20 essentials for camping with kids

Perfect for mini adventurers, this child-size hiking backpack is lightweight (230g) with a foam back and S-shaped shoulder straps designed especially for kids. It’s got a 10-litre capacity, which should be more than enough for snacks, toys and gadgets, plus there are two zipped pockets and a bottle holder. It’s available in navy blue/lime yellow or navy blue/fuchsia.

Price: £10.99

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Giant Pass the Pandas

We’re not entirely sure on the rules of this game but is it fun for the whole family? Yes, it is! Pass the Pandas is a brand-new inflatable dice game with the winner being the first to reach 100 points – throw the giant inflatable pandas around and get different scores depending on how they land. As these (rather adorable) pandas completely deflate, it’s a great game to chuck in the car or campervan, perfect for the campsite, pool or beach. Plus, the game comes with a handy repair kit, too. Prefer pugs or pigs to pandas? You’ll be pleased to know there are versions where you can throw those around, too!

Price: £19.99

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Mini First Aid kits

If you’re travelling with little ones, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll need a first aid kit at some point, from grazed knees to splinters and frequent temperature scares – there’s never a dull moment with kids! That’s why it’s essential to have a first aid kit with you at all times, and these ones from Mini First Aid – a brand that delivers award-winning first aid classes throughout the UK – are a great option. Designed by the brand’s family first aid experts, there are two versions – the Mini (£13.99) and Large (£26.99) – and both contain everything you might need to tackle common accidents and ailments, all packed into a wipe-clean pouch. Read our full review here.

Price: from £13.99

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Selk’bag Kids

This wearable sleeping bag looked perfect for camping in the cooler seasons in a campervan, if not perhaps in deepest mid-winter, and our model/tester (Ruben, the son of What Motorhome’s Editor) looked oh-so-cute wearing it. In fact, we might need a new word for super-cuteness. It promised to be the perfect addition to family trips away, too. The fit was good for a slim nine-year-old – we had the size M for kids up to 1.37m tall (there’s also a bigger ‘L’ version).

We applaud the use of recycled materials for the shell, lining and the insulation, too. In fact, Selk’bag claims that 90 discarded plastic bottles are recycled into polyester fibres in the sleep suit’s production, making it a pleasingly more sustainable product. Better still, it looked really cosy, with elastic hand enclosures, an adjustable hood and removable booties ensuring that your little ones’ extremities are kept out of the cold. But the reality is that the Selk’bag feels quite thin and, despite claims that it’s comfortable at 13 degrees C, and usable down to nine degrees, Ruben said he was cold at night (in a motorhome in April with the heating on low). That was disappointing and he’s reluctant to make the swap from a conventional sleeping bag, although he’ll be giving it another go in the summer – especially as it looks great and packs down so small.

Price: £96.98

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Wonderfold Wagon VW4 Volkswagen

Already popular across the pond, Wonderfold has now introduced its range of stroller wagons to the UK. There are a number of wagons available – in one, two or four-seat variations with five-point safety harnesses, suitable from aged six months to around five years – but our favourite has got to be this special edition VW4 Volkswagen version. Featuring the classic VW bumper, all-terrain XL wheels, handy storage pockets, a removable rear basket, one-step foot brake system, reclining seats and even functioning headlights, we can’t think of a cooler way to lug your kids around this summer. It holds up to four mini passengers (with a 45kg weight limit per bench), weighs 30kg, folds down for easy storage and is available in either Sage Green or Bondi Blue. Our only question is, when will they make an adult version?!

Price: £1,999

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WASuP

Bites and stings are one of the downsides of the summer months and, unfortunately, almost an inevitable part of parenting as kids discover the world around them – whether you’re being hounded by midgies in the hills, are unfortunate enough to step on a jellyfish by the coast, or an angry wasp ruins a summer picnic, it’s all part of spending time in the great outdoors. But if the usual bite and sting relief isn’t really your thing, check out WASuP, which has come to the rescue with a 100% organic alternative. Available in a box of four, each WASuP leakproof, recyclable capsule contains a biodegradable bamboo wipe that’s been soaked in organic apple cider vinegar, which is said to immediately soothe stings and bites from wasps, midges, mosquitos, horseflies and other insects, as well as nettle and jellyfish stings. Simply open, unroll the wipe and apply. It’s suitable on all ages and fits into your pocket or backpack, too.

Price: £9.99

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HayMax Kids

It ain’t easy being sneezy, or so they say. If your kids suffer from the dreaded pollen allergies, the arrival of the summer months can be a bit of a curse – along with the glorious summer months, comes itchy, watery eyes, excessive sneezing and a runny nose. If you’re after something a little more organic for milder reactions, then HayMax offers a balm for the face that aims to reduce the amount of pollen entering the nose and eyes. It comes in a variety of smells, too, from lavender to frankincense, and there’s a version for kids.

Price: £8.49

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