Caravanning Essentials: April 2017 Gear Review

Caravan's team review the latest and greatest leisure gear which makes caravanning more fun and comfortable!

Snugpak Torrent

Laugh in the face of a storm with this insulated and waterproof jacket. The Torrent will keep you warm and dry, whatever the elements throw at you. The taped seams and zips are both waterproof to keep out any downpour, while the Softie® insulation will keep you snug when the mercury tumbles.

There are a detachable hood, deep hand pockets and a useful hidden chest pocket on the inside of the jacket. Zips under the arms let you spill heat and let air flow through the jacket, which can be very handy when you're walking uphill.

RRP £149.95 - Available on Amazon and eBay

W snugpak.com

Snooper Ventura Portable Power PB60

Keeping your gadgets charged is a modern day challenge, especially when you are out and about. Finding the nearest power socket to charge up your smartphone can be a daily problem if you don't have portable power. Even then, most portable power packs are only good for one charge, and then it's useless.

That's why the Ventura Portable Power PB60 is so good. It has a monster amount of power in the pack (10,400 Ah), which means you can charge your phone 3 or 4 times, or a tablet PC once.

Having that amount of power is perfect if you are in your caravan and off grid or if you are out for the day and use your phone a lot for navigating or taking photos.

We've had one for the last two months, and it's the best power pack we've used so far.

RRP £39.99 - Available on Amazon

W gb.snooper.eu

Mountain Warehouse Merlin 23l

Whether you're out for the day sightseeing or going for a country walk, a decent backpack is vital to carry your clobber. The Merlin 23L has ample space for everything you'd need for a day in town or on the hills.

Two side pockets swallow water bottles, the zipped back pocket is useful for keys, wallet and phone, and the large internal compartment will take a picnic and spare clothing in case the weather changes. The Airmesh padded back is comfortable to carry and will help to avoid your back getting sweaty.

RRP £19.99 Available on Amazon for and eBay

W mountainwarehouse.com

Littlelife SnugglePod

As cute as cherry pie and practical, too, this comfortable portable bed is ideal for your little ones whether they're on a caravan bunk or a sleepover.

Underneath is an inflatable airbed to create a stable, supportive mattress, while the brushed cotton, detachable sleeping bag will keep even the lightest sleepers warm and comfortable through the night. It's available in penguin, owl and crocodile designs.

RRP £49.99 Available on Amazon from £42.50 + delivery and eBay

W littlelife.com

Coleman Kickback Chair

Chill out on site with a book, your iPod or a glass of your favourite tipple from the comfort of this sturdy fold-up chair. The Kickback has a powder-coated steel frame, a sturdy polyester fabric and a meshed back for ventilation – a very handy feature when the sun shines.

It comes with a convenient carry bag so you can whisk it to neighbouring caravans, along to a festival or down to the beach. It’s available in blue, lime and orange.

RRP £32.99 Available on Amazon from £17.65 + delivery and eBay from £23.99

W coleman.eu/uk

Vax Blade Cordless Cleaner

Keep your caravan and awning groundsheet clean with this cordless vacuum cleaner. It's as powerful as a plug-in vacuum cleaner, but its slimline design means it occupies less space so you can tuck it away in the van, while the absence of a power cable makes it easier to use.

A single charge of the 32V lithium battery should be good for 45 minutes of cleaning, which should be enough to last most touring trips away. You don’t want to overdo it, now!

RRP from £299.99 Available on Amazon and Argos

W vax.co.uk

Outwell Colosseum Double

Snuggle up for a toasty night’s sleep in this double sleeping bag. It measures 200 x 150 cm, which is bigger than most caravan beds and is designed for use from late spring through to early autumn (temperatures of nine to 13 degrees).

It's easy to roll out and a lot more convenient than packing sheets, duvet and duvet cover.

RRP £99.99 Available on Amazon and other stockists

W outwell.com

WIN IN 2017

Caravan Lottery

Enter once to be in with a chance of winning all the prizes in Kit & Caboodle each month. To register, go online to caravan.ma/CaravanLottery and pop in your details. If you wish, you can also sign up for our useful and informative Caravan e-newsletter.

Each month we publish the winner in Caravan and online. If it’s you, call us on 01778 392450 or email [email protected] to claim your prizes.

Last month’s (March 2017) Caravan Lottery winner is Mr Peter Thrumble, Wimborne, Dorset.

(Claim your prize by 30 May 2017)