Being a massive fan of the outdoors, I love stores like Mountain Designs - they have SO many clever gadgets for things you didn't realise you'd need, but now cannot live without. A water purifier? HELLS YEAH! A pocketknife that does 495683 other things? Oooooh! A sleeping bag that doubles as a picnic rug? So inventive!
Being that type, I can't speak highly enough of Mountain Designs; the staff in there are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, but not in a pushy way. I purchased my hiking pack there recently, and instead of pushing me in the direction of the bigger (ergo, more expensive) one, the staff informed me that I was not physically big enough to lift that bag when it's full, and showed me the smaller (ergo, cheaper) alternatives.
They also fitted the bag to me, and didn't push any of the extra do-daddies on it when I told them I just needed a pack.
Whilst specialist stores such as Mountain Designs are always exxy, Mountain Designs have EXCELLENT sales - if you're aware of your plans a season in advance, I strongly recommend you get down there and snap up a bargain-price set of thermals or hiking poles. read more