OS Forest of Dean Family PACMAT Picnic Blanket, Lightweight, Waterproof, Machine Washable, Compact

Rubbastuff

The Pacmat

Days out with the kids can be daunting when you consider all the gear you have to bring. It can feel like you're taking everything, but the kitchen sink!


Sometimes, squeezing everything into a bag can be a nightmare! (a PhD in bag packing is needed!! )


> Sometimes, squeezing everything into a bag can be a nightmare!


On many days out, we sometimes look like pack horses.

Days out for us usually involve a picnic of some sort ( we like to picnic all year round! )
When the weather is pleasant, it is good to throw something on the ground to sit on and enjoy a view.
We have a couple of traditional type picnic rugs, one we keep in the car and one for the house. These picnic rugs can be a little bulky and cumbersome to carry, so when <a href="https://rubbastuff.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rubbastuff</a> asked us to have a look at their lightweight, compact mat we jumped at the chance.

## What is a PACMAT?

The guys at <a href="https://rubbastuff.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rubbastuff</a> kindly sent us over a family-sized PACMAT with a snakes and ladder print. There is a good choice of sizes and vibrant prints to choose from.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/10/Pacmat-Picnic-by-River-e1480623717415.jpg" alt="Pacmat by the River" width="1200" height="900" caption="Testing the PacMat on a picnic by the river." />

## A few technical details


<ul>
<li>The surface of the mat is micro fibre polyester so that it dries fast but is light to carry.</li>
<li>The underside is super light PU coated ripstop nylon, which helps you keep your backside dry even if the grass is wet.</li>
</ul>


## Testing out the PACMAT Picnic Rug

We've been taking our PACMAT out on our adventures walks, camping, days out. We've been very impressed with it, proving to be a useful bit of kit for outdoor activities.
The family-sized mat is a generous size, measuring approximately 140cm X 140cm, which is enough room for four of us to sit on plus enough space for bags.
At just 485g this has to be one of the lightest picnic mats I have tried. You don't really know you're carrying it!
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/10/Pacmat-in-its-stuff-sack-e1480623522758.jpg" alt="The Pacmat in its stuff sack" width="1200" height="900" caption="The Pacmat in its stuff sack" />

This mat comes with a stuff sack, which I found to be very useful for keeping the mat in my rucksack. Unlike some products that use a stuff sack, I found it easy and quick to get the PACMAT in it.
If you've not got the room in your bag, then use a carabiner clip to clip it to the outside of your bag.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/10/Pacmat-on-carabiner-e1480623672300.jpg" alt="Pacmat on Carabiner" width="1200" height="900" caption="The PacMat on Carabiner makes it easy to carry with your bag." />
The compact size makes it ideal for lots of different occasions, days out, festivals, beach, etc.
I couldn't write this post and not mention the beautiful designs. They are bold, contemporary and add a bit of fun to the mat.

## The Verdict

I love our PACMAT. We won't be leaving this behind when we go on our adventures. Although it is a little pricey, the quality, design and compact size wins me over!
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/10/Pacmat-picnic-in-sunshine-e1480623626943.jpg" alt="Using the Pacmat" width="1200" height="900" caption="Using the Pacmat" />

We test out the PACMAT; a family picnic rug that claims to be waterproof, lightweight, and easy to fit in your bag.


A waterproof picnic rug that won't break your back

Ordnance Survey

Thermos 56902 FUNtainer Food Flask, Blue, 290 ml

Thermos

Food on the Go &#8211; Thermos Food Flasks Review

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/Food-on-the-Go-Thermos-Food-Flasks-Review.jpg" isA4={true} height="800" width="800" alt=" Food on the Go - Thermos Food Flasks Review" />


> Transporting food in rucksacks can be difficult, with the risk of leaking containers or foods/liquids not retaining their temperature being common problems.

If we go out for a hike or day out, food is always high on the agenda!!

Transporting food in rucksacks can be difficult, with the risk of leaking containers or foods/liquids not retaining their temperature being common problems.

The Thermos brand is one of the leading manufacturers of insulated products. They have been doing it for over 100 years! They sent us over a couple of food flasks to try out on our adventures and put to the test. Here's how we got on with them...


## First up, the Stainless King Food Flask

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/Thermos-Stainless-King-Food-Flash.jpg" height="1200" width="800" alt="Thermos Stainless King Food Flash" />

Here are the key features of the <a href="http://www.thermos.co.uk/product_details.aspx?ProdID=1588&amp;CatCode=FOOD&amp;utm_source=GetOutWithTheKids.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=Referral&amp;utm_campaign=GOWTK" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thermos Stainless King Food Flask</a>:

<ul>
<li>Thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention, hot or cold. This creates an airless space between two walls, eliminating temperature change.</li>
<li>Keeps hot for 7 hours and cold for 9 hours</li>
<li>Durable stainless steel interior and exterior with insulated stainless steel lid that acts as a serving bowl</li>
<li>Cool to touch with hot liquids, sweat-proof with cold</li>
<li>Extra wide mouth and folding stainless steel spoon.</li>
</ul>

We've been using this food flask for several months, giving it a thorough test.


> perfect for fitting in a rucksack or school lunch bag


It's been camping, up hills, on picnics and to school and work. And we've been very impressed with this high-quality product that does what it says it will do!

The compact size was perfect for fitting inside a rucksack or school lunch bag.

It was very easy to use, with no fiddly lid and no leaking experienced.

The wide mouth makes it easy to fill, eat straight from and clean.

The spoon that comes with it is full-size and of good quality.


> The kids love how the spoon folded up - very cool, I was told!


The kids love how the spoon folded up - *very cool* I was told!

So most importantly, does it retain its temperature? Yes, it does!

The kids have been taking soup and spaghetti to school, and it is still hot by lunchtime. I have been using it for work with hot tea, which keeps liquids hot for hours.

This flask is probably more expensive than I would usually pay, but it is worth paying a little more for a great product.

It gets the GOWTK Thumbs Up award.


## Second up, the Thermos FUNtainer Food Flask

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/FUNtainer-Hiking.jpg" height="1500" width="2000" alt="FUNtainer" />

Key features of the FUNTainer:

<ul>
<li>Thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention</li>
<li>Keeps hot for 7 hours and cold for 9 hours</li>
<li>Extra wide mouth - easy to fill, eat from and clean</li>
</ul>

The <a href="https://thermos.co.uk/funtainer-food-flask-bottle-set" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thermos FUNtainer food flask</a> is designed with kids in mind.  There is a range of funky child-appealing designs to choose from. We opted for the blue design to keep all the little people happy!

It's a perfect size for fitting in a lunch box. The kids had no problem using the flask and fitting the lids.

Since we have had the flasks the meals they take to school, have become a lot more varied and healthy :-) 
The kids report that their food is still hot and yummy at lunchtime!

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/Using-the-Funtainer-Picnic.jpg" height="1500" width="2000" alt="Using the Funtainer" />

## Verdict

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/07/Taking-the-flasks-on-a-picnic-Picnic.jpg" height="1500" width="2000" alt="Taking the flasks on a picnic" />

We've been impressed with the quality of both these products and will continue to use them on our adventures and everyday life.
They both get the GOWTK Thumbs Up award.

We test out a couple of Thermos flasks designed to keep food warm: the Thermos Stainless King and the FUNtainer.


How to have hot food and a clean backpack with these Thermos Food Flasks

Browse our reviews of Easy Camp products.

Easy Camp

Easy Camp Surf Windbreak

If you've been following us on <a title="Get Out With The Kids on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/GetOutWithTheKids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> or <a title="Get Out With The Kids on Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/GetOutKids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a> you may have seen some pictures, either on picnics or at the beach, of us with a funky windbreak.
Well, that funky windbreak is called the Easy Camp Surf, and we've been giving it a thorough test this summer.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/08/Easy-Camp-Surf-Windbreak.jpg" height="788" width="940" alt="Surf Windbreak" />


## Easy Camp Surf Review

The problem with some large windbreaks on the beach is that they obscure the view: both yours and anyone sitting behind you. Being larger, they are also more prone to getting blown over by the wind.
Easy Camp have got around this with their funky looking 'Surf' windbreak.
This is just the right height for sitting, or even better, lounging on their neat portable sun lounger (<Link title="5 cool things for summer picnics" href="/travel/5-cool-summer-picnic-items/">see more details here</Link>).
You'll also notice, that we've been using the Easy Camp picnic rug too. We've been <Link title="5 cool things for summer picnics" href="/travel/5-cool-summer-picnic-items/">using this on picnics</Link> and its insulated and waterproof underside has been good for picnics, and it's also a good picnic rug for when sitting on damp sand and the beach.

## Putting the Surf Together

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/08/Easy-Camp-Surf-comes-in-a-small-carry-case.jpg" alt="Easy Camp Surf comes in a small carry case" width="590" height="392" caption="Easy Camp Surf comes in a small carry case" />
The Easy Camp Surf comes with a small carry case that's lightweight to carry.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/08/Different-lengths-poles-with-the-surf.jpg" alt="Different lengths poles with the surf" width="590" height="392" caption="Different lengths poles with the surf" />
Unlike some beach shelters, the Easy Camp Surf doesn't spring into life. Instead you have nylon tent poles, which will be familiar to anyone used to camping.
There are different length poles, with the long ones going the length of the windbreak and a couple of smaller vertical supports.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/08/Tent-pegs-too.jpg" alt="Tent pegs too" width="590" height="392" caption="In the bag are tent pegs too. T-shaped ones to better stay in the sand at the beach." />
There's some tent pegs too.
Nice to see pegs better than the normal small wire pegs. These T shaped pegs are much better in both earth and sand.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/08/The-Easy-Camp-Surf-looks-like-a-huge-wing....and-yes-people-did-run-with-it-and-tried-to-take-off..jpg" alt="The Easy Camp Surf looks like a huge wing....and yes, people did run with it and tried to take off." width="590" height="392" caption="The Easy Camp Surf looks like a huge wing....and yes, people did run with it and tried to take off." />
When it's all assembled it looks like a large wing.
There is a strap on one end of the windbreak. This clips to the other end of the windbreak, bending the Easy Camp Surf into that curved shape.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/08/Filling-the-pockets-on-the-Easy-Camp-Surf-with-sand-to-weight-it-down.jpg" alt="Filling the pockets on the Easy Camp Surf with sand to weight it down" width="533" height="400" caption="Filling the pockets on the Easy Camp Surf with sand to weight it down" />

You can then peg the windbreak out, and fill the pockets with sand if you are on the beach.
<hr/>
Over this summer we've been quite impressed with the Easy Camp Surf windbreak.
It packs down small to transport, unlike the standard wooden pole windbreaks, but the downside is that you have to assemble it. However, this design also means it's easy to reposition the windbreak if the wind changes direction, plus you can use it on stoney beaches too.
So the Easy Camp Surf gets a thumbs up from us.

We&#8217;ve been testing out the Easy Camp Surf as well as a few other items that are useful for the beach.

Light my Fire Lunch box with cutlery - LunchKit 6 pcs - BPA Free and biobased plastic camping plate set for 1 - Picnic kit made in Sweden

Light My Fire

Light My Fire Meal Kit

Light My Fire is the company behind the famous Spork. A spoon that's also a fork (with a little bit of a cutting edge too).
We now have a collection of Sporks in my backpack for picnics and camping.
With one eye on her Duke of Edinburgh award, our daughter bought this Meal Kit from Light My Fire. And yes, it does contain a Spork ;-)

## Light My Fire Meal Kit Review

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/06/Light-My-Fire-Meal-Kit-all-packed-away.jpg" alt="Light My Fire Meal Kit all packed away" width="6016" height="4000" caption="Light My Fire Meal Kit all packed away" />
The meal kit comes in this neat triangular shaped box with a large band around the box, so your meal contents doesn't empty into your backpack.
This box conceals the 'meal kit'.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/06/Light-My-Fire-Meal-Kit-Contents.jpg" alt="Light My Fire Meal Kit Contents" width="6016" height="4000" caption="Light My Fire Meal Kit Contents" />
There's quite a lot packed inside this little triangular box:

<ul>
<li>The lid is designed to be used as a plate, and the body of 'the box' can be used as a bowl.</li>
<li>There are two SnapBoxes. One is 170 ml and the other 320 ml.</li>
<li>A 'pack-up-cup' .</li>
<li>A strainer/cutting board.</li>
<li>And of course, a Spork.</li>
</ul>

You can see this set packs a lot into a little case, and ideal for backpacking or picnics.
The two SnapBoxes seal tight and are ideal for storing things you don't want to leak. It should be noted that isn't the case with the main box, but it's still good if you're going to store some things, but make sure it's not anything that could leak.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/06/The-cups-flexible-bottom-folds-into-the-top-of-the-cup.jpg" alt="The cup's flexible bottom folds into the top of the cup" width="6016" height="4000" caption="The cup's flexible bottom folds into the top of the cup" />
The cup is quite a neat design, with the bottom of the cup folding into the top.
The only downsides we can see with the cup design is that it's not as stable as a mug when full, so be careful not to knock it over. The hinge on the lid is also showing signs of wear already.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2014/06/Using-the-Light-My-Fire-Meal-Kit.jpg" alt="Using the Light My Fire Meal Kit" width="6016" height="4000" caption="Using the Light My Fire Meal Kit" />

## Sandwiches or a Meal?

The Meal Kit is ideal for packing away some sandwiches in the big box with lots of other nibbles in the smaller SnapBoxes.
We even found taking a home-made pasta salad was fine in the big box.
Another excellent use for this meal kit is when you take a small stove or <Link title="Old School: How to cook with a Trangia" href="/camping/camping-tips/how-to-cook-with-a-trangia/">trangia</Link>. The various boxes can hold items to cook, and even something to make a brew too.
All in all, this is a great little meal kit for an individual heading off outdoors.

## Multiple colours

If you're interested in getting one of these Light My Fire Meal Kits, there are many different colours you can choose. Everyone can get their favourite colour ;-)
Note, the Light My Fire Meal Kit we bought is version 2.0. The original meal kit is slightly different.

The Light My Fire Meal Kit is a well designed solution for backpacking or picnics. Our daughter bought one for her Duke of Edinburgh Award, so we took it for a test drive to see how good it is when used for real.

The Organised Picnic with the Light My Fire Meal Kit

Wunderlife

The Brug

We've found that getting out with the kids needs to be as quick and painless as possible. If you can't take on a bigger adventure, a quick picnic or an afternoon down the park is a good way to get them out of the house.

However, sometimes getting all the right bits together, including remembering something to sit on, can take the spontaneity out.

We love to see product innovation, and the Brug could be just the thing to help with this problem. We thought it was such a great idea when we first saw it. So the gang over at Wunderlife sent us one over to get a closer look.

## So what is the Brug?

Well, it's a bag and rug in one! It's such a straightforward and practical design ( not sure why it's not been thought of before! )

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/05/Walking-with-the-Brug.jpg" height="1396" width="2100" alt="Walking with the Brug" />

It works very simply. You lay out the rug and pop all the gear you want to take with you on the rug then using the ties at the end of it, pull them tight, do up the clips and zip up. And now you have a bag all ready to go - a travel and storage system in one!
Watch our short video below to have a better look at it.

## So, what do we think of it?

Taking kids for a day out can be a challenge, particularly with very young children, there's so much stuff you need to take with you. The image of a packed horse springs to mind! A bag and rug storage system in one that makes going out, easier, quicker and less stressful is a genius idea with lots of practical opportunities.

<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/05/Picnic-in-the-park-with-Brug.jpg" height="1396" width="2100" alt="Picnic in the park with Brug" />

The rug is a decent size measuring approx 150cm x 150cm. There was plenty of room on the rug for four of us to sit plus puppy!
It has an excellent storage volume of about 40 litres, so need to take lots of bags; one bag does the job.
The Brug was easy to pack up and comfortable to carry on the shoulder. The wide straps help distribute the weight of the load. It is not a bag to carry up the hills, the storage of the gear inside the bag can make for an awkward shape to carry. Of course, this depends on what items you take with you.
The Brug has many practical uses it's ideal for throwing in the car, taking on picnics, down to the beach, round to a friends house for lunch in the garden, kids activities for example swimming and camping.
<MediaImage url="/uploads/2016/05/The-Brug-Folded.jpg" height="1396" width="2100" alt="The Brug Folded" />

The Brug is water resistant. When our mischievous little puppy spilt her bowl of water it soon dried in the sun with no residual seeping through.
The Brug is designed with children in mind it's washable so after a fun day of adventures it can easily be cleaned up. All ready for its next adventure :-)

The Brug is attractively packaged. It has its own storage bag with graphics printed on it on how to use it and a small handle so you could even hang it up!

The only issue we found was that the zip got snagged a couple of times on the inside material. It didn't happen all the time, on close inspection of the zip, there is quite a lot of material lining the zip, so liable to get stuck when you zip up. This could be simply resolved by an anti-snag zip or by stitching in a plastic guard (like tents have). They tell us that they've now addressed this with the next version, with some extra panels either side of the zip to keep the loose material away.

We love the Brug a genius practical product that has been thought about and designed with families in mind to make family life easier.

Here&#8217;s a great new invention that could make getting out for picnics or an afternoon in the park with kids a lot easier.

How to get the kids out for picnic using the Brug

We love the Brug a genius practical product that has clearly been thought about and designed with families in mind to make family life easier.

Lifeventure

Lifeventure Ellipse D of E plates

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is not all about hiking and camping, however that is part of it.
With so much outdoor gear available, it's hard to know what to get if you're not familiar with it. This is why the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme approve certain items as D of E Recommended.

## Lifeventure Ellipse Cookware Review

The Ellipse Range comprises of a plate, a blow, a mug, and a knife/fork/spoon set, so that your son or daughter has everything they need at meal times.
These aren't pop-up or foldable. There is some flex in these plastic bowls, but what's import is that they're simple and they're rugged. Just what's needed to survive being repeatedly shoved into backpacks.
The knife, fork, and spoon fit together, which helps prevent them getting lost in your bag.
They're also one of the cheapest items you will need to get for the D of E - which is just as well as I'm sure someone will leave them behind at some point.
They come in three colours: purple, grey, green, and blue.
It's recommended to stick to one colour when buying to make it easier to spot your items when in a group.
Here's a video from Lifeventure. More details on the Ellipse Cookware can be found on the <a title="Lifeventure Website" href="https://www.lifeventure.co.uk/product/cookware/ellipse-cookware" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lifeventure website</a>.
<YouTube video={"rSXAU2Kd6R0"} />
<hr/>

## Not just for D of E

We've been using this plate/blow/cup/cutlery set for camping and they've proved themselves quite rugged and still look new, despite being used extensively.
They've not twisted or cracked, and appear to be up to the job.
The only area for slight improvement would be to see the set stack inside one another to save a bit more space when packing away.
Other than that, the Ellipse Cookware gets a thumbs up from us.

We review the Lifeventure Ellipse Cookware, which is recommended for those taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Picnics Reviews

A waterproof picnic rug that won't break your back

How to have hot food and a clean backpack with these Thermos Food Flasks

Easy Camp Surf Windbreak

The Organised Picnic with the Light My Fire Meal Kit

How to get the kids out for picnic using the Brug

Lifeventure Ellipse Cookware - D of E Recommended

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardA waterproof picnic rug that won't break your back

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardHow to have hot food and a clean backpack with these Thermos Food Flasks

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardEasy Camp Surf Windbreak

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardThe Organised Picnic with the Light My Fire Meal Kit

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardHow to get the kids out for picnic using the Brug

We gave this the Thumbs Up awardLifeventure Ellipse Cookware - D of E Recommended

A waterproof picnic rug that won't break your back

How to have hot food and a clean backpack with these Thermos Food Flasks

Easy Camp Surf Windbreak

The Organised Picnic with the Light My Fire Meal Kit

How to get the kids out for picnic using the Brug

Lifeventure Ellipse Cookware - D of E Recommended