The Best in Camping Gear for All Seasons and All Budgets!

Summer is here and it’s getting sticky in the city, so why not head for the hills this weekend? Whether you’re on your own, with a group of buddies or traveling as a family, a camping trip is your best defense against heat waves, smog and other inconveniences of modern urban living. Nothing refreshes a tired body and mind more than setting up camp in some well-shaded woodland or by the shore of a swift-running river and exploring what nature has to offer! Every camping trip is part natural history lesson, part social gathering and part exercise session. It’s also a journey back in time – a chance to experience what life was like before the advent of those 21st century comforts that we sometimes rely too heavily upon!

Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should go into the woods empty handed! There’s such a thing as taking the concept of “roughing it” too far! From the beginning, human beings have distinguished themselves from other animals by their cunning use of tools, and a camping trip is definitely not the time to deviate from that proud tradition. Before you head out, make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need to make your trip a successful and enjoyable one!

The best way to prepare for your outdoor adventure is to make a checklist based on the particular demands of the journey you’ll be undertaking. Before you do anything else, make sure to consult the forecast to find out what Mother Nature has got up her sleeve – you don’t want to be taken unawares by the elements! (Of course, even the sunniest prognosis is never 100% certain, so don’t let yourself be lulled into a false sense of security by a smiling weatherman – always bring some waterproof gear along, just in case!) Summer is by far the most popular season for camping, but it’s certainly not the only time you can do it. Spring, fall, or even winter camping can be a wonderful experience, provided you’ve got the proper equipment on hand! Another thing to consider is: what kind of terrain will you be encountering? Camping out in the mountains is a very different thing from pitching your tent in a swampy district, so study the map carefully! Also, the length of your trip could be a key factor: you can travel light if you’re just going for the weekend, but if this is your big summer vacation, you’ll have to invest a little more thought into preparations for keeping things comfortable during your retreat from civilization. Finally, there’s the all-important question of your activity schedule. Will you be doing a lot of hiking? Fishing? Bird watching? Swimming? Or just telling ghost stories around the campfire? Each of these pursuits depends upon its own specific accoutrements, so make sure they’re on your list.

Once you’ve established your criteria, you can get down to the serious business of choosing the specific items that you’ll want to take along on your excursion! Of course, as with all areas of human life, shelter is paramount, so make sure you’ve got the right tent for the job! Once that’s taken care of, you can choose from a wide range of sleeping bags and tent furnishings to make your home away from home as comfortable as possible (especially important on a long trip). If you’ll be leaving camp for any length of time, you’ll want to have a sturdy and capacious backpack along to carry your supplies. Remember that there probably won’t be any fast food malls anywhere near your campground, so be sure to stock up on all of the food, cooking supplies and potable water (including hydration packs) that you’ll need to keep your energy levels up! If you know you’re heading into bug country, prepare for battle with the best ecologically sound sprays and repellents on the market. Keep your bearings no matter how far you stray from civilization with detailed maps and ultra-modern GPS technology; and light your way back to camp with a powerful flashlight or lantern. Dress for camping success with rugged boots and outdoor outfits for any occasion – and stay safe with first aid kits and special fire retardant equipment. Finally, stock up on all of the specialized equipment you’ll need to pursue your enthusiasm for hiking, fishing or bird watching!

Once you’re all packed up and ready to go, all you need is a definite camping destination! Fortunately, Canadians have an extraordinarily rich variety of options in that regard. Covering nearly 10 million square kilometers’ worth of territory from coast to coast, most of which remains in a pristine state of nature, our country offers more camping ground per capita than any other nation on Earth! This land is held in trust for all Canadian citizens by the confederated provincial governments, which do an amazing job of maintaining these spaces in a state of readiness for your arrival. Provincially designated campsites offer a wide range of services that could really improve your family’s experience in the great outdoors. Some of these park perquisites include (in some, but not all, cases): telephone reservation systems (so you can book a great spot in advance!), marked trails, on-site information centers, special education programs, shower and changing facilities, park-wide radio transmitters (to keep you apprised of any weather-related warnings) and even direct shuttle bus service from selected cities (so you can leave the car behind too)!

This entire spectacular hinterland is yours to enjoy and learn from, so make sure to get out there and spend some quality time in the wild!

Finding A Provincial Campground

To find the provincial park campsite nearest you (or closest to your desired getaway spot), consult these handy listings:

More than simple locator pages, these official sites of the various provincial governments are chock full of valuable province-specific information and advice about key topics like: fishing technique and license acquisition procedures, fire prevention, waste disposal and keeping your family and pets safe from dangerous woodland animals like wolves, coyotes, pumas and bears.

British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Tents And Shelters

When you’re out in the wild, the only thing between you and the elements is the shelter that you bring and erect upon your chosen campsite, so make certain that you choose the right one. Among the crucial criteria that ought to come into play as you make your decision are: the season of the year (and the weather forecast), the length of your stay, the geographical characteristics of your chosen campsite and, of course, the number of people the shelter will have to accommodate. Once you’ve got those details settled in your mind, you’ll have a good idea of what type of shelter you’ll need.

For example, if you’re headed out on a multi-week expedition (especially in harsh terrain or climatic conditions) – or if you’ve purchased some land and plan to make several trips back and forth from the city to your new country seat – you’ll want to invest some extra money in a base camp tent or semi-permanent structure. Less ambitious journeys will make fewer demands upon your wallet and building knowhow, but it’s still important to remember that not all tents were created equal, and you’ll have to make sure to consider things like square footage and seasonal appropriateness. Then again, if you’re going out on a solo adventure, or traveling with a group of like-minded rugged individualists, a bivouac sac (or “bivy”) might suffice for your purposes!

A. Base Camp Tents and Other Semi-Permanent Structures

For the utmost in security and comfort on a long expedition or camping trip, a base camp tent or a canvas walled lodge is the way to go! Designed to withstand even the harshest weather and geographical conditions, these extraordinary structures can sometimes be a little more complicated to transport and erect – however, on the bright side, once installed, they’ll be with you for the long haul! Most base camp tents are built according to the geodesic dome design principles (see below for quick assembly video) of legendary architect Buckminster Fuller – an innovative structure that uses a minimum of material while providing maximum stability and temperature control. Base camp tents sell for anywhere from $270 (for a basic, 2 person model) to more than $5000 (for deluxe all-weather domes that can accommodate 10 campers or mountaineers in style). In between those two price extremes, you will find a wide range of products, each priced according to the hardiness of the pole and canopy materials used to construct the tent, as well as the number of extra features (i.e. SVX windows, multiple doors, mesh storage pockets, external snow flaps, intricate ventilation systems, internal perimeter skirts, etc.) included.

Another great option for the die-hard camper or wilderness enthusiast is the canvas wall-tent or lodge. These sturdy structures are much taller (featuring ceilings up to 9’8” high!) than base-camp tents, giving you room to really stand up and stretch – and most are even designed to accommodate the placement of a camp stove with chimney. Of course, with price tags ranging from $800 to $1600 (for a deluxe Montana Lodge tent from Cabela’s), wall-tents aren’t for the casual camper, but if you’re going to be doing a lot of cool weather camping, you can’t go wrong with an instant canvas cabin!

B: Conventional Tents and Three-Season Tents

For the regular summer or early fall camper, there are a wide range of affordably priced conventional tents on the market. Again, prices will vary a fair bit, especially depending upon the size of your camping party, but you can pick up excellent 2- or 3-person tents from L.L. Bean, Eureka, Kelty or Sierra Designs for around $100. Family-sized tents range anywhere from an astonishing $90 (for a Broadstone Cumberland Dome 6-person tent) to $300 (for a well-ventilated Roots Oxtongue 6-person model). Weatherized three-season tents will, of course, cost a little bit more, ranging from about $100 (for a 1-person Sierra Designs Vapor Light tent) all the way up to the vicinity of $400 (for a deluxe Kelty Shiro 6-person model).

C: Bivy (Bivouac Sack)

If you’re looking to stay mobile in the woods by traveling light and are content to sleep under a ceiling of stars, rather than canvas or nylon, the bivouac sack is the shelter option for you! Popularized by mountaineers, rock climbers and other ardent outdoors enthusiasts, a bivy takes up no more room in your pack than a soda pop can when it’s all folded up! Bivies don’t provide quite the same level of comfort as tents, but when it comes to cutting wind-chill and dampness, not to mention adding a few degrees of insulation to your sleeping bag, these breathable nylon or Gore-Tex cocoons get the job done! Bivies sell for anywhere from $67 (for the insect-proof Bug Bivy by Outdoor Research) to more than $300 (for ultra-weatherized double- and triple-layer bivies by Outdoor Reserch or Big Agnes).

D: Sun Shelters

If you’re just leaving town for the day, a sun shelter might be all the protection you need. It’s great to get out there on a bright afternoon, but that summer sun can sometimes bear down a little too hard. When that happens, it’s a wonderful thing to have your own portable oasis along for the trip! These easy to carry and install structures are generally made of durable, UV-resistant polyester, and sell for anywhere from $60 (for a minimalist Broadstone Popup shelter) to $185 (for a Kelty Shadehouse large enough to accommodate an entire sun weary family!)

E: Shelter Accessories

Sometimes even a shelter needs a little support! Make sure you’ve got everything you need to adapt your tent to varied circumstances—or to put it up in the first place.

I. Floor Savers/Footprints In wet or damp weather, a footprint or floor saver can be a life saver! When you’re out in the wild, a sudden tear in your tent’s floor could be disastrous, so it’s a great idea to lay a strong foundation with one of these handy accessories, designed to protect your shelter from rocks, dirt and general wear and tear. Footprints come in a variety of sizes, of course – so it’s important to match your purchase with your tent model. They sell for anywhere from the $10-$15 range for 2-person footprints all the way up to $150 for the hardiest Mountain Hardware gear.

II. Mallets And Pegs Sometimes it’s the little things that count. For instance, you can’t put your tent up without a mallet and pegs – so don’t forget to pack them! Most tents come with their own pegs, but if you’ve had yours for a while, you might have lost a few along the way. If that’s the case, you can replace them for anywhere from $0.25 a piece (for the smallest plastic Coghlan pegs) to $25 (for a 6-pack of Vargo titanium pegs). Meanwhile, you can get a serviceable Coghlan rubber mallet for about $4.

III. Tarps If you don’t have a thoroughly weatherized base-camp tent, you might want to consider bringing a tarp along, for extra security. These accessories also come in handy as instant protection against storms or extreme sun when you’re away from camp. You can get a serviceable waterproof and UV-resistant tarp for anywhere from $4 (for a 6’ by 8’ Western Rugged model) to $470 (for a mammoth 50’ by 100’ tarp).

IV: Tent Repair Kits No matter how strong the shelter, a lot of things can go wrong in the wild. If you’ve purchased a top-of-the-line model with great warranty protection, you’ll be covered for the next trip – but what happens in the meantime? A wise camper will plan ahead to keep the inconvenience of a torn wall, leaky roof, malfunctioning zipper or broken pole to a minimum. You can get a full service tent repair kit (which includes items such as duct tape, pole splints, sealant fluid, nylon patches, extra zipper parts and pins, sewing needles and thread) for as little as $14.

V: Cord and Rope As any Boy Scout or Girl Guide will tell you, you can never have enough cord and rope along, when you’re deep in the woods! You can pick up a 50-foot guy line rope for your tent for as little as $5 – and reflective GloCord Sterling rope (for ease of use in the middle of the night) sells for about $22.

2. Sleeping Bags

Once you’ve got a portable roof to call your own, the next step is to acquire the perfect cocoon for those cool country nights! Once again, the primary criteria here are the season of the year and the forecast (along with your budget, of course).

A: All-Weather Sleeping Bags

If you’re going to be exploring the exciting world of cold weather camping, you’ll need to bring an appropriate sleeping solution along for the ride! All-weather sleeping bags carry a lot of extra insulation to keep you snug even in temperatures well below freezing! They are generally a lot bulkier than regular sleeping bags, but when it comes to staving off hypothermia, that extra weight is definitely a fair trade-off. You can pick up an effective thermal sleeping bag for as little as $85 (for Coleman’s Big Basin Extreme Weather model). For an ultra-sleek 2kg model that will keep you toasty on a skiing expedition or ice-fishing trip, top-of-the-line Western Mountaineering Bison bags (guaranteed to protect you even under -40 Celsius conditions!) sell for up to $915.

B: Conventional Sleeping Bags

When you’re just looking for a cozy, easily transportable sleeping bag for summer camping, the price points are much lower. You can pick up a cotton or fleece sleeping bag from Sea to Summit, L.L. Bean or Coleman for as little as $30. If you’re looking for something a little warmer (and a lot more comfortable), a plush goose down lined L.L. Bean bag, offering luxurious sleeping conditions and protection against nippy night temperatures just above freezing, sells for about $180.

Other top brand names in the sleeping bag business include Marmot, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Kelty, Rei and Chinook. Each of these companies offers a wide range of zippered bedding options, suitable to just about any budget or camping conditions. The choice is yours!

C: Liners and Foam Mats

When those night temperatures drop precipitously, transform your conventional sleeping bag into a thermally insulated enclosure by adding an extra layer of warmth with a fleece or Thermolite liner. In addition to adding warmth and cutting down dramatically on the windchill and dampness factors, liners put a little bit more comfort between you and a lumpy campsite. You can pick up a multi-purpose Broadstone sleeping bag/liner (which can be used as an ultra-light primary bag on warm summer nights or as a liner on a fall evening) for as little as $12! To deal with more rugged conditions, you might want to invest in a top-of-the-line Sea To Summit Reactor Extreme Thermolite liner (which adds an incredible 14° C to your sleeping set up)

If you’re less concerned about cold weather than the annoyance of rocky or uneven ground under your back, why not browse through the wide range of foam mats on the market? These lightweight accessories, so easy to roll up and load into a backpack, will really help to feather your nest at night (while providing some extra protection against cold and damp conditions)! Serviceable Alpine Mountaineering trail mats sell for as little as $25, while top-of-the-line polyester models from Eureka (with unique nonslip bottoms to keep your mat securely beneath you all night long) can cost up to $100.

D: Travel Pillows

Protect your head and neck by giving yourself some ergonomic elevation with a lightweight travel pillow! Specially made to facilitate transport in a space-conscious backpacker’s kit, these accessories provide the maximum amount of comfort per square inch! Some travel pillows are inflatable (most of these will be self-inflatable, meaning they are designed to suck air in and expand as soon as you unscrew the valve, saving you from having to pack a compressed air device), while others can simply be rolled up. You can pick up a perfectly practical pillow for as little $10 (for a horseshoe-shaped MEC model), while a self-inflating Cabela’s cushion sells for around $15.

E: Sleeping Bag Compression Stuff Sacks

Sleeping bags can be unwieldy things – and that can slow you down when you’re on the move in the wild! Fortunately, you can keep that bag under tight wraps with a handy compression stuff sack. These accessories, usually made of lightweight nylon, are available in a wide range of styles and sizes, to accommodate even the largest all-weather bag, and feature multiple drawstring straps so that you can expel every last ounce of space-wasting air from within the folds of your bag. Many stuff sacks can also double as rudimentary pillows, giving them a convenient multi-functionality! Prices on these range from the $10-$15 range (for small models from Sea To Summit, Outdoor Research and Alps Mountaineering) all the way up to $45 for the largest waterproof model from Cabela’s.

3. Camping Furniture

If you’re going to be spending a prolonged period in the wilderness (while working on an extended research project, for example - or while enjoying a rustic honeymoon!), you might want to add a few extra touches of home to your shelter. Remember, some of these items might not fit in a small tent – most camping furniture works better in conjunction with a base camp tent or wall-tent.

A: Beds

Forget about fooling around with sleeping bags, liners and mats and just bring a portable bed along for the trip! Most camping beds work on an inflatable air mattress principle, in order to facilitate transportation to and from the site. Generally, the more expensive models will come packaged with their own specific external air pumps – so make sure you’ve got room for that too! Air beds come in a wide range of sizes and styles, ranging from a minimalist Northwest Territory Air Bed priced at $15 (but sold separately from an air pump – and constructed of PVC fabric, which you may or may not be interested in sleeping on) to a deluxe BYO (Bring Your Own Bed!) Memory Foam Bed from Roots, which sells for about $300.

B: Chairs and Loungers

If you’d rather not have to park yourself on damp mud or rocks while you’re roasting your marshmallows this camping season, why not pack a chair or two for your sitting convenience? Traveling chairs are designed to be as compact as possible, so they can go anywhere that you do! You can pick up a basic camp stool for as little as $4, while traveling chairs with minimal back support sell for as little as $5! If you’re looking for something a little more durable and posture-friendly, a polyester Quad Chair by Broadstone (which can last for years and even includes a built-in drink holder) sells for as little as $20. At the other end of the spectrum, an ultra-sturdy Deluxe Director’s Chair from Outbound (with a high back, padded seats and a handy side-table) can cost up to $80.

C: Tables

Add a little comfort and elegance to your outdoor experience with a table for mealtime, card games or just getting a little nature journaling done! You can purchase a small folding table (with two built-in cup holders, to keep the wind at bay!) for as little as $12! Longer, family-sized models, like a 72” folding table from Sears, sell for just a little over $50, while a sturdy, fully-collapsible Double Roll-Up Aluminum table model (with nylon tabletop) can cost up to $150. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a complete picnic table and bench set, you can get an ultra-portable Outbound model (with table that folds up and fits into the bench seats) for about $270.

D: Pantries and Storage Organizers

Keep all of your supplies in one compact location and protect your food from bugs and other woodland pests with a pantry or storage organizer. Save space inside your tent by setting up your unit just beside the fire pit, and rest assured that your gear (and your breakfast!) will be there in the morning! You can buy a small three-shelved Broadstone model, made of polyester and supported by a sturdy steel frame, for as little as $50. Larger camp storage organizers, with extra place for hanging shirts and jackets, sell for about $90. Meanwhile, a sturdy camp pantry by Outbound, made of extra durable material to discourage scavengers, sells for about $120.

4. Backpacks

After your shelter and your sleeping bag, your backpack is your best friend in the wilderness. Make sure to purchase one that is capacious enough to store everything you’ll need whenever you head out from camp. And if you’re going to be dealing with adverse weather conditions, be sure to take that into account! Some of the top brand names in this crucial category of camping equipment include Arc’teryx, High Sierra, Osprey, Mountainsmith and Golite.

Backpacks come in a wide range of sizes and styles, suitable to any budget or personal transportation requirements. Some of the variables to keep in mind when choosing your backpack include: durability of material, number of special compartments (for carrying delicate items), degree of weather-resistance and, of course, ratio of size to weight. You can pick up a decent-sized MEC Pod Sling Pack (with a handy slot for your iPod right on the side) for just a little over $20. If you’re looking for something tough enough to accompany you straight up the mountain, perhaps in the teeth of a blizzard, then you might want to consider a complete weather-tight top-of-the-line Arc’teryk Arrakis 50 model, which sells for around $435.

5. Hydration Packs and Filters

Water makes up between 55% and 78% of the human body – and we can’t go very long without replenishing our stores of this vital compound. Doctors recommend that people consume eight glasses of water a day, and there’s no reason to suspend this practice when you’re away from your faucet! Stay hydrated in the wild via a variety of fresh alternatives – from water bottles to specialized camel packs!

No matter how you choose to deliver that thirst-quenching substance to your lips, the first thing to do is acquire the water. Save a fortune on bottled water bills by purchasing a water filter that will transform any river or lake liquid into a crisp, clean potable beverage. You can pick up an excellent Katadyn filter (which includes handy features like an ergonomic pump handle and a hydration pack adapter for direct transfer) for less than $80! Once you’ve got that matter settled, it’s time to choose your hydration pack! These specially adapted backpacks (with straws that extend right from the water reservoir to your mouth) are available in a range of styles and price points comparable to regular, non-hydrating models – and the same selection criteria are operative here. Before buying, you’ll want to consider factors like carrying capacity, durability of the material (what could be worse than springing a leak halfway through an arduous hike?) and separate storage compartments.

You can pick up a decent-sized 50 oz. pack by CamelBak (the acknowledged leader in this specialized field) for less than $40! More capacious models by CamelBak, High Sierra, Dakine and Osprey sell for anywhere from $100 to $275 (for a pack large enough to store enough water to keep an active human hydrated for more than 2 weeks!)

6. Stoves and Fuels

If you’re going to be in the wild for a while, you don’t want to be relying entirely on trail mix and granola bars (although both items are very good things to bring along)! Active bodies crave hot meals (and coffee!), so make sure you’ve got the means to deliver the goods to your group!

A: Ovens

From a simple task like making some tasty morning toast to a complex operation like actually making the bread, an oven can really add some variety to your campsite cuisine. Generally powered by internal or external propane tanks (higher end models even feature push button electronic spark ignition – making these appliances as easy to use as your kitchen stove), ovens run the gamut of styles and price points. For example, you can purchase a 7lb Coleman camp oven (which folds down flat for ease of storage and transportation) for less than $50, while a fully-equipped 3-burner range with gimballed oven/broiler sells for around $1450. A less extravagant oven/burner combo by Camp Chef (easily up to the task of making muffins, casseroles and cookies, while heating up a steaming mug of coffee) sells for $220!

B: Grills and Ranges

Add a homey touch to your campsite with a range or some good old-fashioned char-grilled cuisine! Wilderness gourmets can take advantage of a vast array of grilling options – from a simple foldable steel frame for use in conjunction with your fire pit to a self-sufficient propane powered cooking range. The former is, of course, much cheaper, with serviceable Open Country Explorer 12” by 6“ grids selling for as little as $11.

However, fuel-powered grills and burners do add a great deal of convenience and precision to the cooking process. You can pick up a single-burner stainless steel Brinkman model for as little as $27, while more traditional full-service grills like Century’s Matchless model, Stansport’s Portable Propane model and Coleman’s InstaStart Table Top Grill sell in the $70-$80 range. Extravagant campground barbecue fans will want to invest in something a little more powerful, like Camp Chef’s Big Gas Grill 3 model, which features a 16” by 38” cooking area and sells for around $280.

C: Heaters

It’s good to plan ahead for a cold or chilly snap with insulated tents and sleeping bags, but for truly reliable warming action, there’s no substitute for a trusty camping heater! These handy comfort generators sell for anywhere from $75 (for Coleman’s BlackCat catalytic heater) all the way up to $300 (for Canadian Tire’s Kero-World Convection Kerosene Heater, which benefits from a number of crucial safety features, including tip-over shut-off functionality and low to nonexistent CO2 emissions!) Of course, it’s important to remember that these self-sufficient heat sources rely on fossil fuels, rather than electricity, and that fuel (usually either propane or kerosene – which is more efficient, but also more expensive) must be purchased separately.

D: Coffee Makers

Campground coffee aficionados have a few options when it comes to preparing their favourite break of dawn beverage. You can, of course, tote along your favourite stovetop percolator or espresso maker and heat things up over fire pit or on a portable range or grill. On the other hand, you could opt to purchase a dedicated, self-sufficient coffeemaker. These handy devices are just like the ones you plug in at home in your kitchen, except that, like other camping appliances, they’re powered by fossil fuels!

Should you choose the latter; two camping coffeemakers stand above the rest of the options on the market. Brunton’s Brewfire Dual model brews up 8 steaming cups in about 10 minutes, and can keep the beverage piping hot for up to 2.5 hours. On the other hand, the Primus Brewfire performs similarly, and is even easier to use, thanks to its D cell battery propane ignition function – just flip the switch and the air will fill with that much-loved coffee aroma! Brunton’s Brewfire sells for about $140, while the Primus variant will cost you upwards of $200. The choice is yours!

E: Fire Starters and Fuel Supplies

The ability to control fire was perhaps the most important key to humanity’s rise to mastery of the planet, and your camping expedition will depend just as heavily upon this crucial skill. Of course, these days, there’s no need for you to reinvent the wheel (or reignite the tinder), thanks to handy fire starters and convenient combustibles.

If you’re relying upon a fire pit or wood stove, the Primus Ignition fire starter (a water-resistant steel flint mechanism) is a good buy for $10 – and is guaranteed to work thousands of times before it needs to be replaced. Another simple way to get your fire roaring is through the aid of Coghlan’s fire sticks, which come in a pack of 12 for $4.

Campers who rely on fossil-fuel powered cooking appliances will want to stock up on propane or butane from Coleman or Primus. These crucial canisters can be purchased in 3-packs (which should be more than enough to get your through a normal weekend trip) for as little as $10.99!

7. Camping Cookware and Utensils

A campsite is not a kitchen – so make certain that you pack the right specialized, extra-durable cooking implements to get the job done!

A: Dutch Ovens

If you’re going to be cooking over an open fire this camping season, a cast iron Dutch oven is absolutely essential! These highly versatile pieces of cookware, specially designed to distribute an open flame’s heat evenly, are ideal for making anything from bread to stew to pot roast! These items generally sell for anywhere from $30 to $145, with size and craftsmanship being the primary variable factors. For best results while cooking over an open fire, you might want to mount your Dutch oven on a convenient tripod, which will keep the pot steady for as long as the recipe requires. You can pick up a good tripod for a little over $50.

B: Coffee Sets

Just because you’re in the wild doesn’t mean you have to go without your morning cup of joe! Perk up your campsite with durable stovetop coffee makers and coffee sets made to withstand the tougher conditions of outdoor living. You can pick up an excellent 5-cup percolator from Open Country for as little as $18, while a Stanley coffee or tea infuser will cost you a mere $20. For those sophisticates who insist on a good shot (or four!) of espresso, a stainless steel espresso maker from GSI sells for about $50. And campers looking to maintain a certain decorum in the woods might want to consider a complete set of matching 9-cup stainless steel coffee pot and mugs for about $140.

C: Utensil Sets

You don’t want to bring the good silverware on a journey into the woods, so invest in a secondary set of cutlery and cooking utensils that is specially made to withstand the rigors and special conditions of an outdoor kitchen! You can pick up complete ringed sets of acetal forks, knives, tablespoons and teaspoons (to help minimize the chances of losing utensils) from REI for less than $3. Spatulas, ladles, whisks, hikers’ spoons and cheese graters can likewise be had for less than $3 each!

D: Woks

A wok can do wonders in the wild: great for summer stir-fries under the stars – and easily adaptable to whatever mode of preparation your recipe calls for, from braising to boiling! Woks are lightweight, heat up in a jiffy and are a snap to clean in the nearest stream! You can pick up a Broadstone stainless steel model for as little as $20, while a larger-sized carbon steel Outdoor Gourmet model from Eastman Outdoors sells for about $80.

E: Cook Sets (Pot and Skillet Sets)

Stock up on all of the pots and skillets you’ll need to keep the whole tent nourished! You can pick up a 4-piece polished stainless steel collection (which even includes a pair of extra plastic cups) from Canadian Tire for as little as $26. If your budget allows you to be more extravagant in this area, the MSR Flex 4 System Cookset (which sells for about $150) provides the ultimate mixture of form, function and portability – bringing together 2 pots (one 3.2 L, one 5.2 L), two aluminum strainer lids, four stainless steel mugs and four deep dish plates in one ultra-convenient nested package!

F: Bowls and Plates

Make sure you’ve always got something to eat that great camp cuisine off of, with durable plates and bowls from industry leaders like MSR, GSI and Sea To Summit. You can pick up indestructible, easy to clean polypropylene plates from REI for less than $3 each. Meanwhile, an ultra-portable Sea-To-Summit silicone X Plate and X Bowl (which collapses flat to save room in your backpack) set sells for about $15.

G: Mugs

Keep the camaraderie flowing around the campfire with a set of sturdy mugs for the trip! Sip your soup, coffee or juice in style (and keep it as warm or as cold as you want it to be) with a Timberline Double Wall Stainless Steel mug for about $7. Or opt for melamine ($3.50), enamel ($5) or bamboo ($5) models, depending upon your preference. For the ultimate in ergonomic comfort, go for the Stanley Outdoor stainless steel mug with clip grip, which sells for about $20.

8. Food and Rations

In order to get the most out of your journey into the wild, you’ve got to keep your senses sharp and your energy levels high, so make sure to stock your portable pantry with lots of nutritious food and beverages!

A: Powdered Drinks and Thirst Quenchers

You’ve already taken care of your pure hydration needs, but what about tasty, mineral-rich drinks? Browse through an appealing variety of electrolyte-replacing thirst quenchers and replenishers from Refresh or Ultima (which sell in large containers of powdered deliciousness for around $20). Or, for about a third of that price, pick up a tin of Gatorade crystals – also very good at restoring vital nutrients lost by the body during periods of exertion. Meanwhile, for a delicious nighttime treat around the campfire, pick up a package of Camino instant Fair Trade Cocoa for about $6.

B: Packaged Meals

If you’ve got a lot of activities planned, you might not have time to cook all of your meals from scratch! That’s no reason to forego a hot meal after a long day of hiking or fishing (if the fish don’t bite!) Bring the tastes of Italy, Thailand, Mexico or Nepal to your campfire with handy prepackaged, easily prepared food from Backpacker’s pantry or Harvest Foodworks! Each of these packs typically feeds between 2 to 4 people, and costs anywhere from $6 to $17, depending upon the ingredients involved.

C: Energy Bars

Keep your strength up on the trail or in the bush with these portable bursts of protein and carbohydrate energy! Get vitamin- and mineral-packed Cliff bars or gluten free, soy free, dairy free Larabars for less than $2! For a little more (between $3 and $4), opt for weight-lifter class protein bars from PowerBar, or deluxe, vegan, low-glycemic index treats from Probar (Art’s Original Blend).

9. Camping Knives and Other Tools

When you’re out in the woods, you depend more than ever upon top-notch tools to help you carve out a place for yourself! Make sure your pack is well-supplied with the survival equipment that you need! Of course it all starts with the most crucial tool of all – the camping knife! Different from table knives, these indispensable items always include some kind of safety lock or sheath, so that you can carry them along in your pocket or on your belt. You can pick up a perfectly serviceable Maxam Mini Lockblade knife for about $3. On the other hand, an Al Mar Shiva 5 ¼” laminated cobalt stainless steel blade (with leather belt sheath) sells for over $500. If you’re looking to spend a little more than the minimum (but a lot less than the max), you can find powerful, multifunctional 6” bowie knives from Rothco, Martiini or Winchester for around $30.

If you want a lot more versatility at your disposal, a multi-tool set is your best bet! You can purchase a Sharper Image 12-in-1 tool (which includes a miniature knife, saw, scissors, corkscrew, etc) for as little as $5. For slightly larger mini-tools, a well-made Swiss Army knife from Victorinox will cost you about $20, while ultra-durable Leatherman skeleton-tool sets (which even include a partially serrated blade and full-sized pliers) sell for anywhere from $84 to $165, depending upon size and diversity of tool options.

10. Mosquito and Bug Spray

Nothing spoils a camping excursion like the itchy onslaught of mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies, horse flies and the rest of their ilk. And it’s not just itchiness that you have to worry about. Unfortunately, these winged pests can also spread potentially life-threatening illnesses like Lyme disease. So protect yourself and keep these miniature monsters at bay with eco-friendly repellents from top brand names like Sawyer, Repel, Badger and All Terrain! Prices range from less than $3 (for a stick of Sawyer Premium sunblock with insect repelling properties) all the way up to $18 (for a large bottle of super-effective spray-on Citronella lotion).

11. Maps, GPS Systems & Compasses

Always find your way back to camp with trusty tools that will keep you headed in the right direction, no matter how deep into the woods you stray!

A: GPS

Now you can hold the big picture in the palm of your hand! The portable GPS is the modern wilderness enthusiast’s best friend. Be adventurous and plunge headlong into the unknown, confident that the satellites will guide you home! Options range from the relatively inexpensive (about $58) Celestron reTrace (which tracks your movements and shows you how to get back where you came from) to the state-of-the-art Garmin Oregon receiver (equipped with a brilliant LCD touchscreen, extensive topographical maps, camera and a host of other helpful gadgets), which sells for about $550.

B: Maps

No matter where you’re going, you’ll need a map to get there! For campers, topographical maps are especially important, because they’ll help you to prepare for the particular quirks of the terrain you’ll be discovering. You can purchase ultra-detailed portable atlases by Backroad Mapbooks (for such oft-explored regions like Northwestern Ontario or Northern Alberta) for as little as $12.50.

C: Compass

The cardinal rule of orienteering is: always know which direction is which. The tried-and-true tool for making this all-important judgment is the compass. Simple, lightweight and extremely effective when employed in conjunction with a detailed map or portable atlas, you can pick up a basic Explorer Carabineer model for as little as $3. More sophisticated compasses (made of more durable materials and usually equipped with jewel bearings for pinpoint accuracy and a compact mirror for ease of use with a map) can cost anywhere from $45 to $75.

12. Lanterns, Flashlights and Headlamps

Always see your way clear to camp (and keep things bright in your tent) with the best lighting supplies on the market. Having a lightweight, portable, powerful flashlight in your backpack can be a lifesaver when you’re on the trails after dark. These essential camping devices sell for as little as $2 or $3 (for basic plastic models from Energizer-Eveready, including fun themed Disney tie-in models for the kids). Energizer-Eveready also makes waterproof models (key if you’re going night fishing or canoeing) for less than $6. These less expensive models are not usually made to last, and some are even marketed as “disposable” flashlights. If you’re looking for something for the long haul, an aluminum flashlight is the way to go. These come in a wide range of styles and durability/craftsmanship levels, ranging all the way from $8 (for a small Garrison model powered by AAA batteries) to more than $400 for a virtually indestructible Surefire Guardian model with shock isolation, extra high-pressure xenon lamps and a tempered pyrex window.

If you’re looking to keep your hands free in the woods, why not invest in a handy headlamp? Place it around your forehead like a headband and reap the benefits of a light beam that always follows your gaze. You can pick up a good headlamp from L.L. Bean, Petzl or Irix for $30 to $40. If you’ve got more exacting requirements and enough budget to accommodate them, you might want to consider a state-of-the-art Petzl Ultra model, featuring a powerful, broad beam that can illuminate your path up to a distance of 120 meters and weatherproofing features that enable it to keep functioning even in the teeth of a blizzard!

And for those quieter moments at the campsite, a lantern is a wonderful piece of equipment to have around, once the fire goes out. Play cards or chat well into the night, courtesy of a standalone, battery powered light source from Energizer-Eveready or NOMA for as little as $20!

13. First Aid, Fire Retardant Items and Survival Kits

Stay safe when you’re far from civilization with the best portable clinics and injury prevention kits on the market. Prepare for your outdoor adventure with a thoroughly complete (173 piece!) weatherproof first aid kit from PhysiciansCare (featuring all of the alcohol pads, bandages, gauze, burn ointment, latex gloves and other tools you’ll need to deal with an emergency, all packed in an impact resistant case) for about $64. Or scale things back a bit and pick up smaller, 20- to -40-piece kits for about $20. Meanwhile, protect your party and the environment against the danger of an out-of-control blaze with a fire department quality fire blanket from Acme for a little more than $150.

14. Hiking Poles

Keep things steady on the trail with walking and trekking aids from top brands like Leki, Chinook, GSI and REI. Dealing with slippery or rocky terrain becomes a snap with an adjustable 2 section trekking pole from Chinook (which sells for about $11) at your side. For even harsher conditions, consider investing in ultra-durable ergonomic grip, anti-shock poles from Leki or Fishpond, which can go for anywhere between $100 and $155, depending upon the level of craftsmanship and the strength of the materials used.

15. Footwear for Men and Women

Ordinary dress shoes, running shoes or fashion boots just won’t cut it in the wilderness – you need specialized footwear to keep from falling flat on your backpack! Hiking boots or shoes generally have thick treaded outsoles to provide traction on slippery ground, reinforced insoles, protective lining made of Gore-Tex (or some other sturdy material) and weatherized exteriors to ward off the elements.

Men can pick up a durable pair of Coleman Moraine Mid-Cut Winter Boots for as little as $48 – or, for warm weather expeditions, a pair of tough, comfortable Carolina Men’s Athletic Hiking shoes for about the same price. More luxurious hiking boots from Zamberlan, Garmont or Asolo, with correspondingly higher degrees of weather- and terrain-resistance, can cost anywhere from $150 to more than $300.

Women’s hiking footwear comes in a similar range of styles and price points. Ladies can keep cool and collected on the trails with Hitec Hermosa or Soledad shoes starting from $36, while the women’s version of the Coleman Moraine Mid-Cut Winter boot sells for $48. Higher end women’s hiking boots offer even sturdier construction and weather/water-resistance, often mixed with uniquely stylish designs like the gleaming space-age look of the Lowa Jajolet GTX Light (which sells for around $388) or the classic appeal of the Finn Comfort Garmisch Leather hiking boot.

16. Rugged Outdoor Apparel for Men and Women

Once you’ve attended to your feet, you need to protect the rest of your body from the elements, cold country winds, branches, poison ivy and other hazards of the trail. Leave your city threads behind and put on some gear that’s worthy of an adventurer!

Women can purchase a complete outfit – including Orvis River Pants made of rugged twill ($86), a versatile Synergy fleece vest/jacket ($70), a cozy, long sleeve shirt from Columbia (with Omnishade sun protection; $30) and a light, breathable vintage Orvis fly fishing cap ($18) – for about $200.

Men can assemble a similarly hardy outdoor wardrobe for about the same price! Pick up a pair of MEC Trek Pants for less than $25, then add a multi-pocketed Tough Duck Sherpa-Lined shirt for $70, a waterproof nylon Canadian Tire Pack Jacket for $40 and a mesh side-paneled Mammut hiker’s cap (with UPF 40 sun protection) or a fleece beanie from The North Face for less than $30.

17. Kayaks and Canoes

If you’re going to be camping near a river or lake, why not take maximum advantage of your surroundings and spend some time on those soothing waters? Most canoes and kayaks are light enough to fit on top of your car with little trouble, and can easily be carried by one or two campers from your base to the shore. These ultra-convenient small boats can add a real dash of adventure to your weekend excursion, and are, of course, indispensable to the ardent angler!

If you’re planning a solo adventure (or a race with a fellow paddling enthusiast), you can pick up a one-person kayak (with an adjustable padded backseat) for as little as $280 at Canadian Tire. If you’re looking for something a little more durably constructed, you might want to invest in a Pelican Freedom 100 DLX kayak, which features impact resistant resin construction and a hull that is optimized for maximum stability on the water. If you’re planning to have a shipmate, two-person kayaks sell for anywhere from $895 (for the Old Town Twin Otter Plastic model) to $4800 (for the state-of-the-art Seaward Passat G3 Kayak, made with hand-laid fibreglass). For extra practicality – albeit it the cost of durability and seaworthiness – consider an inflatable kayak. You can pick up a single-person Sevylor model for about $350, or a twin boat from Spree for $500.

Canoes are a little less maneuverable than ultra-hydrodynamic kayaks – but they’re no slouches on the water either, and can accommodate more people! These classic boats sell for as little as $600 (for a two-person Colorado Canoe from Sevylor). On the other hand, sturdier and more capacious models by Old Town or Nova Craft can cost anywhere from $1000 to $3000, depending upon materials used and the degree of craftsmanship involved in their construction.

A. Kayak and Canoe Accessories

Don’t forget, your brand new canoe or kayak probably won’t be sold with a paddle, and you won’t get far without one! You can pick up a serviceable poplar canoe paddle from Canadian Tire for as little as $15. Two-sided kayak paddles sell for a little bit more, but a sturdy aluminum paddle from Sevylor won’t cost you more than about $30.

18. Fishing Gear

For a truly meditative experience in the wild, human beings have turned to the simple, quiet pleasures of fishing for millennia. Nothing can bring a person into sync with the rhythms of nature like spending the morning under the low-hanging branches of a shady tree trying to outguess the denizens of the deep. Of course, you’ll need a few things before you can begin to participate in this infinitely rewarding recreational activity.

A: Rods and Reels

The angler’s art begins with the dynamic duo of rod and reel. These items come in an incredible array of models and degrees of sophistication (and it goes without saying that with greater sophistication comes higher price tags.) Beginners and light hobbyists can pick up very serviceable basic rod and reel combos (like the Spectrum Spincast from Shakespeare) for less than $15. Combos (also called outfits) generally come fully assembled – making them the perfect purchase for a camper who just wants to hop in the car and go fishing! More durable and/or efficient combos sell for anywhere from the $50 range (for Sienna/Sojourn, Shakespeare Fishing Ugly Stik and Shimano Zyclo models) all the way up to the $300 to $500 range for specialized saltwater outfits from Orvis or Sage.

If you’re interested in assembling an outfit for yourself, reels and rods can be purchased separately and matched up. For the novice angler, a basic level spinner reel should suffice. You can pick up a serviceable model like the Shakespeare Synergy Spincaster from Canadian Tire for about $15. More experienced fishermen and women – and those going after larger freshwater and especially saltwater fish – will want to explore the astonishing selection of higher end reels on the market. These can range in price from the $50 level (for a Mitchell 300Xe Classic Spinning Reel), to the $190 level (for an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Big Game Reel), all the way up to four-digit price tags for state-of-the art stainless steel models (to bring in the biggest Ocean fish) from Islander.

Rods can also be purchased separately – and even used without reels, by adepts of the fixed line tenkara method of fishing. Most rods are made of durable graphite, and the main variables to look for in purchasing one are: length, the comfort level afforded by the handle (better ones are usually made of cork) and, perhaps most crucially, the way the rod bends under the weight of a fish caught on the line. This last criterion is called the rod’s degree of “action”. Extra fast action rods (which only bend at the tip) provide the best results, while slow action rods (which bend all the way to the handle) give the angler the least control over the situation. You can purchase a good Star Rods 7’ Medium Action rod for a little over $100, while an Ultra-Fast Action TCX model from Sage can cost up to $900.

B: Lures, Flies and Weights

Part of becoming a successful angler is learning what types of lures work best on the particular fish you’re looking to catch. In order to learn more about this fascinating branch of fish psychology, you might want to invest in a fishing book or two. These guides will furnish you with a strong base of angling wisdom, which you can then add to from your own personal experiences. Once you’ve got some idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to fill your tackle box with the items you’ll need! Most lures – many of which are shaped like the colourful flies that river and lake fish tend to feed upon –cost less than a dollar or two. Others use more expensive materials and are more carefully designed – becoming miniature works of art in themselves. A great way to begin is to buy a small kit like the Mepps Dressed Trouter Lure set (which contains 6 highly prized lures) for around $25.

Don’t forget that you might want to put a “sinker” on the line, in order to drive your lure deeper below the surface of the water – if that’s where the fish you’re angling for are likely to bite! You can purchase a basic sinker (in cannon ball, pyramid, egg and many other shapes) for less than $4.

19. Binoculars for Birdwatchers

One of the most wonderful things about getting away from the city is the chance to meet up with all kinds of creatures that stay well clear of large concentrations of human beings. Bird watching is an amazing way to get close to nature without disturbing its delicate balance. If you’re interested in learning more about the avian species that might be nesting in the neighborhood of your campsite, you can glean all kinds of fascinating information about birds’ habitat ranges and daily habits from a bird watching field guide.

Of course, the bird watcher’s best friend is a pair of binoculars – which allow you to get up close and personal with these reclusive creatures, without causing them any alarm. These delicate instruments come in a richly varied array of styles and power levels (with correspondingly higher price tags). For example, a decent pair of ultra-light compact binoculars from Tasco can cost as little as $14. On the other hand, a more sophisticated pair of waterproof Barska Naturescape binoculars, designed specifically for birders, sells for about $150; while a top-of-the-line Nikon 12 X 50 Superior E model (with 12X magnification and 50mm objective lenses) goes for more than $700.

Take a Walk on the Wilderness Side

Camping is an exciting, informative, interactive and – best of all – inexpensive vacation! Once you’ve assembled the appropriate gear for your outdoors adventure, you’re guaranteed to be a happy camper!