It's very strange when you go past a shop almost on a regular basis but never even really give it…read moretwo looks, then go in, and realise it's really damn good. That's exactly what I did today. I was on the search for a good quality Snowboard kinda jacket, water and wind proof, durable and warm. I had been all over Brighton looking for one of these, and couldn't quite find one that met my specific requirements, which were so specific that I don't think even I knew them. All of this ended though walking into Surf and Ski. The range of proper old person practical skiing gear, as well as cool, fashionable snowboarding stuff is really quality and varied. Bonfire, The North Face and Icepeak are among the labels that I spotted, and whether your looking for something quite garish, or simple, expensive or cheap(er), I could not recommend this place enough. The lady who owns the shop is a really sweet woman, who really helped me out in a genuine and kind way, spending a lot of time with me, explaining the coat I was looking at in great detail, from the little inside pockets, to how they make the lining. She really knew her stuff, and was, as she said a 'Ski Nut'. There is also Hardware upstairs for skiing and snowboarding, for those who can and do,actually use it.

This surf and ski shop looks like it's made of snow, you can't miss it. I recently got into skiing…read moreso now every time I pass one of these stores I can't help but look inside and this one, set over two levels, has a large inventory of every kind of equipment you could need. This includes my favourite ski brand K2, and some really gorgeous ski suits (I really need to update in this department, my snowboarding brother refuses to be seen on the mountain with me). That being said, the only thing I've bought in here is a North Face rucksack. In fact, their whole camping and outdoors section of the shop is definitely worth a visit if you don't frequent the piste and the staff are extremely helpful if you don't know what you're looking for.

Well the name says it all for this place. Its got a lot more than one of the chain shops like…read moreMillets in my opinion and the staff are all really enthusiastic 'out door' types too so are more than happy to give some advice - not just on gear but on where to head for a good campsite. There's everything you need here from tents for festivals to hiking equipment. They also stock a small amount of skiing gear too as well as steel toe-cap boots and other work wear.

Campers Paradise seems to be a quintessentially British camping shop. It stocks all the regular…read moreequipment you're going to find yourself needing for, say, a trip to Wales. The selection is well balanced though a little limited, but they have made good use of the space they have by suspending a whole tent from the ceiling fully erect. The British nature of this place isn't just brought into place by the stock of two season sleeping bags and big bins of tent pegs, they also have buckets and spades, inflatable boats and flat caps. I suppose this isn't a bad idea with them being so close to the sea side but it did leave me wondering where the canvas deck chairs and knotted hankies were. The slightly odd selection of stock is definitely balanced out well by the great customer service. When I discovered this place today I entered into a discussion with the South African guy who works there about Swiss army knives and their virtues by comparison to the ever popular Leatherman tools. Not only did the guy clearly know what he was talking about but he was funny and great to chat to.

Brighton is home to probably every shop that has ever been conceived, so it is no surprise this…read moreGunsmith can be found down in the heart of the city. Unsurprisingly you'll no longer find actual guns here, but you can buy a selection of air guns, ranging in price from £30 to well over £1000. Having opened up in the 19th century, C&H Weston is steeped in history, so it is certainly worth a visit. If you like strange tat then you'll be delighted to know they sell giant ornamental pieces like Owls and Magpies.

Aston Bourne is a clothes store specialising in that rugged outdoor look that brings to mind images…read moreof Landrovers and hikers. There's a host of more conventional clothing as well, such as shirts and the like and the quality of products is pretty good. I was surprised to see clothing that seemed (on first glance) to be designed for Prince Charles that actually looked trendy. The small store packs plenty in too, so you don't just end up looking at one trendy cap, but a plethora of different styles and designs. The major stumbling block for me however, was the price... While I can imagine spending a lot of money on a really good Jacket, I'm not sure I'd spend 200 or so £££ on one. But if you're looking for something thats going to last you a long time and look cool while its doing it, its certainly worth casting your eye across their website, and maybe popping even into the store to have a look in person.

Aston Bourne couldn't fulfill an online order and it took me THREE emails and TWO phone calls to…read morethem over 11 days to find out the item was not even in stock, though was at time of purchase and now also discontinued too, spoiling my chance of purchasing elsewhere at a competitive price, had I known sooner. Not a very satisfactory online shopping experience for me and most likely wont use them again, largely due to the lackadaisical communication. I think I would still be waiting to hear something had I not contacted them .

Blacks' sign claims it's the expert outdoors shop. I can't vouch for the skill level, but the…read moreselection of outdoorsy items is quite impressive. The first floor contains camping gear: tents, sleeping bags and rucksacks of various sizes. The ground floor is loaded with winter wear: ski jackets, gloves and mitts, hats and scarves...All of high quality to keep you warm and cosy. However, I was having the most fun looking at the wall of accessories. Lanterns, torches (that don't need batteries), inflatable pillows, thermal mugs and water bottles. The highlight was a thermal-coffee-mug-SLASH-HAND-WARMER! Wowy. Now that's what technology should be used for. Warm inside and out. So - if you're looking to do something outside, Blacks will have all necessary equipment.

I've been here a couple of times recently to get some last minute bits for festivals…read more I'm going to a festival next week (last minute thing) and realised I am without a tent! I thought I would go to Blacks and have a look to see whats on offer then see if I could find cheaper online. I don't have too much money to spare, and I'm not fussed about the size of tent, so I managed to find a 2 man pop up tent for £25. The staff members were more than happy to show me how big the tent is when set up, and it was quite comical to see them trying to pack it back down again, when a more experienced member of staff managed to do it very easily! All the staff involved were very helpful.

I went here to look for a tent today, oddly this Millets semms to have mainly camping clothes…read moreinside. It's a bit stuffy in there so I didn't want to stay in there for too long. I ended up buying a blow up mattress and foot pump. The staff were very smiley and cheerful which was nice! I didn't get a tent, but I was happy with the service!

This Millets is predominantly full of camping clothing - e.g. fleeces, anoraks, cagoules -,…read morewellington boots, sleeping bags, tents, and camping accessories, such as outdoor cooking equipment, water storage devices and the like. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they've never disappointed me whenever I've needed their help or had an enquiry regards a certain item. Prices are reasonable.

Tog 24 is a strange line of clothes. For as long as I can remember the shop has been around, and…read moreI've seen people wear Tog 24 clothes, but it's never really been that cool has it. I've never been into a Tog 24, and to be honest I kind of forgot that the shop was still going, but it was, and to prove it I walked in. The clothes on sale vary between actual sailing, hiking, adventure type gear, with enough Gore Tex to cover the whole Marina from the current torrential winter rain, and fashion(esque) type stuff. Jackets in this range, are pretty simple and practical looking, but also quite nice, though at £200 your gonna have to really want it. The more fashionable stuff, seems a little bit too garish, or just simply a bit ugy in my opinion. Stick to the Gore Tex Tog 24

Everything about my experience in White Stuff was ... soft. Soft music playing, soft styles,…read moreclothing made from soft materials like wool and cashmere. Most tops were long and flowing, paired with suit coats or vests to add a bit of a professional tweak. There were a few pairs of jeans, but most trousers were of the dressy variety. Sale racks were off to one side, offering cheaper versions of the soft, flowing styles. Most of the shoppers were women 40 and over, although the shop does offer some men's selections as well. Several men were in the shop, but waiting patiently, probably soothed by the soft music. It made for a very relaxing shopping experience, despite the store being quite busy.

I quite like this branch of White Stuff and I usually exit with a lighter purse. Not being a…read moremassive shopper, I like to get in and out quickly, so this is usually a safe bet if I need an addition to my wardrobe. I like the layout and the location, and the staff are friendly but not too overbearing. Clothes are good quality and long lasting, if a little predictable in their styling, but I like their prints and the fit seems to suit me. Get on their email list and get invitations to their discount days. Normally 20% off everything, and everyone like a bargain, right? Also, they offer free drinks and nibbles on these days - a glass of wine may loosen the purse strings but its makes for a far more enjoyable shopping experience!

This independent store sat right next to the Royal Pavilion is a real gem of a shop that has only…read moremanaged to stay in business because it knows what it's real sports people need. The shop looks small from the outside but as it is set over 2 floors it increases the floor space dramatically. The beauty of this shop is that it offers equipment for sports that you can otherwise struggle to find and they can give you a good insight into what equipment will suit you best. The 2 guys that own it I am almost certain are father and son and everytime I go in there they are both there involved in something. The first time I found out about this shop was when my friend took me to get his shirt printed with his name and number which they do brilliantly and can do all the proper lettering for most sports which really helps to make your shirt feel real. If you need something please go here first as this local shop really deserves, and has earned, our loyalty.

There's a good variety of sporting goods on offer at Swift Sports, and if I were the age where I…read morewanted to be getting football boots, this'd be my location of choice. It looks small from outside, but the store is pleasantly put together, and surprisingly deep so that you'll find there's more variety on offer than you may be expecting. The really special thing about this place is T-shirt printing. If you want your name or whatever putting on a jersey, then this place will do it at a damned descent price, at a good speed (if the machines warmed up) and to a fantastic quality. I came here with a friend when he was preparing his best mate in America's 21st birthday gift and have to say, that even as a novice to this kind of affair, I could appreciate why he dragged me through the rain soaked streets of Brighton to get here.