Family Camping With Aldi (Review)

I don't do camping. Just like I don't do the dishes.

Anyone who knows me, knows this.

There needs to be a bed, a toilet, a shower, a mirror, a floor! I like walls, windows, doors, etc. and the thought of camping scares me quite a bit. However, I have a small child and, while he has never mentioned camping, I knew it was only a matter of time before the concept of sleeping in a tent raised its head.

So when Aldi challenged me to try camping and offered to send me some equipment to fulfill this task, I decided to bite the bullet.

I have never camped before. I have no idea what to do with a tent, what a guy rope is (I even had to just ask my husband what they are called), if you have pillows or not, the logistics of using a bathroom (which there isn't one of course), where things are stored, nothing. Putting up a tent scares me. It's probably just as well that the tent that Aldi sent us was a pop-up igloo tent which took my husband 20 minutes to assemble; not bad considering it's supposed to be a two-person job. I was surprised to see that there is an outer area (described as a porch) which can be used to store muddy boots, bags etc. and there is (what appears to be) an inbuilt mosquito/insect net as part of the inner tent, perfect for keeping out creepy crawlies. At only £29.99 I was amazed at how robust it was and how well designed; I've always thought tents were an expensive thing but this model shows they don't have to be.

We were also sent a double airbed (£13.99) to sleep on, although my husband thinks this is cheating slightly. I told him he could sleep on the floor alongside The Boy and me then if he felt so strongly about it. He laughed at me when I asked if we use pillows, again he won't be laughing when I'm the one who doesn't have a sore neck but he does.

Aldi have already released a camping range as part of their special buys during May which featured many useful gadgets like a multifunctional cutlery set (£1.99), tripod stool (£2.99), portable gas cooker (£9.99), dry duffle bags (£9.99), and bamboo clothing. Some of these items are still available in some stores and it's worth scouting around to try and find such great value items.

There is a special buy on the theme of 'Family Camping' coming up on 26th June which will include;

• 4- man tent (£79.99)
• small gazebo (£14.99)
• head torches (£1.99)
• foot pumps (£2.99)
• windbreaks (£9.99)
• floor mats (£12.99)
• camping tables (£19.99)
• dual burner with grill (£24.99)
• electric coolbox (£34.99)

I know I'll be popping along to supplement the equipment we've been sent with some more essentials; you see my sister has offered us the use of her 170 foot back garden to practise camping in, and I think it's a good idea to try it out not too far from the creature comforts that I'm used to. Although I'm sure she wasn't offering just to be kind, seeing me struggle with an airbed is going to be suitable entertainment enough.

I'll let you know how I get on with a young boy who is beyond excited and a husband who feels we're not roughing it enough.

I'm not going to get any sleep, am I?

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The Aldi Family Camping Special Buys range is available in store from Thursday 26th June, only while stocks last.

I was sent these products for the purpose of this review, my opinion is honest and unbiased.