Basecamp Outdoor and Travel Store

How have I not been here before… how did I not even know this place existed?
And how was I here now? Because an Aussie friend of mine visiting for the weekend had bought a jacket in Basecamp about seven years previously and wanted to replace it. Yes he came all the way from Melbourne for a jacket. Well it wasn’t quite like that, but it was a good coincidence that he was back in town needing a jacket.
Unfortunately they did not stock that brand here anymore, but they did have plenty of others for him to try and the guy working there patiently spent a good 15 – 20 minutes showing him all they had in his price range. He found his new jacket. Hurrah.
Me, I had spotted insoles while I was waiting and another member of staff patiently helped me try about 3 – 4 types. Smelly feet and all, he smiled and helped. I settled on the right ones and got me some new insoles.
The placed was well stocked with all the right gear. Stuff wasn’t cheap, but then again it never is when buying the right stuff for outdoor fun.
Really impressed with Basecamp. Excellent staff, friendly too. Recommended.

I went there with my wife to buy some trekking shoes on a Thursday night. The shop was empty and the only guy on staff was chatting with the cashier.
I do understand it’s on a busy street and people come and go, but I also do think it’s their job to make us feel welcome and serve us kindly.
I asked them where can I find some shoes, and he just pointed them out to us (when I clearly needed some help in choosing them) — had to chase him up to get them, to end up with somebody unable to give any practical advice, opinion, or help on the choice.
On a side note, I had just been on Great Outdoors and had an excellent service with them, but they didn’t have stock unfortunately. So I have been a bit spoiled in customer service by the time I stumbled upon Basecamp :).
The first shoes we found were good enough and because of the timing we had, we decided to go ahead. Usually, we would not have bought them in a shop were we don’t feel we get a good customer service — and I do believe that Basecamp quite lacked on this. It’s a pity, as they have quite a decent stock and high end supply of brands.
I’ll unlikely end up there again, unless it is about a return or problem I had with those shoes.

Came here to get a sleeping bag and also got a torch, insect repellent and, water purification tablets. I thought it would take me forever to find water purification tablets so I was really excited to get them.
The staff were super helpful and able to answer all my questions.