How to create the perfect family base camp

After a packed day of family adventuring, there’s nothing better than returning to a cosy, comfortable ‘base camp’. We’ve teamed up with Scandinavian camping brand Nordisk to share tips on creating a luxurious home from home outdoors.

This advertising feature is sponsored by our friends at Nordisk. Find out more about their high-quality glamping and family camping range on their website and follow them on Instagram.

With no weight limit and a whole family to keep happy, camping with kids on campsites is all about creating a snug environment everyone will love. Here’s how to create a base camp setup that’s comfortable, cosy, practical and sustainable – without losing your connection to the outdoors.

Whatever the weather

The first rule of family camping is that your setup needs to be weatherproof. This being Britain, you’ll almost certainly face drizzle, gales, hail or heatwaves (possibly all of the above) at some point during your trip. That’s not much fun in a flimsy nylon tent, but a top-quality cotton fabric model should be able to ride out almost any storm. Nordisk’s Utgard 13.2 is about the closest a tent gets to being a house. Solidly constructed from breathable cotton fabric with room for up to six sleepers, it’ll keep the whole family cool in the heat and dry in the rain.

 

Go big on hygge

Unlike wild camping, where every gram counts, there’s no need to scrimp on luxuries for a family base camp. Be inspired by the Danish concept of hygge (basically a feeling of cosy contentment – Nordic jumpers and cinnamon-scented candles optional) and fill your boot with rugs, cushions, camping lanterns, snug clothes for post-adventure brews and plenty of extra blankets. Without weight to consider, it’s also worth swapping roll mats for camp beds. The Rold Wooden Camp Bed won’t just give you the best night’s sleep you’ve had in the wild while doubling up as a bench during the daytime. With its beech frame and canvas spread it looks rather beautiful too.

Space to unwind

The key to a relaxed and comfortable base camp is space – space to cook, eat, dry wet gear, and retire for a bit of alone time if the rest of the family are driving you up the canvas walls. A big tent is a good start (the Utgard 13.2 allows you to add extra compartments, which is handy for storage and drying gear), but base camps shouldn’t end with the tent. Think about packing a tarp, such as the Kari Diamond 10, for creating an all-weather chillout space – and don’t forget the kitchen. A storage unit, sink and two-hob gas stove are the lynchpins of a good camp kitchen, all ideally protected by a wind break and tarp. Add the Nordisk Aluminium Kettle for the most stylish morning brew you’ve ever had.

Build it to last

It’s becoming worrying common to see cheap nylon tents and plastic camping gear discarded around British beauty spots. Don’t fall into the ‘buy it cheap, use it once’ trap. Nordisk has been making products with an emphasis on durability, sustainability and quality for more than 100 years. Its family camping range uses natural, durable materials that are designed to be repaired rather than replaced – better for the world and better for you.

Nordisk family camping gear: four top picks

 Many hikers and backpackers known Nordisk for their excellent lightweight gear, but the company also makes superb family-friendly ‘glamping’ kit with a classic, Scandinavian feel – including their hallmark cotton tents. Here are some of the best picks.

 

	Utgard 13.2 cotton tent, £875 Utgard 13.2 is the closest you will get to living in a real house – in a tent. There is room for up to 6 people sleeping and the square shape makes it optimal for glamping décor.
	Rold wooden foldable camping bed, £175 When you want more than the standard mattress, this is an excellent choice. Clean Scandinavian design with great comfort for sleeping or relaxed sitting.
	Almond -2° sleeping bag, £105 An extremely comfortable and snug option with all the features you expect from a classic-style sleeping bag.
	Aluminium kettle, £26 The ability to make a good cuppa is indispensable – and this classic aluminium kettle lets you brew up wherever you are.

Want to find somewhere amazing to camp with your family this summer? Check out the June issue of The Great Outdoors for our rundown of the best wild family holidays that Britain and Ireland have to offer.