30 Useful Things for the Skeptical Camper

Feel confident rolling up to the campsite with these picks that’ll make a trip into the woods practically cushy.

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Photography: Suech and Beck | Styling: Franny Alder

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.

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Photography: Suech and Beck | Styling: Franny Alder

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.

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Photography: Suech and Beck | Styling: Franny Alder

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.

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Photography: Suech and Beck | Styling: Franny Alder

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

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Photography: Suech and Beck | Styling: Franny Alder

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

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Photography: Suech and Beck | Styling: Franny Alder

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.

Next: 22 Picks for a Fuss-Free Flight

Originally Published in Best Health Canada

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