30 Useful Things for the Skeptical Camper
Updated: Jun. 05, 2024
Feel confident rolling up to the campsite with these picks that’ll make a trip into the woods practically cushy.
Level Up
This pop-up tent is quick to assemble and comes with a built-in mattress. But best of all, its 17 inches above the ground to guard against dewy dampness.
Costway 1-Person Portable Pop-Up Tent, $442, thebay.com
Tip: Camping spots can be tough to secure, so make sure you’re on the right page: Go to parks.canada.ca for national park reservations, and to sites like ontarioparks.ca or bcparks.ca for provincial parks.
Eat wildly well
A picnic set that belongs by the Seine.
Deluxe Picnic Backpack, $90, leevalley.com
Caffeine conduits so you never have to settle for instant.
World Famous Aluminum Percolator, $67, thebay.com
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Machine, $120, mec.ca
Grosche Dublin Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker, $85, thebay.com
Three blades and a bamboo board for easy meal prep.
GSI Rakau Knife Set, $105, mec.ca
A thermos that shows your true colours
HBC Stripes Multistripe Thermos, $50, thebay.com
A durable, rollable cooler.
48 Wheeled Cooler, $550, yeti.com
All the essentials for patriotic smores.
Telescoping Campfire Fork, $13, leevalley.com
President’s Choice Maple Flavour Marshmallows, $4, realcanadiansuperstore.ca
A travel-friendly stovetop for perfect eggs and crispy bacon. (And check out Cook It Wild by Chris Nuttall-Smith for ingenious prep-ahead recipes.)
Hike Crew Gas Camping Stove, $112, thebay.com
Tip: Burn local—firewood brought in from further afield risks introducing invasive bugs or disease. Also, you can cook a staggering number of foods in heavy-duty aluminum foil packets.
Bring the fun fireside
A game for when you (really) need a laugh…
Monikers: Serious Nonsense, $54, amazon.ca
…and a game you can play with a bevvy in hand.
Costway Foldable Bean Bag Toss Cornhole Game, $250, thebay.com
The very best book light for a late-night binge read.
Glocusent USB Rechargeable Book Light, $17, amazon.ca
Various vacation books, $18-25, indigo.ca
Tip: Portable chargers are your friend. Bring two. Keep them dry and out of the sun. Maybe bring a third.
Be prepared for anything
No mess, biodegradable soap sheets, $8, leevalley.com
Simple reliable LED flashlights, $8, leevalley.com
20-in-1 multitool (with bottle opener) $29, amazon.ca
Sturdy engineer’s compass, $18, leevalley.com
Set of 3 Tick Key Tick Removers, $22, leevalley.com
After Bite treatment, $8, amazon.ca
Get rid of the gunk
A hydrating moisturizer.
The base face milk, $78, iliabeauty.com
A gentle face wash.
The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser, $44, iliabeauty.com
A pampering mask.
Reusable silicone sheet mask set for face + eyes, $38, provinceapothecary.com
A sun-smart serum.
C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40, $83, iliabeauty.com
A hydrating lip balm.
Balmy tint balm, $38, iliabeauty.com
Sleep Easy
A collapsible lantern for a cozy glow.
Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma Lantern, $35, mec.ca
A plush sleeping pad.
MEC Reactor 10 Double Sleeping Pad, $400, mec.ca
A quick-dry sleeping cocoon.
MEC Centaurus -9C Sleeping Bag, $270, mec.ca
A puffy blanket for lounging on.
HBC Stripes Multistripe Packable Quilted Camp Blanket, $49, thebay.com
Tip: If it’s chillier than anticipated, fill a small bottle with hot water and chuck it into the bottom of your sleeping bag before you hit the sack. The bag will trap that heat and you’ll stay cozy.
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