Testing Our Starter Den Building Kit Prototype in the Wild

At CAMPKiN & MOO, testing is at the heart of what we do. It’s not just about making sure the products work, but ensuring they create the experiences we promise. This week, we took our prototype Starter Den Kit out into the wild for a hands-on family test.

We found the perfect woodland spot; enough open space for the groundsheet and just the right number of trees to tie up the canopy tarp. so, what was the aim of the day? To see if this den building kit delivers on what it’s meant to: 1. Bringing families together through shared adventure and making memories and 2 at a great price without impacting quality.

Here’s how it went.

 

Finding the Spot & Setting Up

There’s something about heading out into the woods with a bag of kit that sparks excitement in both kids and adults. My daughter and I picked a quiet spot, unpacked the den kit, and got to work.

The plan was simple:

1. Groundsheet down.
2. Bungee cord between two trees.
3. Camo tarp over the top.

It needed to be a challenge, but not a struggle. After a bit of teamwork (and a few knot-tying lessons (from my daughter, she is way better than me), we got the tarp up. The den stood nicely between the trees, and it really did feel like our own little hideaway.

We spent time playing in the den, pressing flowers in our flower press, and just enjoying the space we had created together. The build itself was as much fun as the time we spent in it, which is exactly what this kit is about; the experience of building something together.

So, How Did the Prototype Starter Den Building Kit Perform?

We had four key goals for this first test. Here’s what we learned.

Goal 1: Making Memories Through Quality Time

✅ Result: 100% Success.

We loved it. The process of finding a spot, setting up the den, and then playing in it was everything we’d hoped for. It wasn’t about rushing through the build to get to the play — it was all part of the same adventure. We probably spent as much time setting up as we did playing, but that’s the point.

This den building kit isn’t about entertaining kids while the grown-ups sit back. It’s about building something together and making memories. Mission accomplished.

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Goal 2: Quality Tarp Material

🟡 Result: Passed, but we will keep testing.

Our prototype den building tarps are 80gsm — lightweight and flexible, which makes them easy to pack and carry. So far, they’ve proven strong enough for a den kit, but they’re definitely on the lighter side compared to more heavy-duty tarps.

The pros? They’re easy to use, pack, and carry. The con? Well have to wait and see how they stand up to harsher weather or rougher use over a longer period of time.

We’ll keep testing them, pushing them to see their limits. So far, we’re happy, but we won’t stop here.

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Goal 3: Finding the Ideal Rope or Cord

⚠️ Result: Mixed.

The bungee cord was a bit of a debate. My daughter loved it; it’s easy to tie knots, easier to adjust than jute rope, and quicker to set up. But the elasticity made it harder to get a tight line, which meant more adjustments to keep the tarp secure and the den rigid.

From a practical point of view, it worked, but not perfectly. We’ll test a few other options before we make a final decision.

We also have to balance practicality with sustainability — jute is more eco-friendly, but bungee cord lasts longer. It’s all about finding that balance.

Goal 4: A Lightweight, Cost-Efficient Bag

✅ Result: Success.

The recycled polyester drawstring bag worked well. It’s lightweight, spacious enough to carry the kit plus a few extras, and easy for kids to carry.

My daughter loved having her own bag — it added to the sense of adventure. And from a sustainability point of view, we’re happy with the recycled material. That said, we’ll keep looking out for even better eco-friendly options.

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What’s Next?

Testing isn’t a one-and-done process. We’ll take what we’ve learned from this first trip and make adjustments:

Explore other cord options to make set-up easier.

Push the tarps to their limits in different weather conditions.

Keep improving the kit bag for the best balance of function and sustainability.

The Den Building Starter Kit is all about bringing families together through outdoor adventures. We’re getting closer to having a final product we can proudly launch — one that we know will deliver on that promise because we’ve tested it, lived it, and loved it.

 

Here’s to more adventures, more dens, and more memories made in the wild.

- James, CAMPKiN & MOO