Hot new camping gear for 2014
3618fff4-a3d0-4947-8bb4-c0088bfbe2ff
Fancy a sneak glimpse into the future? Of course you do.
Camping editor Iain Duff has been checking out some of the most exciting new camping and outdoor gear for 2014 and has put together a rundown of the stuff he was most impressed by.
Most of it won't be in the shops until next year, but it's well worth waiting for.
CAMPING GEAR
All you need for a comfortable pillow and a good night’s sleep is two big breaths (no giggling at the back please). The inflatable Aeros provides plenty of luxury and comfort, adding very little weight to your pack.
Sea To Summit
0116 234 4611
[email protected]
www.seatosummit.com
A sleek tabletop, double burner stove featuring Campingaz’s new Xcelerate
technology that should cut boiling time in half in windy conditions – saving time and gas. The two burners and ceramic infrared grill all fold away into its own carry-case.
With a steel structure, strong materials and a wider seat, the Kraken is aimed at the larger camper who doesn’t want to have to squeeze themselves into some flimsy chair. It’s able to cope with up to 180kg (28st) of weight.
US brand Kelty made their name with backpacks and the 28-litre Wing Pack calls on classic designs from the comnpany’s archives to celebrate their 60th anniversary. It’s not a museum piece though - with up-to-date features such as a media/sunglasses pocket, padded shoulder straps and a laptop sleeve.
These lunchbags – which come in a variety of sizes and funky designs – should keep your snacks and drinks cool for up to 10 hours. The walls of the packs are lined with freezable gel so there’s no need for extra ice packs.
PackIt
0116 234 4611
[email protected]
www.packitcool.com
The TrailLogic collection includes a backpack, a sleeping bag, a tent, and a sleeping mat, with each component designed to work together or independently. The 50-litre PK 50 is a zipperless backpack available in men’s and women’s versions. The flip-open design ensures quick, easy access to the individual storage compartments.
Coleman’s boffins have worked out that increasing the insulation in the base and lid of a cooler and reducing the insulation in the sides, retains performance and internal capacity while cutting the external volume by more than a fifth. This means more space in your car and tent but the same amount of storage room for your wine, beer and grub.
The BioLite was the first stove capable of charging your electronic device while you cooked your tea. Now they’ve developed the range with the new KettlePot, which works with the original camp stove. The KettlePot combines a large cooking capacity with a pouring top.
The Jetboil cooking system is already massively popular with campers and backpackers – and the Joule offers the same benefits of rapid boil times and convenience as the original but with a larger pot for group cooking.
Jetboil
0116 234 4611
[email protected]
www.jetboil.com
STERIPEN ULTRA
For those moments when you’re out in the wilds with no source of water other than a murky looking stream. The Ultra uses UV technology to make it safe to drink, with an easy to use display that ‘smiles’ when the water is purified.
Gadgets are great, especially handy little tools like these. The Zip comes in four different models – the Hex, Driver, Light and Blade – and they’re ideal for including in your camping kit to carry out all those fiddly little jobs you need to do when you’re away from home.
CLOTHES
The new Compresslite is a lightweight insulated, windproof jacket that packs away into its own stuff sack. Features include two zipped pockets and elasticated cuffs and hood. It comes in black, red, dark blue wave and bright green.
A fleece you can wear around the campsite no matter the weather. Available in three classic designs – zipped jacket, pullover hoodie and zipped hoodie – the Climescape uses nanotechnology to make the top water repellent, so no need for a jacket.
Climescape
+44 (0) 7714 326550
[email protected]
www.climescape.com
KEELA SHERPA JACKET
The Sherpa can be worn as a stand-alone outer jacket or as a mid-layer teamed with an outer shell in colder conditions. And when the weather is warmer you can whip off the sleeves to turn it into a gilet. Filled with compressible PrimaLoft insulation, the jacket can be packed down and stored in rucksacks when not needed.
Keela
01592 777000
[email protected]
www.keela.co.uk
KIDS
If your youngsters fancy following in the footsteps of Chief Scout Bear Grylls, they’ll love this jacket that ‘bears’ his name. It features the same sort of waterproof technology that is included in adult jackets plus a hood, two zipped pockets, waterproof centre zip and Velcro cuff adjusters.
VANGO JUNIOR WILDERNESS PENGUIN KIDS’ SLEEPING BAG
P-p-p-pick up a penguin for bedtime. After the success of their cow-print design kids’ bag, Vango have left the farm and gone to the zoo for inspiration. This is a good quality mummy shaped bag with soft touch fabrics and extras, including an internal pocket and zip guards to prevent snagging.
The Scandinavian-inspired designs from Kozi Kidz are always great to look at without compromising on performance, and the Gotland jackets are no different. Made from a soft but durable material both the unisex and girls’ versions are packed with features to ensure they’re comfortable to wear and keep the elements out.
Kozi Kidz
+44 (0)1302746680
[email protected]
www.kozikidz.com
TENTS
Can be pitched in a minute using Coleman’s Instant Tent System. The flysheet is attached to the spider-like frame – simply click the poles into place in seconds. And it’s just as easy to pack away.
In America, Kelty were pioneers of inflatable tents and now they’re bringing their Airpitch tents to the UK market for the first time. A family tent that can be inflated in less than a minute with plenty of living, sleeping and storage space.
VANGO EDEN 600 XL
Vango reckon this new AirBeam inflatable tent is the most luxurious out there, and while there will be some who would argue that point, there’s no question that this takes camping up a notch or two. With polycotton fabric and a large living area that leads out to a huge sun canopy, this is true 5-star camping.
What kit are you most looking forward to getting your hands on in 2014? Follow us on Twitter, talk to us on Facebook, or use our forum to share your thoughts!
Recent Updates
Our family camping checklist: everything you need to pack
Sure, you’ve packed the tent and the sleeping bags – but what about slip-on shoes and glow sticks? These are the family camping essentials that you ...
Our guide to planning the perfect camping road trip
Roll down the window, pop on those shades and crank up the volume – it’s time for a road trip. Get ready for ...
Camping in Europe: our 12 top tips
If you’ve not camped in Europe before, there’s a few tips and tricks you’ll need to avoid some continental ...
Solar power for camping: all you need to know
Staying connected in the great outdoors is easier than ever with a solar charger – or is it? How reliable are ...
Wild camping kit list: everything you need for your next adventure
Make sure you’re ready for anything with this list of lightweight camping gear and clothing, including ...
Camping furniture: all you need to know to make your tent a cosy haven
We delve into the essentials of camping chairs, camping tables, and kitchen and bedroom furniture, ensuring ...
Camping lights for tents: What you need to know
We will guide you through all the lighting options available for you and your tent, including interior ...
Camping kitchen: all you need to know
In the great outdoors, a well-equipped camping kitchen transforms mealtime into a delightful adventure ...
How to pack away your camping gear for winter
A complete guide to packing and storing your gear at the end of the season ...
Camping guide to trailers
Trailer stash or trailer trash? Being able to carry lots of other gear when you go camping isn’t such a bad ...
Other Articles
Winter camping: all you need to know to keep warm
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of the camping season. With good preparation and the right gear, there’s no reason why you can’t camp all year ...
Camping toilets: a complete guide
If you are wild camping, camping off-grid or the campsite you book onto doesn’t have toilet facilities, you ...
Top tips for camping in windy weather
How to make sure your tent stands up to gusty conditions ...
Camping tents: a complete guide
If you're considering buying a camping tent, whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned camper, making ...
Camping sleeping bags and beds: a complete guide
When it comes to camping, there's one essential item that can make or break your outdoor adventure: the ...
Camping gas: how to use gas on the campsite
A complete guide to using camping gas appliances safely on the campsite, from choosing the right stove to ...
Camping storage: a complete guide
Having problems knowing where to put all your gear when you're camping? Read our top tips and see some great ...
Camping electric hook-up: a complete guide
This is everything you need to know about using electricity on a campsite, including how to hook up ...
How to pack all your camping gear into your car
Planning a family camping holiday? Find out the best way to fit all the kit you need into your car boot, roof ...
Camping stoves and cookers: the complete guide
Camping stoves are an essential part of any outdoor adventure, allowing you to prepare meals and hot drinks ...