Toyota has teamed up with Steve Backshall to provide tips on how to prepare for and enjoy the ideal family camping adventure.

The TV adventurer, author and wildlife expert uses his passion for nature to add a sense of adventure to holidays with his wife Helen, their three-year-old son, Logan and 15-month-old twins, Kit and Willow.

He believes it's all about P's with 'prior planning and preparation prevents poor parenting performance'.

The tent

When camping with babies, the amount of kit needed expands exponentially.

It is essential to have a tent that packs small and light, goes up quickly, and has plenty of space.

Critically, you want the tent to be big enough for the whole family to sleep together, while being sufficiently wind and weatherproof to avoid any nasty surprises in the middle of the night.

Nest is best

Travel cots are bulky and heavy, and rarely that comfortable.

Alternatives like a travel pod or nest, that can be folded down into a tiny backpack can create a handy crib.

Stick it inside your tent or even alongside you at the beach for an instant infant safe sleep zone.

Comfortable camping seats

it says something about their relationship that this is the present Steve asked Helen to give him for Christmas, a comfortable and light camping seat that is packable.

Steve claims he would sit in it at home in front of the telly if he could.

License to grill

Steve says before finding the perfect portable grille, cooking over an open fire was a lottery.

Attempts using logs or bricks as supports would inevitably end up with burnt food spilling into the ashes.

The one he uses is ready in seconds and turns the campfire into a stove.

lways observe safety and etiquette when using an open fire in any outdoor setting.

Off-road buggy

A baby buggy can be the most expensive item you'll need for a great family camping trip.

It's important to choose one that is good on rough terrain, that you can run with, and which gives the little ones a really good view.

An unexpected advantage has been the seat on the back of the buggy, which Steve's son loves riding on when he's feeling lazy.

Carry packs

While the buggy is great, sometimes you want to cover some serious terrain on foot, and nothing on wheels will cut it.

These packs are so well engineered that babies feel weightless. Steve has tested their quality on rocky paths and mountain routes.

Sun suits

Steve has three very fair children, so sun protection is vital.

That means making sure sun hats are firmly in place and regularly applying high factor sun screen.

Using sun suits means you can always spot where the kids are and they're convenient because they dry out quickly

Buoyancy aid jackets

These are a must if the children are on or near water.

They fit snugly and Steve makes sure all his youngsters wear them whenever they are close to water.

The car

Camping is not just about the end location, but the journey along the way, and keeping spirits high before reaching the campsite relies on a good choice of vehicle.

Steve has had a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for two years and recommends it particularly for being economical, quiet and spacious.

It serves as his adventure wagon, kids' climbing frame and mobile base-camp, and it never let him down.

Useful links

​ www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/rav4