My husband camps, my kids camp (they are all part of the scouting movement) but I just haven't got round to it yet. I've let the excuse of not having the right equipment for all of us stop me from going but Outdoor World Direct have been doing a good job of kitting some of us out so that my excuse is being blown out of the water!
A group of friends are going camping together in August quite local to home and I am tempted to take the kids along and give it a go. How bad can it be? Especially when I'll have the most luxurious sleeping bag ever. Take a look at the Camper Lux from Outwell, I had no idea it would be so gorgeous when I ordered it from Outdoor World Direct. I was just after some sleeping bags and roll mats for the girls to take to their first official Cub camp in July and picked this as my husband said it was important to get a 3-4 season bag so it can be used in all weathers.
It is really large (235 x 90cm), the top hood bit is padded like a pillow and there is none of this shiny sleeping bag material to contend with, it is a poly/cotton outer and super soft 100% cotton flannel inner. It is £59.99 on Outdoor World Direct currently and I think that is a very reasonable price.
Look at my girls below, they look pretty chuffed with their new camping gear that they received, don't they? I asked Outdoor World Direct to send us two different sleeping bags and two different self-inflating mats. I'll write about all the equipment we've received over the next few months as the kids use it for real camping outside, as JJ is off to water camp in May and I'll send him with some of this kit and then he goes again in early July and the girls and dh go later in July. Then of course I might get brave in August - we'll see...
For now, the girls have been trying out their sleeping bags and mats in our front courtyard and overnight in Miss E's bedroom (do excuse the mess). They had a wonderful time and have asked to sleep on the floor each weekend for the foreseeable future. The initial verdict is that the green self-inflating comfort mat from Coleman is the bee's knees. At 7.5cm thick when inflated it provides a good base and is very comfy. It is also really generous in size at 198 x 63cm but it is a little heavier than some though at 2.4kg.
Wish me luck with all the mock camping that seems to be on the cards for the next few months and I'll report back again when we have used the equipment more.
Disclosure: We have received 2 sleeping bags and 2 self-inflating mats for review. I have not been instructed what to write and I remain honest.
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