BCF reels in title of best outdoor equipment store
Keen to answer the call of the great outdoors? Are you a fan of fishing trips with your mates? Or perhaps you’re in the same camp as the third of Aussies (32%) we surveyed, who go camping on holidays or as a weekend getaway? Whichever outdoor adventure takes your fancy, having the right supplies and gear to take with you is essential. And that’s where outdoor equipment stores come in handy. They’re a one stop shop to all your outdoor leisure needs, but which retailer offers the best combination of products, value and service?
To find out, we asked more than 700 Aussies for their feedback on the camping or outdoor equipment stores they’ve purchased from in the last 12 months. Respondents were asked to compare and rate stores on important factors such as product range, customer service, prices compared to other retailers, deals and specials available, store & website layout and overall satisfaction. Those which met the minimum required survey sample size of 30 responses are included in our ratings.
So, what’s the verdict? BCF took out the number one spot after it received five stars from consumers in every single category.
Best Outdoor Equipment Stores

Here are the best outdoor equipment stores, as rated by consumers in Canstar Blue’s 2020 review:
- BCF
- Kathmandu
- Anaconda
BCF topped our ratings for best outdoor equipment store with a five-star winning streak across all categories, namely product range, customer service, prices, special deals, store and website layout and overall satisfaction.
Runner up Kathmandu also scored five stars for customer service, special deals and store & website layout, but finished on four stars for overall satisfaction. This is despite receiving three stars for its prices (compared to other retailers) and product range. Notably, Anaconda also achieved a five-star rating for its special deals and rounded out the results with four stars in the remaining categories, as well as overall.
Outdoor equipment stores
BCF

BCF, short for ‘boating, camping and fishing’ is one of the largest outdoor retailers in the country, bearing the distinctive blue and yellow logo since 2005, under the Super Retail Group umbrella. BCF stocks a wide range of outdoor adventure supplies, clothing and equipment, online and throughout its 100 stores nationwide. This mega retailer is best recognised for its expertise and crackers deals on everything watersports, fishing, camping, boating, caravan and 4WD.
BCF’s fishing and boating range includes countless lures, rods and reels, tackle boxes, fishing nets bilge pumps, fish finders and plenty more. Its camping range features a wide variety of tents, ropes, pegs, cooking equipment, clothing, hiking gear and more.
- BCF was rated best outdoor equipment store after scoring a five-star rating in every single research category, including overall customer satisfaction.
Kathmandu

Kathmandu is another leading retailer of clothing and equipment for travel and outdoor adventure. The brand was established in 1987 under Kathmandu Holdings, which also owns Oboz and Rip Curl. Kathmandu stocks a wide range of camping, hiking, snow and general travel equipment and clothing, for any weather or rugged landscape. The brand claims its apparel is expertly designed for both travel and outdoor adventure, so that you can pack less and do more.
- Kathmandu received five stars for its customer service, special deals available and store & website layout. It got three stars for product range and price compared to other retailers, although landed on four stars overall.
Anaconda

Anaconda is a one-stop outdoor adventure and sporting retailer with a mission to inspire and equip Australians with the broadest range of quality outdoor leisure products and clothing, so they can enjoy healthier lifestyles. That’s what the company says anyway. This retailer stocks a tried and tested selection of camping and hiking equipment, as well as cycling, snow and water sports gear and more.
- Anaconda rounded out the results on four stars overall, but did manage to receive a five-star rating for its specials and deals.
About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Home & Lifestyle Content Lead, Megan Birot. She’s an expert on household appliances, health & beauty products, as well as all things grocery and shopping. When she’s not writing up our research-based ratings reports, Megan spends her time helping consumers make better purchase decisions, whether it’s at the supermarket, other retailers, or online, highlighting the best deals and flagging anything you need to be aware of.
Tent Reviews and Ratings
Picture credits: Ryan Smith / Flickr.