Robinson's Outdoors is exactly the kind of independent shop that reminds you why local stores still matter. The staff were genuinely friendly, approachable, and--most importantly--knowledgeable. They actually took the time to answer questions and make sure I understood what I was looking at, instead of just pointing me to a shelf. You get the sense they really know their gear and care about helping you make the right choice. Sure, you can buy outdoor stuff on Amazon, but you're not going to get any level of service. There's real value in being able to talk to someone who's an expert and can guide you properly. Overall, an amazing experience--I'll definitely be back. read more

I love visiting Robinson when in Victoria. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. The selection of gear is top notch, this past visit I got some Smartwool leggings. I am always happy to support and give my dollar to local businesses that encourage people to get outside! read more

Love this place and visit it every time we are in Victoria. They have a great selection of sporting goods to choose from.

Huge compliments to Robinson's and especially your staff member - Teah (sorry if I mispelled it!) - for your outstanding products and support. You are hands-down our favorite store for outdoor gear. We came in to browse camping supplies upstairs with our toddler and ended up with a new 4-person tent and superb camping chair. The sale prices were a big help, but what mattered most to us was an employee who was relaxed, patient and offered to set up a tent for us in the store without blinking and then slipped away a few times to find the perfect companion item, check a price, or ensure that we had everything we should with a particular purchase. Our next camping trip is in two weeks and we are SO excited to try these out. Thank you, Teah, sincerely for making our family feel welcome and respected. =) read more

I made the trek from Vancouver to Robinsons for a pair of hiking shoes. Have 2 chain outdoor stores within 15 min of me but prefer to shop here whenever possible. Kat was my guide to all things shoe wise. Her knowledge (like all the staff here) is up to date, and she truly understands the construction, quality and application of all the available product. It is always a pleasure to shop there as they have invested in having a friendly and very knowledgeable sales team. Owner Erin rang us through and her enthusiasim for what they do is infectious. I will stop now as even if I write 1000 words of how this store sets the standard for service, quality and selection the message would be the same. You can compare other shops but this place is ground zero for outdoor gear. read more

Every time we come to Victoria, we make a trip to a large camping/outdoor store..... Today, we skipped the trip since there was a large line to get in - but this choice was what led us to Robinsons! This store is a great option for camping gear. TOP brands and variety of products. Large tent showroom where tents are actually set up (don't ever tell my children such a place exists). Large variety of backpacks with weights to try them out. As other reviewers have said - knowledgeable staff and very helpful without too much upselling. There was also a beautiful collection of posters and memorabilia showing this store's heritage through 4 generations in Victoria. This included a backpack with outer steel frame that I think my parents had in the 70s. I had to take a picture of it. Too good! This store will definitely take the place of it's competitor on our "must see" places in Victoria for future visits. read more

Robinson's Outdoor Store - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

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Robinson's is a nice little Victoria outdoor store. I just moved here 3 years ago, but get the impression it's been around for many many years. They have a nice selection of all the major outdoor brands such as patagonia, north face, marmot, etc. I was initially not a fan because of their pricing. Not horrible, but tending towards the high end, and certainly they will never have the lowest price on anything. At best it will be on par with other places. However, due to a falling out I've had with MEC because of their recent virtue signaling and identity politics, I have been branching out and exploring other outdoor retailers much more. I recently went into Robinson's for hiking boots and received such amazing service. Even though it was busy on the weekend, the staff were very patient, attentive, and helpful. I ended up going back a couple weeks later and buying a pair of trail running shoes. Same experience - awesome service, and I walked out with a great pair of shoes. Overall, I will be trying to support Robinson's more in the future assuming their pricing is fair on the item I'm looking to buy. I'm not going to pay a 'premium' or higher price just to support a local business, but as long as their pricing is in the ballpark, or they will price match, I will be shopping here much more often. read more

I've always gone to the big national chain for camping gear. Their selection is good, but the staff are hit and miss. I happened to stop by Robinson's and didn't really believe that a smaller store could have anything I wanted. I was so wrong. The store is packed with great gear. Don't fool yourself - the other chain does NOT have everything. Huge selection of quality gear at Robinson's. And the big plus is that the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and not condescending. Most of the items I wanted were not in stock at the other store, but Robinson's had (almost) everything I wanted. (Plus, unfortunately, a few things I didn't know I wanted.) I bought a beautiful tent and an outrageous sleeping pad (we're of that age that a good sleep matters) as well as two excellent sleeping bags. Robinson's is now my go-to place for gear and advice. read more

Robinson's Outdoor Store - Got the new Marmot 6 person tent. Just what we wanted, and of course had to set it up first to try it out. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

They carry a good selection from high quality manufacturers. However, expect to pay probably 25-50% more than Atmosphere/Sportchek. Sorry, but I can't drop $800 on a sporty coat.... read more

I'm a fly-fisherman and I also tie flies. Robinson's like a mecca for the flyfisher. They have a world class selection of fly-tying materials as well. Ladies, if your husband or boyfriend are into flytying or flyfishing be very careful about bringing them in here. You will finally get to see what it feels like when you come across a big shoe sale or whatever it is you ladies like to spend all your money on. The guys that work in the flyfishing section are not only extremely knowledgable they are more than willing to help out in any way and are super patient with the novice and just as helpful to the pro. One time I was there looking into Spey fishing the guy invited me to come out fishing with him to try out spey fishing before I decided on doing anything with it. Another time I went in and asked about a fly pattern I wanted to try and he made one right there for me and showed me how along the way. I even walked out with the fly. Superb, I mean SUPERB customer service. The prices are a little higher but they are in a premium location and cater to the more serious customers. Another thing is that they don't sell the cheaper products, They tend to only sell brands like Sage and Loomis. If you are anywhere near Victoria and are into fly fishing, camping or hiking, this place is an absolute must! read more

I came in today with a weird request and Matt, the owner, was so nice and helpful. I had been scammed into buying a knockoff jacket from a fake website and needed an "expert letter" to take to my bank to get the charges reversed. I thought Robinson's would be most likely to help and I wasn't disappointed. Even though it was a busy Saturday with a lineup, Matt happily (I think!) signed my letter and helped me find a better jacket than the one I'd originally tried to buy. Definitely impressed--I felt like a real human! read more

These guys are the best. I always get friendly, knowledgeable service, and they stand by their products. I love MEC, but I have to give Robinson's the edge. Their only failing is that they don't sell Darn Tough socks! read more

Excellent outdoor store. Super fun to look around in, wide variety of stuff. Staff was EXCEPTIONALLY helpful. We had a lot to check out and they were very understanding. I would recommend to everyone. Prices aren't "cheap" but they are in line with outdoor goods. read more

Robinson's is known for great service from very knowledgeable staff. Today's visit did not disappoint.

In Victoria, BC there are several suppliers of camping/outdoor gear. Robinson's rates high on my list for their helpful service (both for finding and trying items and pleasantly handling returns or credits), selection and pricing. read more

I really love the selection of products here, I have bought a lot of great things from them. Most of the staff really know their stuff. Recently however, I went in to buy some water purification tablets for a short trip I was taking, and an employee convinced me to buy an expensive UV sterilization system instead. She ASSURED me 100% that I could use the product in the country that I was going to. So I bought the sterilizer, but when I got to the country, the local guide was like "NO NO NO, you absolutely CANNOT use that here. The water is too contaminated and that is not sufficient to kill the bacteria" He was familiar with the sterilization system, I should add. I definitely was not going to take that chance. I should also mention that the salesperson told me she went to the same country that I did, used the same sterilizer and DID get sick, although she claims that must have been from food or some other source. So, two conflicting sources, but when it comes to your health and wellbeing (especially on vacation) I will err on the side of caution and take the word of a local. I feel that I was mislead and wasted money, but since I did not use the sterilizer, I cannot say for sure. read more

I had a warranty issue that took for ever over 6 months to get resolved then I had to wait 3 month for them to order a sleeping bag I wanted. It still has not arrived. Very unhelpful staff member that I was dealing with then I had to deal with the owner who was even worse to deal with... I amazed they are still in business. But some of there staff members are great!! They also wanted to charge me the shipping costs to get a new sleeping bag I wanted that was in brochure showing in stock! Terrible customer service!! I will shop at MEC for now on!! read more