•  Air sleeping-bags thoroughly before use and every day when camping as this will avoid a musty smell developing. Lay your sleeping bags out in the inner tent/s when the tent is pitched so they can air off and loft fully.

•  Holding the mouth of your sleeping bag in two hands, pump air into it by using a bellows-style action which will speed up loft of the fill, maximising its insulation value.

•  A good meal will boost body temperatures as will a brisk walk before heading to bed. When you get in your sleeping bag wriggle and thrash your legs about in the bag to get comfortable and create warm air.

•  The cold ground will draw warmth from you and your bag unless you use the insulation value of a sleep mat, airbed or camp bed.

•  Wear socks to bed; not the damp ones you wore all day but a fresh dry pair used only to keep your toes warm at bedtime.

•  Keep a beanie-style hat handy to pull on if your bag does not have hood.

•  Lay a light fleece blanket alongside your sleeping bag to pull over if the night is colder than expected.

•  Tots and toddlers can get lost in an adult-sized sleeping bag. Large bags can be made smaller by tying a belt or cord around them but it is best to invest in child-sized bags and liners. A lightweight folding cot can easily double as a playpen and reduces anxiety levels on site.

•  Try to keep inner tents zipped up during the day to stop insects sneaking in when you're not looking.

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