www.backpackinglight.co.uk heads up

[JohnClimber]

I called in to Back Packing Light's shop when I was in Worcester yesterday as I was down in the area on work.

I bought 3 things and had a good chat with Bob the owner.

He has a great little set up and is designing stuff for our use, but and it's a big BUT.....

He says he is getting very disillusioned with the market at the moment and is pondering about his shops future.

He's pi$$ed off with Chinese copies of products he's designed and made that are selling for just £7 each online and they have even copied his products name.
He's also fed up (as I was in retail) spending time explain stuff to those making out to be customers only for them never to buy from him, but that they then contact him to find out how things that they bought off the internet work.

So, if you are in 2 minds on who to buy from please support
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/

[HaYWiRe]

The sad fact is a business like that will always struggle, a niche market, expensive products due to high quality materials and ofcourse uk based being squashed by the tax man

I've bought a few things off him, very helpful and I've always liked his honest reviews on what he stocks, even if it puts some people off.

The outdoor industry has taken a hit in the last few years, the only survivors are mainstream shops like gooutdoors (which flood with cheap brands). Millets went under and are now selling cheap eurohike and don't get me started on the Karrimor story....

Alpkit got lucky mixing uk made and good service with imports to keep costs down, but not low quality, a happy medium IMO

Being self employed has only given me more understanding and sometimes sympathy for the small businesses struggling

[Richard G]

Yeah, I've bought some stuff from them. No complaints.

Thing is... it's always going to be a massively niche market, so tough to make decent money from something like that.

[feepole]

Used Bob and Co a number of times over the years.

Always had great service. Just this week I emailed them for some help with a travel tap bottle I'd bought off them a while back (fantastic product btw and despite it's barrelish looks it sits quite snugly in a bottle carrier). I'd accidently chucked the extra spacer seal, which was in the packaging, in the bin (without it I found the bottle leaked during use). Within no time at all he'd forwarded and copied me into an email to drinksafe-systems, who in turn got in touch immediately and offered to send me the seal asap, at no cost.

It's just a small thing, but it's the kind of service that really makes me want to support a venture. Their stock is limited, and I can't always get everything I need for my backpacking, but if I can get it through them I always will.

Really sad to hear they're considering their future. I posted elsewhere here about the demise of outdoorsgrub. We're all in much the same niche. Think it's great to support anyone who's jammed in with us.

[Bearbonesnorm]

My only complaint is that they send you a bag of skittles with your stuff ... I don't like skittles.

[feepole]

My only complaint is that they send you a bag of skittles with your stuff ... I don't like skittles.

hehe..... I love skittles, but HATE when the send the sour ones!

[Bearbonesnorm]

On a slightly more serious note and going back to Johns comments about Chinese knock-offs of BPL products ... it's a bit of a double edged sword is it not? BPL sell Luxe shelters which are pretty much Chinese copies of someone elses design. I know that no one is trying to fool anyone and claim the shelters are something they aren't - but can you have it both ways?

[JohnClimber]

My only complaint is that they send you a bag of skittles with your stuff ... I don't like skittles.

Collect and you save postage and get a tube of wine gums

[HaYWiRe]

My only complaint is that they send you a bag of skittles with your stuff ... I don't like skittles.

How do you think I felt? A bag of skittles has enough sugar to kill me

Still a nice touch regardless, similar to how alpkit and DDhammocks include a hand written note, I know it costs nothing but its the little things that make a difference

[Mike]

I didnt realise that they had a shop so close to me!!

where in worcester is it john?

[JohnClimber]

Backpackinglight.co.uk
Unit 19 Cygnet Business Centre
Worcester Road
Hanley Swan
Worc's
WR8 0EA