4 Comments
Our guide to the best sleeping bags
Which is the best sleeping bag for general camping? We’ve been testing lots of sleeping bags and come up with the top lightweight, small-pack picks for three-season campers. read more
Category: Camping gear
The right camping equipment and outdoor gear makes all the difference – whether you’re in a tent, a campervan or a caravan. There’s clever camping gear out there…and some downright daft things to waste your money on.
You’ll find our very favourite items of well-designed equipment at our special best camping kit page.
Camping gear must-haves – our 60 best finds
Want to know what we use when we go camping? Here’s our evolving list of favourite camping gear and outdoor equipment. From barbecues to mosquito repellent – tried, tested and loved. Looking for something specific? Just use the search box! read more
Electric camping stoves – hobs, microwaves and more
If you’re a camper or campervanner who opts for a pitch with electricity, you can make the most of your hook-up with a portable electric stove or cooker. Find out about the options – from Remoska to induction hobs, microwaves and halogen cookers. read more
The best insulated travel mugs and zero-waste reusable cups
Which travel mugs keep drinks warm (and cold) the longest? Which reusable takeaway coffee cups are a joy to use instead of throwaways? Discover the best in our guide to insulated travel mugs and reusable coffee cups. read more
Wet weather camping – how to stay dry and happy
Read our guide to staying warm, dry and happy when camping in the rain. Wet weather camping tips and all the camping gear you’ll need. read more
Affordable camping gear – our top picks from Decathlon
Why are Decathlon tents taking over the world? Well, European campsites, at least. Because they’re smart and affordable. Here’s our pick of the best of Decathlon – from shelters and showers to chairs and rain gear. read more
Which camping fridge? We put fridges and coolboxes to the test
Which camping fridge or coolbox should you buy? We’ve tested a range of compressor, thermoelectric and passive, unpowered coolers to help you choose. read more
Better than down – warm jackets that come cruelty-free
Down’s lovely, but it’s better on ducks and geese than in our jackets. So, we’ve been checking out the best alternatives for insulated jackets for warmth, lightness and packability.
Warm fleeces – our guide to the best jackets for earth-conscious camping
There’s nothing like a warm fleece jacket for keeping the chill off when camping. But, most are made from polyester or other fabrics that shed millions of plastic microfibres when they’re washed. Here’s our round-up of earth-friendly warm jackets for men and women. read more
Give up the gas? Head-to-head on woodburning camping stoves
We set our testers the challenge of making a meal using some of the most popular woodburning camping stoves – the Frontier, the EcoZoom Versa, the tiny Woodgas stove and the high-tech Biolite. Plus the Solo Stove gasifying model and more. See how they fared. read more
Buyers’ guide to campervan heaters
Use your campervan all year round with our guide to the best campervan heaters and ways to keep warm – portable electric and gas, installed parking heaters and more. Stay warm! read more
Autumn and winter campervan travels
Camping out of season is fantastic, but you need to prepare. Here’s what we learned on a winter campervan trip in Scotland – how to find a great wild camping spot, stay warm, keep yourself entertained, eat well…and go to the loo! read more
The most comfortable campbeds? We’ve found them
Have you seen those fabulous comfy-looking khaki campbeds when you stroll past the fishing section in outdoor shops? Why can’t campers have squishy beds and chairs too? Here’s our guide to what might work for all of us – fish or no fish read more
When you just have to….portable camping toilets
Are you one of those campers (or would-be campers) who worries about night-time toilet trips? Just for you, we’ve squatted to test and spotted the best…of the portable camping toilets! read more
Ditchin’ the kitchen…why we chose a VW Beach
They’ve dithered for years, but two of the Campfire crew have finally bought a campervan. So why did they choose a VW Beach rather than a full-fat VW California? read more
Found! Twelve of the coolest brands for outdoor clothes and bags
Are these the coolest outdoor clothing and accessory brands you’ve never heard of? We’ve been testing a few ranges that seem to slip below the radar for walking shoes, outdoor trousers, bags, jackets and more. read more
The best camping stoves…and the worst
Most gas camping stoves make us sad. Read our recommendations for the best camping stoves that make us happier and why NOT to buy a Campingaz Xcelerate. read more
Time for bed – the best camping mats
Can you get packable and comfortable when it comes to sleeping mats? We’ve been testing the most promising self-inflating camping mats and fast-inflate airbeds from the likes of Exped, Thermarest, Vango and more. read more
Which tents are the fastest? Our guide to quick-pitch and inflatable tents
We’ve taken a close look at what’s available in quick to pitch tent systems – inflatable, pop-up and quick-erect poles – and compiled our findings into an easy guide for campers. read more
Where to buy your camping gear – the best camping stores
Which are the best camping stores? We’ve compiled a guide to where to buy camping gear and outdoor equipment with details of delivery and returns too. Share your own recommendations for good service! read more
Power for campers – hook-up, solar power and portable power
Which are the best ways to power your gear when camping or in the campervan? Solar power for charging phones? Hook-up for the fridge? We look at the options for camping power. read more
Portable camping showers
If you’ve tried trickling water from a drinking flask to wash the mud off your dog’s paws, get the sand off a surfboard or wash your hair while wild camping, we’ve found the answer – a portable camping shower. read more
No plastic here – eco-friendly outdoor tableware
We’re not keen on plastic, so what are the alternatives for light and practical plates and bowls for camping and outdoor eating? We’ve found some cheap options and some rather lovely things too. Bamboo, enamelware and more. read more
Fast and light – our choice for driveaway awnings and shelters
Which are the best simple, light and quick-to-pitch driveaway awnings for campervans and self-build campers? We’ve found the perfect shelters for overnight stops, weekends and versatile holidays. read more
All we need is toast! The best camping toasters
Can you live without toast? We can’t…so we’ve been on the hunt for the perfect camping toaster that’s quick, easy and packable. Have a look at these campstove toasters and let us know what you use too. read more
Camp in your car? Here’s how!
Stealth camping, car camping, makeshift campervanning…call it what you will, it’s simple, cheap and spontaneous. Follow our guide to turning your car (or small van) into a part-time camper. read more
Wild camping with minimal kit – it’s bivvy marvellous!
Sometimes you just want to escape! Thinking about wild camping can be more fun than the actual experience…unless you get the equipment right. There’s no better way to enjoy it than taking minimum kit and a reliable bivvy/bivi bag or hammock. read more
Which camping kettle? Our guide to the best
Steel, aluminium, heat exchanger…even titanium – we’ve boiled and we’ve poured to find the best camping kettles. Here’s our round-up of fast, light (and occasionally pretty) kettles for camping cuppas. read more
25 ways to make camping more environmentally friendly
How do we all stay green when camping? Read our BIG green guide to making camping a bit more environmentally friendly. From keeping clean to buying food. read more
Everything for camping…including the kitchen sink
We love washing up time at campsites. It’s a chance to chat to fellow campers. But you need a decent washing up bowl that you can carry over to the sinks…or to use when wild camping. Here are the best camping sinks we’ve found. read more
