Here are my top 10 essentials for a luxurious camping experience:
Shiver no more! A down sleeping bag is an absolute essential – if you’re a lady then definitely try one with a women’s fit, it’s shorter than a regular bag and has extra down in the feet area, to keep your tootsies toasty warm.
Remember roll up foam sleeping mats? I do! Urgh, there really is no need. Check out an Exped Down Sleeping Mat, heat loss is dramatically reduced with down insulation inside the mat, as demonstrated by EMPA, the Swiss Federal Labaratories for Materials Testing and Research, and field tests by expeditions. The thick cushion of air also provides comfort and smoothes out uneven ground.
Can you see a theme emerging here? Basically, swathe me with goose down and I’ll be done with it! Pop on a down jacket in the evening, and you’ll be all set to star watch late in into the night.
4 Stove
Trangia was the first stove I ever learnt to cook with outside, and I still love them now. This Trangia stove has capacious pans, and a wider frypan, perfect for cooking up a storm al fresco.
5 Jetboil Flash Cooking System
OK, I already listed a stove. But sometimes you need your coffee quicker than a Trangia can heat the water! In just 2 minutes the Jetboil will have boiled enough water for 2 cups of tea, coffee or cocoa. A real luxury.
6 Pop Up Tent
I have to admit, I do own a small selection of tents, from a tiny 1 person tent through to a huge summer holiday tent with more rooms than my house. I really recommend a pop up tent just for ease of use. Just grab it out of the back of the car, chuck it where you want to pitch, and ‘POP’ – you’re done.
7 Kids tent
If you’re planning a family trip away, and if your kids are of a ‘certain age’ they’re probably going to be keen on having some space for themselves. This tepee style tent is awesome, colourful and fun and is always a big hit with the younger folks on our camping expeditions.
Essential for those night time trips to the toilet block, a Petzl head torch uses powerful LED lights will also keep your hands free when you are cooking or reading in the night.
Though I do draw the line at taking a TV, there are times when you’ll have your electronic equipment with you and it’s going to run out of juice. This solar charger is great for i-phones and digital cameras; you won’t want to miss out on photo opportunities because you forgot to bring this.
Back in the day I made do with a square of karrimat, but these days you’re more likely to see me ensconced in a foldable chair, complete with insulated cupholder for beer or coffee.
This article was written by Sue Sharples, who’s proud to be a fair weather camper, on behalf of Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, who offer camping and caravanning in Devon
