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.

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!)

Friendly staff but the company will rib you off on every item…read more I thought the stuff was expensive when i bought it even tho id bought there discount card for £5 which said would give me a massive discount . When i got home i seen i could buy the same stuff far far cheaper elsewhere. . But when i checked there website it said that if you find the same item cheaper elsewere , they would refund the differance plus an extra 10%. First the online process wouldn't actually work, i emailed the company but they said to use the website ( that id already been using) emailed them again,, every time they kept making stuff to get out of it.. in the end they said they wouldnt honer the agreement because the colour didnt match the one that id bought !! unbelievablely shady service go on here Go Outdoor ..... should be Go Elsewhere as its cheaper

has everything a hiker and camper might need from tents a great selection on show plus they can…read moreorder in for you to all your camping needs ie cookers, lights, sleeping bags. they mainly stock the eurohike brand which is cool for kids boys and girls plus the older people in more neutral colours. my hubby likes their walking boots and shoes . staff really helpful in kitting you out and finding what you need

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!

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.

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.

I must sheepishly admit that I didn't even know of the existence of this shop until number one son…read morejoined a cub troop and needed a uniform. So off I set and was amazed to find a large modern shop stocked to the rafters with uniforms for squirrels, beavers, cubs and scouts. They also sell general outdoor and walking equipment, camping gear and wet suits. The majority of the clothes and equipment belong to a world I find quite alien (walking through choice? And not because you have to? What's that all about?) but even I could tell that there is a huge range of sturdy looking coats and boots and back packs. When I went in, I was served quickly and efficiently by a knowledgeable sales assistant and was in and out within minutes with all the stuff I needed. I also made an impulse buy at the till - one of those little hand warmer packets which I tried out on Saturday while watching number two son playing rugby. What a good mummy I am.

From the outside the Scout Shop looks as if it's exclusively for Scouts but in fact it caters more…read morewidely and includes outdoor, walking and ski gear for other age groups too. The prices seem to be pretty reasonable for rucksacks and walking boots at least, those are the items I noticed in particular. Personally I bought some much needed new gum boots, not very citified or cool, but for me essential for country visits! As you would hope to find at a scout shop, there is a satisfactory selection of traditional camping gear such as torches, cooking utensils, bottles of camping gas and enamel dishes which almost inspires me to plan a camping trip, mad as it may seem to some people.