ONLINE RETAILER OF THE YEAR

ALPKIT.COM

SECURING YET ANOTHER gold in this category, Alpkit is TGO readers’ go-to website when it comes to a spot of online retail therapy. The brand’s ethical approach has particularly struck a chord with the outdoors community. “They have a cracking company ethic,” said one voter, whilst another praised the “class-leading company values” including the use of sustainable materials, providing female-specific sizing, establishing in-store repair departments, and funding grassroots projects. Affordable pricing, innovative products and the “nice little notes from whoever has handled your order” were also regularly cited as part of Alpkit’s stellar service.

▲ ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk

Experienced backpacker and long-distance hiker Mark Richardson started Ultralight Outdoor Gear (UOG) in 2006 with the aim of bringing the best lightweight kit together under one ‘roof’. Since then, the online retailer has expanded rapidly - and TGO readers are certainly impressed with the results. “Great site navigation, clear information about products, and good filters and sorting options to help inform your choice” wrote one voter, while another said “they are ahead of the curve with the brands that they work with”. Another voter summed it up as “great advice on the website, reasonably priced and mega quick”.

 sportpursuit.com

“I love being able to get branded goods at prices I can afford,” wrote one voter, whilst another praised the site for “great deals with amazing customer service”. On top of competitive pricing, TGO readers praised Sport Pursuit – which has a 4.8 out of 5 rating across 32,000 reviews on Trustpilot – for its “huge range of high-quality gear” and its “brilliant” approach.