Our fluctuating relationship with summer officially kicked off in May, as temperatures surged across the UK. Many residents found themselves struggling to cope with the heat, resorting to purchasing fans for a better night’s rest during the unusual heatwave, as well as shade structures to shield themselves from the sun.
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Despite the discomfort, there was a collective enthusiasm for the summer vibe, with numerous popular items in May reflecting increased outdoor activities. Many embraced nature and went camping, and some of the top camping gear selected by readers included a clever washing line and a flying disc. Other favorites ranged from stylish holiday sandals to a beloved K-beauty SPF product.
Unsurprisingly, given the high temperatures, the top-rated fan from our recent review emerged as the most favored item in May. Caramel Quin remarked, “Of all I tested, this is probably the best fan for sleeping. It provides excellent low noise relative to wind speed.” I, like many others, purchased this in a moment of need during the heatwave and can confirm that it has significantly improved my sleep quality.
The Mountain Warehouse folding chair is another essential for outdoor comfort, retailing at £14.99. Sian Lewis noted in her camping chair review that it offers “great fun for festivals, the beach, and camping, all while maintaining its effectiveness despite the low price.” Bargain hunters certainly appreciated this offering.
The Beauty of Joseon relief sun rice + probiotics SPF50+ moisturizer earned high praise in a recent study of moisturizers by beauty writer Sarah Matthews, who tested 25 products. It was highlighted as the top choice for SPF moisturizers, also ranking first in her face SPF review. Its light and silky texture makes it suitable for wearing under makeup. “I’ve yet to find a beauty journalist who doesn’t rave about it,” Sarah commented.
When it came to camping essentials, the Aerobie Superdisc flying disc topped the list in our recent newsletter. While it may not be the most critical item, Lily Smith, a festival enthusiast, described it as “affordable, compact, and capable of providing hours of entertainment.”
For footwear, the Women’s Ravina strap sandals were featured in Jess Cartner-Morley’s roundup of summer wardrobe essentials under £100. She emphasized the need for holiday sandals to be both comfortable for walking in the heat and stylish enough for evening outings. “Clarks shoes are always comfortable, and the crossover straps add a touch of elegance,” she noted.
According to Mabel Banfield-Nwachi, maintaining your washing machine can prolong the life of your clothes. She recommends Dr Beckmann Service-It washing machine cleaner, stating that machines can accumulate detergent residue and grime, which can eventually transfer back onto your laundry.
For those who enjoy outdoor laundry, the Decathlon Quechua camping washing line received praise. As mentioned in our camping guide, “a simple washing line is invaluable for drying towels, swimsuits, and more: it can easily be strung between tents or trees.” This particular model is innovative as it doesn’t require pegs.
In the realm of beverages, our food tester, Tom Hunt, tackled the topic of the best teabags, and many readers were eager to try his favorite: Birchall Great Rift tea. He described it as “carbon-neutral” and capable of delivering “a bright, aromatic, full-bodied cup with excellent clarity and tannic structure,” along with a clean, malty flavor.
The Decathlon Simond MT500 XL inflatable trekking mattress stood out in our camping mattress review, excelling in Linda Geddes’s comfort tests. She noted that “its vertical air-filled chambers effectively absorbed uneven surfaces and larger stones, creating a comfortable sleeping experience at a budget-friendly price.” Its compact size is also a significant advantage for campers without vehicles, although it is available in a slightly cheaper standard version at £44.99.
Testing pizza ovens proved to be a substantial task, as Rachel Ogden discovered in her review. She noted, “if indoorsy me can create outstanding pizza with these ovens, then so can you.” The Ninja Artisan electric outdoor pizza oven was a clear favorite among readers, ideal for spontaneous outdoor cooking. “Simply plug it into an outdoor socket or use an extension cord, and you can bake pizza in minutes—no gas or fuel required,” Rachel explained. It’s also currently available at a discounted price.
As the sunny days arrived, Sali Hughes highlighted the need for an exfoliating body lotion to prepare for lighter clothing. She praised Ameliorate Illuminating Glow body lotion for its ability to provide a subtle, streak-free tan while moisturizing and smoothing the skin.
For those seeking shade outdoors, the Decathlon Quechua multifunction tarp camping shelter is an excellent option, particularly for those of us who are always on the lookout for shady spots.
