A toddler, a tent and a pile of stones: our surprisingly creative camping kit tests

This week: the camping kit worth packing; Jess Cartner-Morley’s holiday essentials; and the best lawn mowers, tested

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The right kit can make or break a camping trip or festival. But what’s the secret to testing it? If Filter writers Sian Lewis and Linda Geddes are anything to go by, a love of the outdoors, willing helpers (including a friend with a field) – and some extremely creative testing scenarios.

“You’ll never have to convince me that camping is the best night out ever,” writes Sian, who tested the best tents and camping chairs for the Filter (as well as stoves, which is coming up in the next couple of weeks). “But I’ve done my share of uncomfortable nights under canvas, from gale-force winds breaking tent poles in the Scottish Highlands to festivals in £5 pop-up shelters. And I’m sure my husband will love it if I mention the time he didn’t realise our brand-new camping stove had a removable plastic film around it. I can vividly remember the taste of plastic-infused penne to this day.