I have been just reading a article where someone as been complaining about the quality of go outdoors goods, and that in future they would shop elsewhere as the savings are down to the quality of the goods
I have had to return a few items but i just put that down to my rotten luck, anyone else had problems or had to return anything to go outdoors? and do you think there products are good quality? i would say this is mainly based on the hi gear range of products.
We've had Higear stuff but had no problems, we have a chair and kitchen/larder unit. Very good quality. I've bought branded stuff from them that I have had problems with though!
if i remember the higear stuff is re branded gelert stuff so should be good. But to say that i have never bought any of the hi gear stuff always seem to go for the named brands
one interesting factor is when we were on the get all equipment to gether was thinking about buying there double stove with grill untill i began to read the specs, and i turned out to be a very low gas rate so left it and bought the campingaz one
We have a few bits and pieces from hi gear and most of it is great but as dbspider mentioned, the double burner and grill we bought is not the best, should have read the spec first I guess. Wish I'd gone for the campingaz one now.
Before buying anything check the specs against a more expensive brand. Some items are rebranded, others are made for a price.
We have seen family after family going in GO and filling trolleys with the "camping gear for four" offer - all cheap items including £4 sleeping bags etc. You just know these peope haven't researched and will be disappointed in some of the items they get with the offer.
Some of the Hi Gear tents included in these offers are only 2000 hydrostatic head - fine if it's warm and dry, but if it throws it down you could get water seeping through and if you get a gale it could be in ribbons before you know it.
Three items we won't skimp on are the tent, beds/sleeping mats and sleeping bags.
If the question was about some items in their Hi Gear line specifically then it may be reasonable to pose it. But that's not the same as querying Go Outdoors quality in general. Their dearest tent currently is a £799 Outwell and their dearest sleeping bag (single) is a Rab at £270.
Expecting the same performance from a bag at 1.5% of that price is hardly sensible, but at least the choice is there.
The budget range may well be a way forward for folks wanting to try out camping without spending £1000 on all the gear for something they may not take to.
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
I don't think you should have a problem with Go Outdoors or their own brand, this is equally true of Milletts and "Eurohike" just remember that sometimes cheaper materials are used. But on a positive I've never heard of anyone having a problem with a replacement or a refund!
------------- Steve
Look into my eyes, not around my eyes but into my eyes