For the serious adventurer a visit to Backpackng Light is a must…read more So the store isn't as bright and shiney as others in the area but what your missing in open space and selective lighting is made up with high quality products and knowledgable staff. My most recent visit saw me walk in with a idea, a price point and walk out with an Opsrey day pack and a huge smile. There was no pressure to upsie to a bigger or more expensive pack. There aren't any ridiculous sales happening here either. Just the usual small business seasonal sales. You get what you pay for, which is amazing service and knowledge.

Little Bourke is littered with outdoor adventure stores selling all sorts of bargains, but if you…read morewant really solid gear you need to wander down Somerset Place to visit these guys. They know what they're doing and have the best gear, not just the best deal.

Well, if you happen to need a sleeping bag, as was the case with myself, you can definitly find one…read morehere. Okay, they may be a bit on the pricey side, but are are definitely decent sleeping bags (even if I have only used it once so far). Actually, if you need any sort of camping gear, then this is definitely the place to do, though if you are already camping then many you will be in a spot of bother, especially if you forgot to bring a stove with you (I guess you better learn how to light a fire with two sticks then).

Have you ever noticed just how expensive outdoor gear and camping stuff is? If you want to get a…read morebargain and don't feel like you are getting ripped off then Aussie Disposals in the place to go. I went looking for tent pegs and must have tried several (perhaps more upmarket) stores. They would set me back $2 each on average. At Aussie Disposals I could find them for 60 or 70c a pop. They also have a huge range of gas burners and stoves and have staff that are very approachable and can pretty much find you the best thing for your needs. Just ask. I'd always go here first for any outdoor stuff or equipment.

Anything and everything you need for your next outdoorsy expedition you will find here. It's not…read morecheap but then it seems like none of the stuff one needs for the outdoors comes cheap. Nevermind though because, if like me, you're not the most natural outdoors person, you'll need all the comforts you can get, and this place has it all. I came in here to purchase a sleeveless fleecy windbreaker type vest for my dad because he likes wearing this sort of thing. I checked out their website first to make sure they had something suitable, which of course they did, and made my way to the store. Not being familiar with this store, it took a few rounds around the shopfloor to realise that I could not find the item I was after. It was difficult getting the staff to help as they were with other customers and seemed not to notice me standing nearby desperately trying to make eye contact (I was simply looking for some acknowledgment of my existence and therefore that I would be the next customer to be served). When I did finally get some service, they were quick to point me in the right direction, and from there the rest of the process was fast and easy. I was out of there in no time and I know my dad is nice and snug in his new vest. Ace.

I am not an outdoorsy girl by any means. In fact, I think I spent most of year 8 camp crying in my…read moretent trying to will a shower to appear before me. However, I am one of those silly people that decided to spend Summer in Europe and it tends to get rather chilly there. My first stop before takeoff was Kathmandu. Upon entry, a very helpful sales girl asked me what I needed, where I was going and how long for - she sorted me out quick smart! I walked out with some very smart looking thermals (in sensible colours, but you can get the crazy rainbow kinds too!) and some very thick, wool socks to keep my tootsies warm. But Kathmandu isn't just about the clothing, you can also purchase tents, sleeping gear and outdoor furniture as well as all of the tools of the trade to make your next hike/camp/fishing trip its very best! Think wallets, walking poles and even cookware. Seriously, there isn't really anywhere else you should go if you are in the market for anything like this. Kathmandu is great.

My wife and I visited to look at backpacks. As soon as we entered the store we received a very…read morefriendly greeting from Courtney, who then assisted us with packs. She was very knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks for the great service.

From the owner: Since our inception, Mountain Designs has been manufacturing outdoor gear of unequalled function…read moreand quality.

Paddy Pallin is amongst a myriad of highly specialized outdoor stores on Little Bourke St. For the…read morenewbie adventurer Paddy's is a great place to stop by and get a feel for what's on offer in the market. The product range stocked is fairly North American/Canadian based. There's a broad spectrum on offer though. You can usually pick up a bargain or two here with seasonal changes of items. As the store seems to run on both Australian/American seasons. The staff are friendly and helpful when needed.

I have purchased items from Paddy Pallin, Melbourne and have always been happy with my purchases…read more A pair of trekking shoes purchased over 6 years ago and used for trekking around Nepal every year since are still in use nearly every day around Melbourne; they are that comfortable and still in pretty good condition. The shoes were recommended to me by the Nepali staff member who happens to have been a Trekking Guide for many years in Nepal. A very knowledgable salesman who will spend time helping you to select the correct gear for your adventure trip, using his expertise in the trekking industry to back up his recommendations.

I really do like Macpac. They have some great, classic active wear that doesn't look too obnoxious…read moreand they have great sales, so make sure you sign up to their email alerts. Honestly their thermals have been a savior during Melbourne winters. Make sure you walk around the corner into Rankins Lane to check out the back half of the shop.

I do not, by any stretch of the imagination fit the demographic of those who shop at Aussie…read moreDisposals. I had never been into one, that was until the other day when I was dragged there by my partner. The experience starts from the outside where you are met with clothes, bags and more that spill out onto the pavement. Head inside and you'll find indescribable amounts of outdoor wares. If I need outdoor gear I generally head to Kathmandu - it is less intimidating and has bright colourful gear for girls. It is a little pricey. Aussie Disposals seemed to be fairly reasonable across the board with tents, clothing and camping and hiking accessories being, well pretty cheap for a lack of a better word. I have to say that the sales assistants were really helpful, and weren't judgmental at all that I was standing around and asking them what certain items were and what they did (I obviously knew what a tent was).

Going camping? If…read moreyou are than Kathmandu is pretty much now an icon in Australia for its high quality camping gear, clothing and equipment. Before I did a month odd road trip up the east coast of Australia, my first stop was visiting Kathmandu where I picked up thermals, lamps, wet weather jackets, solar lights and cooking equipment...so just a few things. It's a campers dream and you feel like you're cheating going anywhere else.

My pair of him sneakers were on their way out and i needed a new pair asap!…read more Sports Junction stuck out to me, the vibrant coloured sneakers in the front window called out to me. Inside there was a huge variety of colourful designed sneakers for all sporting needs whether basketball or running etc. I was greeted by staff and asked about what type of shoe i was looking for. They were helpful and genuinely knew about what shoes goes best. The store is located on bustling swanston street and usually has a lot going on so take a look around the store and someone will eventually get to seeing you.

There is a period in my life that I am not proud of. I went through a 'stage' in which I only wore…read moreConverse sneakers... I owned 22 pairs of them in varying colours and shapes. Where did I get so many pairs of Chucks? Sports Junction. They always have the latest designs as well as the old classics, and even a few that I had never seen before. Sports Junction also stocks comfy shoes from all brands and they are conveniently located on Swanston street (and another on Elizabeth!) So if you suddenly have a craving for some brightly coloured, comfy sneakers now you know where to head (or you can borrow one of my 22 pairs.)