Welcome to camping equipment 365, as our name indicates, we are here for you ever day of the week to bring you latest information and resources on camping and camping equipment.
Feel free to suggest new information or articles you would like to read on this site.
The 2010 summer holiday is seeing a new phenomenon in the holiday booking in general and the staycation phenomenon on general; late-booking.
While many are in the habit of making last minute reservations for hotels and flights – until recently holiday parks have been used to regular and early bookings.
This year it appears that some of the best known British holiday brands are experiencing a sea-change in industry, with a shift away from bookings six months in advance to last minute enquiries.
It is good news for customers who want flexibility – but means the leisure industry cannot accurately say whether it is having a profitable summer until the season is almost over.
Seaside resort group Pontins is seeing general growth in bookings – with 10% more customers than last year.
But it thinks this could be up 17% by the end of the holiday season, with so many of their customers choosing to book late.
Late summer bookings are up a fifth compared to 2009 says Jason Brindle, sales and marketing director at Pontins.
“Part of this increase could simply be the market – UK holidays are up in general – but it’s been happening with us all year – late bookings for February half term, Easter holidays, May bank holiday. We can find ourselves not knowing about demand until four weeks before.”
Impulse bookings
Although it makes forecasting profits difficult, it is not necessarily bad for business.
“Twenty five years ago Pontins would have been fully booked for summer by the end of March. Now we have to adapt,” says Mr Brindle.
“There are loyal customers but most people react to deals and discounts and so people make their mind up later. You have to hold your nerve – spend the money on advertising and promotions and just have faith it will pay off by the end of summer.”
At Ribby Hall holiday park, near Blackpool, some guests enjoying a British summer break had taken advantage of late availability.
source: bbc
So you have your holiday plans for the year sorted, your caravan is services, well stock with all the essentials of a camping holiday, the camping equipment you need are all packed and ready to go and you have booked the campsite you will be staying. That is all well and good, but where do you get up to date information, resources and tips on how to make your holiday memorable and problem free? One of the leading sites in UK for such information is Touring Camping .
Touring Camping is packed full of information about all the major camping and touring sites in UK and Europe. Resources on the site are arrange in a way that ensures navigating the site is extremely easy with links on the homepage pointing you to the latest and most up to date information. The site is package full of tips for those who are new to caravanning and experienced people alike. Beginners will find resources such as useful organisation one needs to know when buying a used caravan to a detailed article on the some of the campsite that has just opened in UK and France.
Touring Camping also have a fun side to it, there are regular interesting and informative poll that invites you to vote on trivia and serious caravanning and camping issue for example they have a poll at the moment that invites you to say where your favourite camping and caravaning location is.
If you have difficulties finding a campsite that meets your requirements, you need to checkout the campsite directory section of Touring Camping and you will see comprehensive listing of camping and caravanning sites.
When purchasing a cool box for camping or catering the key thing to remember is insulation. The igloo range of cool boxes are America’s leading brand because of the insulation used this is ultrafoam polyurethane which traps the air in small microscopic holes in the insulation by doing this prevents hot air penetrating the outer box so will keep food colder for longer up to 5 days on the Igloo Maxcold range. the Coleman extreme version of a 5 day cooler uses poly-lite which is very similar to polystyrene but to keep food cold for 5 days there insulation is twice the thickness so in turn the coolers by Coleman are much larger but still produce the same results.
A key factor in using a cool box for best results always put ice or ice packs on the top of your food as cold air drops if you put at bottom you will find very little effect as cold air drops and doesn’t rise the body of an igloo and the coleman coolers are made from ABS plastic so are very robust and strong this can also be used a as seat if need be as both can with stand 300lb of weight on the top both the igloo and coleman coolers are ideal for camping and are an essential to the outside catering companys for transporting food to venues around the country.
They have the proud distinction of being the largest one stop centre for all kinds of canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, clothing accessories and equipment that any amateur or professional would require in the UK. They stock only the top brands in each of the categories mentioned and though located in Herefordshire, they are able to manage supplies to both nearby counties such as Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and South Wales as well as far off counties. They do not have multiple centres and do not have anybody else representing them in the UK as they wish to concentrate on providing exclusive and dedicated services to customers by them selves.
Unlike other shops, the showroom is a huge expanse of space in which the best of boats that is possible from across the country are placed for the viewing display of interested customers. They have actually converted a couple of huge barns into this wonderful display showroom so that the customer can actually see the item he wishes to buy.
However the one unique aspect which sets them apart from every other showroom is the fact that they provide you access to a demo lake that is located just next to their shop. Here, you can immediately take a test drive and actually feel how the chosen or shortlisted boat or kayak would perform in water. Let us face it – the proof of the pudding is in its eating and irrespective of how well a particular item has been made out to be or explained, till the same is tried and tested, it is of no use to you as a customer and that is what the folks at Hbcanoekayak have well recognized.
What’s more, another demonstration of their sensitivity towards customer requirements is the wonderful camping space they have organised for those who come from far off destinations. This camp site is well equipped with toilets and shower blocks so that customers feel comfortable and at home. Interested customers can take a quick tour of the lovely countryside based at this camp and enjoy them selves.
Their rates are structured such that customers get a package deal comprising of the boat, the equipment and club services if required.
Whether you are a beginner or expert, never skimp on this bit of equipment, your life could depend on it!
Camping ChecklistWhen going camping don’t forget to make a check list before you go. There can be nothing worse than getting to a site after a long journey, and unpacking to find you’ve forgotten the sleeping bags!!! This list is not supposed to be exhaustive, and obviously everyone is going to want to take different things. However you could use it as a basis, (print it out and modify as necessary )
Packing
Backpack
Bags – Tent bag, plastic bags, etc.
Cardboard boxes if needed
Ice Chests
ICE! Ice Packs
Bucket
Lighting – Check batteries!
Gas lantern (these are superb)
Lighter (as in cigarette)
Matches (preferably water proof)
Spare batteries and bulbs
Spare lantern fuel and mantles
Shelter/Bedding
TENT!!
Sleeping bag
Duvet (if you’ve got room!)
Ground Sheet
Mattress or pad – Inflator for air mattress
Pillow
Windbreak
Hammer to sink tent pegs
Medical
Suntan Lotion (ever optimistic!)
Insect Repellent – Spray
Aspirin, Paracetamol etc
Tweezers for splinters and ticks
Antiseptic, plasters and bandages
First Aid Kit (may include all the above items)
Pocket Tissues
Cleaning and Personal Items
Soap
Flannel
Shampoo
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Comb/hair brush/clips/bands
Make-up bag
Razor and shaving cream
Towel
Deodorant
Toilet Paper (essential)
Miscellaneous
Swiss Army knife
Compass and Map
Safety pins
Mobile phone / extra battery and car adapter
Camera / good battery and extra film
Camcorder / good battery and extra tapes
Books, radio, cards, games, toys, etc.
MONEY, credit card, etc
Guitar
Bike ?
Binoculars
Chairs
Travel Clock
Clothesline and pegs
Basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
Maps!
Cooking
Stove with fuel and lighter
Newspapers for lighting a campfire
Charcoal and Grill for BBQ
Frying Pan
Sauce pan – ; With lid
Can opener
Thermos flask?
Corkscrew / Bottle opener
Dishes
Plates
Mugs
Sharp knife
Knives, Forks, Spoons and Teaspoons
Dish Cloth
Tea Towel
Washing Up Liquid
Consumables
Paper towels
Rubbish bags
Paper plates, cups, bowls, etc.
Plastic knives, forks, spoons
Aluminum Foil
Food and Drink
Cooking Oil
Baked Beans
Crisps
Butter
Bacon
Eggs
Tomato sauce
Cheese
Onions, mushrooms, Tomatoes
Bread
Salt, Pepper, Spices, Sugar
Fruit – Small fruit cups or fresh fruit
Veggies
Coffee and Tea (don’t forget SUGAR!)
Milk, juice, soft drinks
Beer !!!!!!!!!! (don’t forget this!)
The Coleman brand is synonymous with camping related utilities and has been one of the premier manufacturers of high quality stoves and grills over the last many years. Many groups of families have been able to make their camping trips memorable and enjoyable thanks to these stoves and grills in which they have rustled up food for the trip members.
The quality and easy to use stoves have made cooking an easy and enjoyable experience and the fact that they are available in a variety of sizes and designs ensure that there is something for everybody to take along for their camping trips. The range of Coleman camping cooking gear range from the classic stove to the advanced versions of grills that can be operated by using different fuel like propane, Coleman gas and in some cases they can run on both these types. There are Coleman petrol stoves and grills that support up to three burners so that you can cook for a large group and you do not have much time at hand. Fortunately, the company has ensured that you can get all the necessary kitchen accessories for onsite camping and for you to feel as if you are in your indoor kitchen.
The Coleman Petrol Stove Sportster MK 11 with Carry Case is yet one more innovation from them and this stove is the ideal one for those seeking frequent outdoor camping trips. It has the capacity to run on Coleman fuel as well as on unleaded petrol and with a power of over 2500 Watts, it is surely something that will ensure you will never go hungry. The run time is almost nine hours and you can boil a liter of water within four minutes making it very handy. The smart carry case is perfect to take it along with you.
Purchasing a caravan is one thing and caring for it during the winter months is quite another thing. The caravan gets exposed to a lot of damage from UV rays of the sun, wind, tree sap, airborne pollutants and other hostile elements of the weather and you need to ensure that the caravan is well protected from them.
Even those lucky to have access to good underground storage facilities will need to make sure that general dirt, bird droppings or animal faeces do not start occupying the outside surface. Dust and dirt are very abrasive and even if somebody were to accidentally touch the caravan, they can result in scratches.
The only solution to this is to invest in a weather resistant, water resistant caravan cover that can keep the caravan safe from these problems. It is important that the caravan cover allows ventilation to pass through it so that any dampness or moisture does not lead to condensation getting trapped inside the cover. That is why it is necessary to invest in a water resistant rather than a water proof caravan cover.
Caravan covers are available in a variety of sizes with the 12 – 14ft heavy duty size being quite popular amongst users. You need to measure the caravan from the rear tip of the outer shell to the further most tip of the sloping front to get an idea of the caravan cover size.
You must also ensure that the cover has strong straps made of nylon so that it can be buckled up. The flap must have a zipper so that access is easy and the seams must have double stitches for durability.
royal commander chair
No camping expedition kit is complete without the comfort and utility of the ubiquitous camping chair. Despite its very ordinary looks, it is indeed a piece of luxury for those wanting to rest their back sides after a tedious and long walk. With these wonderful camping chairs around, you need not stand or sit on uncomfortable surfaces.
These chairs provide a warm resting place and you can just place them alongside the camp fire or tent and relax taking in the scenic beauty of the place while chatting with your group members. If you happen to be in a large group and have access to a large tent, you can even place these chairs inside the tent to create a very cosy and warm canvas living room atmosphere. It is almost like being inside your living room talking to friends and visitors.
You can get access to the tremendous variety of these chairs through the internet. There are chairs of all shapes, colors and sizes and you only have to pick one suiting your requirement. Most of the ones available are of the folding type and though they appear pretty simple to look at, they are quite complex technically.
The Royal Commander padded chair is one such utility item that fulfils all requirements of a luxurious camping chair and is something that camping enthusiasts must definitely go for. It has the following attributes:
* Tough outer body frame made out of powder coated industrially thick PVC
* Robust cross member unique to the Royal brand that provides great strength to the frame and can seat fuller figures of up to 130 kgs in weight
* Solid aluminium armrests
* Foldable, but can be locked into place when unfolded
* Tough grommets provided to make sure that the flame retardant fabric does not tear
* Good ground clearance at 50cm
* Nice carry bag with strap
* Choice of colors