My other half is big into hiking and hill-walking, and was massively excited for the opening of…read morethis superstore! They stock pretty much everything you could possibly need for a large range of outdoor pursuits such as cycling, camping, hiking, horse riding, biking and fishing, to name but a few. They stock equipment such as tents (some of the biggest I've ever seen!) camping cooking equipment, fishing rods, bait, helmets, electrical gadgets etc. They also have a large range of clothing for men, women and children, with brands such as Berghaus, Regatta, North Ridge and Osprey. The store is massive and well laid out into the various different sections, oh and dogs are welcome (bowls of food and water available just as you walk in!)

This is the place to "go" for all your outdoor needs. I went with my 4 year old and spent about 20…read moreminutes trying to find her......it was the best hide and seek place ever. The place is massive and does all things to do with the out door world. Defo well worth a visit.

Really love this shop!!!! The staff really know their stuff,…read moreeven the part-time staff are great. So helpful and thet keep a great rannge of stuff for quite a small unit. Good Job!!!

I tend to take a day out every now and then, drive down to Newcastle and spend a few relaxing hours…read morewalking up hills in the Mournes. Just about all of the gear I have - waterproof coats and trousers, gaiters, socks and my beloved Airtrek hiking boots - have been purchased in Millets. At first impression, the stuff you're looking for might seem to be on the pricey side, but you should know that I bought my boots about a decade ago and they're still going strong. Yes, I treat the leather (with a cream purchased in Millets) after every time they are used, but I paid a mere £80 for them a long time ago and they're going to do me for ages yet. In fact, I don't even have to purchase stuff in Millets that often because everything lasts so long; I just find it a pleasant shop to have a nosy around in.

Blacks is the latest addition to Belfast's camping scene (yes one does exist) and with the infamous…read moreMourne Mountains so close, Blacks is entering into a market that has so far been pretty much owned by it's little brother, Millets. However, whereas Millets says hello with a handshake, Blacks gives you a bear hug and keys to your own Porsche. Everything in this shop is bigger, better, cheaper, and much more appealing to the non-campers amongst us. Having only recently opened its store in the city centre, it is the prime location to enter the market with a bang. The staff are fresh faced, the store is well thought out, well laid out and well stocked. Everything just looks much fresher and funkier. Millets have (if reports are to be believed) struggled with this old recession but with Blacks as it's older and better brother, there really is very little point in keeping Millets open. We went to a Blacks store in Liverpool and it was better than any Millets stores I had been in before. Thankfully, and luckily for us, the new Blacks store in Belfast is even better than that. Mourne Mountains, here I come.

I'm not really what you could call an outdoorsy type but I do like a spot of camping (no jokes) of…read morea summer so Blacks is what you'd call an essential stop-off point. Recently opened right in the town centre the swanky logo and shop front seems to be keen to put any 'fuddy duddy' images of camping and hiking behind them. The ground floor is split into two areas and there is an amazing amount of outdoors clothing in there. It's actually quite impressive to see all weather gear that doesn't come in black, blue or green. A large selection of women's clothes also hints that this is not your usual Millets-type deal...all the bigger brands like North Face and Berghaus are well represented. Upstairs is the 'hardware' section and again the selection is pretty comprehensive. Loads of tents, sleeping bags, climbing gear and boots plus all the usual kit you'd need to survive on a trip or if the apocalypse comes early. The staff are really nice as well, they gave me ample time to browse unhassled in this great shop. Pros: Great selection. Cons: You either dig being outside or you don't.

Mountain Trail may not catch your attention and drag you in off Holywood High Street but once…read moreinside it has a certain charm. From the moment you enter you feel like you have been transported back in time. Not because the products are dates, because they certainly aren't, but because of the old fashioned customer service on offer from the shopkeeper. A bell rings when you swing the door open and up jumps the friendly proprietor to greet you and ask can he help. From the moment I entered I felt at home and ended up chatting for half an hour. The shop itself sells a whole range of outdoor activity accessories and bikes. They have everything from racing bikes, mountain bikes to an old school BMX that I had my eye on. I was in the shop to look at the outdoor coats and I was expertly guided through the range. If you are an outdoor enthusiast I would highly recommend paying mountain trail a visit.

Mountain Trail has, more or less, all the same products as Tiso except it can be cheaper and you…read moredon't have to slug it all the way to Belfast. I have used the shop twice - the first time to buy a warm water proof fleece for the long Saturday afternoon rugby matches at Ravenhill - I got a regatta in pink for under £40 - a bargain I felt. The second time I used this shop was to buy little heat pads that you hold in your hand, break the metal disc and they heat up - you can put them in your socks to keep your feet warm or in your pockets for your hands - again I managed to get these cheaper than in other outdoor stores. Both experiences have been fine - I have got what I needed and been helped by a nice man who was full of information and advice. I also love the noticeboard outside that tells of local events and charity ventures one can take part in to do with the great outdoors - a great place to check if you fancy an adventure!

Located within Holywood Exchange retail park, Decathlon is the cheapest sports shop (warehouse)…read morearound. No matter what you're looking for Decathlon will have it. They have everything from Canoes to Dart Boards. Often with cheaper sports shops you sacrifice quality for price but this is not the case at Decathlon. They sell their own brand items called Kipsta and I must say that these aren't great quality but likewise they sell big name brands like Nike and Adidas at a lower price than other High Street stores. This Decathlon is huge - you could spend a full afternoon here wandering through the isles. I would make a list of what you want before visiting or else you'll come out with a new home gym and nowhere to put it. Great parking is also available - really handy if you are buying a bigger item and need to cart to the car.

Massive store and very tempting. You go in looking for one item and end up coming out with half a…read moredozen other things. They have equipment for every sport that you could think of racket sports, Kites, windsurfing, swimming, running, horse riding, boxing, biking etc etc I have bought many items from decathlon and found the quality good enough and all at very reasonable prices. I have bought cycling helmets, gloves, goggles, clothing and ski equipment, many big name brands are available and at better prices than other sports stores. They have a loyalty card scheme too.

If you want the best camping and outdoor equiptment this is your place but prepare to pay for it…read more Wll order specific items though if they dont have them in. Have offers on their website but the shop rarely has sales so try on line if you can. Blacks is a well known nation wide store so you know you are getting the best of stuff.

Blacks is a typical outdoor shop but it is a little small.The location is really good as it is set…read morein the centre of ayr town centre. Parking is available in the new shopping centre and blacks is within walking distance of the train sation and buses passes the door frequetly. They have excellent staff with good knowledge regarding all products in the shop and of the outdoors. The service you receive is excellent but honest as they do say what they think would be most sutiable which may not suit the customer. They have a good choice of footware and clothing with varraying prices to suit all budgets. The only downside is the shop seems a little to cramed in with stuff with it being a small shop.

This is one of a chain of surf, skate and mountain gear shops in Northern Ireland and has been an…read moreabsolute fixture in Bangor's Main Street since I was in my teens. You can pick up clothes, as well as all sorts of gear and hardware that you will need for a sporting weekend that extends beyond a game of squash or a kickabout in the park. The staff in here are absolutely brilliant. They have been running the shop for years and really, really know whats what. They're inviting, friendly, enthusiastic and so well informed that they can help you with any questions you may need. There is no need to be intimidated or put off if you are a beginner, as can be the case in these kind of places. Top stuff.

You won't be too shocked to hear that Surf Mountain sells all you could need to go surfing or climb…read moreup a mountain. Now the first I find quite appealing, but why, why, why do people climb mountains? Why not just look at pictures of mountains in a book or go for a gentle stroll around the block? Anyway, if you really need feel the need, Surf Mountain will kit you up for exploring the great outdoors. Boots, coats, camping equipment and proper hiking clothing and gadgets and stuff to keep you safe, and all from reliable brands like North Face and Jack Wolfskin. The husband always insists on browsing round this section, god knows why. Then there's all the surfing stuff which my kids love and which even I like. Swimwear, hoodies, boards, accessories from labels like Billabong, Animal and Silva. Nice trendy stuff which you can wear even if you don't plan on going near a beach or a wave any time soon.