We bring you some of the latest products available for campers and caravanners.
Cost: £149.99
Not all cordless stick vacuums are equal.
Take the Proscenic P11, which is not only a great stick vac for whizzing around the floors of your caravan or motorhome, you can use it as handheld to tackle upholstery – great if your pooch accompanies you – car interiors and those awkward to get to places in your unit like cupboards and underbed storage compartments. Even better you can also use it as a mop – though this function is better used for cleaning larger floor areas such as in the home – by simply attaching the water tank (topped up with warm water) behind the floor-cleaning head and continue as if vacuuming. As a stick vac it’s fairly lightweight and manoeuvrable in tight spots. It features a self-explanatory anti-wrap hair brush and an LED light which really shows up any dirt and dust that needs cleaning. The touch LCD screen at the back of the body of the vac allows you to select one of three suction modes, though the higher the setting the louder the vac is, it also shows much much charge remains. The 0.65-lire bin is easy to empty and the battery is easily removed for charging. It takes around five hours to fully charge and runs for around 50 minutes depending on which suction mode you use.
Accessories include a floor brush, crevice tool and a dusting brush.
The Proscenic P11 Mopping was being sold at £149.99 at the time of publication, a saving of £30 off the normal price of £179.99.
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Cost: £185
A comfortable boot is key to an enjoyable walk whether exploring the countryside or pounding the pavements around town.
My most recent forays into the Warwickshire countryside have given me the opportunity to put the Blueridge Lady ES, a new boot from German manufacturer Hanwag, through its paces. Hanway describes the boot a mid-cut model for mountain hikes and tours in lower hilly ranges. It’s worth noting there is also a low-cut trail shoe variant, a men’s specific fit and an ‘LL’ variant available, the latter is leather-lined rather than having this model’s EcoShell waterproof-breathable membrane. Straight from the box the boot was noticeably light in weight and once on felt incredibly comfortable and well-cushioned with a glove-like fit thanks to its three-dimensional structure made from polyurethane (PU) foam which cupped the foot. The sole with its raised edge offered great all-round support, including at the heel which I especially noticed when negotiating more uneven ground. The beautifully padded foam tongue ensured comfort over the front of the foot, while extra-large lugs on the non-slip outsole – which have been designed specifically for the female anatomy – ensured stability and traction on every terrain. In addition to the Blueridge ES’s great styling, performance and comfort the boot has great eco credentials, great if it’s something which affects your purchases. The boot’s uppers are made from a combination of 100% recycled polyamide and certified chemical-free Perwanger leather, which is from cattle also reared for meat. The PFC-free EcoShell liner is also made in part from 100% recycled polyester, while the insole is a mix of 100% recycled material. The boots, as with all Hanwag footwear, are made in Europe which the company says is to ensure production is done in the most sustainable manner and to shorten transport routes lessening the carbon footprint.
If you're looking for a boot that's stylish, lightweight yet extremely comfortable and is eco-friendly, the Blueridge Lady ES is worth consideration.
Cost: £205
The Fjallraven Abisko trousers are designed to provide both warmth and flexibility during cold weather activities.
The first thing I noticed was how incredibly comfortable they are. The stretchy fabric moved with me, allowing for unrestricted movement whether I was walking or sitting down. The trousers feature a soft, brushed interior for extra warmth and comfort on chilly days.
On the other hand, the breathability was very good so I didn’t get sweaty legs after a few hours of hiking. The water-resistant exterior kept me dry during unexpected drizzles or light snowfall. They also have reinforced knees and seat for durability in the high-wear areas. There are also a discreet zippered leg pocket and two zippered hand pockets for my small essentials.
Additionally, the elastic waist and drawcord at the leg endings provide easy adjustments for everyone. Overall, the Abisko Winter Stretch Trousers have become my go-to choice for winter adventures.
Michelle Lui
Cost: 139.00
Having recently bought a small campervan, I found that the rock ‘n’ roll seats aren’t that comfortable for sleeping on.
When we received the offer of testing a bespoke memory foam mattress topper from MyBespokeMattress, I jumped at the chance.
The bespoke measurements for the topper were emailed over and I decided the 5cm topper was the most suitable. In just over a week, the item arrived. The mattress or toppers can be supplied in various shapes and sizes and the company’s website is quite informative. I also found out that an even thicker version will be available in time for the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show in Birmingham’s NEC in February. The mattress topper I received was folded in half for delivery, but new orders are expected to be packaged differently. When rolled out on the seating to make up the bed, there are four elastic cuffs, one at each corner, to hold it in place. It appeared a little uneven at first and the cover seemed slightly too large, but after sleeping upon it, any creases disappeared. It also came with the new ViroClean enhanced mattress topper cover, which has antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It should also offer protection against mould and odour resistance if the vehicle is stored out of season. The new ViroClean technology is to be launched at the February show. Testing it out on a cold winter night, it was very comfortable to sleep on and the memory foam was very flat. We then rolled it away in the morning for future use. When rolled up it is quite large, but with two straps, these held it firmly in place. I am looking forward to getting out again in the camper and having lots of use of the mattress topper.
Tested by Carolyn Hunt.
Cost: £39.99
Wellies are a staple in most caravanners/campers wardrobe/backpack – festival goers especially will concur.
However, not all wellies are equal. Many are heavy and cumbersome and not practical for those quick mid-night dashes to the loo or for wearing for hours on end at a rain-drenched festival. Not so with these Ultralite ankle boots from Leon Boot Co (LBC). They are incredibly light – up to 65% lighter than most other wellies according to LBC – and they’re really built to last. Unlike a lot of their rubber counterparts, these wellies are made using a single injection moulding process, from an EVA polymer, so not only are they very durable, there are no seams or joins that could split or crack. I’ve been testing a pair over a number of weeks and found them to be a very light and comfy boot, and easy to get on and take off – thanks to a moulded lip on the heel and side handles which help you guide the boot on. The boot have a removeable sock liner which raises the comfort level and should help keep feet warm in colder weather. You can wear the boots without and it’s worth noting you should size up to allow for the liner when purchasing, also the liner can be thrown in the washing machine if a freshen up is needed. Choose from a range of bright summer colours including yellow, purple and fuschia.
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