ARNOTTS ADVENTURE

Forget everything you thought you knew about camping. This year, camping is lining up to be the ultimate summer getaway - here’s why.

After spending 18 months cooped up in our homes, being able to be out and about in the world immersing ourselves in nature is truly the breath of fresh air we all need. It’s why hiking has become a popular pastime, the reason earth tones are making their way into our wardrobes and most interestingly why camping has become the holiday de jour amongst families, large groups of friends and retirees alike.



It’s not difficult to understand why. Families favour this style of vacation as it’s a trip children won’t ever forget as it takes them out of their comfort zone (and off their devices). Camping also allows you to discover new places, connect with nature whilst forming closer family bonds. Popular amongst large groups of friends and retirees for similar reasons, camping eliminates the stress and distractions of the every day and allows you to be present and enjoy a simple life. That said, many have reservations surrounding camping thanks to the misconception that it is grotty and unglamorous. But in actual fact, a good camping trip can be totally luxurious. A different kind of luxurious from waking up at a 5-star resort? Sure. But waking up to birds tweeting, eating breakfast outside, drinking wine under the stars, roasting marshmallows on a fire and feeling utterly connected to nature will leave you in awe of a simpler life. Not only that, studies have proven that camping can reduce stress and improve both mental and physical health.



So with camping now on your summer agenda, all that’s left to do is decide where to go and what to bring. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the top camping equipment on the market and organised it according to the three best camping destinations in Ireland: beach, forest, and mountain.



COASTAL CAMPING

COASTAL CAMPING

The sound of crashing waves, the crisp sea breeze, the warm sand between your toes - a beach camping trip is the ultimate summer getaway. You can choose a campsite nearby or you can opt to pitch up on the beach itself (many in Ireland allow for wild camping but it’s always best to do your research before you go). You’ll need all your standard camping equipment plus some beach-friendly extras such as the Takibi Tarp Hexa Set from Snow Peak. Not only will it offer you some well-needed shield from the hot sun but its waterproof lining means you’ll be ready for all weathers - after all, it is Ireland!



TOP TIP: As any sunrise swimmer will tell you, there's no better way to awake the mind, body and soul than with a dip in the sea. Make getting out of the sea as enjoyable as your experience in with the aid of Orca Board's Blubber changing robe. Designed, packaged and embroidered in Ireland, the Blubber Robe is perfect for outdoor use, particularly when you get out of the water! The Robe’s dual action technology means it will dry, and warm you simultaneously.



TRIP TO THE TREES

If you’re looking to fully emerge yourself in nature, no camping location is quite as perfect as Ireland’s many wonderful woodlands. Forest camping provides you with the opportunity to live amongst nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. And what would a trip to the forest be without a campfire and some s’mores? Snow Peak’s Takibi Solo, is a compact fireplace. With two legs, a baseplate and fireplace body, this will provide the perfect heat source for your forest adventures, as well as, melting your s’mores.



TOP TIP: What's a campfire without a good ol'fashioned sing-song? Instead of lumbering a guitar with you on your camping trip, look to the Beosound Explore from Bang & Olufsen. Not only will it provide you with an epic camping soundtrack but thanks to its tough rubberised base and aluminium body, it can be placed safely on all sorts of surfaces – from muddy campsites to sandy beaches. What's more, it's designed to fit in the palm of your hand, clip to a belt, strap to a backpack or hung from a tent making it durable for all adventures.



TRIP TO THE TREES
Theres no place like home

ELEVATED EXPEDITIONS

If you’re an active adventurer and are after a hiking getaway, there’s no better place to pitch a tent than the Wicklow Mountains. Visitors can under-take multi-day hiking trips and seek a wilderness experience like no other. To beat the chilly winds that come from high altitudes, look no further than The Ofuton Sleeping Bag from Snow Peak. Made from a high-performance ammonophoro fibre insulation, this sleeping bag retains warmth in temperatures as low as 5°C, while the Deobrain processing ensures fabrics retain antibacterial properties. Perfect for outdoor excursions from spring to autumn.



TOP TIP: Portable lanterns can illuminate your nighttime stroll or your dinner table when you’re eating out under the stars. The Hozuki Lantern from Snow Peak is a versatile battery-powered light that can be hand-held or hung for elevated illumination. What's more, the lantern also has an intelligent energy-saving sleep mode, so the light automatically turns off when the surrounding space is silent.



Columbia

"Known best for their no-nonsense apparel that's built for the elements, Columbia is a brand that needs no introduction. However their recent journey into camping equipment is worth your attention. From backpacks to hiking poles to sleeping bags and cookware, discover all Columbia has to offer in-store.

Orca Board

ORCA BOARDS

Inspired by a love for aquatic sports, co-founders Kevin D’arcy and Alana Prior saw opportunity in the increased popularity of the country’s lakes and beaches amidst the pandemic. And thus came the creation of Orca Board. Their mission was to design paddleboards that were not only versatile enough to be paddled anywhere in Ireland but to bring accessibility to the sport. Guaranteeing the best quality, design and innovation, the Orca Board range has expanded past just paddleboards and now has its own range of eco-swimwear fit for Irish waters as well as their take on the coveted changing robe. More than just a water sports store, Orca Board cares about the island’s waters and donates 10% of its profits to whale and dolphin conservation charities. Following their success as Arnotts Pitch ‘21 finalist, Orca Boards are now available to purchase online and in-store.

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