
Jen and Sim Benson
Award-winning outdoor adventure writers and photographers, Jen and Sim are the authors of eight books, including The Adventurer’s Guide to Britain, Amazing Family Adventures and the forthcoming 100 Great Walks with Kids, which will be published in March 2021. In 2015 they spent a year living under canvas, exploring Britain’s wild places with their two young children. Find out more at Adventure Places.
Latest articles by Jen and Sim Benson

The best children’s sleeping bags 2023: for family camping and sleepovers
By Jen and Sim Benson last updated
Our selection of the best children’s sleeping bags will help everyone get a great night’s sleep on family adventures

Snugpak Basecamp Explorer children’s sleeping bag review: fully unzippable for alternative uses
By Jen and Sim Benson last updated
Very versatile and good value, the Snugpak Basecamp Explorer is an excellent first sleeping bag

Jack Wolfskin Grow Up Star child’s sleeping bag review: it gets longer as they grow taller
By Jen and Sim Benson last updated
Full of funky features, the Jack Wolfskin Grow Up Star grows with your child

Selk’bag Lite 6G sleeping bag review: sleep in it or wear it
By Jen and Sim Benson last updated
The Selk’bag Lite 6G is a sleeping-bag onesie that kids love to crawl into on camp

REI Co-op Down Time 25 children’s sleeping bag review: a cosy, quilted cuddle
By Jen and Sim Benson last updated
The cosy, down-filled REI Co-op Down Time 25 sleeping bag offers top quality, comfort and performance levels to happy little campers

How to pitch a tent: our tips for quick, secure assembly wherever you decide to pitch
By Jen and Sim Benson, Alex Foxfield published
Knowing how to pitch a tent properly will make your camping trip all the more enjoyable – get this aspect correct and the rest will take care of itself

Deuter Starlight sleeping bag review: it grows with your child for longer-lasting use
By Jen and Sim Benson published
Popular with kids and adults alike, the adjustable Deuter Starlight is a stellar sleeping bag

Ergobaby On The Move Sleep Bag review: two-in-one design for your baby’s rest and play
By Jen and Sim Benson published
A comfy camping swaddle for babies and toddlers, the Ergobaby On The Move Sleep Bag has a sleep mode and a play mode

The UK's best DIY trail challenges: run, cycle, kayak and snorkel your way around the country
By Jen and Sim Benson last updated
With most events on hold due to Covid-19, this is a great time to independently explore the UK’s awesome trail network, on foot, bike and water

Why go camping? We explain the appeal of sleeping outdoors
By Jen and Sim Benson last updated
Some people recoil in horror at the very question of 'why go camping?' with thoughts of spending nights away from their creature comforts, but for others, that connectivity to nature is what they crave