Outdoor and Camping Shops in Lebanon: Tents, Hiking, and Cedars Trekking Gear

Outdoor retail in Lebanon centers on shops in Mar Mikhael, Achrafieh, and Faraya. Brands available include The North Face, Salomon, Black Diamond, Decathlon's Quechua, plus boutique European brands. Pricing is 20-30% above European retail; the entry-level Decathlon tier is competitive.

Backpacks

• Day hike: 20-30L.
• Weekend trek (2-3 nights): 45-55L.
• Through-hike (Lebanon Mountain Trail full): 60-75L.
• Fitting: torso length matters more than height — measure C7 to iliac crest, choose pack accordingly.
• Load test in store with 8-10kg before buying.

Sleeping Bags (Lebanon)

• Summer (May-Sep, low altitude): 10°C comfort rating.
• Shoulder (April, Oct): 0°C.
• Winter (Cedars, Mzaar): -10°C to -15°C, mummy shape, hood with drawcord.
• Down (lighter, compressible) vs. synthetic (works wet but bulkier).

Tents

• 3-season: most Lebanese camping; aluminum poles, double-wall, vestibule for gear.
• 4-season: only for Qornet es-Sawda winter or cedar snow camping.
• Footprint always — protects floor, easier setup.

Hiking Boots

• Lightweight (Salomon X Ultra): day hikes, dry trails.
• Midweight (Salomon Quest, Lowa Renegade): multi-day with pack.
• Mountaineering (Scarpa, La Sportiva): crampon-compatible for winter.
• Break in over 2-3 weeks before a long trek.

Essentials List

• Headlamp + spare batteries, water filter, stove + fuel canister, basic first-aid, map + compass + GPS, 4 layers (base, mid, insulation, shell).