Anaconda

I keep trying to give Anaconda a go, but I always leave disappointed and empty-​handed. I’ve gone there on different occasions to get a compass, hiking shoes, waterproof jacket, tent, replacement swag poles, bike lights, head torch, sleeping mat, bike tyre tubes, day pack, camping chair, and water bottles. I’ve walked out with less than a third of the items on that list, and often very grumpy and vowing never to go back (but as you can see from my giant list I keep getting sucked back in).
Outdoor products are so expensive, and while Anaconda markets themselves towards a family market with more affordable products (affordable compared to Kathmandu and Macpac), it is still pricey. With that in mind, you often require assistance when purchasing expensive specialised products — Hello? Anaconda staff? Where out thou? Today at Anaconda there was more staff than customers. I felt like I was someone on the corner street asking for donations and the Anaconda staff were giving me the quick walk and look ahead. If you do manage to wrangle someone down, they often have no clue about their products, resort to looking at the packaging, or what I go today when looking for a sleeping mat, «dunno, just look at them and work out which one you want». Geez thanks for that.
On a side note, my partner bought a bike, and it fell apart after a year. Also, it was a hybrid road/​dirt bike that had a warning not to ride on dirt (luckily it didn’t say road too, or he would have been doing laps around our kitchen bench).
Anaconda has a lot of products. If you know what you want, great! If you in the market to look for a new pair of hiking shoes, take some deep breaths, because it is going to be a stressful and unhelpful ride.

Was a little disappointed here… looking for a floor level deck chair, which was on display, but no price tag attached. found some staff literally sitting on the shelving a few aisles away, who said it costs around $ 60, they weren’t sure exactly, but that one on display was the last one in stock. took it to the checkout, stood in queue, then checkout says we can’t buy it, warranty might be void etc. went to Ray’s Outdoors nearby, sold us the last 2 including the floor stock without any carrying on — and for $ 49 each not on sale for the identical model.

Having become very well acquainted with the biggest outdoor stores in California and Colorado, I get just as good a fix from this store as any I frequented in the US — with the possible exception of REI’s largest outlet in Denver.
Anaconda has a great range, well spread out store, reasonable prices and outstanding service. You can easily while away plenty of time here planning your next adventure or just dreaming of the possibilities.
Adelaide stores can be a bit hit and miss regarding their return policies. Not this one! I bought a tent, discovered a hole on setting it up, and a minor design flaw. What did they do? With zero fuss they gave me the choice of a cash refund, replacement, free extras to fix the design flaw, or an upgrade to a better tent. They could not have been more helpful. They have my future business.

The best thing about this store is it’s range. It has a lot of things the smaller camping stores just don’t have room to stock.
You will notice though that their regular price is ok, but their member prices are great on most items. Plus it’s FREE to join their Adventure Club and there are so many extra benefits and so many more savings to be gained. I strongly suggest you become a member before you shop here.
Plus as a member you get 10% for a week when it’s your birthday. Plus you get early notifications of upcoming specials so you can beat the crowd, invites to special events and members only discount times to shop, exclusive member catalogues not available to the public and there are heaps of online functions available to members as well.
This store DOES price match (or rather better) whether you are a member or not so if you see it cheaper anywhere else, get proof then take it here and they will do it cheaper.

A shop Bear Grylls would approve of and even purchase his supplies from as they are the ultimate in camping stores. They stock a massive range of camping, hiking, water and biking equipment plus suitable footwear and apparel. I purchased a marquee from here two years ago as it was a good price and was red opposed to everywhere else, which had blue and I didn’t want to have the same as everyone else.
In regards to camping they also have navigation devices which is very important, power supplies such as generators which run on solar power or plus into the car battery, fridges and freezers and alot more. I’m thinking with all this gear may aswell stay in a cabin or a hotel, this is elaborate and expensive roughing it gear.
There’s also a good range of bikes for kids and adults, not all mountain bikes either… trainer wheels don’t go well on the rough. Every section has a item clearance on a regular basis and they also have catalogues which come out for their major sales.
Prices are reasonable depending on what you’re purchasing or need to have when going camping, cycling, rafting or for anything non urban.