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There's nothing like heading off to the coast or one of Britain's national parks for a camping adventure. Well, as long as you have the right equipment, that is. Camping is a great way to get close to nature, and you can save money on hotel bills at the same time. But there are some essentials that every camper should own.
This buyer's guide will take a look at Camping 101. We'll talk about what you need, how to find the perfect tent, and what accessories make up the ideal collection for successful camping trips, as well as how to find the best camping deals, so you don't have to pay full price for camping essentials. But first, let's take a quick look at how we came to spend our holidays under canvas.
Camping is as old as humanity. From the moment we strung animal skins across stakes or arranged leaves over our heads to keep out the rain, humans have spent days and nights in some form of tent. But camping for pleasure is a much more recent activity.
As with so many modern obsessions, recreational camping can trace its origins back to the Victorians. Seeking to escape from the soot, smoke and noise of industrial cities, Victorians flocked to the banks of the River Thames from the 1880s, where they could row, walk, socialise, and camp.
The success of camping sparked entrepreneurs like Thomas Hiram Holding to commercialise tent production and organise adventure trips to “wilderness” locations. From the very start, campers tended to divide into two groups: easy-going weekenders who just wanted to relax, and adventure campers, who wished to experience raw nature.
By the 1920s, campsites had sprung up across the UK's coast, and quickly spread across Europe, North America, and the world. The development of synthetic materials for tents, batteries to power lights, portable gas for stoves, and the spread of automobiles all combined to make camping a family-friendly and relatively easy vacation activity.
Nowadays, you can still choose to head off with a sleeping bag and a lean-to for a month in the Rocky Mountains, but campers have all sorts of options. From backyard camping to upscale glamping, you'll find products for every style at hotukdeals.
So, let's assume you're thinking about camping out at a regular campsite. What are the core items and accessories you need to get started?
Tents – Obviously, you'll need somewhere to sleep. As we'll see, tents come in many forms, with materials, sizes, shapes, construction techniques, weights, and prices all varying.
Sleeping Bags – Most of the time (unless you're going down the glamping route), campers will need a decent sleeping bag, especially in British or European locations.
Lights and Torches – Not every camper wants to rig up lights inside the tent, but it's an option. More frequently, having a couple of powerful torches is all you'll need.
Outdoor Clothing – Being ready for rain and wind is part of the joy of camping. Never pitch a tent with just a t-shirt and shorts. Always have waterproofs and outdoor clothes, as well as a change of clothes nearby.
Pegs – If your tend relies on pegs, having a few spares to hand is essential, as is a mallet to hammer them in. It's surprising how many people forget that and rely on their boot heels.
Coolers and Flasks – Having some way to keep food fresh and drinks warm is essential when you're camping out. You'd be amazed how comforting it can be to have a flask of hot tea or soup next to your bed if it's cold and rainy outside.
Sleeping Mats – It's no use having a deluxe sleeping bag if you have to rest on the groundsheet. Most campers prefer roll-up mats which hardly weigh a thing, but have excellent insulating abilities.
Bits and Pieces – Sometimes, it's the little things which make camping trips work. Whether its a Swiss army knife, cutlery, plasters and antiseptic, wet wipes, or a few paper plates, keep your eyes on the miscellaneous items that could come in handy.
We'll have a look at camping accessories in more detail (and there are plenty to think about) but that's a decent introductory list to be thinking about. If you lack a few items on it, be sure to pick them up from hotukdeals merchants before you leave for your next adventure.
When it comes to camping tents are the star of the show, and everyone's needs are different. So let's run through what styles of tent are available, and how to choose one that meets all of your requirements.
Firstly, there are many different core types, and all have their own audience:
Basic Pop-Ups – Springing into action automatically, these tents are always popular among families who want something for trips to the park or garden sleep-outs, and they could work well for festivals when you're confident that the weather will be beautiful. They're not large, and not that stable in bad weather, and they may be more expensive than other styles, but they definitely have their uses.
Shell Tents – Similar to pop-ups, but requiring some construction skills, these tents are often known as “backpacking tents” owing to their small size. And they will undoubtedly be great for hikers and adventurous campers who want to move around campsites regularly. The small size makes them less enjoyable for unwinding and general living, but that's not a priority for all campers.
Domes – Moving up the complexity ladder, dome tents are great for couples and solo campers who want a bit more stability and headroom. As the name suggests, the tent poles used in this style arches over the user's head, creating an elegant dome (and requiring a little work to set up, but hopefully not too much). Convenient, roomy, and often fitted with handy porches, domes are hugely popular. However, they aren't great for more extreme weather.
Tunnels – Unlike domes, tunnel tents are long and thin (hence the name). Also featuring arched poles, they can be very spacious and are usually relatively tall, so adults won't feel too cramped. Good tunnel tents will be big enough for families. They can be segmented into storage areas, living rooms, and sleeping areas, and you can easily attach awnings. However, they aren't the most stable in high winds, and they tend to be bulky. So backpackers will want to stay clear.
Ridge Tents – Familiar from 1970s TV dramas and military encampments, ridge tents have a classic triangular design. Less common than they used to be, they are a little fiddly to put up, but don't require a lot of components to erect. Space varies inside, but the angled sides can feel a bit cramped. Then again, the triangle shape is extra-strong when the wind rises, so they will always have their devotees.
Vis-a-Vis Tents – Once upon a time, these house-like tents were extremely common. Designed to accommodate the average family (two parents, and 2-3 children), they generally come with windows, porches, and interiors with ample living quarters and a couple of bedrooms. The structure is more complicated here, due to the need to support additional rooms, but with a little practice, anyone can master the erection process. Impatient campers won't get on with the format, but families and those who intend to cook, watch TV, and socialise in their tent will love the layout and size vis-a-vis tents provide.
Yurts – All the rage among glampers and hippies, yurts derive from Mongolian herding cultures, and require a fair amount of expertise to build. You can purchase them from specialist manufacturers, but using them for temporary camping trips isn't really feasible. Instead, these semi-permanent tents are a great addition to larger gardens and spaces where additional sleeping or social environments are needed.
When you come to purchase a tent, there are several things to keep at the forefront of your mind. Think carefully here, as mistakes can ruin your holiday. If people don't have room to sleep comfortably, tents are tough to put up, or – worse – if they blow away in mild winds, it could be a holiday disaster.
Size - Firstly, think about size. If you are buying for yourself or as a couple, think small and don't worry too much about interior space. Pick smaller tents with external storage space for footwear, and choose models that are easy to erect. Families have a different set of options. If you are likely to add more campers to your trips in the future, plan ahead with a larger style of tent. Don't economise with a tiny tent when kids are involved. Cramming children into uncomfortable tents is a recipe for trouble. Generally, tents are listed as being “2-man” or “6-man”. This is as straight-forward as it sounds, and refers to the number of “berths” (sleeping spots).
Weight - Weight is another crucial factor. If you need to strap a tent to your backpack, aim for something you can carry. Anything under 4-5 lbs should be manageable (about 2kg). If you are driving to the campsite or the tent is going to be used at home, don't fret about weight too much. Instead, focus on space and stability.
Seasons – It's also essential to ensure that the tent you buy is capable of standing up to the weather it will face. In camping, tents are usually graded by “seasons.” So, a 3-season tent will be able to handle spring, summer, and autumn, but not winter. If you intend to camp out in colder, windier conditions, go for a 4-season tent instead.
Height – Don't underestimate the importance of headroom when picking a tent. Things can be a little misleading here. Generally, merchants will list a maximum headroom. If this is 3 feet 6-inches, that's not actually likely to mean much in terms of navigating the tent's interior. Instead, take 2-3-inches off the maximum height for a more accurate measure.
Weather Protection – Not all tents have optimal rain protection. Generally, tents will be advertised as single or double wall. Single wall tents mean that campers are directly in contact with wet exterior surfaces when it rains. With double walls, this is much less problematic, and there's less chance of any moisture entering through the tent walls.
Additional Extras – Those are the main points, but there are many other things to look for when browsing the hotukdeals camping listings. For instance, how many tie-down points does a tent have? The more places you can tie a tent down, the more resilient it will be against high winds. How many doors does it have? More doors mean more convenient entry and exit. Also, what are the poles made from? Fibreglass is flexible but weaker than aluminium, which in turn is slightly more costly.
All of these things should be part of the tent buying process. It may seem slightly complicated right now, but when you start comparing tents at hotukdeals all will become clear.
Tents are just like ovens or designer trainers: there are some exceptional manufacturers, some mid-range brands that offer strong value, some cheap but decent providers, and some cheap but terrible brands that everyone should avoid. Here are some quick brand-finding tips:
When it comes to family tents, look for models from Skandika and Outwell.
Mid-range superstars include Glasgow-based Vango and Kampa.
Good budget tents are available from Coleman, Mountain Warehouse, Zempire and Highlander.
For smaller tents, Gelert is a good to look at, and Arpenaz is suitable for mountaineers and hikers.
If you want something really up-market, the bell tents from Robens or Luna are ideal.
Those are all dependable brands with plenty of UK fans and excellent media feedback. They aren't the only options, and you'll find numerous camping bargains from brands like Decathlon, Trespass, CampFeuer and AdTrek. They could represent excellent camping deals, but beware. Check customer reviews and cross-reference the features available. Getting caught out can destroy the chances of a relaxing camping escape.
Now that you've chosen your tent, it's time to fill it with accessories that will turn a no-frills camping break into a comfortable, enjoyable chance to recharge your batteries. So what are the essential camping offers UK holidaymakers need to look for?
Camping Chairs – Having the right seating is an underrated but crucial part of the camping experience. Luxury isn't the core consideration here. Go for lightweight fold-up chairs that are easily portable. Check for a maximum load of over 100kg, the right seat height, and a pack weight that won't burden you overly. Padded armrests are a welcome bonus.
Camping Table – The same applies for camping tables. Again, these tables tend to be designed for folding, and feature lightweight, slender designs. Adjustable legs are a definite bonus here, as are designs that lock up into easy-carry cases. Most campers will just need a single dining-style table, but you can pick up round tables, bedside tables – and plenty of other styles.
Camping Fridge – Not everyone will need a camping fridge, but they are definitely desirable. Who doesn't want a fridge full of chilled drinks and snacks, ready to devour after a day at the beach? These fridges tend to come in box-format, and power themselves from standard car batteries. The best can keep contents at conventional fridge temperatures, while others just ensure a “chilled” temperature. They won't be huge – so don't over-buy groceries. Instead, these cool-boxes are designed to be portable. You can take them kayaking, on walks to the coast, or just have them in your tent. Either way, they are more convenient than continually driving to nearby supermarkets or making do with non-refrigerated food.
Camping Bed – As we've discussed, you don't need a camp bed to enjoy camping. Then again, it's almost always more comfortable to sleep on a bed than a sleeping mat. Beds can be either folding or inflatable. Fold-up beds are easier to deploy, and tend to be more comfortable, but they are much bulkier. Inflatable models can be put up with standard compressors that many motorists will possess, and they can be ideal for families to use. Either style is an enhancement on classic camping, but they may feel like “cheating” to some people.
So far, we've focused on tents and accessories, but there's another camping option that could enter the picture: purchasing a camper van or caravans. Camper vans tend to resemble standard vans or people carriers, but feature attachments for awnings and tents to be erected.
This can be absolutely ideal for people who are less physically able, but still want to enjoy the experience of camping. It also suits people who want to move around more during their holidays, making it easy to tour various campsites or move around within individual sites.
When making a purchase, the same rules apply as regards normal vehicles. Beware of suspiciously low prices, check for MOTs, try to see the camper features in action before handing over any money, and pay attention to mileage.
However, don't worry too much if the current awning isn't to your taste. Most of the time, users will have a wide range of camping attachments to choose, and camper vans can be customised to suit different tastes.
Who should buy camper vans? Actually almost anyone with a drivers licence can get a lot of enjoyment from a properly functioning motor home. They will be especially useful for groups of friends or students who intend to travel together, as well as older couples and small families. And don't forget: while you'll have to pay for petrol, camper vans can save money on accommodation – a significant factor for some buyers.
Whether you need a deluxe family tent, a rugged backpacking tent to tackle the Alps, or a new fridge to take to the beach, finding the best camping deals is absolutely essential. Top of the range camping kit is rarely cheap, but you can almost always find the best brands for less.
Before hunting for deals, be clear about what you want. Don't buy tents that are too high-spec or too large for your needs. Choose camping equipment that fits within your budget and suits your travel requirements. Now, dive into the hotukdeals listings to find the best current camping bargains.
At hotukdeals, we bring together every camping sale from every leading UK merchant. If tents, vans, fridges, or furniture is being discounted, you'll find the information in our listings. All of the major camping brands are represented, from Vango and Trespass, to Regatta and Mountain Warehouse. And you'll find discounts from merchants as diverse as John Lewis, Decathlon, Amazon, Black's, Millets, and Gearbest.
Prices will generally be heavily discounted whenever you shop, but some times of year can be particularly good opportunities to snap up discount camping gear. Black Friday in November usually sees outdoor brands slash tent prices, and January is an excellent time to pick up deals, as last season's stock is sold off.
However, even if you've got a camping trip lined up next week, and need a replacement tend, hotukdeals has it covered. Our listings will surely help you find the perfect tent in no time.
Whether you feel the desire to get close to nature in Snowdonia, or you need a comfortable place to crash at Glastonbury, having the right camping equipment really matters. These days, buyers will find a huge array of tents and accessories, with options for families, couples, solo backpackers, wilderness exploration and elderly campers. All of them can find the equipment they need for less at hotukdeals.
