HERE AT Camping we’re always looking out for new innovations that make life easier and more comfortable for you, the camper. Sometimes these ideas work and sometimes they don’t but we’d always give full marks for creative thinking.

The Smartent is a perfect example of the sort of originality that deserves praise. Billed as the world’s first ‘off-the-ground’ tent, its inventors say they came up with the idea after one too many nights sleeping on hard ground at music festivals.

The tent essentially looks like a camp bed with a cover and can be pitched in just a few seconds. As well as providing comfortable sleeping for one (or more cosy accommodation for two), the bed forms the basic structure for the tent. You don’t even need to worry about guy ropes or trying to hammer pegs into rock hard ground. The legs of the bed sit on the floor while the rest of the tent is off the ground.

The hydrostatic head rating – in other words how waterproof it is – is 1,500mm which means it should be plenty to keep the rain out on a typical British summer’s day. Aimed at all campers, from newbies to seasoned pros, it’s said to be simple and quick to pitch, even in the dark, particularly as there are no poles or groundsheet required.

• The tent will be available from Smartent’s website or from outdoor retailers for £179.99
Visit smartent.com for more information or call 01323 879028 or 07826 256011.

*** SMARTENT NOW AVAILABLE FOR £129.99! BUY NOW FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY ***