Blacks

I’ve been here a couple of times recently to get some last minute bits for festivals.
I’m going to a festival next week (last minute thing) and realised I am without a tent! I thought I would go to Blacks and have a look to see whats on offer then see if I could find cheaper online.
I don’t have too much money to spare, and I’m not fussed about the size of tent, so I managed to find a 2 man pop up tent for £25. The staff members were more than happy to show me how big the tent is when set up, and it was quite comical to see them trying to pack it back down again, when a more experienced member of staff managed to do it very easily! All the staff involved were very helpful.

Tents
Sleeping bags
Roll mats
Torches
Batteries
Boots
Thermals
Waterproof jackets
Walking poles
Maps
Satelitte navigation systems
& Rucksacks
Blacks has everything you would expect a quality camping and walking shop to sell. They also sell some things I’d never encountered before like hydration packs, pop up tents and bivouac sacks. The two things that tempted me most of all however, was their thermal coffee cups and light sticks. With those things, you could stay up reading in the wilderness all night.

I like to head out to Rottingdean every now and then because there’s a wonderful trail where I can spend a good hour just walking and contemplating. The only drawback is this trail is riddled with horse manure, dog manure, mud, and more dog manure. I only have dress shoes, and I think these shoes aren’t the best things to wear when you’re walking along a trail such as the one I walk along. No, you need walking boots for a trail like this.
I found a load of walking boots. The ones that caught my eye were the ones priced at £44.99. They were Technicals, and were the perfect type of walking shoe if you were walking along a trail riddled with manure. Not only were my shoes of high quality, but the other outdoor equipment here was of high quality as well.

Blacks’ sign claims it’s the expert outdoors shop. I can’t vouch for the skill level, but the selection of outdoorsy items is quite impressive. The first floor contains camping gear: tents, sleeping bags and rucksacks of various sizes.
The ground floor is loaded with winter wear: ski jackets, gloves and mitts, hats and scarves… All of high quality to keep you warm and cosy. However, I was having the most fun looking at the wall of accessories. Lanterns, torches (that don’t need batteries), inflatable pillows, thermal mugs and water bottles.
The highlight was a thermal-​coffee-​mug-​SLASH-​HAND-​WARMER! Wowy. Now that’s what technology should be used for. Warm inside and out.
So — if you’re looking to do something outside, Blacks will have all necessary equipment.

With a history that dates back well into the 19^th Century, Blacks is very much a part of British consumer history. Traditionally specialising in walking and hiking ware, this particular store reflects Blacks heritage, and its modern day adaptation to include items designed with a more fashionable, and less practical intent. Currently here its buy one get one half price on all North Face Products.

I am not the sort of guy who goes climbing, or seeks solitude in the wilderness. I am however, a fan of standing on two planks and hurling myself down mountains. I call this planky-​hurl-​fun; others call it skiing.
Blacks is an outdoors specialist. This means they stock everything from waterproofs; to tents; to camping accessories and of course, ski apparel.
Blacks is a great place if you want to fulfil your outdoor desires, whilst looking and feeling comfortable at the same time. Although you can get cheaper accessories and clothing elsewhere, with Blacks you feel that a) you’re getting good quality and b) you’re in the hands of professionals who know what they’re talking about.
If you’re going on a one-​off trip to the Lake District, or for a spot of skiing, then sure, go to TK Maxx. However, if you’re looking to upgrade your equipment and take things more seriously, then Blacks is a good place to start.

This shop is aimed at the serious camper/​explorer ! The stock they sell is expensive — but definitely better quality and more specialised than their competitors. To be honest I am just not the target shopper for this chain.
I went here to stock up last year just before going on a family camping trip and it really was the wrong place to go. All I wanted was cheap everyday camping equipment — and so the stock was just too professional for me. By default I did end up buying a small kettle (everywhere else was out of stock !) and I must admit that it is excellent. It is of obvious better quality than other kitchen wear I bought. Then again, it was double the price … !
Did also look at sleeping bags but, again, they were quite specialised ones and priced accordingly. Great if you want equipment for the Antarctic — but not so useful if you are just going to Cornwall !