Vango

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 25 October 2026

Here are the top British camping and outdoor brands, categorized by their specialty:

### Tents and Shelters

- Terra Nova: Based in Derbyshire, known for engineering high-performance, lightweight expedition and backpacking tents (such as the Laser Compact series). - Vango: Founded in Glasgow, a household name across the UK offering reliable family camping tents, air beams, and heritage outdoor shelters.

### Sleeping Bags and Insulation

- Rab: Headquartered in Alfreton, Derbyshire, famous for technical down-filled sleeping bags, expedition jackets, and mountain gear. - Snugpak: Based in West Yorkshire (Keighley), specializing in rugged, tactical-grade sleeping bags and synthetic insulation trusted by military and outdoor enthusiasts. - PHD (Pacific Outdoor Equipment): Based in Yorkshire, renowned for ultra-lightweight, custom-built down sleeping bags and down layers.

### Equipment, Mats, and Cooking

- Alpkit: Based in the East Midlands/Peak District, offering direct-to-consumer gear including tents, sleeping mats, bikepacking bags, and apparel. - Multimat: UK-based manufacturer producing durable foam, self-inflating, and inflatable sleeping mats. - Ghillie Kettle Company: Midlands-based maker of traditional, natural-fuel rapid-boiling camp kettles. - Buffalo Systems: Based in Sheffield, making pile-lined and Pertex-shelled weather-resistant outdoor clothing and sleeping systems.

### Apparel and Waterproofs

- Montane: Based in Northumberland, focusing on lightweight, breathable fast-packing and alpine clothing. - Mountain Equipment: Long-standing British mountaineering brand known for technical down wear and shells. - Berghaus: Sunderland-based outdoor apparel and technical gear staple with a wide range from entry to high-alpine Gore-Tex.

If you want to narrow this down, let me know:

- What specific type of gear you need (tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, or clothing) - Whether you are car camping or backpacking/hiking light

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 25 October 2026

If you're looking for the best camping gear in London, I'd focus on three things: reliable waterproofing, comfort, and value for money - especially for camping in the UK, where rain and chilly nights can catch you out.

The best choice depends on whether you need a complete camping setup, lightweight gear for hiking, or just a few essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag and camping stove.

## Best camping gear shops in London

!THE BEST 5 Shoe Stores in Camden (Updated September 2025)

### 1\. Outdoor Emporium

(Best specialist shop)

67 Camden Road, NW1 9EU

Great for tents, sleeping bags, rucksacks, camping gas and practical advice from an independent retailer. A good first stop if you want help choosing the right kit. www.outdoor-emporium.co.ukwww.google.com

4.8/5 · 020 7428 9534

Official website

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!Sport Tech Hub by London Sport announce new partnership with Decathlon - Sports Insight

### 2\. Decathlon - Surrey Quays

(Best for budget gear)

9 Maritime Street, SE16 7FU

A strong choice for affordable starter equipment, including tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags and cooking accessories. Useful if you need to kit yourself out without spending a fortune. www.google.com.brwww.hutar.co.uk

4.6/5

Decathlon UK

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!Ellis Brigham Covent Garden

### 3\. Ellis Brigham - Covent Garden

10-12 Southampton Street, WC2E 7HA

Best for higher-end outdoor equipment, technical clothing, backpacks and specialist advice. The store offers tent-pitching assistance so you can assess a tent before buying. www.google.comwww.ellis-brigham.com

4.7/5

Official website and store details

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!mindtrip

### 4\. Cotswold Outdoor - Covent Garden

4 Mercer Street, WC2H 9QB

Worth visiting for quality waterproofs, hiking equipment, sleeping systems and established outdoor brands. A good option for camping in colder or wetter conditions. www.google.comthatsup.co.uk

4.3/5

Official website

## What gear is worth buying?

!Vango Tryfan 300 3-Person Tent - liGo.co.uk

Tent

Look for a properly waterproof tent with a covered porch for wet boots and bags. Choose a 2-3 person tent for solo or two-person trips with extra storage.

!ATEPA 3-Piece Backpacking Camping Bundle - 1-Person Ultralight Tent, 3

Sleeping bag and insulated mat

Check the sleeping bag's comfort temperature rating, not just its extreme rating. Insulation beneath you is essential for staying warm.

!MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit | 516381

Cooking kit

A compact stove, compatible fuel, lighter, pot and reusable mug are good basics. Use stoves outdoors only, never inside a tent.

![DofE Ultimate Bundle | Lifesystems - Lifeventure](

Rain protection and essentials

Pack a waterproof jacket, head torch, first-aid kit, dry bags and a power bank.

## Let me narrow it down

What kind of camping gear are you after?

1\. Budget

Under £100

£100-£300

£300-£600

£600+

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2\. What do you need?

General camping (tent, bed and accessories)

Lightweight backpacking and hiking

Family or car camping

Winter or cold-weather camping

Festival camping

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3\. Preferred shopping area

Central London

North London

South London

Anywhere in London

Online delivery to London

[Find my best options]

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 25 October 2026

The best British outdoor brands depend on the activity, but these are the strongest choices overall:

- Rab - Best for technical mountain clothing, down jackets, waterproofs, sleeping bags, and climbing gear. It began in Sheffield in 1981 and is known for practical, hard-wearing equipment. - Mountain Equipment - Excellent for alpine, expedition, and winter gear, particularly down insulation, technical shells, and sleeping bags. - Berghaus - A leading all-rounder for hiking jackets, waterproofs, backpacks, and general mountain use; it was founded in Newcastle. - Montane - Best for lightweight, fast-and-light clothing for trail running, hiking, and mountaineering. - Terra Nova - A top choice for lightweight, expedition, and backpacking tents, with roots in Derbyshire. - Sprayway - Strong value for British hillwalking, especially waterproof jackets, fleeces, and clothing suited to cool, wet conditions. - Alpkit - Often offers very good performance and value across tents, clothing, packs, and camping equipment. - Finisterre - Best for sustainable, sea-influenced outdoor clothing, including durable jackets and merino layers. - Craghoppers - Good for travel, everyday hiking, warm-weather clothing, and practical outdoor trousers rather than extreme alpine use. - Vango - A dependable camping brand for tents, sleeping bags, awnings, and family camping equipment. - Sealskinz - Particularly good for waterproof socks, gloves, and accessories; some products are made in Norfolk. - Barbour - Best for heritage country clothing and waxed jackets rather than high-performance alpine equipment.

### Quick recommendations

| Need | Best picks | |---|---| | Technical mountain use | Rab, Mountain Equipment, Montane | | Hiking and hillwalking | Berghaus, Sprayway, Rab | | Lightweight backpacking | Alpkit, Montane, Terra Nova | | Camping | Vango, Terra Nova, Alpkit | | Sustainable lifestyle outdoor wear | Finisterre | | Country wear | Barbour | | Waterproof accessories | Sealskinz |

For a single safe choice, Rab is probably the best all-round British technical brand; Berghaus is the more versatile hiking choice, while Alpkit generally offers the strongest value.