Alpkit

[gingerbongo]

In the time honoured TT tradition of spreading good news stories about suppliers in the times of ‘complain about everything in the hopes of getting something for free’.

I have only good things to say about a small British (I think) company called Alpkit. They have some great kit on their site at a very reasonable price point.

I recently bought two walking poles. They’re as light as the, much (much) more expensive Black Diamond top of the range carbon ones, and getting on for half the price. Ok so they have a few less features, and they’ve made a slight saving on the straps … but completely worth it in an overall value for money fight.

Unfortunately one of the metal tips on the end of a pole came off after only two uses. Clearly a manufacturing error as opposed to being rubbish (I hope!).

After a very brief email interchange they sent me a link to send them back for free. I have a big run planned next Saturday in which I really want to use the poles, so emailed them to see if they could expedite the replacement out in time. Again, a friendly email interchange and they have been guaranteed to be posted out tomorrow on next day delivery

Have had the same person dealing with me all of the way though which is nice. Very professional and helpful.

Have also had a very similar story from a friend.

Just wanted to put that out there.

[Jorgan]

Ah, but my Black Diamond poles are still going strong after over 15 years.

okay, I haven't really used them much in the last 10 years
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26 Years since it all began....

[SGreg]

I have an Alpkit head torch

No experience of their customer service as it's been faultless over nearly 5 years.

2x aaa batteries last a full winters running and it's more than enough light for even night time fell running. The only issue is the Wife seems to enjoy hiding it from me and every run involves a search of the house...Maybe Customer services could help out there ?

[Stivrunning]

whenever possible I buy all my outdoor gear from alpkit

reasons

Practical & quality gear ( without the flare & hype of other brands)

fantastic customer service

first point of call if need any outdoor gear

another good company

roostersailing

they do superstretch 2.5mm neroprene sailing socks that I have used in open water and wet cycling days Value for money

[Jorgan]

* flair
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26 Years since it all began....

[fat buddha]

I have an Alpkit down winter jacket which is very light and very warm - a proper mountain jacket. great piece of kit and less money than many of the bigger outdoor brands
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And the lord said unto John; "come forth and receive eternal life." But John came fifth and won a toaster.

[Stivrunning]

[ed_m]

they seem to have a very diverse range of products.... but always well placed price & function wise... and the only time I've had reason to call customer service have been spot on.

don't change.
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Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement [C.S. Lewis]

[JaRok2300]

Another +1 for Alpkit.

I've had the Gamma head torch for 3/4 years now. Chose it partly because of the red light on the back which not many have. I think it was less than £20 when I bought it.
Used it the first winter, threw it in a drawer, got it out the next winter and got most of the way through that on the same AA batteries.

The next year my wife broke the catch on the battery compartment by slamming it in the drawer so cable tied it shut and still going strong on those batteries this winter too.

[PCP]

I too have had one of their head torches for 4 years. It barely gets any use but when it does it always works.
Light, bright and the batteries last ages.

[gingerbongo]

[newarktricky]

Another Alpkit fan here. Had a gamma headtorch for years - v reliable. More recently bought a down jacket for my son directly from their outlet warehouse just outside Nottingham - great fit and quality and a lot cheaper than the 'top brands'.

I see they now have shops in Hathersage and Ambleside and no doubt will expand further - highly recommend

NT

[IronVampiro]

+1 for Alpkit
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"I like you. I'll gladly sit down and have dinner with you after the race. But when the gun goes off, I pretty much hate you, and I want to stomp your guts out. That's racing." - Rappstar