Retro camping: This is how we camped in the 1970s!

Meanwhile families holidayed in frame tents – big, bulky and heavy and difficult to transport and pitch.

Then there was a third option – these early inflatable tents from PTC

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An artist's impression of 70s family camping. With bell-bottoms so wide you could camp in them.

 

 

 

 

Style never goes out of fashion...

...but thankfully, looking like a serial killer does.

   

 

It’s tempting to think back to the 70s as a time when camping was much simpler and cheaper than it is today, but that’s not really the case.

A six-berth ‘Family Luxe’ frame tent by Black’s of Greenock would have set you back £195  - which doesn’t sound too bad until you consider that would equate to around £1,600 in today’s money.   

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            These days it’s rare to visit a campsite in Britain without seeing a Volkswagen campervan at some point.

They are retro design classics of course, but back in 1975 the VW Caravette was the height of modernity.

 

And finally, a few more 70s ads and features.