This page may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This doesn't affect the opinions or assessments of our editors.
25% Off Labor Day Sale
30% Off Sitewide | Exclusive
25% Off Selected Items
10% Off Your order
Free Delivey Your Order
10% Off First Order
15% off Signup Offer
Blacks Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
Introduction
If you love getting outdoors but don't want to compromise on comfort, protection or style, Blacks is a name worth knowing. The British outdoor retailer has been around since 1861, giving it more than 160 years of experience in clothing, footwear and outdoor equipment. Today, it combines that heritage with a much more modern online shopping experience and a broad selection of well-known outdoor brands.
What caught my attention about Blacks is the sheer range. You can go there looking for a pair of walking boots and end up browsing waterproof jackets, fleeces, backpacks, tents, GPS devices, camping cookware and even climbing equipment. It is the sort of store that can potentially cover most of your kit list in one place.
But longevity alone doesn't make a retailer worth recommending in 2026. Prices, product quality, delivery, returns, customer service and the actual shopping experience all matter.
So, is Blacks still worth buying from? After looking at its current range, policies, reputation and value proposition, I'd say yes—especially if you're shopping for branded outdoor clothing, footwear or equipment and you're prepared to compare prices before checking out.
Quick Verdict Table
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Product Selection | 9.3/10 |
| Outdoor Brands | 9.4/10 |
| Clothing Quality | 9/10 |
| Footwear Selection | 9.2/10 |
| Camping Equipment | 8.8/10 |
| Pricing & Promotions | 8.8/10 |
| Website Experience | 8.7/10 |
| Delivery | 8/10 |
| Returns | 8.3/10 |
| Customer Service | 8.3/10 |
| Overall Value | 9/10 |
| Overall Rating | 8.8/10 |
My verdict: Blacks is a strong all-round outdoor retailer, particularly for shoppers who want recognizable technical brands without visiting several different stores.
What Is Blacks?
Blacks is a British outdoor retailer founded in 1861. The brand originally developed around outdoor equipment and has evolved considerably over its long history. Today, its online store covers outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment for activities ranging from everyday walking to hiking, camping, climbing, trail running and other outdoor pursuits.
The current Blacks offering includes major outdoor names such as Berghaus, Rab, The North Face, Salomon, Scarpa, Vango, adidas Terrex and Osprey. The retailer also stocks brands such as Columbia, Montane, Mountain Equipment, Merrell and Paramo.
There is also a physical-store element. Blacks currently lists 22 stores around the UK, alongside its online operation. The retailer advertises free delivery on orders over £95 and promotes a 30-day return policy for eligible purchases.
That combination is important. Blacks isn't simply an online marketplace throwing hundreds of unrelated brands together. Its identity is firmly connected to outdoor activities, and the range is structured around how people actually use outdoor products.
Why Is Blacks Popular?
A Long Outdoor Heritage
The 1861 founding date isn't just a marketing footnote. Blacks has been associated with outdoor equipment for generations, and that heritage gives the retailer credibility that newer online-only stores simply can't replicate.
Strong Selection of Established Brands
This is probably the biggest reason I'd browse Blacks before buying outdoor gear elsewhere.
The store carries brands that outdoor enthusiasts already know, including Rab, Berghaus, The North Face, Salomon, Scarpa, Osprey and adidas Terrex.
That means you aren't necessarily taking a gamble on an unfamiliar private-label product.
Frequent Deals
Blacks regularly features sale pricing across clothing, footwear and equipment. Its current sale section includes categories such as walking, accessories, climbing, cycling, trail running, skiing and tents.
Some current listings show substantial reductions on products from brands including adidas Terrex, Merrell, Montane and Passenger.
My advice here is simple: don't assume the first price you see is the best price. Blacks is a retailer where checking the sale section and current promotions can make a noticeable difference.
A Mix of Performance and Lifestyle Gear
Another thing I like is that outdoor clothing doesn't have to look like expedition equipment anymore.
Blacks' current range includes technical waterproofs and walking trousers alongside casual fleeces, T-shirts, jackets and lifestyle pieces. Its current brand lookbook specifically highlights clothing designed to move between city environments and outdoor spaces.
Product and Service Categories Overview
| Category | Examples | My Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Walking & Hiking | Boots, waterproofs, trousers, poles | 9.5/10 |
| Outdoor Clothing | Jackets, fleeces, baselayers, T-shirts | 9.2/10 |
| Footwear | Walking boots, trail shoes, casual outdoor footwear | 9.3/10 |
| Camping | Tents, sleeping bags, mats, cooking equipment | 8.8/10 |
| Backpacks | Daysacks, hiking packs, travel bags | 9/10 |
| Climbing | Harnesses, ropes, helmets, carabiners | 8.7/10 |
| Navigation | GPS, watches, maps, compasses | 8.7/10 |
| Hydration | Bottles, hydration packs and accessories | 8.8/10 |
| Trail Running | Running shoes and performance clothing | 8.9/10 |
| Kids' Outdoor Gear | Clothing, footwear and equipment | 8.5/10 |
The walking and hiking section is particularly comprehensive. Blacks currently lists walking clothing, footwear, equipment, coats, fleeces, baselayers and walking trousers, alongside accessories such as hydration products, navigation equipment and trekking poles.
Key Features and Benefits
Wide Range of Technical Clothing
Whether you're preparing for a rainy weekend hike or simply want a reliable everyday waterproof jacket, Blacks has plenty of choice.
Technical fabrics are a major part of the range, including technologies such as GORE-TEX and other waterproofing systems.
Excellent Walking Boot Selection
Walking footwear is one of Blacks' strongest categories. The retailer carries brands including Merrell, Scarpa, Berghaus and Hi-Tec, with options ranging from lightweight walking shoes to more supportive boots.
Outdoor Equipment Beyond Clothing
This isn't just a clothing store.
The equipment range includes rucksacks, hydration packs, dry bags, sleeping bags, camping beds, mats, cooking equipment, GPS products, torches, first-aid equipment and trekking poles.
Physical Stores
For footwear especially, being able to visit a physical shop can be useful. Trying walking boots on before purchasing is one of those things that online shopping can't completely replace.
Newsletter Discount
Blacks currently advertises 15% off a first eligible order when customers sign up to its newsletter, although exclusions apply, including selected brands and sale items.
My First Impressions of Blacks
My first impression is that Blacks feels like a proper outdoor specialist rather than a generic fashion retailer with a hiking section added on.
The navigation is clearly built around activities and product types. If I'm planning a hiking trip, I can think in terms of boots, waterproofs, layers, backpacks and equipment rather than searching randomly through a massive general catalogue.
I also appreciate the balance between serious technical equipment and clothing that works for everyday life.
Not every outdoor purchase needs to survive an expedition across the Highlands. Sometimes I just want a comfortable fleece, waterproof jacket or pair of walking shoes for a weekend in the countryside.
Blacks seems to understand that distinction.
The one downside of having so much choice is that beginners can easily become overwhelmed. If you don't know the difference between a waterproof shell and an insulated jacket, for example, there are enough options to make shopping feel like homework.
My solution? Decide what activity you're buying for first, then choose the product.
Product Quality and Performance Analysis
Walking Boots and Shoes
This is where I think Blacks really earns its outdoor credentials.
A good walking boot needs more than attractive styling. Grip, support, waterproofing, fit and comfort all matter. Blacks' current walking footwear selection includes products designed for different terrains and walking styles, including waterproof options using GORE-TEX technology.
I particularly like having both traditional boots and lighter walking shoes available. For a long, technical hike, I'd lean toward support and protection. For easier countryside walks, a lighter shoe can be more comfortable.
Waterproof Jackets
Blacks stocks technical waterproof jackets from brands such as Rab, Columbia, Berghaus and others.
The important thing is to shop according to the conditions you'll actually encounter.
If you're walking regularly in heavy rain, I'd prioritize waterproof performance and breathability. If you're buying something primarily for occasional showers, a lightweight packable option might make more sense.
Fleeces and Midlayers
This is probably the category where I think it's easiest to get good value.
A quality fleece isn't as expensive as a technical waterproof, but it can completely change how comfortable you are outdoors. Blacks has a broad range of fleeces and midlayers from brands including Rab, Columbia, Passenger and Mountain Equipment.
Camping Equipment
Blacks also goes beyond clothing. Its equipment categories cover tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, camp beds, cooking equipment and other camping essentials.
For casual campers, that makes Blacks particularly convenient because you can build a substantial kit in one place.
Detailed Ratings Table
| Feature | Rating | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Quality | 9.5/10 | Excellent selection of established names |
| Walking Gear | 9.5/10 | One of the strongest categories |
| Footwear | 9.3/10 | Excellent choice across different needs |
| Clothing | 9.2/10 | Technical and casual options |
| Camping | 8.8/10 | Broad and useful range |
| Accessories | 9/10 | Plenty of practical choices |
| Website | 8.7/10 | Easy to browse but lots of products |
| Promotions | 8.8/10 | Regular sales and offers |
| Physical Shopping | 8.5/10 | Store availability is useful |
| Customer Reputation | 8.5/10 | Strong overall, with some delivery complaints |
| Value | 9/10 | Particularly good during promotions |
| Overall | 8.8/10 | A very solid outdoor retailer |
Pros and Cons
Pros
| Advantage | Why I Like It |
|---|---|
| Huge outdoor selection | Covers clothing, footwear and equipment |
| Excellent brands | Strong mix of premium outdoor manufacturers |
| Great walking range | Particularly good for hiking and countryside use |
| Frequent promotions | Sale pricing can create excellent value |
| Physical stores | Useful for fitting boots and clothing |
| Technical products | Strong choice for serious outdoor activities |
| Everyday outdoor clothing | Plenty of stylish casual options |
Cons
| Drawback | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Large selection can be overwhelming | Beginners may struggle to choose |
| Some popular sale sizes sell quickly | Discounts aren't always available in every size |
| Delivery isn't perfect | Some customers report courier-related issues |
| Return conditions need checking | Policies and exclusions matter |
| Premium brands can still be expensive | Quality gear isn't always budget-friendly |
| Online sizing can be tricky | Especially with technical footwear |
Performance Score Chart
Product Selection — ██████████ 9.3/10
Outdoor Brands — ██████████ 9.4/10
Walking Gear — ██████████ 9.5/10
Footwear — █████████░ 9.3/10
Clothing — █████████░ 9.2/10
Camping — █████████░ 8.8/10
Website — █████████░ 8.7/10
Pricing — █████████░ 8.8/10
Customer Service — ████████░░ 8.3/10
Overall Value — █████████░ 9/10
Customer Reviews and Reputation
This is one area where the numbers are encouraging.
At the time of writing, Blacks has a 4.2/5 TrustScore on Trustpilot from more than 68,000 reviews, making the review volume substantial enough to provide a useful picture of customer sentiment.
The recent review summary highlights plenty of positive experiences, particularly around friendly and knowledgeable store staff, product quality, packaging and orders arriving promptly.
That's especially relevant for an outdoor retailer. Buying hiking boots or technical clothing isn't always just a transaction. Having staff who understand the products can make a genuine difference.
However, the feedback isn't perfect. Some customers report problems involving delayed deliveries, poor communication and issues with external couriers.
My takeaway is fairly balanced: Blacks has a strong overall reputation, but no retailer is immune to delivery problems.
If you're ordering something for a specific trip, don't leave it until the last minute. That's good advice for practically every online outdoor retailer.
Who Should Buy Blacks?
Hikers and Walkers
This is the obvious audience.
If you're regularly walking trails, hills or countryside routes, Blacks offers the combination of footwear, waterproofs, layers and accessories you need.
Casual Outdoor Shoppers
You don't have to be a serious hiker.
If you want a warm fleece, comfortable walking shoes or a waterproof jacket for everyday use, there's plenty to choose from.
Campers
The combination of tents, sleeping equipment, cooking products, backpacks and outdoor accessories makes Blacks convenient for people building or upgrading a camping setup.
Families
Blacks' children's clothing and footwear categories make it possible to buy outdoor gear for multiple members of the family in one place.
Who Might Look Elsewhere?
If your priority is the absolute lowest possible price on basic outdoor clothing, specialist discount retailers may sometimes beat Blacks.
Likewise, if you need highly specialized expedition equipment, I'd compare the technical specifications with dedicated specialist suppliers before buying.
Blacks vs Competitors
| Feature | Blacks | Go Outdoors | Decathlon | Cotswold Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Selection | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Premium Brands | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Own-Brand Range | Moderate | Strong | Very Strong | Moderate |
| Walking Gear | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Technical Clothing | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Physical Stores | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Budget Options | Good | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Premium Gear | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Best For | Branded outdoor gear | Broad outdoor shopping | Budget/value | Technical expertise |
For me, Blacks sits comfortably in the middle of the market. It isn't trying to be the cheapest outdoor retailer at all costs, but it also isn't positioned exclusively as a premium specialist.
Its strength is choice.
8 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Blacks a legitimate outdoor retailer?
Yes. Blacks is a long-established British outdoor retailer founded in 1861 and currently operates online alongside physical stores in the UK.
2. Is Blacks good for hiking boots?
Yes. Walking footwear is one of Blacks' strongest categories, with brands such as Merrell, Scarpa, Berghaus and Hi-Tec available.
3. Does Blacks sell waterproof jackets?
Yes. Its range includes waterproof jackets from multiple outdoor brands, including products using technologies such as GORE-TEX.
4. Does Blacks sell camping equipment?
Yes. Blacks sells tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, camping beds, cooking equipment and various camping accessories.
5. Does Blacks have physical stores?
Yes. Blacks currently lists 22 stores around the UK.
6. Does Blacks offer discounts?
Yes. Blacks regularly features sale products and promotional offers. It currently advertises 15% off a first eligible order for newsletter subscribers, although exclusions apply.
7. Is Blacks good value for money?
I think it can be. The strongest value often comes from sale periods, when established outdoor brands are discounted. I would still compare the final price with competing retailers before purchasing expensive equipment.
8. Is Blacks worth using in 2026?
Yes. Its combination of outdoor expertise, established brands, product variety, physical stores and regular promotions makes it a strong choice in 2026. I'd particularly recommend it for walking gear, outdoor clothing and footwear.
Final Verdict
So, after putting everything together, Blacks gets an overall rating of 8.8/10 from me.
The biggest reason is versatility. Blacks can outfit you for a casual weekend walk, a serious hiking trip, a camping holiday or simply a rainy commute. The retailer's current range includes everything from walking boots and technical waterproofs to tents, sleeping bags, GPS equipment and everyday outdoor clothing.
The brand selection is another major strength. Having access to names such as Rab, Berghaus, Salomon, Scarpa, The North Face, Osprey, Montane and adidas Terrex gives shoppers plenty of confidence when making a purchase.
I also think Blacks works particularly well for people who don't want to shop like an outdoor gear expert. You can start with an activity—walking, hiking, camping or trail running—and build your equipment from there.
The biggest thing I'd watch is price. Don't automatically buy the first product you see. Check sale sections, compare equivalent products and make sure you're getting the right technical specifications. Blacks regularly runs promotions, so patience can pay off.
Customer feedback is broadly positive too, although delivery issues do appear in recent reviews. With a Trustpilot score of 4.2/5 across a very large review base, the overall picture is encouraging while still leaving room for improvement.
Would I recommend Blacks? Absolutely.
For walking boots, waterproof jackets, fleeces, backpacks and general outdoor equipment, it's one of the first retailers I'd check. If you catch a good promotion on a reputable brand, the value proposition becomes even stronger.
My final tip is the same one I'd give a friend before buying outdoor gear: buy for the activity, not just the appearance. A jacket that looks great online isn't much use if it isn't waterproof enough for your weather, and the cheapest walking boots aren't a bargain if they leave your feet uncomfortable after five miles.
Choose the right product, compare the price and give yourself enough delivery time, and Blacks is a very dependable option for getting outside in 2026.
