Campers Paradise

‘I hear banjos…’
Don’t ask my why but every time I walk past Campers Paradise, I think of the film Deliverance. It must be the fact it’s an authentic camping shop that looks like it’s been there for decades. As you’d expect, they stock a wide range of equipment from tents, sleeping bags and spare pegs to cookers, kettles and saucepans. They also stock boots, jackets and waterproof clothes from established labels like Regatta, Bridgedale and Gelert.
If you’re planning a trip, the staff are extremely knowledgable and seem to have upto date info about everything from the best products to the most interesting campsites. Maybe it’s the fact one of them had a smile like Jon Voight that made me think of Deliverance!

Campers Paradise seems to be a quintessentially British camping shop. It stocks all the regular equipment you’re going to find yourself needing for, say, a trip to Wales. The selection is well balanced though a little limited, but they have made good use of the space they have by suspending a whole tent from the ceiling fully erect. The British nature of this place isn’t just brought into place by the stock of two season sleeping bags and big bins of tent pegs, they also have buckets and spades, inflatable boats and flat caps. I suppose this isn’t a bad idea with them being so close to the sea side but it did leave me wondering where the canvas deck chairs and knotted hankies were.
The slightly odd selection of stock is definitely balanced out well by the great customer service. When I discovered this place today I entered into a discussion with the South African guy who works there about Swiss army knives and their virtues by comparison to the ever popular Leatherman tools. Not only did the guy clearly know what he was talking about but he was funny and great to chat to.

What I like about independent stores such as Campers Paradise is that they employ people who are enthusiasts and extremely knowledgeable about the product they sell. The staff at Campers Paradise are a friendly bunch, and incredibly helpful when it comes to helping you purchase the right equipment for an upcoming camping trip. I required a backpack, and the staff member helped me choose the right one for me. He asked specifically what I wanted to bring for the camping trip, and suggested a backpack based on my response. He informed me of how to pack lightly (roll the clothes tightly), what was really required for a trip (a flashlight) and what was extraneous (a Nintendo DSi). He gave me (a person who knows little about camping) very informative tips. In addition to equipment, you’re able to purchase clothing such as boots, vests and wind breakers.

Well the name says it all for this place. Its got a lot more than one of the chain shops like Millets in my opinion and the staff are all really enthusiastic ‘out door’ types too so are more than happy to give some advice — not just on gear but on where to head for a good campsite.
There’s everything you need here from tents for festivals to hiking equipment. They also stock a small amount of skiing gear too as well as steel toe-​cap boots and other work wear.