Latest news with #Camping
Top Gear
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Volkswagen California: can it do big miles and random semi-extreme camping?
The Arctic. Minus 20°C. Sounds just about perfect for a Top Gear mini-break in a VW Cali' A cosmic sea lapping against the shores of our atmosphere, that's the way I think of the aurora borealis. I've seen the northern lights in full force before, and it really was a gently gobsmacking moment, waves of greens, yellows and reds blushed across the night sky in watercolour washes, wonder reflected in the backs of eyes. At the spring equinox, some 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 12 miles from the Russian border with Finland, camped on an ice lake as far from artificial light pollution as I could reasonably get, I thought I had a chance of a repeat performance. Nope. There's nothing. Nada. Zilch. It's -20°C, I can't be bothered to put on enough clothes to go outside and it wouldn't matter if I did – the sky has been painted institutional grey by clouds intent on Valium views. Still, we hoped for the lights, but what we're actually here for is an untypically deep dive into whether or not the new Volkswagen California camper is actually any good at big miles and random semi-extreme camping, and how aggressively this Ocean spec can defend a price of more than £80k. So far, so unhypothermic, I'm already counting it as a win. We began, some 700 miles ago, in Helsinki. A longer than anticipated supply run in an absolutely enormous Finnish supermarket for vital survival foods (mainly Jaffa Jims and coffee, the Jims being indigenous Jaffa Cakes, you have to be adventurous in foreign climes), before barging our way to Kempele, just south of the larger town of Oulu for a quick 'n' dirty overnight. Photography: John Wycherley Initial impressions of the Multivan-based California are good. It's got the kind of acceleration that's best described as a gentle push from kind hands, 62mph from rest reached in something around 10 seconds, the point something lost in the mildly gruff combination of 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine and seven cog DSG gearbox. The changes are fast, the engine powerful enough at just over 200bhp/236lb ft, but this is a big thing – 2.4 tonnes of weatherproof textile and metal – and we've jammed a bit more than the 450ish kg of official payload into its gut. But it'll settle right back at motorway speeds, especially the Finnish max of 62mph, steering, suspension and brakes all the gentle side of good enough. It's a lightly cumbersome car, but a very nippy house, and small and swivelly enough to negotiate a tight underground car park or urban traffic without needing HGV training. Big miles are easily – if relatively sedately – covered without issue. It is not, however, the easiest thing to convert to overnight accommodation when you're very tired and everyone else in the crew has a convenient hotel room. And you're staying in the back end of what amounts to a truck stop. It also doesn't have a toilet. Or a shower. Which will become relevant later. But we're going for rest here, not necessarily relaxation, so I just fold the rear pair of seats (the Cali is a four seater) – after reversing the headrests – flap out the mattress pad, swivel the dual captain's chairs, attach/insert/pull down the blackout window blinds and set the auxiliary petrol heater to max. And then wait a bit for it to warm up... most of the above requires open doors and fiddling, and it's still into the double minus figures, and snowing. I don't pop the popup roof, it's not insulated enough and I would likely freeze in some sort of really unfortunate rictus, so low roof it is. And it's... nice. Warm, at least, but with a slight lack of storage and minimal headroom. Yes, you've got cupboards, but not many, and there's no space for a portable toilet, so I resort to, um, bottles. But it's actually a decent bed for one, although tight for two. And you lose the upper sleeping deck when it's too cold.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Four simple ways to cut the cost of your family camping trip this summer
Read on to find out how to save big on outdoor lines at B&Q SUN SAVERS Four simple ways to cut the cost of your family camping trip this summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CAMPING is a great way to get away on the cheap. But camping gear, driving long distances and paying campsite fees can still soon add up. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Pitch up for less with these simple tips. RENT A TENT: If it is your first time camping, ask friends if they have any equipment lying unused in their garage. If they can't help, you could rent instead of buy. Fat Llama has gear including tents and tables, while and ship all over the UK. If you want to buy, go second-hand from a site like eBay. STUDY SITES: Campsites can vary in price, so do your research to find more affordable options. There are plenty of free campsites, but make sure they are suitable for your needs. Websites like and let you filter by price. You can also join The Greener Camping Club for eco-friendly pitches in some stunning spots. UK's Premier Scottish Caravan Site: Camping & Glamping Gold Standard DRIVE DOWN COSTS: Transport costs can make a dent in your holiday budget, especially if you choose a campsite hundreds of miles away from home. To save on fuel, use the website which compares fuel prices across the UK. Avoid expensive motorway stop-offs and look for cheaper alternatives at You could even share a car with friends to cut your travel costs in half. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Cook and freeze a meal before you leave home, then put this in a cool box with your other cooled foods and ice packs. It will help to keep your other fresh food cool and you'll save on an expensive takeaway or meal out. A cooler that plugs into the car socket can be a big help to keep essentials cold — just be careful not to drain the car battery. Take easy foods like dried instant pasta meals, noodles, pouches of rice and tins. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 We have four savvy tips to cut the cost of your family camping trip this summer DEAL OF THE DAY 7 This cosmetic organiser display box from Debenhams is down to £17.50 Credit: Supplied KEEP your lotions and potions clean and tidy in this cosmetic organiser display box from down from £69 to £17.50. SAVE: £51.50 CHEAP TREAT 7 Get six lollies for a penny with a Bonus Card tomorrow at Iceland and The Food Warehouse Credit: Supplied SNAG six lollies for a penny with a Bonus Card tomorrow at Iceland and The Food Warehouse. The first 10,000 people to bag the selected ice lollies, normally £1.35, get the one-day, 1p deal. SAVE: £1.34 Charming choice NOT to be outdone by the most stylish fashion houses, Lidl has launched its own bag charms. For the chance to win one, search for the compe-tition at TOP SWAP 7 The White Company Flowers large candle is £65 Credit: Supplied 7 But this flat ribbed Floral Blanc hurricane candle is just £9.99 from Aldi Credit: Supplied IF you love The White Company Flowers large candle, £65, you could try the cheaper flat ribbed Floral Blanc hurricane candle from Aldi, £9.99. SAVE: £55.01 Little helper SAVE 20 per cent on many outdoor lines at B&Q including some barbecues. The Tehama black charcoal BBQ, which cooks for up to ten people, so is perfect for parties, is now down from £125 to £100. Shop & save 7 Get four British steak burgers from Sainsbury's for £3.50 with a Nectar card Credit: Supplied PICK up a pack of four British steak burgers from Sainsbury's for £3.50 with a Nectar card, instead of paying the usual £7. SAVE: £3.50 Hot right now COLLECT double Nectar points until Tuesday on Tu clothing at Sainsbury's – two points for every £1. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers race to Lidl for ultimate festival and camping £15 buy – it can be used in a car or in a tent
LIDL is selling the perfect item for summer getaways this year. This bargain buy is perfect for car or camping trips away from home. 3 Shoppers are rushing to buy the Crivit Car Air Bed, which is compact and convenient for cars and SUVs. The neat napping tool is selling now for just £14.99 - available either on Lidl's website or in stores. The item has a handy stabilising support base, meaning it can sit comfortably on the backseat of any car. Happily, this base can also be removed so the bed can double up as a sleeping aide while staying in a tent. Even more handy for campers, it has a quick release valve which means it can deflate quickly - perfect for a quick campsite exit. The air bed also comes complete with a comfortable velour coating and two pillows. The airbed is 135cm in length, 80cm in width and 10cm in height when inflated. The pillows are suitably sized at 35cm in length, 20cm in width and 33cm in height. The bed is light and easy to carry around at just 1.95kg, and can cradle sleepers of all sizes with a maximum load of 250kg. The bed comes in grey, and boasts a three year warranty. On Lidl's website, the company says: "The product can be inflated using a hand pump or an electric pump. "It includes a practical storage bag, instructions and a repair kit." Shoppers have taken to Facebook to react to the nifty gadget, with many praising the product. "It's clever with festival season upon us," one said. Another added: "Wish they had this when I was sleeping in a car, instead I was basically upside down to get comfy." However, some prospective punters seemed to be concerned over the airbed's size. One said: "I've seen this but can you imagine how claustrophobic it'd be lying width ways. "I'd have to be a size 0!" This bargain bed comes after Lidl have begun selling ice cool gel pillows that are easy to use and won't break the bank. For just £7.99 on the Lidl plus app, shoppers can get their hands on the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad. That's more than £12 cheaper than a similar product on Argos, with the low price available until June 7. Described as perfect for restless sleepers and over heaters, the pillow give you instant cooling comfort, so you don't need to flip your pillow during the night. At 60x40cm it covers your entire pillow and simply needs to be slid inside your pillowcase on top of your normal pillow.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Top ten nature sounds for a good night sleep when camping revealed from raindrops to flapping tent fabric
MORE than half of campers say the sounds of the outdoors help them get a better night's sleep than if they were in their own bed. A poll of 1,000 people who often go camping revealed 56 per cent of those who find their kip improves when sleeping outside, put it down to the calming noises of nature. Advertisement 2 Hamza Yassin is the President of The Camping & Caravanning Club and is reconnecting with nature at one of their campsites Credit: Katielee Arrowsmith/PinPep 2 A bespoke audio track featuring some of the most relaxing sounds from the incredible outdoors has been launched Credit: Katielee Arrowsmith/PinPep Raindrops, flowing rivers, and wind blowing through trees were voted the top sounds that aid an enjoyable al fresco bedtime. With tent fabric flapping, insects chirping, and sleeping bags rustling also making the list. The study also found that when at home, anxiety over work and finances, and thinking about the things they need to do the next day all contribute to a bad night's sleep. Whereas 49 per cent say snoozing under the stars helps them decrease their overall stress levels. Advertisement The study was commissioned by The Camping & Caravanning Club, which teamed up with its club president, wildlife cameraman and presenter, Hamza Yassin, to launch a bespoke audio track featuring some of the most relaxing sounds from the incredible outdoors. Released just in time for National Camping and Caravanning Week, the track is available to listen to on The Camping and Caravanning Club website. Hamza said: 'The benefits of spending time in nature are widely reported, but it is fascinating to hear how this can have such a positive impact on sleep quality for so many people. 'Whether it's the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, the chirping of crickets, or the soft patter of raindrops on the side of a tent, immersing yourself in the incredible outdoors and all it has to offer can provide the ultimate soundtrack for a peaceful night's sleep. Advertisement 'Our new track has captured some of the most relaxing sounds from nature to help inspire and encourage people not just to get outdoors more, but to really tune into the world around us. 'Camping is a great way to experience this, as it puts you right on nature's doorstep, helping you to enjoy the calming benefits of the natural environment and fully switch off.' UK's Premier Scottish Caravan Site: Camping & Glamping Gold Standard The study also found one in five claim they switch off instantly when arriving at a campsite, while six in 10 (59 per cent) feel fully relaxed within just an hour of pitching up. A further 71 per cent enjoy the mood-boosting effects of being closer to nature, with 69 per cent citing fresh air as their favourite thing about dozing in the wild. Advertisement Time away from technology, experiencing new adventures, and the opportunity to stargaze also contribute to the wonder of getting some shuteye outdoors. Out of those who enjoy sleeping outdoors, 43 per cent praised the healing properties of switching off from daily life and 42 per cent relished the escape from their routine. This may be why more people rest for longer in nature than at home in their own bed, with nine per cent of campers snoozing for over eight hours, compared to six per cent when in their 'natural' habitat. It comes as no surprise, then, that over half (56 per cent) would recommend outdoor sleeping for those who struggle to nod off at night. Advertisement This links to the belief held by a third (34 per cent) about there being immediate, short-term health boosts to be gained from connecting with the natural world. And even if not seeing instant results, 45 per cent still believe in the long-term health benefits of being outdoors overnight, according to the research commissioned via Commenting on the importance of a good night's rest, Heather Darwall-Smith, psychotherapist specialising in sleep and author of How to Be Awake (So You Can Sleep Through the Night), says: 'Camping's like hitting the reset button on your sleep. 'Spending time outside – soaking up sunlight, moving your body and tuning into nature's soundtrack, gets your sleep systems working how they're supposed to.' Advertisement
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Your Go-Anywhere Backup Power Solution Is on Sale Now
The following content is brought to you by PCMag partners. If you buy a product featured here, we may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation. As summer camping trips and storm season approach, it's worth asking: Are you prepared to keep your devices powered when outlets aren't available? The Alpha Digital 320W Portable Power Station & Solar Panel Bundle, now available for $309.99 (reg. $399.99), is a compact and dependable solution designed for off-grid adventures, emergencies, or even daily portable power needs. It combines a high-capacity 298Wh portable power station with a foldable, high-efficiency solar panel, providing multiple charging options—via wall, car, or sun. You'll have eight charging ports, including two AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, and DC options, so you can keep laptops, phones, cameras, and lights running, no matter where you are. The system includes a built-in LED flashlight, a digital battery monitor, and smart charging that detects and delivers the optimal power for each connected device. The solar panel folds for easy transport and includes 10 connector tips for charging a wide range of electronics directly. It's also waterproof. This all-in-one bundle helps you stay connected and powered up without relying on the grid. While supplies last, get an Alpha Digital 320W Portable Power Station & Solar Panel Bundle for just $309.99 (reg. $399.99). Prices subject to change. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through StackSocial affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.
