Selecting the right camping gear for your Canada Day weekend getaway

Got all the right camping gear you need to get the most out of this year’s long Canada Day weekend? Here's an equipment checklist to help ensure you don’t forget a thing!

Worried your Canada Day weekend with the family will be more of a nightmare than a weekend getaway? Don’t panic! Camping isn't just about the experience. It's also about having the right gear. Here are the essential tools you'll need to make this special three-day escape truly memorable.

Whether you're camping with buddies or family, in the forest or on the beach, some essentials should always be with you. But what exactly are they?

• Bring a survival kit. It should include first aid and a first aid manual, a flashlight with spare batteries, an emergency blanket, a knife, and a compass.
• Bring a rope in case of emergency, one that's long enough to be used as a clothesline.
• Get a proper cooler big enough to store all your food and ice. This gear is necessary to preserve your food, keep it longer and in greater volume. It will also avoid additional trips for groceries and fast food every day.

Camping meals don’t have to be reduced to sandwiches. These tips will help you eat healthy and put a little change on the menu.

• You can cook everything you want on a butane stove, from pasta to stir-fried meat and veggies! Camping stoves are inexpensive and quickly become  indispensable while camping.
• Your leftovers will stay fresh longer in collapsible silicone containers. Most kitchen tools, even salad spinners, are available in collapsible form. Food-grade silicone storage units are versatile and take up much less space.
• Make burgers on the fire for a little something extra! Nothing brings a family together like grilling over an open fire; it’s a great activity and everyone can help. Campfire grilling is about having fun and kids love it because it’s tasty.

Even if you're away from the comforts of home, you can still relax and enjoy the simple life. A few ideas on taking time for yourself:

• First, bring a hammock that doesn’t take up too much space that you can easily hang between two trees on the beach or near your tent.
• Don’t forget your camera! The scenery will inspire you to take a break and seize the memorable moments of your nature getaway. If you’re camping with school-age children, give them disposable cameras to capture their favourite times.
• Finally, pack a book in your luggage. On a break between swims, you can always escape with a good book.