British summer weather can deliver Mediterranean sunshine on Tuesday and a 35mph Atlantic squall on Wednesday. Following three golden rules separates families who fall in love with camping for life from those who go home early:
1. The "Plus-Two Berth" Tent Sizing Rule
Manufacturer berth ratings measure how many sleeping mats fit wall-to-wall with zero luggage. For a couple wanting standing headroom and space for chairs on a rainy evening, buy a 4-berth tent. For a family of four, choose a 6-berth tunnel or air-beam tent with darkened blackout bedrooms (which stop children waking at 4:45am in June!) and a covered front canopy for wet coats and muddy wellies.
2. Insulate Underneath Yourself First
Cold rises from the ground, not from the air above your duvet. A thick uninsulated deep airbed fills with cold air overnight and drains your body heat; either choose a self-inflating insulated foam mat (R-value 3.5+) or lay a foil-backed thermal blanket and thick fleece blanket on top of your airbed beneath your sleeping bag.