We tested the Garmin Camper SatNav while driving over 2500 miles across Europe while towing a caravan. Did it help or did it hinder? Read on to find out.
The Thule Chariot is an off-road buggy ideal for running and being active with small kids but is it worth the high price? Jen and Sim put it to the test.
This is the first buggy we’ve had because we’ve never found one that could cope with our adventures before. It’s a great tool to allow us to run together regularly and have amazing family adventures on foot or with the bikes. Highly recommended for active couples with young kids.
Value for Money
8
Quality
10
Family Friendly
9
PROS:
Incredibly well made and brilliantly designed. Perfect for active families who like to get off-road.
CONS:
Expensive - from £850 for a single or £950 for the double. Fairly heavy and wide so stiles and narrow gates can be a problem.
The Kobuk is a fantastic stove with some great accessories too.
CONS:
The RRP looks a little pricey but if you shop around you can get it cheaper (see our price search below). Plus, it's a great package considering all the flue sections, heat shield, spark arrester, and carry case.
Although we struggled to get the Robens Prospector up, once it was pitched, it was a great tent to create a home in, especially when the wood burning stove was fitted.
Value for Money
9
Quality
10
Family Friendly
9
Practicality
7
PROS:
The Robens Prospector is a large canvas tent that comes ready to use with a camping stove.
CONS:
It's very heavy and a small step ladder is recommended to help get it pitched.
Sleeping bags can be a personal thing: sometimes you just can't find one that is comfortable enough. The Trudgian Family put the Coleman Basalt to the test.
The Outwell Trelew Chairs are big and comfortable. Now little kids can enjoy it too with a special kid-sized version. The Mayho family put it to the test.
It seems slightly on the heavy side at 1.9kg, which is fine if you are literally throwing your stuff out the boot of the car to set up camp, but not so great if you have to walk any distance.
This is a great looking cupboard that's really well made and packs down to an incredibly small size for a cupboard with a bamboo top.
CONS:
Not as quick to set-up as a pop-up unit, but then again, it's not difficult either, especially with the cupboard's body already attached to the frame and each of the frame items connected together.
If you are doing a good amount of walking, investing in a decent pair of walking shoes is a must. Ian from Make Camp tests out the new Lowa San Luis GTX Walking Shoes.
I’ve been testing the Lowa Walking shoes, they are great for every day wear as well as a long leisurely stroll. Price Range £125 from www.lowa.co.uk
Value for Money
8.5
Quality
10
PROS:
They have a Gore-Tex lining so they are waterproof, the soles are well cushioned and the inserts can be removed should you need to deodorise.
CONS:
The sole is a large grid of triangles and can get clogged with mud and stones. The sizing seems a little narrow.
I've always found that improving everyone's sleeping conditions when camping provides some of the biggest benefits for an enjoyable family camp. The Outwell Inlayzzz carpet is just one of those investments you want to consider.
Value for Money
8.5
Quality
9.5
PROS:
The Inlayzzz carpet is not just a regular carpet for your tent's bedrooms: it's well insulated, helping make your bedroom warmer and much more comfortable.
CONS:
You could make do with cheaper alternatives to fit out all of your tent's bedrooms, but the Outwell Inlayzzz does provide good insulation and comfort all in one easy-to-use package. Use our price search to help find a good price.
If you like camping with airbeds, getting the extra height that the Coleman Comfort provides will make your tent feel a little more homely than having to sleep down on the floor.
Value for Money
7.5
Quality
10
Comfort
9
PROS:
The Coleman Comfort Raised Double will feel more like a home bed. We also found that there was less bouncing than smaller air beds.
CONS:
If you are pumping by hand, be prepared for a lot of work, as this bed holds a lot of air. Invest in an electric pump to make things easier.
Love the ethos and innovation of this product. If you're really struggling to get your child outside, the Reimago maybe the motivation your child needs.
Value for Money
5
Quality
8
PROS:
Good quality. May provide an incentive to get the kids outside.
CONS:
If used without the jacket, the tracker is easy to lose. Quite expensive.
