Swim camping kit
A swim camping trip requires balancing lightweight gear with quick-drying, water resistant accessories and clever packing solutions
VANGO Arcadia Self-inflating sleeping mats
£120-£165
Both the double and grande (single) self-inflating mats are a great design, with a flip valve inflation and deflation system. The flocked top and non-slip base keep you warm and in a secure sleeping position, and being elevated off the ground keeps the cool, damp air from bothering you at night. Fully inflated they offer a firm base for your body; allow a little air out and they let you sink into them. EF
IGLOO Trailmate 18 Soft Cooler
£126
While hard cooler boxes can be heavy even when empty, awkward to carry and tricky to store, and soft cooler bags liable to collapsing when half full, the Igloo Trailmate 18 Soft Cooler strikes a good balance. It’s robust and structured, with a soft fabric feel, yet much more lightweight. The compact size easily fits camping basics, without taking up too much boot space. The outer shell is water-resistant and coated so it wipes clean. The bottle opener in the front pocket was a nice surprise. JT
FIREBRAND Portable NomadGrill
£59.99 – £189.99
This flat pack portable grill folds down and has a clever carry bag with a shoulder strap. We tested the maxi grill and it was big enough to cook for six. It’s a sturdy piece of kit, too, solid enough that I felt confident putting pots and pans on it as well as meat straight on the grill. It also doubles up as a fire pit. EF
CLAYMORE HEADY2
£29.95
This rechargeable camping head torch is super bright (350 lumens) and comes with three settings: cool white, natural white (a lovely warm light for reading) and a spotlight. It’s a compact design, weighing about the same as a tennis ball, is easy to assemble and adjust, and comes in a neat little bag all ready with batteries installed. You charge it with a USB – it takes around two hours to top up – and it promises to last for 40 hours. It also has endless mounting options: you can tilt it up to 90 degrees, clip it to clothes or hang it inside the tent with the built-in lantern hook. Available from wildbounds.com. JT
VANGO Polaris Kingsize Sleeping Bag
£100
Wider and longer than a standard double bag, this made sleeping so much easier. We foolishly worried about being cold and wore way too many clothes the first night, this sleeping bag is toastie! It promised space, warmth and comfort and it delivered. It was ideal for cold nights in April, but also promises warmth at temperatures down to -19ºC. The zips on both sides make sharing the sleeping bag easier, enabling temperature control and getting in and out without bothering you sleep partner. The hanging loops are perfect for airing and drying after use. EF
OSPREY Transporter™ Squffel 70L
£180
This suitcase-duffel hybrid bag has amble capacity (70L) for a camping trip, while providing outstanding gear organisation and heavy-duty durability. Let’s start with the organisation: it opens into a clever 50/50 split-case clamshell opening, so you can split your bag into a ‘his’ and ‘hers’ or ‘swim stuff’ and ‘warm stuff’, making everything easy to find. Roll-away mesh dividers allow you to partition your clothes and gear effortlessly, or if you prefer standard duffel packing, you can bypass the split by unzipping the massive top flap. It’s ideal for wet/dry separation, too, with a ventilated top section that vents straight to the outside, helping damp kit dry out on the move. Plus, a fully-lined bottom section, which acts as a protective barrier to prevent dirty footwear or wet items from mingling with your clean, dry clothes. JT
VSSL Rift Tumbler
£29.95
This 10oz insulated tumbler is built to last, which is exactly what you need when you’re throwing a flask into a kit bag, perching it on a rock or rolling it up in your towel tor a toasty treat after a cold dip. It’s got a leakproof, lockable lid, which you can open with one hand, and anti-slip base for said rock perching. It keeps your brew steaming hot with its double-wall vacuum insulation. Pair it with the VSSL grinder and pour-over setup for a proper brew when camping. Available at wildbounds.com. JT
VOITED Tout Pack
£15
Keeping things organised is essential for a happy camping experience. The VOITED Tout Packs are made with excess material from their blankets and changing robes, so no packs are the same, and the material is robust and heavy duty. You get three in a set, which in good value for £15! They use a pull-cord rather than a zip, which should last longer, and means you can pack them as full as you need. In fact, they swallow a impressive about of gear: great for separating dirty running kit, protecting your tent from muddy boots, or stashing warm layers for after a swim. JT
ORCA Explorer Backpack
£149
This surprisingly roomy backpack has accompanied me on a few hikes and swimming weekends. The slot at the back meant I was able to take my laptop with me, and there are lots of spacious compartments for essentials like sunglasses, keys and snacks. There are even straps at the bottom so you can carry an extra towel or changing robe, plus it comes with a toiletry bag and roll-down waterproof bag for wet kit. The pack still felt very comfortable after a few hours’ wear. Another bonus is it meets carry-on luggage dimensions, so it’s perfect for swim holidays! AW
VOITED CloudTouch® Blanket
£139
A dry sack that doubles as a pillow, a tarp that you can use as a sun shelter and picnic blanket: when it comes to camping, multi-functionality leads the way! Just one reason why I love the Voited CloudTouch® Blanket, which can be used in four ways: as an outdoor blanket, a plush pillow, a hands-free cape or a single sleep sack. The fluffy fleece, made from 100% recycled materials, is exceptionally soft and warm, while the outer fabric is made with recycled Ripstop REPREVE®, meaning it’s water and stain resistant. I particularly love the landscape inspired designs. JT
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
