Expert Advice: Cool Camping Tips For The Summer

Wondering what size tent to buy? Tents are generally sized by the number of occupants they can fit but this doesn't include extras like bags and belongings. If in doubt, it's often best to buy a size up to allow you some extra space. If you're a couple going camping, for example, buy a three-person tent so that you can keep your bags inside with you – especially if it might rain. It's always best to visit a shop first; seeing a tent in person gives a much better sense of space than reading measurements online.

If you have a garden, try pitching your tent at home. The initial attempt can take a long time, so it will make the process quicker when you get to the campsite (particularly if you arrive in the evening and it's getting dark). If you're borrowing a tent from a friend, a trial run at home also lets you check that all the parts are there and the tent's in good condition.

Skip Tripadvisor and talk to the campsite manager. Most campsites in the UK are small, family-run businesses and the owners have often lived there for years. Plan to visit a pub? Not sure whether you'll need to book a table? Want to find a quieter beach away from the crowds? These guys are local experts and, by asking, you might just find you'll be offered a lift or, even better, collection later in the evening.

Pre-cook a couple of meals at home that will be easy to heat up on the campsite, such as bolognaise or curry. It saves bringing heaps of ingredients with you and removes hassle from your holiday. Better yet, freeze these meals in Tupperware and add them to your cool box – they'll work like cool-blocks while they defrost, keeping the rest of your food cold.

It's easy to think that camping is a 'minimalist' activity where lightweight equipment is key. But, if you're travelling by car, there's no need to skimp on comforts. A pillow is a million times more comfortable than resting your head on folded clothes and taking something to sit on is a must. Never, ever sleep directly on the floor: The cold comes from the ground underneath you, so a decent air bed or foam mattress is important and, if you're cold in the night, try adding layers beneath you rather than just over the top.

Camping is about breaking routine, slowing down the pace of life and appreciating nature and good company. Forget searching for campsites with WiFi and phone charging and look instead for campsites that allow campfires and have an interesting feature nearby – a river, a lake or mountains. Being away from your emails is what a holiday is all about and, with camping, you have the perfect excuse: Most campsites have terrible phone signal anyway!

These enamel plates are light to carry and won't ever smash – it's a win-win.

Who said tents have to be boring? This bohemian styled tent is fits 4+ adults comfortably (on airbeds) with space for luggage, furniture or a walkway.

Lightweight and extra warm to keep you cosy at night.

Take this chair anywhere: the beach, the countryside, camping or simply in the garden.

This build-in LED lamp also holds an internal battery that is charged via a USB cable. Easy-peasy.

These hardwearing tumblers are made from a combination of bamboo fibre, corn powder and resin. They're ideal for outdoor or casual dining.

Enamel crockery is really the way forward when camping, but they can be stylish too.

This enamelware kettle has a solid beech, heat resistant handle, and is suitable for use on gas, induction and electric hobs.

Designed to be the ideal camping filter coffee maker, it just requires hot water to brew fresh filter coffee.

Every portable stove should be as compact as this one.

This set consists of two different sized pots, two lids with integrated colanders and a frying pan.

The only tool you'll probably ever need by the campfire!

Perfect for a cuddle by the campfire.

Think your partner will steal the covers? No worries, there are two separate built-in blankets in this sleeping bag. And foot vents!