Be ready to explore in True North Style
Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy our nation’s natural beauty. Immersing ourselves in the sounds of the forest, sipping on a cold beer while we watch the sunset glisten off a Great Lake. Whether you are soaking in the beauty of one of Canada’s National Parks for this year’s 150th birthday, or getting your gang together for the annual camping trip in the gorgeous northern peninsulas of Michigan, we have your list of must have gear to help you camp-out in-style.
From the Great White North to the Land of Liberty, our landscapes are as diverse as our people, so depending on where you are headed, you’ll need to plan accordingly and ensure you have a great set of gear to get you through. Nothing too hardcore here, our gear list is for the average camper, somewhere between roughing it and glamping. Those who are looking to enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and style, an accessible experience for everyone, our camp essentials guide gives you just that, with 10 quality products made right here in North America.
Curling up by the fire
Nothing says camping quiet like a toasty crackling fire, whether that is in your backyard or out in the wilderness (assuming fires are allowed – safety first). Our first two items will have you rushing to your roaring fire to roast dogs, melt s’mores, and cuddle up.
No. 1
Campfire Stix
/ Campfire Stix / $20 – $25
Made in: Ontario, Canada
Why we love them? For a unique twist on a classic campfire tool, be sure to pack a few Campfire Stix. Every Campfire Stix has a one-of-a-king driftwood handle gleaned from the shores of Georgian Bay. They will never rusts, and are made from food grade 304 stainless steel and specially cleaned and treated Georgian Bay driftwood.
No. 2
Fish Eye Sisters / Camp Blankets / $475 – $495
Made in: Ontario, Canada
Why we love them? While you are roasting marshmallows by the fire, wrap yourself in the amazing warmth and durability of a Camp Blanket from Fish Eye Sisters. Each blanket is truly unique, no two the same, with wool on one side, and cozy cotton flannel on the other.
Enjoy the water
You don’t want to be land bound, in our land of a thousand lakes, be sure to portage with your own custom Canoe and Paddles from Norquay. Made out of wood sourced from Ontario’s forests, Norquay and Abitibi & Co products marry fashion and function in the most beautiful way.
No. 3
Norquay Co. / Eau Canada – Artisan Canoe Paddles / $385
Made in: Ontario, Canada
Why we love them? Norquay Co. are committed to creating quality handmade products. Their Artisan Painted Canoe Paddles are made from solid cherry wood sourced from Northern Ontario. Each paddle is selected for its unique attributes and then hand finished in their studio in Toronto, Ontario. While we are featuring their water ready paddles here, they also offer wall art versions for the person who loves their Northern Heritage pieces but isn’t in for a big canoe ride.
No. 4
Abitibi & Co / Custom Canoe / Check site for pricing
Made in: Quebec, Canada
Why we love them? These gorgeous canoes are built to last, Abitibi builds everything from 12’ – 22’, recreational to duck hunting. They have also partnered with Norquay Co to give custom canoes a beautiful finish you can be proud of.
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Perfect for roasting mallows or dogs -
Curl up with these cozy camp blankets -
Get out on the water -
Paddle away your stress -
Finish off your night with a stuffed s'more -
Maple Jerky will keep you full on your hikes -
From T`illey Endurables For serious outdoors people -
The ultimate outdooor accessory, a quality toque -
When tents aren't your thing, try renting a camper
Keep your noggin’ covered
Like most true Northern American’s we love to get outside, catch snowflakes on our tongues, canoe our many lakes, go for a hike, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of our land. It is important to remember to keep your noggin’ covered, protect it from rain, cold, and sun. We’ve got two hats that will get you through whatever Mother Nature has to throw at you.
No. 5
Muttonhead Unisex Apparel / Lumberjack Toque / $40
Made in: Ontario, Canada
Why we love them? While all the outdoors is awesome, it also gets cold. This toque will keep your noggin’ toasty warm, and will never go out of style. It’s unisex designed works for every age and body type, and of course is manufactured in and sourced from North America.
No. 6
Tilley Endurables / Tec-Cool Hat / $110
Made in: Ontario, Canada
Why we love them? The Tilley brand is a national treasure, and the are synonymous with quality, comfort and durability. All their hats are made with a lifetime guarantee, so really you only need to buy one, ever! The Tec Cool hat is also certified UPF 50+, stays afloat in water, and is made with a c_change™ technology that works to keeps you cool when the temperature climbs. How can you not love a cool hat that will last a lifetime!
Don’t go hungry
Packing food for your camp trip can be a challenge. To feed your crew you might need to bring a cooler, pre-make sandwiches, or hunt for your dinner. Just remember to pack these two essentials and you’ll never go hangry, beef jerky and s’mores!
No. 7
Bay Meats Butcher Shop / Beef Jerky / $7.99
Made in: Ontario, Canada
Why we love them? Made in Thunder Bay from Canadian Beef, gluten, nitrite, preservatives, and nitrate free. Original beef jerky comes in four flavours: Mild, Hot, Maple and Teriyaki. If the classics aren’t enough for you, they also have Beer Jerky! Beer Jerky is created in collaboration with Ontario Craft Breweries. Creating unique Beef Jerky flavours that will pair beautifully with a pint of cold brew! From Thunder Bay’s Sleeping Giant Brewery, Creemore Springs, Lake & Woods Brewing Company, and Peterborough’s Publican House Brewery. The brew you can chew!
No. 8
Madyson’s Marshmallows / Artisan S’mores Kit / $24.95
Made in: Utah, USA
Why we love them? The all natural marshmallows are to die for, even better then come stuffed with peanut butter or chocolate chips. The company was start
ed by a little girl and her dad in their kitchen. The kits include everything you need including the filled marshmallows, chocolate Moravian cookies, skewers and matches, makes 10, so maybe you can share if you want.
Get a good night’s sleep
Camping certainly has a bad reputation for providing the worst night’s sleep ever. Sure you have the sounds of nature and the wondrous starry sky above, but if you are uncomfortable it can be more than challenging to enjoy. So it is no wonder that it is often lack of a good night’s sleep that keeps people from getting out there and exploring. We have two North American made solutions to help you get your camp on in total comfort!
No. 9
Happier Camper / HC1 Camper / Rental $200 – $250
Made in: California, USA
Why we love them? Between the ever popular glamping, and uber-trendy tiny living, the HC1 is the perfect option for a weekend road trip or extended adventure. Made in California, this happy camper has retro styling, ample storage, and comfy sleep space for up to 5 people. You can rent your own from Los Angeles, California USA, or Windsor, Ontario Canada.
We’ve recently come across a truly great post on the PROS and CONS of a motor-home vs. a tow camper by Your RV Lifestyle. If you are considering making the investment into a camper or RV, we highly recommend giving their post a read. It will give you a hands-on real live person’s perspective, and it’s an easy read which is a bonus. Check it out here.
**Update 07/20/2021** As we love to connect with our camping community and provide you with all the insights possible, we have also come across this post from CamperGuide.org that gives you the “Ultimate RV Packing List for a First Time Camper“. So if you’re going to give the RV life a try, this is a great resource for first timers. I still haven’t had my first RV experience, but it is on my to do list. Especially with all things COVID happening these days, your own safe space to see the country in sounds like a dream!
No. 10
Plantiful / Bug-repellent / FREE
Why we love them? Not only does Plantiful carry a wide array of fabulous natural products made in Canada, they also care so much about us that they provide recipes for all natural DIY remedies for FREE! We love their commitment to keeping things natural, and to helping their customers do the same. Here is their DIY bug-repellent recipe;
Ingredients:
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup witch hazel
2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
30-50 drops of essential oil blend
Directions: Fill the rest of the container with boiled or distilled water.
Instructions: Add all above ingredient to a spray bottle, then add: 30-50 drops of a blend of: tea tree, lavender, citronella, geranium, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, and cinnamon leaf essential oils.
Example of an essential oil blend you could try: 5 drops tea tree, 5 drops lavender, 10 drops citronella, 5 drops clove bud, 7 drops rosemary, 5 drops eucalyptus, 8 drops mint.
OR to keep it simple if you don’t want to buy a lot of essential oils or don’t have many around, you could try:
7-10 drops peppermint, 10-12 drops lemongrass, 8-12 drops lavender, 5-7 drops clove bud.
Shake before each use. spritz onto skin as needed. The vinegar and witch hazel are cooling on the skin and act as a carrier for the oils which are the main repellent factor for the bugs. Lavender and clove bud have mild analgesic properties as well, so they will help soothe the skin if you get bit by calming the nervous system. Plants in the mint family: peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass, citronella are excellent for repelling bugs and nice to have around in pots on your deck or patio too, to help repel bugs.
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