Vango

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 11 October 2026

The top British camping and outdoor gear brands are well-known for handling unpredictable weather, durability, and technical innovation:

### Top British Camping Brands

- Vango: Famous for family and backpacking tents, self-inflating sleeping mats (like the Shangri-La series), and reliable outdoor furniture. They are a staple of British campsites. - Alpkit: A rider- and hiker-owned British brand based in the Peak District offering high-value tents, sleeping bags, stoves, and technical apparel with strong repair and eco-friendly commitments. - Rab: Founded in Sheffield, Rab is a premier name for down sleeping bags, high-performance down jackets, and lightweight technical shells built for cold and wet conditions. - Berghaus: One of Britain's most iconic heritage outdoor firms, known for durable waterproof jackets, fleeces, and general trail gear. - Snugpak: Based in West Yorkshire, they specialize in military-grade and civilian sleeping bags, insulated jackets, and compact bivvi tents built for rugged use. - Wild Country: Sister brand to Terra Nova, renowned for lightweight, storm-worthy backpacking tents and climbing gear. - Terra Nova: Holder of Guinness World Records for the lightest tents in the world, ideal for serious ultra-light backpackers. - PHD (Pigeon Hole Designs): Founded by original talent behind specialized down gear, they custom-make ultra-high-end down sleeping bags and jackets in the UK. - Montane: Known for ultra-lightweight, breathable, and weather-resistant endurance clothing and equipment designed for fast-packing and mountain use. - Peter Storm: An accessible, budget-friendly heritage British brand (creators of the classic Kagool) found on the high street for entry-level waterproofs and camp essentials.

Are you looking for family camping gear (like large tents and airbeds), lightweight backpacking equipment, or clothing/apparel? Let me know so I can narrow down the best recommendations.

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 11 October 2026

If you're looking for the best camping gear in London, I'd focus on shops where you can compare tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, backpacks and cooking equipment in person, as well as outdoor retailers with good online ranges.

For camping in the UK, prioritise waterproofing, warmth, low weight and durability - especially if you're camping in autumn or heading out in changeable weather.

## Best camping shops in London

!About Outdoor Emporium | Outdoor Emporium

### 1\. Outdoor Emporium

Camden · 4.8/5 (413 reviews)

Best for expert advice from an independent outdoor specialist, including backpacks, sleeping bags, waterproof clothing and camping accessories. thatsup.co.ukmpora.com

67 Camden Road, NW1 9EU

020 7428 9534

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!Decathlon High Street Kensington - 146-158 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 7RL, UK - Hours, Directions, Reviews

### 2\. Decathlon

Surrey Quays · 4.6/5 (4,927 reviews)

Best for value for money and building a complete camping kit without spending premium-brand prices. A useful starting point for tents, sleeping mats, cooking gear and beginner equipment.

9 Maritime Street, SE16 7FU

Shop online

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!Blacks | Bloomsbury - London

### 3\. GO Outdoors Tottenham Court Road

Central London · 3.9/5 (473 reviews)

Worth comparing for a broad selection of outdoor clothing, footwear and camping essentials, particularly if you want to compare different price points.

248 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7QZ

Shop online

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!mindtrip

### 4\. Cotswold Outdoor

Covent Garden · 4.3/5 (691 reviews)

Best for quality hiking and backpacking gear, technical waterproofs and advice on choosing equipment for longer trips.

4 Mercer Street, WC2H 9QB

Shop online

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!Farmfoods Ltd - Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Updated September 2025 - Grocery Stores in Markhouse, Waltham Forest - Wheree

### 5\. Eastman Camp

Walthamstow · 4.8/5 (106 reviews)

A specialist camping shop worth considering if you want to explore camping equipment outside central London.

52 High Street, E17 7LD

Ratings and addresses are based on current search listings; check stock and opening hours before travelling. thatsup.co.uklondon.cylex-uk.co.uk

## What camping gear is worth buying?

!Namiot Vango Trekkingowy 2 Osobowy Blade 200 Pamir Green - Ceny i opinie - Ceneo.pl

Tent

Look for a fully waterproof tent with a sewn-in groundsheet if comfort and rain protection matter. Allow extra room for gear.

![Yellow OEX Fathom EV 300 Sleeping Bag - Blacks](

Sleeping bag

Check the EN/ISO comfort temperature rating rather than relying on a brand's season label.

!Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Women's Sleeping Mats, Airbeds & Cots

Sleeping mat

Insulation matters as much as cushioning, particularly for cold-weather camping.

![Beginner's Guide to Camping in South Africa | Roamrgear - Roamrgear.co.za](

Essentials

Bring a headtorch, power bank, waterproof layers, first-aid kit and suitable cooking equipment.

## Let me narrow it down

What's your budget for the gear?

Under £100

£100-£300

£300-£600

£600+

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What kind of camping?

Festival camping

Weekend camping

Backpacking and hiking

Car camping with family

Winter camping

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What's most important?

Best value

Premium quality

Lightweight gear

Everything in one shop

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Where would you prefer to shop?

Central London

North London

Near Luton

Anywhere in London

Online

[Find my best options]

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 11 October 2026

The best British outdoor brands depend on the activity, but these are strong choices across hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and wet-weather use:

- Rab - Excellent down jackets, insulated layers, sleeping bags, and climbing apparel; founded in Sheffield in 1981. - Montane - Lightweight, technical clothing for fast hiking, fell running, and alpine use. - Mountain Equipment - High-end expedition clothing, down equipment, sleeping bags, and climbing gear. - Berghaus - Reliable hiking and mountaineering clothing, with a broad range from everyday waterproofs to technical shells. - Paramo - Particularly good for wet, windy British conditions; its directional-fabric system is designed for sustained rain and active use. - Arc'teryx? - Not British; often confused with British brands, but it is Canadian. - Jöttnar - Premium technical insulation and shell clothing, especially suited to winter mountaineering and ski touring. - Fjällräven? - Swedish rather than British. - Sprayway - Good-value, practical hillwalking clothing and waterproofs; founded in 1974. - Craghoppers - Affordable outdoor and travel clothing, especially for general hiking and warm-weather trips. - OMM - Very lightweight equipment and clothing for fell running, fastpacking, and minimalist mountain use. - Sealskinz - Waterproof gloves, socks, and hats for wet and cold conditions. - Terra Nova - Lightweight tents, shelters, and expedition equipment. - Vango - Broad range of camping tents and equipment, generally strong for value. - Lowe Alpine - Well-designed hiking and mountaineering backpacks.

### Quick picks

| Need | Best choices | |---|---| | Best all-round technical clothing | Rab, Montane | | Winter mountaineering | Mountain Equipment, Jöttnar, Rab | | Wet British hillwalking | Paramo, Sprayway, Rab | | Lightweight fastpacking | OMM, Montane | | Tents and shelters | Terra Nova, Vango | | Affordable outdoor gear | Craghoppers, Sprayway, Vango | | Waterproof accessories | Sealskinz |

For a single dependable British brand, Rab is the strongest all-round recommendation; for severe wet-weather walking, choose Paramo, and for lightweight fast-and-light equipment, choose OMM.