Campcraft

Great staff, always hospitable. Worth a visit. Have everything from the treats you need for the outdoor enthusiast at Christmas and the blow out camping trips of the decade. Amazing

In spite being the sort of guy who has visited every one of the many outdoor chain stores on Deans gate, I still have a lot of time for Campcraft.
The premises are large enough to display a good selection of outdoor gear — two good-​sized floors — with tents, backpacks and boots being on the upper floor.
The staff are really friendly, the young sales assistant who served me especially so, pointing out cool gear at random such as a super-​lightweight pack. And I was treated to a demonstration of the latest LED headlight which varies its intensity according to lighting conditions — perhaps a wee bit more James Bond than I need, but still it was fun to see!
I had been looking for a pair of adventure sandals to replace my worn-​out pair, and had no problems at all with paying £75 for a Merrell pair featuring super-​grippy natural rubber soles. Somehow, the ‘just enough’ stock on display helped me focus on making a buying decision which had eluded me in larger outdoor stores. I also appreciated the sales guy’s opinion that I needed the larger size. Having since done a few hikes wearing the sandals I am very happy with the fit.
For most Bolton locals, I would say Campcraft offers you all you really need. Just step through the door and tell the staff you need a tent, sleeping bag, campstove, boots, whatever and I am sure they will put you right.
Although I don’t do any extreme outdoor sports, I’m still a total outdoor gear junkie. But there is definitely a place for Campcraft’s expertise alongside the Deansgate outdoor chains and out-​of-​town tent display warehouse places which I also enjoy.
Although some of the Campcraft gear is cutting edge, this is still the kind of place I can imagine getting on first name terms with the staff and rocking up to ask ‘What’s new?’ and be treated to a demo of the latest gizmos. Or for staff to remember what level I am at with outdoor pursuits or previous conversations and come up with suggestions tailored to my needs. Plus, we got talking about food, and it turns out that the owner of this place also owns Thyme deli and cookshop in Horwich which the sales assistant thought I might like. Where can you get that sort of village feeling these days? Exactly — so let’s treasure it!

Excellent prices, even better service. I ordered my north face nuptse jacket on saturday and it arrived on Monday. Cannot recommend Campcraft highly enough. Mr S Stevenson