Going camping, hiking or trekking? Here’s a quick guide on where to get the best equipment in Singapore.
Most of us have felt the call to the great outdoors – whether it’s on a rugged hike in Southeast Asia or trekking the hills of Singapore. But before giving in to wanderlust of the more rugged variety, you should make preparations for your expedition – we’re talking proper shoes, outdoor wear, tents, sleeping bags and more. Whether you’ve got a newfound love for hiking in our city or you’re planning an adventure overseas, hit up these shops in Singapore for all the gear you need. Next stop: exploring the wilderness!
Where to shop for hiking gear in Singapore
1. Campers’ Corner
A wise man once said, “Never skimp on anything that separates you from the ground”. So when you’re packing for a hike, the last thing you want is shoddy footwear with poor support. Remember: try before you buy. Pay a visit to hiking and camping stores like Campers’ Corner. Here, you’ll find dozens of choices ranging from ultra-light trail shoes to heavy-duty mountaineering boots from reputable brands like Lowa, Arc’teryx and more.
Campers’ Corner, #01-01, Boon Siew Building, 75 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229833
2. Outdoor Life
After a long day’s hike, you’ll want a cosy sleeping bag to snuggle up in. Outdoor Life is your best bet – the store offers a wide range ideal for tropical and temperate climates. The Coleman Hooded Sleeping Bag ($52) is perfect for camping in Singapore and warm Southeast Asian countries, while the Nikko Mini Envelope Sleeping Bag ($79) will keep you snug in more temperate climates.
Outdoor Life, available online and at #02-20, Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
3. Decathalon
This affordable sports store has everything you need for a hiking adventure, including quality tents. If it’s just you and your loved one on a casual weekend camping trip, pick up the affordable two-man tent ($40). On a longer trip with a bunch of your buddies? Spring for the Air Seconds Family inflatable tent that’ll set you back $700 – pricey, but that tent offers two rooms!
Decathlon, available online and at multiple locations including Novena and Westgate
4. The Planet Traveller
Stocked with reputable brands, The Planet Traveller is a veritable goldmine of hiking gear. We hear adventure purists are big fans of the brand’s range of bags and travel accessories. Shop everything from flashlights to water bottles to outdoor gear here.
The Planet Traveller, available at multiple locations including Marina Square and Paragon
5. Alcare
Nothing’s more important than safety, especially when you’re in nature’s arms. Equip yourself with a compact, travel-sized first aid kit with all the bells and whistles. Check out Alcare’s First Aid Kit for Travel Use ($26.32) that carries a range of items from gloves to hypoallergenic tapes for treating wounds when on the move. The sanitiser will come in handy, too!
Alcare, available online
6. Patagonia
A sturdy jacket that protects you from the elements is one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll buy, along with your boots, so don’t skimp on this. Since you’ll probably be spending a considerable amount on a high-quality jacket, you’ll want something guaranteed for life (or at least a few years). Patagonia offers an “ironclad guarantee” for all its products that also covers international purchases. The brand, known for its sustainable practices, offers a comprehensive selection of jackets and outerwear for men and women suitable for a range of weather conditions.
Patagonia, available online
7. Kleen Kanteen
Ditch the plastic and opt for Kleen Kanteen’s line of stainless steel bottles. It’s darn near indestructible, and the bottles come in a variety of colours and sizes that don’t impart any flavour to your drink. We suggest the wide 64oz bottles because more water is always better than less when you’re on the trail.
Kleen Kanteen, available at multiple locations including Jewel Changi and Jem
8. F Stop Lights
Whether you’re trekking up Mount Kinabalu or camping at Pulau Ubin, a torch is a must-have tool for night activities or navigation. If you want to keep things hands-free and light, spring for an affordable headlamp like the Nitecore NU32 ($79) that packs a whopping 550 lumens. If you prefer a hand-held unit, opt for the durable Fenix E01 ($18).
Fstop Lights, available online
9. Timberland
When we think of hiking boots, Timberland comes to mind. This winter (gear) wonderland is the place to shop for sturdy yet comfortable boots. But the brand also delivers on all the apparel you need for an exciting expedition, including t-shirts, sweaters, shorts and outerwear.
Timberland, available at multiple locations including 313@Somerset and VivoCity
10. Hock Gift Shop
Perhaps the most indispensable tool for savvy survivalists, the humble pocketknife can do anything from working with paracord, peeling fruit, and general food prep. Upgrading to a multitool will bag you some other useful features like can openers, bottle openers, corkscrews, tweezers and more. If you’re after a simple pocketknife, opt for a Victorinox Climber Camouflage ($56.90) from Hock Gift Shop. Want something more substantial? You can’t go wrong with the Leatherman Wave Plus ($225), a tried-and-tested multitool backed by Leatherman’s legendary warranty.
Hock Gift Shop, available online
11. Skywatches
More than just a tool for telling the time, the modern outdoor watch offers a suite of useful features that’ll come in handy for hikers. Shop ’em all on Skywatches. The Casio G-Shock series is great for the rugged outdoors. Its Tough Solar series is mud-resistant, shock-resistant and has a power-saving function – all packed in a solid black case. If its size, feature set, and $140 price tag prove a little too intimidating, opt for the sleek G-Shock 6900 MMA. This model features G-Shock’s hallmark toughness and water resistance at just $69.
Skywatches, available online
Bookmark this handy list of shops to bag essential hiking gear in Singapore.
