Ive been camping for more than 30 years, running this blog for twelve of them, and Ive camped in the height of summer in the Caribbean 32C with brutal humidity and nowhere to hide. I draw on that experience, and the questions I get asked most often, to answer everything you need to know about camping in hot weather.Is it safe to go camping in a heatwave?Yes, absolutely, but it takes a bit of planning. The risks of camping in very hot weather are real (high humidity, heat exhaustion, dehydration), but theyre all manageable.The key is not to treat a heatwave like a normal camping weekend. You need to think differently about when youre active, how you sleep, and what gear you take. Done right, summer camping in the UK can be genuinely glorious, but its not the moment to wing it.From suitable clothing and sun protection to creating shaded areas and maintaining a supply of cold drinks, summer camping is one thing, but heatwave camping can be far more challenging, so the key is to be prepared. Outwell Collaps Water CarrierEurohike Sendero Air Shelter, Quick PitchITEHIL Portable Solar Electric Fan, 10000mAhWADEO Portable Camping ShowerHow do I stop my tent getting so hot during the day?Ventilation is your best friend here and you may not be doing it right. Open every zip, vent, door and window during the day, even the ones youd normally leave closed for privacy. The bug mesh will keep out the pesky flies and bitey things, but if you want a proper through-draft, you need fully open access rather than just the mesh. If possible, pitch so your entrance faces the prevailing breeze rather than just wherever looks flat. Its one of those things thats obvious in hindsight but most of us never think about until were baking hot.What is the best type of tent for hot weather camping?Canvas tents handle heat better than synthetic ones because the fabric is breathable, which helps regulate the temperature inside. Bell tents are a popular choice for this reason and they tend to have more headroom too, which means warm air has somewhere to go. If youve got a modern family tent with a separate flysheet, try removing it during the day to leave just the mesh inner exposed. More airflow means a dramatically cooler tent.Check out our detailed guide to bell tents or see our bell tent reviews here.How do I sleep in a hot tent at night?A few things make a real difference. First, ditch the sleeping bag, either leave it behind entirely or use a lightweight summer version you can unzip fully and use as a duvet. Second, think about what youre sleeping on as well as what youre sleeping in: thick foam mats trap heat underneath you, which is the last thing you need. A thinner mat or a canvas folding camp bed, may be better and sleeping on top of a plastic airbed is best avoided trust me on that.A bamboo or cotton sleeping bag liner is much better than synthetic, it wicks moisture and actually feels cool against your skin. And if its still above 20C at midnight, sleep on top of the bag with the liner as your only cover.Do camping fans actually work?Camping fans designed to be portable work really well, even the small handheld ones. I was sceptical until I used one in Antigua at 32C and it genuinely made sleep possible (just abouve). For solo use or kids, a small USB rechargeable fan is brilliant compact, quiet, and you can clip them to a tent pole or sleeping bag loop. If youve got a larger tent or several people, its worth investing in something with a bit more oomph, a solar-rechargeable fan like the Itehil (above) is excellent for this. The trick is to combine the fan with other cooling methods rather than relying on it alone.FLEXTAILGEAR Portable Electric Shower20000mAh Rechargeable Camping Fan, Ultra-SlimIGLOO Chug 36 Insulated Water BottleYETI Tundra 35 Cool BoxWhat should I eat and drink when camping in hot weather?Hydration is everything. You should be drinking around three litres of water a day in hot weather and more if youre active and dont wait until you feel thirsty, because by then youre already behind. A good insulated water bottle or tumbler is genuinely worth the investment; keeping your drink cold makes you far more likely to drink enough of it. Food-wise, lighter meals work better in the heat as nobody really wants to stand over a camping stove cooking a full roast when its 28C, think pasta salads and ploughmans picky lunches. Simple salads, wraps and anything that doesnt require much cooking time is your friend, but make sure anything that needs to stay cold actually does. A decent cool box is not optional in a heatwave see our guide to the best camping cool boxes for recommendations to suit all budgets.How do I keep food cold when camping in hot weather?You need a good passive cool box and a solid icing and packing strategy. Pre-chill your cool box before you pack it, freeze what you can in advance (frozen water bottles work brilliantly as ice packs), and keep the box out of direct sunlight, ideally in the shade inside your tents porch rather than sitting in the sun all day. Every time you open it, you lose cold air, so try to be organised about what youre getting out rather than rummaging around and dipping in and out of it all day long. A quality passive cooler will keep ice for up to five days, which makes a big difference over a long weekend. Weve tested a lot of them our full cool box round-up covers everything from budget options to the splurge-worthy ones.What time of day should I go for walks or do activities when camping in a heatwave?Early morning or the couple of hours before sunset is really the only time to consider being active during a heatwave, and I say this as someone who has absolutely ignored this advice and ended up with heatstroke. The hours between around 11am and 3pm during a heatwave are genuinely best spent doing as little as possible. Seek shade and chill out with a book, or go for a swim if theres water nearby, but dont head off on a big hike or bike ride! The light for photography is better in the early morning and evening anyway, and youll actually enjoy your walk rather than just surviving it.Whats the best way to cool down quickly when camping?The fastest method is a cold, damp cloth on your pulse points, think wrists, neck, behind the knees, inner elbows. These are the places where blood vessels sit close to the surface, so cooling them actually brings your core temperature down rather than just making you feel briefly less sweaty. Whilst camping in a recent heatwave, I took a portable camp shower and a collapsible bucket. I kept the full bucket of water outside and connected to the camp shower and wore a bikini top and shorts, which allowed me to have several showers throughout the day to make the experience manageable.Pair that with a fan and some shade and youll feel human again pretty quickly. If theres a stream, river, lake or lido anywhere nearby, get in it. Cold water is your friend!Can children and babies camp safely in hot weather?With extra care, yes, but they need more attention than adults in the heat. Keep babies and toddlers out of direct sun entirely during the hottest part of the day, make sure theyre drinking regularly, and dont underestimate how quickly a tent can heat up even with good ventilation.A fan helps enormously if youve got young children. Dress them in loose, light cotton and use plenty of high-factor UV sun protection. If in doubt about whether its too hot, it probably is, and theres no shame in heading home early or cancelling your trip entirely if the conditions arent safe for small people.Is glamping better than camping in hot weather?This is a tough one to answer because it depends on the type of glamping accommodation. Glamping accommodation varies widely, but is often small and generally built to retain warmth.Consider too, if youre glamping off-grid, your opportunities for adding a fan to your set up and keeping food and drinks cold will be impacted too. Generally the smaller the glamping accommodation, the warmer its likely to be, so before booking consider windows, doors and even window coverings.Many glamping structures like shepherds huts, yurts and wooden cabins have thick insulated walls that regulate temperature much more effectively than a tent. Some high-end cabins might even have air conditioning, whilst many others will have portable fans available for guest use. A badly positioned glamping unit with no shade and poor ventilation or lots of glass can be just as bad, if not worse than a tent. A bell tent pitched well in a shady spot can be more comfortable than a stuffy converted shipping container in a sun trap.For more tips on hot weather camping, check out our feature on how to stay cool camping in a heatwave.The post Your Questions Answered About Camping in Hot Weather appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

July means the start of the school summer holidays here in the UK. As a child I can remember the excitement of coming to the end of term

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Five years, countless camping trips, beach days and festivals later, its time for the verdict on this Decathlon folding camp trolley. Read on to find out how its holing up.What is it?Quechua Folding Transport Cart Trolley 89.99Overall Rating (5 / 5)FeaturesWeighs 8.5kg.Folds down flat for storage/transport.4 large wheels to easily handle different terrains.Total volume of 84.6 litres.Tubular steel structure.Max weight load: 50kg.Are there heavier-duty camp trolleys out there? Sure, but at 89.99, this ones a genuinely capable option for the price, and its ability to handle uneven ground, sometimes over real distances, makes it an excellent choiceThats backed up by Decathlons genuinely excellent 2-year product guarantee. Before I bought mine, Id read all the horror stories about frames buckling and wheels falling off cheaper trolleys, so buying from Decathlon gave me the reassurance that I was investing in something actually fit for purpose.Its easy to use as the concertina design folds flat for storage in the shed or garage out of season, and its easy enough to pop in the boot of my SUV alongside the rest of my camping gear.Its proved especially useful on solo trips where Ive had to park away from my tent, and on couples camping trips where cars arent allowed next to pitches, turning the unloading job into just two trips to and from the car, instead of eight.I remain delighted with this purchase, and having just come back from a camping event, its staying in my car ready for our next trip in 2 weeks time. Sturdy, dependable and great value, just dont overload it, and use the bungees to keep things in place over rough terrain. Do that, and the Quechua Folding Transport Cart Trolley is a solid buy.If this one doesnt quite fit the bill, take a look at our comprehensive roundup of the best festival camping trolleys here.DISCLOSURE | The featured product was purchased by us and is not part of a brand collaboration.The post Quechua Folding Transport Cart Trolley Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

UK glamping getaways and cabins are increasingly popular with travellers seeking unique accommodation experiences. Finding genuine value means looking past just quirky features and focusing on comfort, amenities and whats included. For many, glamping accommodation is most rewarding when it balances character with practical comforts. With yurts, treehouses and shepherds huts on offer, its important to spot those that provide substance rather than simply charging a premium for novelty.Across the UK, travellers can find a wide variety of UK glamping getaways and cabins designed to appeal to different tastes and budgets. While distinctive accommodation like shepherds huts or treehouses can be tempting, not every site that looks appealing delivers true value. The key is distinguishing glamping cabins and yurts that provide memorable experiences without inflated prices, and understanding exactly what you receive for your money makes all the difference for an enjoyable stay. For those comparing options, reviewing nearby glamping campsites can also reveal big differences in whats included for the same nightly rate.What defines value in glamping getaways?True value in glamping means accommodation that combines charm and a desirable location with practical comforts without an unnecessary price tag. Glamping cabins, yurts and shepherds huts that feel worth the price typically include features such as good beds, heating, and private outdoor space, rather than charging extra for looks alone. Its vital to consider if amenities like private bathrooms, self-catering facilities or outdoor firepits are included as standard or only available at an extra cost.Many genuinely worthwhile glamping getaways go beyond aesthetics by offering added convenience. This might be flexible check-in times, clear communication, or on-site activities included in the nightly rate. By focusing on whats provided, guests can avoid being swayed by novelty accommodation that seems exciting but lacks meaningful value. Clear expectations around glamping accommodation help travellers plan properly and avoid unexpected add-ons.Spotting glamping sites that dont overcharge for noveltyNot all glamping accommodation justifies higher rates, especially if the price increases are mostly for unusual structures or picturesque settings. Make sure the cost reflects the quality of the experience, such as well-maintained yurts that offer both comfort and access to nature, or treehouses that provide true privacy without hidden extras. Comparing facilities across several glamping campsites is a simple way to check whether higher prices are backed up by real improvements.Value-driven glamping cabins and shepherds huts should provide clear, upfront pricing with few unexpected add-ons. Look for transparent cancellation policies, the inclusion of essentials like towels and bedding, and detailed lists of whats included in the stay. Sites that communicate openly about whats covered help guests understand whether theyre paying for unique experiences or simply covering novelty premiums.Finding cabins, yurts, and huts that balance charm with practicalityThe best UK glamping sites manage to combine imaginative structures with a focus on comfort and real-world usability. Some yurts and shepherds huts deliver proper insulation, useful self-catering setups, and thoughtful extras, ensuring guests enjoy both atmosphere and practicality. Carefully selected cabin stays or treehouses often feature quality furnishings and heating, as well as generous outdoor space, offering real benefits over standard hotel rooms without excessive costs tied to style alone. Where glamping campsites provide shared facilities, its worth checking cleanliness, distance from the unit, and opening hours before booking.Paying attention to guest reviews and site descriptions can help identify glamping getaways that consistently offer excellent overall value. Choosing glamping accommodation that blends appealing design with genuine convenience and comfort ensures that your outdoor retreat is satisfying for reasons beyond just its appearance or novelty.How to choose a value-focused glamping escapeWhen weighing options, travellers benefit from prioritising the essentials: heating, bathroom access, food preparation facilities, and honest pricing. Checking whats included and whether the site offers flexibility with location or length of stay can highlight true value, making it easier to spot cabins or yurts that dont charge extra simply because theyre unusual. It can help to shortlist glamping cabins that clearly state whats provided, from cooking gear to fuel for stoves or firepits.By focusing on quality, transparency, and thoughtful amenities, not just on novelty, guests can find UK glamping getaways and cabins that deliver memorable and comfortable experiences. This approach helps ensure that yurts, treehouses, and shepherds huts become rewarding destinations, reflecting both the charm and the genuine value of glamping in the UK. Travellers who compare multiple glamping getaways and verify details like deposits, check-in processes, and included extras are more likely to book with confidence.DISCLOSURE | The featured product was purchased by us and is not part of a brand collaboration.The post UK Glamping Getaways and Cabins That Deliver Genuine Value appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

Wondering how to find LPG in Europe? Looking for refillable gas stations as you travel? This post has everything you need for motorhomes, campervans and caravans to...The post How to Find LPG in Europe (or Gas Bottles) appeared first on Wandering Bird Motorhome Travel Blog.

Confused about the law for displaying a red / white striped sign on the back of your motorhome or campervan when travelling in Europe? So was I,...The post Red / White Reflective warning signs for motorhomes- do you need one? appeared first on Wandering Bird Motorhome Travel Blog.

We check out the latest version of Petzls SWIFT RL headtorch with Reactive Lighting technologyReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersPetzl never stand still when it comes to their headtorch range, and while models such as the NAO, SWIFT, ACTIK and TIKKINAhave been in the range for a long time, the periodic updates that take place mean that each iteration is lighter and more powerful than the previous one, plus in the case of this latest SWIFT RL theres also one or two new tricks up its sleeve.There are three models in the current Petzl range that bear the SWIFT name, however while the SWIFT RL and SWIFT RL CLASSIC are closely related, the SWIFT LT is quite a different kettle of fish, being much lighter (43g) and less powerful (380 lumens) than the RL versions, and not offering Reactive Lighting either. The difference between the RL and RL Classic is merely the headband; the CLASSIC comes with a more conventional stretchy band while the RL comes with a stretchy cord that shaves a couple of grams off and is operated by moving the two rubbery toggles back and forth. Its worth noting that both torchs straps are interchangeable, so you can purchase and swap over to the other kind if you wish (SWIFT CLASSIC headband costs 9.80, SWIFT RL costs 11).SWIFT RLs headband can be replaced or swapped out for the Classic headbandWhats new?We last reviewed the SWIFT RL the original model back in 2019, and you can read that review HERE. There was also a minor-ish update in 2024 that upped the max power from 900 to 1100 lumens, swapped out the micro-USB charging port for a USB-C and simplified the locking mechanism, however the general look and functionality remained the same. This new version, however, looks considerably different, with a futuristic-looking array of bulbs/lenses in the style that was first introduced on the IKO, and now can also be found on the latest NAO RL, and an arrangement where the removeable battery sits next to the bulb unit with an airgap/heatsink in between, with both parts moving together in the cradle. Its a clever design that means you can just swivel the head unit within the cradle and detach the battery for charging (and swap for another if you have a spare), though unlike the CORE system theres no provision for using standard batteries.There are plenty of other positive changes under the bonnet too; weight has been reduced to 92g from 100g, and the max power on the latest version is now up at 1200 lumens, though despite this charging time remains at 5 hours. One totally new feature is the new BOOST feature which is exclusive to the SWIFT RL (for now), and is the first time Petzl have included this type of feature on a torch. This, as its name suggests, gives you a brief burst of max power before returning to the previous setting (this feature can be switched off if not required).All modes are controlled via one buttonOperationOnce youve (fully) charged the SWIFT RLs battery for the first time, and adjusted the strap to your liking, its time to light up and it couldnt be simpler. Theres just one button to control all the torchs functions, and by default it cycles through the white light modes in non-RL mode when you first switch on Max Burn Time, Standard and Max Power while to switch to Reactive Lighting mode, you just hold the button for 2 seconds (same again to switch back to non-RL mode). The use of the word standard in the user manual is slightly confusing, as it refers both to the middle lighting setting (in terms of power/battery life) plus the non-RL lighting mode using a different term (e.g. Regular) for one or tother would tidy things up a little I reckon.To go into red lighting mode, just hold the button for 4 seconds (and another 2 for red strobe), and to get the 6-second burst of max power using the Boost function, just double-tap on the right side of the torch. Finally, to lock the torch, hold the button for 6 seconds, and to unlock again you can either hold the button for 4 seconds or tap it 4 times.It sounds like a lot of button pushing on paper, but to be honest, you very quickly get used to the SWIFT RLs operation, and accessing the various modes and settings becomes second nature before very long.The SWIFT RLs bulb/lens array, a style first seen on the IKOIn useAs already mentioned, the latest SWIFT RL increases the max power from its predecessor to 1200 lumens, and gives a maximum distance of 168. This is quite a step up from the next most powerful torches in the Petzl range, the ACTIK CORE and ARIA, which both have a max power of 625 lumens (giving a max distance of 115), and not far off the performance of the range-topping NAO RL, which has a max power of 1500 lumens, and max distance of 200m. In short, its pretty damn powerful!The new BOOST function is a welcome feature, but its worth noting that this is only available in Standard mode (where the max power is normally 800 lumens), giving you a 6-second burst of 1200 lumens which is the standard high setting in RL mode. We generally left the torch in Reactive Lighting mode during testing, but there are times when you might prefer to be in Standard mode such as in rain or mist where the RL may be a bit too responsive to the conditions.The RL headband is great for wearing directly on your head or on top of a beanie, however we found it a bit slippy when used with a helmet so climbers/mountaineers may want to consider buying the Classic version, or buying the Classic headband separately as this will grip better on the helmet. But generally we really liked the headband, and being able to swap these over and also just take off to be washed once in a while is really handy.VerdictWith its radical looks and uprated performance, the 2026 SWIFT RL feels like a brand new model rather than an update. However, its basic concept remains the same a powerful-yet-light, single-unit (no separate battery pack) headtorch with Reactive Lighting that is ideal for running and climbing while also being suitable though possibly over-speced for walking too (though admittedly, no-ones ever going to complain about having too much power!).We really liked its new, more techie look, its simple, one-button operation, and all the little details such as the 5-segment battery level indicator, the carry bag that doubles as a tent lantern, and the removable/washable headband. For single-day missions, the SWIFT RL is the business.What its not quite as suitable for perhaps is multi-day backpacking, trekking or mountaineering trips, the main reason being its battery. Unlike Petzls CORE headtorches, you cant use normal batteries with the SWIFT RL, and the replacement/spare batteries (R2250) cost about twice what a spare CORE battery costs (58 compared to 29). Of course, if youre not constrained financially and have a decent recharging capability then you could take several SWIFT RL batteries with you on a trip, however we cant help thinking that a lower-powered CORE-based torch such as the ACTIK CORE would be a better bet for these kind of outings.For what it is intended for though, the SWIFT RL is a superb headtorch that improves on its predecessor in numerous ways. Highly recommended!More info at: www.petzl.comSPECSBrightness: 1200 lumens (ANSI FL 1 STANDARD)Weight: 92 gTechnology: REACTIVE LIGHTING or STANDARD LIGHTINGBeam pattern: MixedEnergy: Lithium-ion 2250 mAh battery (3.85 V / 8.47 Wh), rechargeable via USB-CCharging time: 5 hWatertightness: IPX4 (weather resistant)Certification(s): CEFEATURESUltra-powerful and intelligent headlamp:Excellent weight-to-power ratio: 1200 lumens and 92 g1200 lumens allowing you to see up to 168 meters awayChoose from two lighting modes: REACTIVE LIGHTING or STANDARD LIGHTINGLonger burn time, greater visual comfort, and less manual operation with REACTIVE LIGHTING mode, which uses an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust brightness and beam pattern, optimizing battery usageDesigned to power through long activities with a minimum 7-hour burn time at medium brightness in REACTIVE LIGHTING mode6-second BOOST mode activates with a quick double tap on the side of the lamp to help you navigate the terrain on your routeUltra-thin, comfortable, and modular headband:Split construction headband (Petzl patent) is easy to adjust and provides optimal support when youre running or skiingComfort foam can be removed to decrease weight and increase air flow depending on your needsHeadband with reflective cord helps you remain visible, even in low lightMade entirely with recycled materials and can be removed, washed, and replacedDesigned for dynamic outdoor activities:Simple to use:Single button controls the ON/OFF, lighting modes, brightness, and locking functionsThe SHELL LT ultra-light storage pouch can be used to turn it into a lanternLOCK function prevents the lamp from turning on during transit or storageR2250 battery is rechargeable via USB-C (charging cable not included) and has a battery charge indicatorFive-level gauge for precise monitoring of the battery charge levelRepairability: Headband, pouch, and battery are available as spare parts to help extend headlamp lifespanSearch for a Petzl stockist near you at:https://www.petzl.com/GB/en/Sport/Dealers

France Family Travel: 10 of the Best Adventures with Kids in France France might be famous for its magical mix of cuisine, culture and charmingThe post 10 of the Best Adventures with Kids in France appeared first on the girl outdoors.