Camping essentials shopping list

Make camping comfortable with our roundup of essential gear

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cups

Campsite-friendly cups

These colourful plastic goblets from Canadian Tire are safe, easy to pack-and a little glamorous. They are part of a nine-piece set that includes plates. ($30)

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Flashlight

Flashlight

Tera Gear’s Streamlined LED Torches have optional side lights ($9). Multi-Function LED Lights act as lanterns, too. ($14).

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lantern

Bug-zapping light

Keep mosquitoes away and light up your camp with a ThermaCell Patio Lantern. Slide the insect repellent mat into the top of the lantern and bugs will stay 4.5 metres away for up to four hours. ($30, includes 3 mats)

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Thermos

Thermos

This Thermos 1L Stainless Steel Vacuum Bottle will keep hot food and drinks hot for eight hours, and cold items cold for 24 hours. Perfect for long canoe trips. ($30)

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pump

Air pump

This 120V Coleman Quickpump has a six-foot-long cord and is powered by your car’s lighter to make quick work of water toys and air mattresses. ($40)

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airbed

Air mattress

This twin-size Aerobed Airbed (also available in double and queen) comes with its own hand-held AC air pump for fast inflation, and a quick-deflation valve. ($100)

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pfd

Personal flotation device

Stohlquist BetSea PFD is made to fit a woman’s body. Two zippered front pockets provide easy storage, and reflective strips make you easy to spot ($125)

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sleeping bag

Kids’ sleeping bag

Keep little ones warm in a Tera Gear sleeping bag made for kids. Made of breathable polyester, it includes a pillow and carrying bag. ($19)

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grill

Grill

The Coleman Fold N Go grill is a breeze to transport. It cooks using standard charcoal briquettes, and the dishwasher-safe grates have adjustable heights. ($50)

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cookware

Pots and pans

The GSI Bugaboo Base Camper non-stick cookware set comes with a frying pan, a cutting board, a removable handle, and two small, medium or large pots. It all stacks neatly in a mesh sack. ($54-$72)

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shoes

Water-resistant shoes

Timberland’s innovative Radler Trail Camp water-resistant shoes come in five colour options, and zip closed to half their size for easy packing. ($75)

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bottle

Bottle opener

No more picking up bottle caps! With this Trudeau Bottle Cap Catcher, remove a cap and it goes into the chamber. Just remove the base to empty it. ($12)

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Gloves for the grill

Gloves for the grill

These Trudeau Kitchen & Grill Gloves have a fire-resistant exterior (up to 482°F) and silicone anti-slip grips for safe handling of hot pans. ($40 per pair)

Related:
3 days of camping dinners
15 healthy things to do this summer
6 summer safety tips you need to know

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