I do not go camping or to festivals or basically do anything fun, ever. But you might. In which case can I recommend my favourite online tech store Soda? I may have mentioned them before. I am of course completely biased towards this company, as I have said, because my old boss from the Evening Standard works there.
They have some very smart new innovations that, if I were to go camping or to a festival or have any sort of fun, would come in really useful. I mean, looking at them nearly makes me want to go camping – just so I can justify having them. But not quite.
I was sent a while ago by Soda two of these hands-free phone thingies just for life. Not festivals or camping.
One is on a jazzy cord and the other is in a leather case with a strap – both are absolute lifesavers. I use mine when I am out with the kids and need both hands free but also need to know where my phone is at all times. They will also reduce the stress of going through an airport by a third. If only I could hang all the passports and the kids round my neck as well that would be great. Or would it.
The Bandolier case has a section in the back to store a credit card.
Minipresso Espresso machine
This portable espresso maker is brilliant and works very well – I can do without coffee, but my husband 100% cannot and if we went somewhere like camping this would be essential kit. You put a standard coffee pod in one end, hot water in the other, pump the whatsit manually and the coffee comes out in a little reservoir that doubles up as a cup. So cool.
Because in 2019 string lights are the equivalent of prayer. They give literal light and succour in the darkest most miserable places. These are long, solar-powered (but also can be charged in the conventional way) and have 3 light settings. They also roll up with an internal spoke so don’t get tangled.
How about you? What are your clever festival or camping essentials? Please leave a comment in the handy box below.
NB. Please note that I *think* that these links are affiliate. Soda said that they were going to get on Awin but I can’t remember if they did or not. And tbh I can’t be bothered to email them and ask. They probably are, let’s just say that, like most links here are affiliate links. Do you think I do this for my health? But if for any reason you don’t want me to get my tuppence from the company, just open a new browser window and shop from there.
I put a small festival type tent up inside our big tent for my daughter – we then cover the tent with a big throw which keeps the light out quite well, makes it quieter, keeps the heat in and feels lovely and cosy. Of course, I could just buy one of those new tents that has blackout sides but that would be too easy.
Oh, and I always take a bathmat for the entrance, to soak up inevitable dew / rain.
Always love your posts… keep them coming.
Can I suggest a lovely flower shaped solar torch worn around the neck . It’s from a totally ethical and sustainable company called…. Yours Sustainably
Sorry don’t know how to send a link but if you have time just google….. Yours Sustainably . It under “new in”
Claire
This looks lovely, I’ve just bought one for a camp-loving friend. Thank you!
Fully charged large capacity power banks are essential, particularly with teenage children who seem to be constantly on 4% battery.
If you freeze bottles of water for a good few days before going they will be really solid and you use them in your cool box, they melt slowly (the 2 litre ones anyway) and then you can drink the water. Always freeze your sausages which will help the cool box stay cold and also mean you get sausage sandwiches on morning two. I have been known to make a big chilli, freeze it in the metal pot then cook it on the first/second night depending on bands/plans/heat.
Always, always take more booze than you think you will need.
A dedicated ‘camping washing up bowl for washing your body’ is an excellent idea. Hot water from kettle, cold water from tap, bubbles of choosing, on an old bathmat inside tent, wash children’s hands and face then stand child (if small enough) in the bowl and thoroughly wash. If you are ‘that’ kind of family you can reuse the water ending up with dad/person least likely to care. Lots of festivals have showers but the queues tend to be long and in my experience this is often quicker.
DRY SHAMPOO
Go with friends with similar aged children.
Best of British
We used to get Tesco to deliver our food to the campsite an hour after we arrived – complete game changer and the envy of all other campers as a van full of Pringles, loo roll and cold wine appears as if by magic!
This is an excellent idea!!
FabLittleBags! I know it is blowing my own trumpet so’s to speak but in all seriousness they are lifesavers at festivals and camping etc if your period happens to decide to appear! We have many tales from Happy Fabber Campers! Also tangle teeze!! 😊
We saw that coffee machine on holiday in Brighton, stupidly persuaded my partner to wait a week in NYC as we had a lot of gifted spending dollars was CONVINCED we would see them everywhere. He asked in so many shops only to be told in on….Oh yeah that trend is probably over here. Must be exhausting to live there!
I got my husband a Power Monkey solar iphone charger for when he went to Glastonbury and its absolutely brilliant. This and other brilliant things are at: https://www.powertraveller.com/ Would also make a great present for a teenager or gap year student..
Is this a sponsored post? Have Soda sent you any products?
No it’s not a sponsored post. Yes, Soda regularly send me new products to try out.
Being picky but you are supposed to declare such things.so that the reader understands there may be some bias towards the company, even if you’re not being paid/gifted for this particular post. Makes sense really.
Okay Hannah I will be a good girl from now on
Is that an affiliate link?
see my updated post. not sure. probably