Gear and Gadgets

Carry on Camping

Carry on camping
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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

Get all the gear with our pick of the latest camping essentials.

Easy Camp Eclipse 500
£169.99 | www.easycamp.com

A bright and surprisingly roomy tent that packs away to be very compact – perfect for the family whose car is already full of baby equipment and kids’ toys. The Eclipse 500 is a dome tent that comfortably sleeps a family of five. It has a large extended front porch, which can be used as a living area, and gives good space for storage. The wide door makes it easy to get kit in, so if you’ve brought a table and chairs it’s not a hassle getting them through. Large windows bring in a nice amount of light, adding to the sense of space, making this a brilliant tent for families with young children who want something reliable, tough and light.

Outwell Contour Junior Sleeping Bag
£34.99 | www.outwell.com

Available in blue and purple, this Junior sleeping bag is ideal for use from late spring to early autumn. The hood comes with a raised built in pillow that can be removed to allow the bag to be used in duvet style instead. In order to do this, the bag can be unzipped to open fully. The rectangular shape is great for kids, who often don’t like to feel too squeezed in. There’s a soft and smooth touch to material, so kids can get nice and snuggly and it shouldn’t irritate sensitive skin. The synthetic filling means it’s a breeze to wash – you just stick it in the machine at home- and it’s also double layered for warmth as even summer nights can get surprisingly chilly. A secret pocket is a fantastic little addition for treasures, a mini light or perhaps a sneaky chocolate bar.

LittleLife Arc 2 Lightweight Travel Cot
£99.99 | www.littlelife.com

The Arc 2 Cot almost looks like a little tent of its own. It’s a lightweight travel cot designed to be put up in moments, quickly and simply. It comes with colour coded poles and is straight-forward with good instructions. Importantly, it complies with British Safety Standards – so you can be reassured of its safety and reliability – and was the winner of Best Travel Cot – Loved by Parents 2013. The foam mattress is comfortable and well-fixed down by strong Velcro, so even wriggly babies won’t move it. It is adaptable and can be used both inside and outside, so you don’t just have to invest in it for camping trips but can use it for holidays and nights away easily too.

To read the full story featuring family-friendly camping equipment click here.