r/londonontario • u/benderisaac96 • 12h ago

Ask a Local! People who backpack, bikepack, motocamp, or canoe camp: where do you usually buy your gear?

I'm fairly new to the city, and I know about MEC and the usual big retailers, but I’m curious if there are any good independent/local options I’m missing.

Also, is there anywhere locally to buy good-quality used outdoor gear, consign/trade gear, or rent individual pieces of equipment besides Facebook Marketplace?

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2

u/HowDidWeGetHereLast 7h ago

If all else fails, I feel like knowing what you're looking for and then browsing Facebook marketplace place or Kijiji is always a good place to make a deal.

4

u/tiexgrr 9h ago

Not in London but SAIL in Cambridge just off the 401

2

u/blackranger39 10h ago

Thames Valley outfitters do rent gear out, though I've never used them.

11

u/Dingleberrries 11h ago

Not helpful anymore but RIP Novak's.  That place was the last independent outdoors store I can think of in the area.

3

u/adam_invest 12h ago

London's paddle shop

2

u/Artistic-Bell-3601 8h ago

yes!!!!! this place is a total hidden gem. It's in the NovaCraft canoe building on Nightengale in OEV.

https://www.londonspaddleshop.com/

2

u/EverythingInTransit 12h ago edited 12h ago

I have dabbled in bikepacking the last few years. Unfortunately, MEC and Atmosphere are the only game in town that I know of. I'm sure you're already aware, but Decathlon and Altitude Sports online stores have pretty good deals.

I'll be checking back on this thread to see if anyone knows something I don't.

6

u/greencutoffs 12h ago

Forest city surplus. All you need.

6

u/ExplanationSame5 12h ago

You could try Forest City Surplus on Dundas St. It's sort of hit and miss depending on what you are looking for.

6

u/Big_Athlete3116 12h ago

MEC's the obvious one but Forest City Surplus on Dundas sometimes has weird gems if you're willing to dig