Camping guide to ... accessories - part 2

WHEN planning your next camping trip it’s worth considering what accessories you can take with you to make your trip away go that much easier.

So if you want something comfortable to sit on or what use the humble garden bucket can become on a holiday then read on…

• Think about the whole family and have some fun with seating. Kid-sized chairs do not have to be mini-versions of adults’ chairs. It is a shame that there are not more adult-sized fun chairs.
• Who says that it is a gross indulgence? If you thought this was just an optional accessory, then you have not sprawled out on an inflatable sofa.
• An accessory to many, a safe electrical hook-up extends your camping options considerably. While certainly not essential, it is definitely useful. It will provide power to lights, fridges, heaters...
• It is not a good idea to leave rubbish on your pitch – a small collapsible waste bin takes up little room and is useful if you empty it every evening.
• Airtight storage containers help to keep food fresh and defeat the best efforts of mice and birds.
• A flexible plastic garden bucket is a versatile piece of camping gear. Useful for carrying gear, washing boots and as a shopping basket as well.
• Tough car mats by the tent doorway help keep the tent interior clean.
• Crocs ‘shoes’ have proved to be versatile camp footwear. Great for the showers and to wear all day at play.
• Board games often stay in their boxes on a fun camping holiday, but they are useful to keep handy for a rainy day.
• Do not hang washing to dry on your tent or chairs. A simple drying rack takes up little space and does the job far better.
• A ground spike for a beach umbrella gives extra height, stability and can be moved easily without fuss to the most convenient place for shelter.
• A simple beach umbrella gives shade for reading and cooking; waterproof it and you have an enormous umbrella.
• Spring and autumn camping mornings are likely to feel rather chilly but an electric fan heater will soon warm up any tent – assuming you have mains hook-up.
• On site, a solar shower hung from your car offers a handy source of warm water for grubby hands and feet without having to trek to the shower block. Convenient warm water is particularly useful when preparing food.
• A solar power charger will keep the laptop, mobile, MP3 player working without mains electric supply.
• Get a big red bucket and paint FIRE on it. Fill with water as soon as you pitch up on site. Not only do you have a supply of water to fight small fires, but your dog and wildlife have somewhere to drink.
• Cheap and simple, non-slip matting can be cut to size and has loads of uses.

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