TOP TENT TIPS

IF you are buying or borrowing a tent, add two extra places to the number using it. For instance, if there are four of you, get one that sleeps six. You’ll need the extra space to squeeze in your gear. Teens often like their own space so small pop-up tents can be a good option for them. DON’T forget fleeces and jackets for evenings spent sitting around the campfire.

TAKE frozen water and milk in plastic containers so they will slowly defrost.

PREPARE food in advance so you don’t need to cook for the first night or two. Good options are veggie curry or pasta sauce that you can heat up to serve with pitta bread or packet noodles.

TAKE ear-plugs to avoid the dawn chorus and an eye mask to block the early sunrise.

AVOID pitching your tent under a tree or your flysheet will be covered in sap or bird droppings the next morning.

BEING cold at night is something that really spoils camping, so opt for a three or fourseason sleeping bag. For extra comfort, take your duvet and pillow.

PACK a Thermos and fill it with boiling water the night before. When you wake up, you can make yourself a cuppa without waiting for the stove to heat the kettle. PUT your pyjamas on before it gets dark, and then put your clothes on over them. When you go to bed in a dark tent you can just peel off your outer layer. Easy!

TAKE loads of nibbles – fresh air and early mornings make everyone hungry and besides, no child has ever said: “You’ve brought

too many snacks.”