Beige cars and brown tents – how did we do camping in the 80s?

The eighties was the era of brown cars, giant mobile phones and big shoulder pads. But it wasn’t all bad news.

Camping was as popular as ever and was starting to become even more accessible for families.

While specialist outdoor shops were still the main source for camping equipment, high street stores like Argos were starting to get in on the act with lower cost kit.

We've scoured our archives to remind you of the gear and clothes from the decade that style forgot.

# 1980s camping gear

A brown Hawa Challenger II four-berth ridge tent, like the one on the right, would cost you £57.99 at Argos.

A small camping table (2) cost £7.99, the Hago Genyk kitchen unit (7) below, was £18.99 while a Hago double-burner stove would set you back a whopping £31.99.

Camping accessories were generally becoming more user-friendly in the 80s, although many of the “lightweight” rucksacks on the market were more akin to small refrigerators than today’s compact bags.

And what on earth was going on with some of those models? Burgundy jumbo cords, diamond-pattern sweaters and brown Gibson shoes are definitely more Berni Inn than Wasdale Head Inn…

Bob Saunders is a legendary name in British camping thanks to his innovations in developing lightweight tents. In 1985 he launched one of his most famous models, the futuristic Space Packer.

Sadly, Bob passed away in 2012 aged 82 and the Saunders tent brand has passed into history.

# 1980s camping food

More brown stuff... they really did like that colour back in the day.

# 1980s camping fashion

Now, it’s very easy to look back 30 years and scoff at the fashions of the day. So let’s do that.

We’re not sure who looks worse: the 80s heavy metal dudes with their skintight stonewash jeans and sleeveless t-shirts or the poor family decked out in matching cagoules.

Oh, and lawks a mussy... who is that dashing chap striking a pose?

Why, it's none other than Camping magazine's very own backpacking guru, Clive Tully, living his best life, in more hirsute times.

Those shades! That belt!! Those skinny fit jeans!!! He's looking good and feeling great!

# Camping magazine in the 1980s

And finally, a round-up from the pages of Camping magazine in July 1981...