Kit & Caboodle reviews: caravanning gear - Sep 2018

Win a selection of new gear for your next caravan tour!

Ion8 Leak-Proof Sports Bottle - Win!

Whether you're sightseeing, shopping or stalking off into the hills, staying hydrated is vital for good health.

This Ion8 bottle pledges to be leakproof, so your phone and papers are safe inside your bag or rucksack. The top flips open with one hand and locks back into place when you've had a drink.

It's far more environmentally friendly than relying on disposable bottled water, it's BPS-free, and dishwasher safe so you can give it a thorough clean after your camping trip. There are scores of colours from which to choose, and various capacities – the 550ml/ 20oz size costs £14.99.

Price £14.99
W Ion8.co.uk

Teko Merino Comfort hiking Socks - Win!

As autumn chills lead to Jack Frost fury, warm socks are a vital feature of any outdoor wardrobe. Whether you're pottering around on site or heading into the hills, these merino wool socks will keep your tootsies in tip-top condition.

Merino is an extraordinary fabric; it wicks moisture away from your skin to keep your feet dry, and its fibres expand or contract to help regulate temperature. It's a bonus, too, that the wool doesn't smell even when you've worn it several times, so you won't need to rush to the site launderette after a decent walk.

These socks add comfortable cushioning and grip your feet snugly to avoid blisters.

Price £16.95
W tekoforlife.co.uk

GP Batteries' Charge AnyWay - Win!

The art of packing wisely for a caravanning tour often involves choosing products with multiple functions, including an awning lamp with built-in Bluetooth speaker, or a Leatherman penknife that also boasts pliers, a pair of screwdrivers and a wire cutter.

The ingenious Charge AnyWay fits neatly into this genre of smart thinking, merging a power bank to recharge devices like phones and tablets, with a battery recharger capable of powering up rechargeable AA batteries in six hours, and AAA batteries in two hours.

The unit itself sources its electricity via a standard USB cable.

Price £24.98
W uk.gpbatteries.com

Zippo wallet and toiletry bag - Win!

Zippo may be famous for its iconic metal cigarette lighters, but the US brand also has a range of leather accessories. So cut a dash in the campsite washrooms with this classic toiletry bag, and keep your hard-earned in this chunky wallet.

Both have a debossed Zippo logo and come in presentation boxes, should you want to treat the caravanner in your life.

Price Wallet £24.90, toiletry bag £43
W zippo.co.uk

Anatom SkyeTrail men's shoe test

The thing about these Anatom shoes is their versatility. You can wear them for the hardcore stuff, like hiking, basic climbing and mountain biking, but, as they're so light and comfy, they also work for city walking, and, with jeans, you can wear them casually.

The Vibram sole offers excellent grip and cushioning, and is durable (no noticeable wear yet). The polyester/suede uppers are just as robust and combine a specific outdoor style with support and comfort.

I haven't tested their waterproofing yet (given the hot summer we've had), but they have useful 'breathability' thanks to their membrane lining.

The makers recommend getting them fitted professionally at an Anatom stockist. We agree as you'll want to wear these bad boys so often that a perfect fit is essential. JS

Price £89.95
W anatomfootwear.co.uk

Mountain Warehouse Portobello Jacket - Win!

We don't want to, er, rain on your parade, but after this hot, parched summer there's a strong chance the sky will cloud over. In which case, you'll have to confine the vest, shorts and flip-flops of July to the wardrobe, and a waterproof jacket pulled from its hanger.

The Portobello jacket is a new style, designed for autumn, with the charm of a fisherman's oilskins (that's a good thing, BTW). It's fully waterproof, with taped seams and adjustable cuffs to keep out the elements, but light and breathable, too, so it's ideal for stowing in your caravan for whenever the heavens open.

Price £119.99 (currently on sale at £59.99)
W mountainwarehouse.co.uk

For a chance to win the marked products above in our Kit & Caboodle competition each month, go online to the competition page, pop in your details, and, if you like, sign up for our useful and informative Caravan e-newsletter, which lists the winner each month. We also publish the winner's name in Caravan mag and online.

If it's you, email [email protected] or call us on 01778 392450 to claim all your brilliant prizes. Last month's winner is Kay Adams, Market Deeping PE6 8BY.