over the last quarter of a century. They offer a huge range of everything you can think of to do with horse and pony riding, care, clothing, feeds and feed supplements, bedding, stable equipment, leatherwork repairs, including being a top of the range manufacturer of high quality equestrian equipment, with goods shipped worldwide! All of the staff within the Old Mill are very experienced in the equestrian field, and have a wealth of knowledge to assist you, whether you are new to it all and require help choosing items for your new horse or pony, right the way up to assisting experienced riders who just need a hand with choosing an item from their wide and quality range of goods, or advice on changing their horse to a different type of feed.

The Old Mill is an excellent place to get a your riding gear and saddles and tack and so on. There…read moreis always an extensive range of stuff on display but they don't just do horsey stuff, they have pet products too so give your pooch a treat and get a nice new rug or bed. In the clothing ranges they have some great gear for outdoor wear, some cosy fleeces and jackets to repel the foulest weather. Plus it is not just a shop you are visiting this is a working farm and horse training establishment. I have picked up some great bargains during the sales here some really good quality stuff at exceptionally keen prices. You should have a look at their website to give some idea of all that they do. A great local source of all things equestrian including books, DVDs, gifts, computer games and horses care equipment.

Located within Holywood Exchange retail park, Decathlon is the cheapest sports shop (warehouse)…read morearound. No matter what you're looking for Decathlon will have it. They have everything from Canoes to Dart Boards. Often with cheaper sports shops you sacrifice quality for price but this is not the case at Decathlon. They sell their own brand items called Kipsta and I must say that these aren't great quality but likewise they sell big name brands like Nike and Adidas at a lower price than other High Street stores. This Decathlon is huge - you could spend a full afternoon here wandering through the isles. I would make a list of what you want before visiting or else you'll come out with a new home gym and nowhere to put it. Great parking is also available - really handy if you are buying a bigger item and need to cart to the car.

Massive store and very tempting. You go in looking for one item and end up coming out with half a…read moredozen other things. They have equipment for every sport that you could think of racket sports, Kites, windsurfing, swimming, running, horse riding, boxing, biking etc etc I have bought many items from decathlon and found the quality good enough and all at very reasonable prices. I have bought cycling helmets, gloves, goggles, clothing and ski equipment, many big name brands are available and at better prices than other sports stores. They have a loyalty card scheme too.

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.

My other half is big into hiking and hill-walking, and was massively excited for the opening of…read morethis superstore! They stock pretty much everything you could possibly need for a large range of outdoor pursuits such as cycling, camping, hiking, horse riding, biking and fishing, to name but a few. They stock equipment such as tents (some of the biggest I've ever seen!) camping cooking equipment, fishing rods, bait, helmets, electrical gadgets etc. They also have a large range of clothing for men, women and children, with brands such as Berghaus, Regatta, North Ridge and Osprey. The store is massive and well laid out into the various different sections, oh and dogs are welcome (bowls of food and water available just as you walk in!)

This is the place to "go" for all your outdoor needs. I went with my 4 year old and spent about 20…read moreminutes trying to find her......it was the best hide and seek place ever. The place is massive and does all things to do with the out door world. Defo well worth a visit.

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.