[Oslo] Outdoor gear stores in Oslo: where do you buy reliable hiking/winter gear without wasting money?

[EIA_Ask_NO]

Let’s create one thread that helps people buy outdoor gear smartly—especially those new to hiking, winter weather, or cabin trips. Stores differ a lot in value, staff knowledge, and return policies.

Share your experience with:

• Which store you recommend and what you bought (shell jacket, boots, spikes, backpack, base layers)
• Whether the staff advice was helpful or pushy
• Best places for sales/discounts and what you’d never buy “cheap”
• Any repair services or warranty experiences that saved you money

What’s the best “first gear purchase” in Oslo (big impact, not too expensive)—and where did you buy it?

 

[ViolettaPetrovna]

I’ve bought outdoor gear in Oslo a few times, and my strong opinion is that buying cheap hiking or winter gear here is the fastest way to hate the outdoors. From what I’ve seen, the better outdoor gear stores stand out because staff actually ask where and how you hike instead of pushing the most expensive jacket. but there’s a nuance… you don’t need top-tier gear for everything, and sales on base layers or backpacks can be a smart budget travel move if you know what to look for. I’d never go cheap on boots or a shell jacket, because bad fit and poor weather protection ruin trips fast. It feels like the best value comes from stores that explain return policies clearly and don’t argue when something genuinely fails. One of my best purchases was simple spikes for icy sidewalks and trails, and they made winter walking way less stressful for very little money. What was the first piece of gear you bought in Oslo that actually changed your experience outdoors? And has anyone had a warranty or repair handled really well by a local store?

 

[Alex Turner]

Yeah, I’m 100% with you on this. I learned the hard way my first winter in Oslo when I cheaped out on boots and spent an entire hike with numb toes and zero joy. The good shops here really do feel different — when someone asks if you’re heading into marka, up into the mountains, or just walking icy sidewalks, you know you’re in the right place. I’ve also had solid luck grabbing base layers on sale, but boots and shells? Full price, no regrets. Honestly, the single biggest upgrade for me was decent traction spikes — tiny purchase, massive confidence boost. Out of curiosity, did you stick to Oslo-area hikes, or did you consider an alternative route like heading west or north once you had the gear dialed in?