On the topic of buying quality sports gear I can speak with the confidence of a pro since I am a backpacker and lead a completely active lifestyle.
I need good clothes, and equipment at all times. These products must be reliable, light weight, effective at surviving their purpose and at the same time be aesthetically pleasing!
Several Brands have caught my attention:
For Sports Clothing I recommend:
MEC or Mountain Equipment Co-op
They offer a wonderful arrange of colours and fabrics of clothing for all seasons making them a necessary and essential part of every travellers or hiker/campers wardrobe.
For Backpacks I recommend Lowe-Alpine since they seem the most durable, they have they most compartments and the most popular among my fellow travellers. They also look nice:)
For Sleeping Bags I recommend: McKinley, synthetic not down filled since they have a tendency to stink, and the down when not evenly distributed can leave you with warm and cold spots instead of an even body temperature, and not a good nights sleep! Plus Down filled bags have to be handwashed with natural soap, and may take up to 72 hours to dry, since you can’t put them in the dryer!
Tents: I have an OZ Tent I bought for$90 Aud, oz tent makes great gear, I am really pleased with the ventilation system, and the reflective rain tarp which works duelly to keep out water and also to keep it from getting hot in the sun.
Flashlights/torches: Some companies even have the ones you can wear on your head, I like this innovative hands free idea, since setting up a tent in the dark is easier with two hands than one, especially if it’s cold or rainy, (been there, done that!) The one I like is the: Princeton Tec Vor Tec Fashlight see https://action-lights.com/product_detail-236.asp
Boots: Doc Martins, I have had my brown 8holes for 10 years, and they have served me well, I wouldn’t go anywhere without my trusty docs/dm’s!
I hope this info is helpful in making your travels more comfortable, and more fun;)
Cheers!