Well dressed for the front line

A new boutique at The Nine community mall has everything you need for playing soldiers or a camping weekend in a national park

The Nine, an attractive community mall on Rama IX Road that's gradually developed over the last year, has already become a hip hangout for local residents and gourmets thanks to the plethora of boutiques, restaurants and cafes that have set up shop. Drawing the crowds right now, as winter draws near and cool season vacations in Thailand's national parks sound like a good way to spend the New Year, is Dang Russia boutique with its collection of quality camping gear.

The shop belongs to Nantha Nimmolguls who first got into the business back in 1991, when she and her family opened the first Dang Russia at Chatuchak Weekend Market to share their passion for outdoor activities with others. In those days, they offered mainly attractive outfits and camping gadgets from Russia before expanding their product line to include military gear from America and Italy.

"These items were difficult to find in Thailand 20 years ago," Nantha notes. "We focus on functionality, quality of materials and reasonable prices."

Three months ago, they opened a new branch on the second floor of The Nine and now offer a range of camping, tactical and military gear from more than 20 famous brands. You'll find cooking sets, lanterns with a candle, torches, compasses, first aid sets, sleeping bags, hammocks and tents.

Brands include Light My Fire, Smith & Wesson, Leatherman, UCO, Explorer, Windmill, NiteIze, Silva, Rothco, Inova, Pro-Force and Brunton.

The tactical series includes T-shirts, pants, backpacks, canvas tote bags, vests, jackets, sneakers and caps by Blackhawk and 5.11 from America and by local brand Innovate. Alongside is a showcase of smart Swiss-made wristwatches from Luminox.

"Innovate is a local brand with whom we share design ideas. The brand uses only quality materials. Their sleeping bags are stuffed with premium fibre from France that is elastic and durable." Nantha says.

Best sellers are the quality-pocket knives in different designs from Spyderco, Coldsteel, Emerson, Buck, Gerber, Boker and Extrema Ratio.

Wannabe soldiers can check out US government property including glasses, combat boots, marine boots, Molle bags, vests by Woodland and Desert, Parka jackets, fibre boxes and outdoor table sets.

Dang Russia also has a branch at Section 16, Chatuchak Weekend Market.

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Dang Russia is located on the second floor of The Nine shopping centre. It's open daily except Monday from noon to 9pm. Call (02) 716 7954, (081) 866 0030 or visit www.facebook.com/pages/Dangrussia

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