Where to buy camping essentials

(Where to get the best priced camping, hiking and outdoors equipment in the West Rand)

Hands up! Who wants a 4×4 with a roof top tent?
Me!
Me!
(Okay you can all put your hands down now; my hands were up first) 😛

And maybe even one of those 4×4 trailers with all the bells and whistles. With everything one can imagine that can pop up, pull out, roll down or slide out. So that within ten minutes of parking, camp is all set up and you can be sitting under your awning on a camp chair with a cup of fresh coffee in hand.
Now that is called camping in style.

But alas, for those of us less financially well off, who can’t afford a big 4×4, or have no inclination to be in major debt. We make do with the basics. We pack our little cars to the hilt, and set off camping anyways. It’s not so bad down here. (You 4×4 trailer towing people probably remember what it was like in the beginning)

Yes, all that stuff came out of one little car.

There is a strange sense of achievement that comes from having to look after yourself in the bush with the basics. When I say basics, I’m thinking: tent, mattress, camp chairs and table. That sort of thing. Not the scary basics like I’ve heard some people have, like a family friend who goes out to big five country and then sleeps half under one of those wind protector things you see on the beach. That idea creeps me out a little too much.
We are lucky enough to live within 15 kilometers of all the best (that I’ve found so far) cost effective camping equipment suppliers.

Checkers Hyper. (Roodepoort)
(Cnr Hendrik Potgieter and Golfclub Terrace. Constantiakloof)
Checkers Hyper is the bee’s knees. They have about 90% of the basics at really decent prices. Their selection of camping equipment is really good, and you can stock up on your other necessities while you’re there. This is always a first stop for me.

Makro (Strubens Valley)
(Corner Hendrik Potgieter and Christiaan De Wet Drive)
I would say Makro comes up second best. They too have a good stock holding, and If I can’t find what I’m looking for at checkers, Makro often has it.

Outdoor warehouse (Strubens Valley)
(Shop 9, Clearwater Crossing, Hendrik Potgieter)
This is a convenient browsing shop, being just around the corner from Makro. They have a wonderful selection of camping equipment, clothing, hiking shoes and books. But in the 5 or so times I’ve been there, it’s been damn near impossible to get the attention or advice of any one of the ‘sales’ team. And, unfortunately, their prices are not that great, so I use them as a catalogue. Browse through all their stock, get some ideas and model numbers, and then go buy it cheaper at Checkers or Makro.

Hi tech factory store (Kya sands)
(Boundary road)
Hi Techs factory shop is a little known gem. If you hit it at the right time, you can save yourself up to 50% off on hiking boots and shoes.
Hiking boots are not a bare necessity (excuse the pun) I’ve just bought my second pair, my first lasted 6 years and were worn often. I’d love to know what mileage I did in them. I would recommend a decent pair of boots to anyone planning on being out in the bush or hiking through rough country.

Lite Optec (Kya Sands)
(47 Staal Street, Kya Sands.)
These guys (and gals) are actually distributers. They have a superb showroom with everything you could want for camping, from torches, lamps and lanterns to knives and knives and some more knives and then everything in between. The lesser known secret is that they have a ‘seconds’ room at the back, which has all the demo’s, returns, box less and wrongly engraved items. It does take a bit of time to dig through, but the prices are incredible.

Barbecue Rib Manufacturers factory shop (Honeydew)
(Corner Yacht Ave and Windjammer Street)
Also not a bear necessity. But the best damn ribs in South Africa. And they’re precooked!
Which means when you’re sukkeling with the fire, you forgot to buy kindling form the front office which is now closed, a storm is brewing and you’re not permitted to add a few natural sticks (But you do, shhhh) you’re pretty much covered. They cook within minutes. Hmmm. Making myself hungry here.

Last but not least.

Maps 4 Africa. Craighall
(354 Jan Smuts Avenue)
Maps 4 Africa is more than 15 k’s away, but every extra meter is worth it.
This is actually a very dangerous shop for me; my meagre savings can vanish within a flash. I can easily walk out broke but grinning like a loon. They have the best selections of maps, map books, and travel books I’ve ever seen. The owner, Leon, is normally there to guide and advise you with his extensive knowledge.

So next time you’re heading out camping and need equipment, skip all those costly brand named shops and try some of the above ones. I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed, and like cherries on the top, you’ll save yourself more than a pretty penny.

HAPPY CAMPING! 🙂

Know of any other shops? Would love to hear about them..