With another summer of camping behind us, I thought I’d share our camping best buys. Every year we seem to amass more gear, some of it useful and some of it not so.
Here are the things that have made our lives so much easier under canvas.
With absolutely no hesitation, our best ever buy has been our faithful bucket barbecue. We bought ours from Aldi about three years ago and have used it extensively since then. I seem to remember that it cost about £7-8. It’s a fab little barbecue, and then after we’ve finished cooking it makes a great campfire to keep us warm. It even has a carry bag with an insulated front pocket to keep your beer cold!
Our old faithful bucket barbecue has lasted for 3 years so far and still going strong!
This mains-powered light was a new addition this year and I have to say that I had my doubts. I think I might have pulled a face and asked if we really needed to spend £30+ on a light. I’m so glad that I gave in, it is a godsend. Not only does it have different brightness settings, from “it’s your lucky night” to “my eyes, my eyes!” (n.b. those are my descriptions, not the manufacturers) but it also has a remote control. It is such a luxury to get all snuggled in bed for the night and then turn the light off.
Kampa Junior Airbed
I’ve had my eye on one of these for ages, and they are just perfect for children. Finn loves his and sleeps really well in it. It takes seconds to blow up, is small and light to transport and keeps a fidgety toddler safe and cosy all night. Without doubt, my top tip for camping, especially with children, is to make sure that everyone is as comfortable as possible at nighttime. If you don’t sleep well, it’s not going to be an enjoyable trip. The industry of air mattresses, pads and other inflatables seems to be constantly evolving and finding new ways to make the lives of those in love with the great outdoors easier.
Travel Sleeping Bag
This makes the list purely because it facilitates Finn falling asleep and is therefore indispensable to an enjoyable camping experience. I put him in this sleeping bag, push him around until he sleeps and bingo! We get to enjoy our evenings and relax around the campfire with a beer while he sleeps soundly.
There are so many other things that have made our lives easier when camping, as well as a few not so useful items. The leaking airbeds, squeaky campbed and exploding water carrier didn’t quite make the list!
What are your essential camping items?
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