UKC

Ok so I am a bit late in discovering Decathlon as a source for outdoor gear, I always just assumed it was cheap tat that was not even worth considering. However after reading a few post about their mountaineering trousers and with a trip to Scotland upcoming and no money in my bank I went and had a look.

Anyway they had a bit of a sale on so for the same price as 1 Patagonia base layer I got the Symond softshell mountaineering pants, 2 winter wieght base layers with 1/2 length zips, and 3 pairs of gloves. I was gobsmacked by the quality for the money charged and I say that as somebody who used to manufacture sewn goods so I know what I am looking at so to speak. Truly great value.

My only concern is that paying such low prices mean somebody is getting bent over and its probably the poor bugger who makes it out in Bangladesh or China. Feel a bit conflicted about that to be honest.

Anyway no real point to this post really other than I was shocked at what you get for your money, feel a bit silly having paid big money all these years for products that are maybe only 10% better in performance and quality, especially for someone who doesn't live in extreme mountain conditions many days of the year.

In reply to gcandlin:

There are plenty of inexpensive, fairly good manufactures out there. It's generally relative small differences in quality/functionality, but big difference in price.

Decathlon is a good source for them, but others can be found at smaller online shops.

In reply to gcandlin:

I think Decathlon are a bit like Aldi - they have a relatively limited number of lines but it is all decent stuff - and as you say, the price is often a real surprise.


Chris

In reply to gcandlin:

I love Decathlon, could spend a fortune each visit. Some great quality stuff at good prices. Before they came to Britain, we used to divert on hols in France to go find one.

Just got some Asics for half price.

Anyone know how good their trail running shoes are - the Kalenji brand?
The shop assistant told me they were great, but he would....

In reply to gcandlin:
Shoes tend to work for you or not. If you like Asics shoes you'll ptobably like them

In reply to tjin:



I disagree about Decathlon being a good source for different "inexpensive, fairly good manufactures". Decathlon has gone far more 'own brand' only in recent years, often the only stuff available is their own brand offerings. You used to be able to pick up some great footwear there but the selection is now mostly only Quechua.

Alan

In reply to Alan James - Rockfax:

Not sure that's totally right - the 1st page of their boots sale page (UK shops) has offerings from Asolo, Salomon, Colombia and Technica as well as the usual Quechua stuff for example,


Chris

In reply to Chris Craggs:


They might claim to have these other brands, but they are rarely on display in any decent quantities in the Sheffield shop these days. They used to be.

Alan

In reply to JamButty:



yeah, second that.

I'm quite impressed by the bike shop there too (Stockport is my local one).

In reply to Alan James - Rockfax:



Fair enough, I haven't been to the Sheffield branch for quite a while. Always make a point of calling in whilst in France though


Chris

In reply to Chris Craggs:

even in France (assuming the several Paris shops are typical) they have far more 'own brand' stuff now than in the past, especially for clothes, shoes, boots etc

In reply to gcandlin:

Having just tried to buy a tent from them, (online said available in store) even some of the stuff they say they have...they don't

Hey ho, shops in France were great, not enough in the UK yet.

In reply to Alan James - Rockfax:



I too was not impressed with my trip to the Bolton branch in December. It seemed to have less on display than 3-4 years ago.

In reply to Alan James - Rockfax:

I got a pair of Lowa Renegades from them - I guess it's a matter of luck?

In reply to Firestarter:

I go to the Nottingham store while the women are in Next or Ikea pretty much every week and some aisles seem to have a very rapid turnover so if there is good stuff it soon gets picked over.

In reply to Clarence:

Yeah noticed that - and unless you have male size 6 or 12 feet you're even less likely to get lucky. I did get a Petzl Corax harness for £29.99 though (labelled wrong I'm sure but not complaining!)

In reply to gcandlin:

I hate you..... On your advice i just browsed the decatholon website and spent 300 quid.......

Ah well it all seems like really good stuff and it's going to get used and trashed whatever the price!!

Cheers

In reply to Euan McKendrick:

Glad to be of service