Accessories
The sun has got his hat on (the last time we looked out the window, anyway) and is coming out to play, so grab your camping essentials and go join him…
The latest kit and gear for
your new ’van
GLAM OUTDOOR LEISURE INDUSTRIAL RELAX CHAIR
It’s true that once you’ve dozed off you can’t see your chair, so it doesn’t matter if you are sitting in what we think is the coolest-looking outdoor chair of 2021. With an industrial-style metal (lightweight aluminium) frame and 1970s-brown upholstery, it really is bang on trend. The downside is that you can’t leave it unattended for long, as someone is bound to pinch it. However, it can be as fashionable as it likes, but you’re unlikely to doze off if it’s not matched with comfort. Luckily, its bucket seat design with a built-in pillow means you should find it uber-comfy. When not in use, its tripod frame easily folds up and the whole thing fits into a carry bag, so it’s perfect for throwing in the back of your motorhome and taking out on picnics or to the beach, etc. glamoutdoorleisure.co.uk
SNUGPAK TROPICAL HAMMOCK
It’s true that going camping opens up a whole new world of fun- filled adventure opportunities, but sometimes it’s just too darn hot to do anything more energetic than loll around at basecamp. That’s where a hammock comes in, as something like this Tropical Hammock from Snugpak is lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for swinging in the breeze on a hot summer’s day. What could possibly be more relaxing than that? While we are still awaiting the invention of hammock skyhooks to hang it up, you will have to make do with trees. But at least it features Snugpak’s Suspension Attachment System, which means it doesn’t matter if you’re rubbish at tying knots because the hard work has been done for you.
Using 550 paracord with spaced out knots, simply chuck it around a tree and pull the cord through a loop to the desired length, then attach it to the hammock with a carabiner – hey presto!
snugpak.com
ANIMOLOGY STINK BOMB
Everyone loves to take their dear doggy along on motorhome holidays, as they love motorhoming as much as we humans do. And it’s easy to see the appeal – all those intriguing new scents to check out and fun things to roll about in. However, it’s not so much fun for us owners, come bedtime when we all have to cosy up in the confined living quarters of a motorhome, with Pong the dog in the corner stinking out the place, is it? Luckily, help is at hand in the form of a bottle. Yes, enough gin probably would take your mind off Pooh Corner, but this deodorising dog spray will be more effective in the long run, since it works like Febreze, except it’s safe for use on dogs. More than that, it’s vitamin-enriched and will help to keep Pong’s coat clean and healthy between washes.
OUTDOOR REVOLUTION DURA-LITE FOLDING TABLE
Heaven knows who invented the table or when (sorry, we could have Googled it, but this is a magazine, not an encyclopaedia), so let’s assume that this invention certainly predates camping holidays. That means there are a number of problems with taking traditional dining tables away with you. Weight and size are obvious issues but, even if you forewent passengers in order to squeeze a table in, wobbly legs and a lack of weatherproofing will still thwart you. That’s where this Dura-Lite Folding Table comes in.
As the name suggests, it’s lightweight at just 5.8kg. The tabletop measures 120cm by 70cm, so should seat four diners. When you’re done, it folds in half and the legs pack inside, so it takes up minimum storage room in your motorhome. The legs are also height adjustable for stability, so even the bumpiest of fields won’t send your wine rolling down the hill! The tabletop is made from 100% recycled materials and can be left out in all weathers. It will withstand temperatures from -40 degrees Celsius up to +80, so it’s compatible with outdoor cookers, too.
BLACKLINE POWEROAK AC50S & SOLAR LIGHTING KIT
Electric hook-up on campsites is fairly commonplace these days, but there are still some that don’t offer it on every pitch – and some back-to-basics sites make a virtue out of being completely off-grid. But what if you find a mains-free site you love but you don’t fancy giving up on your electric-powered essentials, like awning lighting, coolboxes and the like? Generating your own power is the answer, and this silent and clean power station, available from Rally Design, should give you what you need to stay connected. Think of it like a mini power bank on steroids. You can charge it up at home on the mains, through the 12V socket in your camper or via a solar panel.
It will then supply enough power to run devices like LED lamps, fans, phones and even small TVs. Unlike a traditional generator, there is no petrol required so it’s safe to use in an awning or the campervan. It’s also a compact size. Team it up with a solar lighting kit, also from Rally Design, which includes four LED lamps and a small solar panel, and you’ll be sorted for some off-grid camping. rallydesign.co.uk
OUTDOOR REVOLUTION CAYMAN CAN & BLUE DIAMOND 1L TRIPLE PACK
Let’s face it, there are certain things we never really talk about because… well, because we are British and it’s not very proper! So, while we know that most campervanners carry a portable loo, we never share our toilet tales. And let’s keep it that way because we don’t want to hear them! That said, there’s no harm in sharing useful information, and our top tip is to get a toilet tent. It’s impossible to enjoy your morning tea and toast while your partner sits opposite, working on a walnut whip, and you shouldn’t have to – not when a discreet tent like the Cayman Can weighs just over 3kg and packs up into a small (74cm by 14cm by 12cm) carry bag. It’s really easy to put up and even comes with a separate groundsheet and a lantern hanging point.
To keep your portable loo nice and fresh, get a Triple Pack, which is a handy suitcase kit containing one-litre bottles of toilet fluid (blue) and bowl cleaner (pink) as well as a couple of rolls of Enviro-Soft paper, which is designed for chemical loos, as it breaks down easier.
outdoor-revolution.com
RETRO CLASSIC CLOTHING T-SHIRT
When Retro Classic got in touch to ask if we were interested in its latest campervan range and would we like to try out a t-shirt for size, well that’s like asking the sea if it likes to wave, isn’t it? The t-shirts are available in women’s fit as well as men’s and there are more campervan designs to choose from than you can shake a stick at. If that’s not enough, there’s pretty much every other iconic vehicle and motorbike available, too. And, if you don’t like t-shirts, how about a hoodie or cap or even an apron or tea towel? We were very pleased with both the t-shirt (£24) and tea towel (£7.20) that we got our mitts on. The t-shirt fits well and is very comfy. It’s also made from good-quality cotton and washes well, keeping its shape. The same goes for the tea towel. Anyway, that’s enough gloating because we want to share the joy, and there’s good news… Thanks to our sister title, Campervan, readers of What Motorhome are entitled to a 20% discount at Retro Classic Clothing. Just use the following discount code at the checkout: Campervanmag20%
retroclassicclothing.com
KELTY FOLDING COOLER
The blurb that accompanied this cooler advises that the 45-litre version holds 70 cans of beer* – which sounds a bit like a challenge to us. Of course, packing it to the brim with tinnies means no space for ice so, if you want a cold drink, you’ll need to sacrifice a few of those cans.
That said, the insulation keeps ice cold for up to 36 hours, so you should be able to get by. When it’s not in use, the coolbox’s semi- rigid sides can be collapsed for easy storage. And for added convenience, there are carry handles and four cup holders on the lid.
*For clarification purposes, you don’t have to fill it with cans of beer. Wine will also work.
kelty.com