Camping equipment shops nationwide are ramping up ahead of the winter camping season, expanding inventories and introducing a wider range of products to meet growing demand from families, young people, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the cooler months.
Retailers are stocking up on tents, imported fabrics, ropes, lighting and power equipment, outdoor furniture, cooking appliances and cooling systems, along with modern products designed to enhance comfort, safety and convenience at campsites.
Shop owners and workers said preparations begin well before the season, with businesses importing extra supplies of popular products and diversifying their offerings to suit different budgets and preferences. They noted that customers increasingly prioritise quality, durability, and weather resistance when choosing camping equipment.
Zakaria Ali, an employee at a camping supplies shop, said retailers have been working to secure enough popular fabrics, particularly Pakistani and Indian varieties.
He said tent prices generally range from QR1,300 for smaller models to QR3,500 for larger ones, depending on factors such as fabric thickness, weight and embroidery. Waterproof fabrics are attracting growing interest because they offer extra protection on outdoor trips. Some shops also offer on-site inspection and measurement services to ensure tents meet customers’ specific requirements.
Ali added that ropes remain essential to camping preparations, with cotton and silk varieties available in different sizes, including options up to 30 millimetres in diameter.
Maarouf Sayed, a tent-making craftsman, said shops have prepared substantial quantities of fabrics in various designs and specifications, offering both ready-made and custom-made tents.
According to Sayed, tent prices generally range from QR1,500 to QR2,500, with delivery times varying from five days to two weeks depending on the order and requirements. Pakistani fabric remains the most popular choice, with prices starting at QR220 per metre, followed by Indian fabric at QR190 per metre. He said prices had remained broadly stable compared with the previous camping season.
Additional supplies are also available to help campers set up their sites. Cotton and silk rope bundles cost between QR150 and QR350, while metal fasteners cost around QR5 each. Transport trolleys start at QR150, and water hoses cost QR150 to QR250.
Mohamed Arshad, a camping equipment trader, said shops have stocked a wide selection of imported fabrics from Pakistan, India, and Republic of Korea. The range includes lightweight and heavy-duty materials, embroidered fabrics and waterproof options to suit different camping needs.
Arshad said cotton ropes are priced between QR30 and QR50, depending on size, while nylon ropes cost between QR20 and QR35. Durable equipment-carrying bags start at QR20, while metal transport trolleys range from QR160 to QR270.
He also noted the growing popularity of solar-powered equipment, which provides an alternative energy source for campsites and can help reduce reliance on conventional power supplies. Such products increasingly appeal to campers seeking practical, energy-efficient solutions.
Retailers said some imported fabrics and camping products had become slightly more expensive because international shipping and delivery costs have risen. However, Arshad said prices could decline modestly as the season progresses, depending on supply levels, product availability and the movement of remaining stock.