The gadget itself comes in a waterproof box and is comparitively light when compared tto other similar systems on the market. The Satmap Active 10 has a color screen that is 3.5 inches and has a backlight to help you in your time of need.

This version is exceptionally easy to use and because it comes with batteries can be used straight out of the box, giving you time to familiarize yourself with the interface.

Some features of the Satmap active 10 include showing you where you started from and the exact route you took to get there and all this on an ordenance survey map. Im sure there are many more features besides, however these are beyond my one day trial and would probably require some studying of the instruction booklet however for most the basic features will be ample.

If i had to state one aspect of the Satmap Active 10 that i was not 100% happy with it would be the awkward joystick, however this in no way ruins what is essentially a great tool.

Over the years I have had many situations where the campfire did not want to light, burnt out or flamed far too high – seeing me go hungry or being forced to eat what was no more than charcoal with a hotdog flavour, therefore I bring you my top tips (learned from my mistakes)

1. Firewood – Never collect enough firewood to keep the fire going, always collect far too much. Fires will burn faster, it will get colder, or you will decide to stay up for longer if you have only collected “enough” firewood.

1. Good tinder bundle – It is important when camping to always be prepared and by that I mean assume there will be no dry suitable tinder to light your fire with. Once you start bringing your own you will find that the forces of nature will leave far more for you in the wilds. The reason for this is all to do with chaos theory. I believe the technical term is sods law.

1. Always be first up in the morning to light the fire, because even if you do absolutely nothing for the rest of the day everyone will remember that the fire is yours which comes with certain benefits; first to eat, first to warm up and the secret satisfied feeling of knowing that you have beaten the elements.

1. Finally, remember that fires are dangerous especially when there are children around and make sure the fire is out when it is time to retire for the evening (luckily this is a mistake I have not made).

It is a good idea to think about what you want out of a camping experience and specifically what the area in which you intend to travel can offer in terms of making that experience come alive. The execution of a perfect camping trip is all in the planning.

Once you have decided on a location or a handful of potential locations it is important to research the area by all means available. Search the internet for local attractions, walks and restaurants (for those days that everyone may need cheering up).

Once a specific location and campsite has been chosen, or just an area if you intend to camp in the wilds focus your concentrations on what you will need to take with you. Probably the biggest spoiler of camping trips is the weather so it is important to think ahead. If you are visiting an area such as Scotland weather will be a huge factor (as will midges).

Draw up a list of everything you need to pack and what activities you plan to do when you are there. Make sure that some of these activities can be done on days of bad weather as this will be important for family moral.

Once you are there enjoy yourself. Make sure everybody else enjoys themselves and if you are with children make sure that they are involved in every stage of the planning and setting up camp.