We examined the Stanley 1913 tenting vary – here is what earns a spot in your journey
Whether you’re heading to the hills or a comfortable countryside escape, Stanley 1913 has you covered – here’s what’s worth packing for adventures big and small
Stanley isn’t just bottles and cups anymore, it’s quietly becoming a camping essential(Image: Stanley 1913)
When someone says the word “Stanley 1913,” the image is instant. Oversized tumblers, durable mugs, and bottles built to survive school runs, office commutes, and chaotic mornings.
But somewhere between the viral cup craze and the rise of elevated outdoor living, Stanley has quietly stepped into a new lane – camping gear that looks good and works hard. And let’s face it, a brand known for durability was never going to stop at hydration.
On a recent camping trip, I swapped out my usual mismatched cool bags and cooking kit for a handful of Stanley pieces and discovered for myself that there’s far more to the brand than insulated drinkware (don’t worry, the range comes in many more colours than just pink).
The standout surprise was the Easy Carry Cooler (£110). Camping coolers often fall into one of two camps: bulky and industrial-looking, or cute but impractical. This is the best of both worlds.
The colour range gives it a more softer, outdoorsy feel, while the shape makes it genuinely easy to transport from car to campsite. At 15.1L, it’s compact enough not to dominate your packing space but roomy enough for the essentials – drinks, snacks, breakfast bits, and those camping luxuries you pretend aren’t necessities.
For day trips or shorter adventures, the 6.6L Easy Carry Lunch Cooler (£85) became unexpectedly indispensable. Whether it was picnic supplies for a woodland walk or keeping lunch fresh during a long drive, it felt like one of those pieces you end up using far beyond camping season. Functional, unfussy, and surprisingly stylish.
Then there’s the 7L Julienne Mini Cooler (£80), small enough to feel effortless but polished enough to double as a chic carry-all, it’s ideal for snacks, fruit, or a few chilled drinks for an evening by the fire. The cream finish gives it a premium feel that stands apart from the usual camping aesthetic of dark greens and heavy-duty blacks.
Cooking outdoors is usually where things become chaotic. Forgotten utensils, awkward pans, too many pieces to carry, but the 20-piece Wildfire Cook Set (£130) simplified things dramatically. It feels thoughtfully designed for people who actually camp, rather than people who just like the idea of camping. Durable without being cumbersome, practical without looking aggressively technical, it handled campsite cooking with far less fuss than expected.
One underrated hero? The food jar and spork (£44). If you’ve ever underestimated how comforting a hot meal can feel outdoors, this changes things. Warm porridge on chilly mornings, pasta after an evening walk, leftovers that actually stay warm, it quickly earned permanent-kit status.
Stanley also seems to understand that camping gear doesn’t have to sacrifice aesthetics. The 29.2L Backpack (£120) is proof of that. Soft-toned but practical, it avoids the overly sporty look many outdoor bags default to. Spacious enough for campsite essentials – and of course, the trusty tumbler – without feeling oversized, it transitions easily from camping trip to everyday errands.
And finally, the item that reminded me Stanley still knows its roots, the everyday Camp Mug (£32). Reliable, sturdy, and somehow making coffee taste better in the open air (science can’t explain this), it brought the familiar Stanley comfort into a setup that felt much more complete.
The takeaway? Stanley isn’t abandoning the bottles and cups that made it famous, it’s expanding the experience around them. For anyone who loves camping but still wants gear that feels considered, cohesive, and a little more elevated, these pieces make a convincing case.
And there’s something quite reassuring about gear that promises to last a lifetime – something Stanley 1913 has built its reputation on.
