 At a loose end and was wondering if it was worth going to the Outdoors Show? I'd be pissed if it was crap after spending £20 to get in. There a hint at 'great prices' on gear (not that I particularly need anything)
Anyone been?
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 Went last year and personally I was disappointed, I thought the NEC a couple of years before was better for the Outdoors show itself. Though, being able to do the boat show aswell did make it good value, until you see how the other half live Discounts on gear didnt seem that great - though being honest I wasnt looking that hard - the mrs had me on a very tight leash. From what I remember Satmap were reasonable prices, Paramo and DMM also had some. I am sure other will disagree with me, but it's all down to expectations
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 Unless it has improved at lot since it was at the NEC, I'd not spend anything to go in. Depends what you want. There were a few good exhibitors but on the whole it was an expensive way to spend the day. You did ask. This is just my opinion - so others can come in and contradict me.
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 Looking at the blurb I can't see anything to justify me spending the entry fee or the time - even if it was local.
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Thanks Chewie.... most people seem pretty ambivalent to it really. Think I'll give it a miss but whatelse to do????
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 you could go... outdoors!
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 I'm going, and I was offered a free ticket for a 'guest', but that offer expired over 1½ hours ago. In any case, I've no idea how I'd be able to hand it over unless someone caught me on the way through the door. I'm talking about the National Trails at 1330 on 12th January, followed by a Lightweight Trekking spot at 1630.
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Now that is a reason to go. There are some good lectures, that is a fact. Sorry Paddy, I was referring more to the stands and deals etc.
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£20 will get you a nice Arc`teryx T-shirt 
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Paddy thanks for the thought.... very kind of you.
SL have enough T-shirts thanks.
Have no problem getting out in fact I'm off this weekend to test out the item of gear that my father bought me for Christmas. Bit hush hush at the moment as I'm not 100% sure I'm going to keep it rather than get something else along the same lines anyway got a couple more days to decide.
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Apparently 'go ape' are there this year. Do you think that means the the stands will only be accessible by high ropes?
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Don't know but lets hope that the person writing the safety instructions didn't send them in from his mobile phone! 
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 Lol
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 some keen walkers live in Capel Curig and some in Ashnasheen. Me, I live within walking distance of the Excel Centre. I've got tickets for Saturday, does that mean I won't see you there Paddy? I'll let you all know what you missed.
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I'm only there on the Thursday, and I'm anything but within walking distance of the Excel Centre. In fact, I'll be spending most of the day on the train. You'll have to tell me what happens on Saturday too!
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Outdoor shows might also figure if you're looking for hands on info on a area or country for your next trip abroad. You can listen to lectures on a area you're interested in (if any available, but you can see that in the public program). Furthermore I think on a good outdoor show there also should be plenty of small stands with non-commercial people who can give you info on certain countries and hikes and their conditions because they have been there and done that. I don't know if this happens in your outdoorshows, it happens in the Netherlands and this personal info is valued as the best part for visitors of an outdoorshow. For example someone like Paddy sitting on a stand whole day (except for lecture time) totally available to answer your questions about certain area's he has been. That would be main value for visitors. Of course lesser gods whoe have been somewhere and done some are just fine as well.
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| Edited: 05/01/12 13:24 |
LOL
