Innholdsfortegnelse for March/April 2025 i Camping

WINNER COLEMAN FASTPITCH FOREST LODGE 4 OUR VERDICT: The beauty of camping is that it’s so easy to pack the car and head off for a weekend away whenever you fancy, whether you’re a family, couple or a solo traveller. But when you reach your destination, you don’t want to spend hours putting up a huge family tent when time is at a premium on shorter breaks. Likewise, on a touring trip, where you move from campsite to campsite every day or every couple of days, it makes sense to travel lighter than you would normally. No one wants to spend loads of time pitching a tent, setting up camp and generally getting organised, only to then have to take it all apart in the morning, move on to a new…

WINNER TENTBOX GO OUR VERDICT: Take a look around any campsite or festival and it’s impossible to ignore the number of cars fitted with rooftop tents. Once the sole domain of off-road types, these days you’re just as likely to see a roof tent on top of a family car as a 4x4. A roof tent opens up a whole new world of adventure and their popularity is booming among couples and families. And if any company can take credit for the surge in popularity of roof tents over the last few years, it’s TentBox. With its affordable and easy-to-use products, the company has helped popularise roof tents in recent years – the logo is now a familiar sight atop cars on motorways across the UK and Europe. The Hampshire-based…

WINNER OPUS T46 SMART TENT OUR VERDICT: Believe it or not there are some people who claim it’s not possible for a tent to be cool. Well, those people haven’t seen the Opus T46 Smart Tent. Frankly, ‘cool’ is the only word for it. Way back when we started camping, if someone told you that in the future you’d be able to buy a tent that pitches itself in seconds, simply by pushing a button, you’d probably have thought they’d lost the plot. If they went on to say you’d also be able to power electric lights and your phone by plugging them into the tent wall, you would have been calling up the men in white coats. But the future is here and it is the Opus Smart Tent. Opus…

WINNER CAMP-LET EARTH OUR VERDICT: For some campers, there comes a moment when it’s time to move on from traditional tents and switch to a more comfortable and possibly less taxing alternative. There are plenty of options out there, but some have significant drawbacks – with roof tents it’s that they are awkward to access and don’t have much living space, caravans are tricky to tow and campervans can be very expensive. A trailer tent is a great compromise – a step up in comfort from the fairly rudimentary accommodation of a tent but at a price that is not as scary as some of the figures currently being bandied around for leisure vehicles. Camp-let’s Earth launched last year, and was designed to provide maximum flexibility. The idea is that…

WINNER COLEMAN PRO 55QT WHEELED COOLER OUR VERDICT: After years of being a camping and outdoor staple, in the Instagram and TikTok age, coolboxes have unexpectedly become one of the most sought-after pieces of camping equipment. Brands like Yeti have made coolers, well, cool. In response, the likes of Coleman have hit back with their own alternatives to the social media influencers’ favourite. Coleman’s new top-of-the-range PRO coolers have the same rugged good looks but enjoy the performance benefits derived from the brand’s decades of experience in the market. And best of all, they are much less expensive that the Yetis of this world. The largest option in the range is the PRO 55QT Wheeled Cooler – a 52-litre, heavy-duty passive coolbox with large, rugged wheels and a telescopic handle that…

WINNER NEMO DOUBLE HAUL OUR VERDICT: There are loads of duffel bags out there for campers but the Double Haul from US camping brand, Nemo, is our top pick for 2025. It rises above the rest largely thanks to its versatility – as well as functioning as a traditional duffel with the top closed and clipped down, it also operates as a giant tote bag that allows you to haul your camping gear between your car and tent. The thinking behind the Double Haul is that we use our equipment in different ways to meet the requirements of whatever adventure we’re embarking on. Sometimes you’ll need a bag that operates like a backpack, other times you’ll want to buckle it up and fold it down as small as possible so…

WINNER OUTWELL POWERTEC POLE SYSTEM OUR VERDICT: We wanted to write something witty here about putting square pegs into round holes, but sadly our judging team isn’t quite clever enough for that. However, we do recognise a good camping idea when we see one, and this new innovation from Outwell fits into that bracket. With the new PowerTec pole system, Outwell has put lot of research time (and, presumably, budget) into developing and improving poled tents. And that’s good to see. The PowerTec system features square segments which, according to Outwell, provide up to 40% more strength, rigidity and wind resistance than its standard, round poles. The pole tips also have plastic, glow in the dark tips, to make them more visible at night and avoid a trip hazard. Despite the…

WINNER VANGO MANTIS PLANET OUR VERDICT: The new Vango Mantis Planet is a lightweight sleeping bag designed for backpacking in warmer temperatures either at home or abroad. Made from ripstop nylon, the bag weighs under 1kg and the pack can be compressed small to easily fit in your rucksack. The Mantis Planet is fitted with mosquito nets at the head and foot, to keep midges, mosquitos and other biting bugs away, without reducing your comfort levels after a day on the hills. Vango’s ThermX tech features aluminised fabric layers placed around specific areas in the bag to reflect body heat, with the aim of increasing overall warmth and heat retention where you need it. The full wrap around zip allows you to convert the bag into a large quilt for more…

WINNER BERGHAUS REMOTE HIKE 23 OUR VERDICT: The new Berghaus Freeflow system was launched last year and hailed as “an evolution in frame design” – winning the Best Rucksack category in the 2024 Camping Awards. It combined the benefits of the two main backpack back systems in one pack – providing a consistent air gap of two to four centimetres along the entire length of the back, but keeping the load close to the body for stability. The latest incarnation of the Freeflow tech is in the new Remote Hike 23, designed specifically for lighter loads and at a lower price, and it has again impressed our judges. The construction has been refined to reduce weight, without losing the high levels of breathability. It’s not just about Freeflow, though; the…

WINNER KELLING HEATH HOLIDAY PARK OUR VERDICT: Being a nation that loves the outdoors, we can see why this campsite has earned itself the title of Campsite of the Year! Kelling Heath Holiday Park sits among a stunning environment of 300 acres of woodland and heathland in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are walking and cycling trails galore, offering the chance to spot a diverse range of wildlife and many species of birds. Away from the natural delights on offer there’s also plenty within the site’s central Village Square to keep all ages occupied. Choose from a health and fitness club with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, fishing, play areas, and children’s entertainment in peak weeks. Practicalities are taken care of in the form of…

THE JUDGES' VERDICT “Sometimes it’s difficult – and a little unfair – to compare tents of different styles, sizes designs and prices. But our overall winner this year was a standout – combining design innovation and sheer quality. Outwell’s Virginia 5 Air TC is perhaps not for the camping newbies, not least due to the eye-watering price tag, but this is a tent to aspire to. Camping devotees will love everything about it – the materials, the shape and the layout. A tent alone does not assure you a great camping holiday, but the Virginia will give you as close to a guaranteed good time as you’re ever going to get.”…

WINNER OUTWELL VIRGINIA 5 AIR TC OUR VERDICT: In the current economic climate, you might think choosing a £2,000 polycotton model as the best small family tent of the year is madness. And it sort of is, but bear with us, because there’s method to our madness. This could well be the last tent you every buy (and we mean that in a good way). Obviously, the Outwell Virginia 5 Air TC is not likely to be the choice of tent for a first-time camper. Most people won’t want to invest that amount of money before they know for certain that camping is for them. And if you only take one camping trip a year, you might not feel you’re getting your money’s worth. However, if you love camping as much…

WINNER EASY CAMP SKARVAN 6 OUR VERDICT: Easy camp has always been a brand with an emphasis on value for money, but for 2025 it has been relaunched with a new logo, more earthy colours and new Nordic outdoor names, designed to reflect its Scandinavian heritage. While the Danish brand has shifted its focus towards more serious outdoor adventures and away from cheap and cheerful family camping, affordability and user experience is still a key part of its offering. The new Skarvan 6 is a great example of what it does best, combining technical knowhow, family-friendly features and a reasonable price point. Coming from the same stable as family camping experts, Outwell, and adventure specialists, Robens, that comes as no surprise whatsoever. The Skarvan is a spacious and practical, sixberth,…

WINNER COLEMAN FASTPITCH SWAGGER 3 OUR VERDICT: Whether it’s a teenager going to their first riotous Leeds Festival, a couple making a chilled-out visit to Latitude or a family enjoying a fun-filled Wychwood, when it comes to choosing a tent, they will all want the same thing. Top of the wish list for all festivalgoers is a tent that is easy and quick to pitch – and pack away. After a long drive from home followed by a yomp to the camping area, laden down with a weekend’s worth of gear and beer, nobody wants to have to then spend hours setting up their weekend home away from home. The new FastPitch Swagger 3 from Coleman has a brand-new pitching system which lets you set up your tent in two…

WINNER OLPRO OUR VERDICT: You might not expect a company that has existed for under 15 years to be voted the nation’s favourite tent brand. But despite being a relative newcomer, Olpro has built up a strong and loyal customer base. So, when we asked our readers and online followers to vote for their favourite tent brand, it should have come as no surprise that the Worcestershire-based company came out ahead of many more established names. What makes it all the more impressive, is that Olpro has chosen to go down a different route to most companies – for many years the brand’s tents and camping equipment were only available from its website rather than traditional retailers and it developed a strong online community through social media. Olpro was established…

WINNER ZEMPIRE KITPAC PRO LARGE OUR VERDICT: Zempire’s versatile new Kitpac Pro Large camping table is perfect for your tent table needs, whether it’s for family meals or evening games of Dobble. You can adjust the legs to different heights with the flick of a lever and the angled legs improve stability. The four-panel slatted design means it easily folds down small for packing but also allows you to drop the side panels to change the tabletop size to suit your needs and the space you have in the tent. The natural bamboo top is food-safe and heat resistant, and the finishing touch is the built-in bottle opener.…

WINNER OUTWELL HORNSEA OUR VERDICT: Several years ago, Outwell launched the Kitchen Storer – one of the most popular and sought-after camping products of recent times. It was a simple concept – a rugged, fabric bag, with numerous pockets and dividers, designed to carry and store kitchen gear. But it struck a chord with campers and when it was discontinued after a short period of time, it gained almost mythical status among Outwell aficionados. It made a triumphant return as the Margate a couple of years ago, and then promptly disappeared again. Now it’s back! Back!! Back!!! The new Hornsea – that’s the name in its latest incarnation – has four fabric and three mesh pockets on the outside and a large top zip opening that gives you access to…

WINNER CRAGHOPPERS MEN’S NATIONAL TRUST HAMPS JACKET OUR VERDICT: As campers, many of us spend a good amount of our time visiting the National Trust’s beautiful properties and landscapes. So, it’s great to see a brand like Craghoppers team up with the organisation to help it with essential restoration projects it is carrying out across the UK. The Hamps jacket is part of the Craghoppers x National Trust collection and 10% from every sale goes directly to the National Trust to help with its work. So, based on that fact alone this is a waterproof jacket that would be worth your consideration. But this is not just a charity case – it’s an excellent jacket in its own right, deliberately designed to look as smart on a walk around a stately…

WINNER SILVA SMINI OUR VERDICT: How did Silva’s lightest headlamp get its name? Because it’s Smini… Sorry, sometimes the compulsion for a dad joke is just too great. The Smini does very much live up to its name, though, weighing just 38.5g (Smini Fly) and small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. And it proves that great things really do come in small packages, with its 250 lumens this is the perfect companion to your lightweight camping trips – and the functional design will also appeal to runners and adventurers. HIGHLY COMMENDED LEDLENSER HF8R CORE OUR VERDICT: The HF8R Core from German LED torch specialist, Ledlenser, is packed with innovative technology, including the unique adaptive beam system, which uses sensors to assess the conditions and adapt the beam…

WINNER VANGO SAVANNAH 600XL OUR VERDICT: Inflatable tents have dominated the family tent market over the last decade – but there are signs that traditional poles are making something of a comeback. This is the first year since 2018 that a pole tent has come out on top in the family tent category. The key here is simplicity and quality and the Vango Savannah 600XL has both in spades – and at under £600, it’s excellent value for money for a family, without compromising on features or materials. It’s lighter and has a smaller pack size than the otherwise identical AirBeam version, and comes in at a third cheaper. The question is, does the convenience of inflatable merit paying £300 more? And we’d have to say, in this case, no…

WINNER OLPRO WICHENFORD 8.0 OUR VERDICT: Worcestershire-based Olpro was founded by outdoor industry veteran, Daniel Walton, and his wife, Lisa, in 2011. For much of the last 14 years the firm has gone under the radar, gradually building a loyal customer base on social media and through word of mouth and largely selling direct to customers. The firm specialises in good quality, but affordable, camping equipment and the Wichenford 8.0 is a great example of what it does best. This huge, eight-berth vis-à-vis is aimed squarely at the family market, offering vast amounts of space, comfort and practicality. At less than £500, you get a huge amount of tent for your money. It features three separate bedroom sections (one four-berth and two doubles) which are located at opposite ends of…

WINNER OUTDOOR REVOLUTION BELL STAR 400 OUR VERDICT: Glamping seems to be a dirty word in certain circles, but we really don’t understand why. Basically, it boils down to making it a little more enjoyable for some people to sleep under canvas. And if that encourages more people to enjoy the great outdoors, then we’re all in favour. It’s definitely not something to get angry about. Of course, like all types of camping, there are bad glamping tents and good glamping tents, but the new Bell Star 400 from Outdoor Revolution definitely falls into the latter category. In fact, it’s just a really good tent full stop – but if you enjoy a bit of glamour in your camping life, then this could be for you. The Bell Star 400…

WINNER WILD COUNTRY HALNY ELITE 2 OUR VERDICT: Wild Country tents come from the same stable as the record-breaking technical brand, Terra Nova. So, it’s no surprise that the Halny Elite 2 was inspired by Terra Nova’s iconic Laser range of superlightweight shelters. Derbyshire-based Terra Nova Equipment has a long heritage and has been producing some of the world’s best outdoor gear for over 20 years. While the Terra Nova brand’s ultra-light tents are beloved by those at the more extreme end of the adventuring community – the sort of person who chops the handles off their toothbrush to save a gramme or two – Wild Country focuses more on practicality and usefulness than simply reducing weight. That said, the two-person Halny Elite 2 weighs 1.59kg and packs down to…

Every year the Camping team spends hours testing trailer-loads of camping gear. And we know how lucky we are. It is a pleasure to be able to spend your working day putting the latest camping gear to the test. Of course, we don’t do all this testing simply because we enjoy it (although obviously that helps). The whole point of assessing the new gear is so we can tell you the pros and cons of what’s out there. When money is as tight as it is now, you need to know that the gear you’re spending your money on is worth the outlay. You’ve seen our favourite tents of 2025, now over the next few pages we will pay tribute to the new accessories for family and lightweight camping that…

WINNER CAMPINGAZ CAMPING KITCHEN 2 MULTI-COOK PLUS OUR VERDICT: With decades of knowledge and experience, Campingaz is the undisputed champion of campsite cooking for families, and this new free-standing, double-burner camping stove is the latest in a string of excellent stoves. This Plus version of the Camping Kitchen 2 Multi-Cook stove has all the great features of the original, but instead of sitting on a table or a kitchen unit, it comes with its own legs so you can set it up it anywhere you like. The stove combines hob cooking and grilling in one, with three independent burners, including one with a grill plate, allowing you to individually control the heat. It lets you simultaneously boil, fry and grill – so, no need to keep parts of your meal warm…

WINNER VANGO COMET LIGHT OUR VERDICT: When it comes to camping gear, we always love a product that is versatile and has multiple uses. And that’s why the new Vango Comet Light leapt out at us as soon as we set eyes on it. It is a three-in-one, rechargeable lamp that works as a torch, a table lantern or a standard lamp. With its telescopic stand and sturdy tripod base, at first glance, the Comet looks a little like a camera tripod, and it works in much the same way. At its lowest setting, it works as a lantern, the stable tripod feet making it ideal to sit on the ground or a table. Alternatively, you can extend the height to up to 110cm to create a corner lamp, with a…

WINNER OBOZ COTTONWOOD LOW OUR VERDICT: If you love the great outdoors – and, as a camper, chances are you do – then you’ll want to use products that perform well but are also kind to the environment. The Cottonwood from US company, Oboz, is a really comfortable hiking shoe but what makes it stand out is its impressive eco credentials. It is rooted in environmentally conscious design, with numerous recycled and recyclale elements, from the soles to the laces. The sole is a bio-based EVA made of 30% sugarcane, paired with a slip-resistant outsole. The laces and trim use recycled PTFE and the B-DRY mesh lining adds increased waterproofness and breathability, is 100% recyclable and made from 25% post industrial waste. The waterproof upper has a full grain nubuck…

WINNER EASY CAMP WILLOW COMPACT CHAIR OUR VERDICT: What can you buy these days for £23? A round of drinks in a London pub? Lunch for four at McDonald’s? A bucket of popcorn at your local multiplex? You’ll be lucky. But what you can get for £23 is the new Willow Compact camping chair from Danish brand, easy camp. And for a chair of this quality, that represents incredible value for money. Although it comes with a small price tag, this is a far cry from those flimsy folding chairs you can pick up at motorway service stations. It weighs just 1.5kg and packs small into its carry bag, so it’s perfect for taking with you on backpacking or cycling trips, but just as handy for taking to the beach…

YETI RAMBLER If you watch a lot of TikTok or Instagram camping videos, you’ll no doubt be well aware of the Yeti brand. Its insulated coolboxes are hugely popular among so-called influencers and are undeniably, well, cool. Yeti’s range features all sorts of products, including the Rambler camp mugs and tumblers, which come in a variety of sizes, including this 14oz (414 litres) behemoth. Not only does it have the capacity to hold enough coffee to keep a small army going, but the double-wall, vacuum-insulated body will keep it hot for ages. Because it’s so big you can use it as a bowl and it will keep your breakfast porridge, or lunchtime chilli, nice and hot (or your ice cream cold!). The rather significant downside is the price… at a…