Roundup: The Best Summer Camping Gear
Summer is here—it’s time to go camping! Enjoy a night (or several) snoozing outside beneath the twinkling stars, slumbering in a canvas tent, breathing in the aroma of fresh pine trees and feeling refreshed by lakeside breezes. From clothing to sleeping pads, this gear guide will outfit you with the items you need for a successful and enjoyable front-country or backcountry camping trip this summer.
Here’s our roundup of 14 of the best summer camping gear items for 2023:
Front-Country (Car Camping)
YETI Roadie Wheeled Cooler
I’ve always wanted to test out a YETI Cooler. This year, my wish was granted! I’m delighted to review the Roadie Wheeled Cooler, not in the least because I find it difficult to carry heavy, full coolers to the campsite. The PermaFrost™ insulation—pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam in the walls and lid—means the ice barely melts, even after multiple scorching summer days, and the durable wheels are a game-changer. Pair that with a hardy, retractable handle, and I can pull snacks, meal and beverages over almost any terrain: I’ve tugged it over sand, gravel, grass and dirt. The verdict? This rugged cooler makes campsite meals easier and more accessible for front-country campers.
Buy it here: yeti.ca
Mountain Hardwear Bridger 4 Tent
This is an elevated front-country camping tent with ample space, mesh Y-entry “saloon doors” and an outdoor front porch. Set-up was a tad confusing for us as the included instructions were very basic, but the pre-bent, metallic purple and green poles helped guide us, and by our second time setting up at Alouette Lake, we knew what to do. The footprint is impressive, including a roomy vestibule and space to stash our gear alongside our double air mattress. Thoughtful touches like the “Welcome Home” tags and removable shell gear lockers with six extra pockets take this tent from attractive and functional to cozy and liveable. Take down was extremely easy, as was fitting everything back in the reinforced canvas carrying bag. The only downside: it’s a massive tent when you’re sharing a campsite with friends.
Buy it here: mountainhardwear.ca
MEC Polar Fleece Crew
After the sun went down, I lived in this crew at the campsite. From the Coast Rapids Print—a stunning forest and mint green marble wave-like pattern—to the zippered kangaroo pocket with bright orange pull tabs, MEC brings cozy, retro vibes with this unisex pullover sweater. It’s incredibly soft both inside and out, features a zippered chest pocket, sports long enough sleeves and has an elastic hem. You can blend in with the wilderness and stand out from the crowd while feeling cozy in this crew from the new 2023 Classics Collection.
Note: This item will launch July 27th and is bound to sell out fast. Sign up for early bird access here.
Buy it here: mec.ca
MEC Polar Fleece Pants
MEC
You had me at ‘fleece pants.’ These unisex pants feature a belt and buckle, reinforced fabric on the knees and seat, and a soft fleece lining that runs all the way through and makes them feel more like my plaid Christmas pyjama pants than outdoor trousers. There are three zippered pockets (the back pocket has a flap secured with Velcro and a zipper) to stash your stuff. The bottoms of the pants are cinched in with an elastic, leading to a flattering silhouette—somewhere between cargo pants and jogging pants. While they may offer a relaxed fit for movement, you won’t want to go far in these—sit back, unwind and get comfy at the campsite.
Note: This item will launch July 27th and is likely to sell out fast. Sign up for early bird access here.
Buy it here: mec.ca
MEC Classic Hip Pack
MEC
For all the things that don’t fit easily in your pockets—sunglasses, sunscreen, your hiking map and a chocolate bar for s’mores—clip on this small but mighty hip pack. With an adjustable waist belt in deep burgundy and a main compartment in a striking bold green, it’ll catch the eye of other campers and be the envy of the campground. Three zippered pockets store your lip chap, portable battery, flashlight, granola bar and more.
Note: This item will launch July 27th and is bound to sell out fast. Sign up for early bird access here.
Buy it here: mec.ca
Coleman® Cascade™ Camping Stove
Our classic one-burner stove has been faithfully crisping our campsite meals for much longer than I’d like to admit, but the single burner with limited output makes it difficult to create delicious camping meals. This year, we finally decided to invest in an upgrade. After debating between the Coleman® 3-in-1 and the Classic Camping Stove, we opted to go for the model without the accessories (we bought a grill separately instead). The price point was attractive, and the adjustable burners offer a much better output than our old stove at 20,000 BTUs. Two wind guards offer some protection and the chrome-plated grate and aluminum steel cooktop make a perfect camp stove for front-country camping. Dinner is served!
Buy it here: colemancanada.ca
Dometic GO Camp Seat Heater
Dometic.com
There’s nothing I love more than being warm and cozy on a cool, crisp evening outdoors at the campsite. I typically bundle up in blankets, but this heat seater takes cozy campfire evenings to the next level. This portable device provides three heat settings to soothe your aching back after outdoor adventures and lull you into a relaxed state. It’s constructed from durable, water-resistant fabric for outdoor use. The seat heater has an internal temperature sensor cut off at 55 C and a 45-minute auto shut-off for safety. Front-country camping has never been so relaxing.
Buy it here: dometic.com
For Living Portable Fire Bowl
With campfire bans becoming more common in Canada, you’re likely to spot more propane fit pits in campgrounds this summer. On our camping trips, we weren’t surprised when the park ranger told us there was a fire ban. The metal fire pits at campsites are sitting dusty and unused, but camping just doesn’t feel like camping without a flickering flame to sit around. Although it’s not exactly the same ambiance, a propane-fueled fire bowl allows you to control the temperature and start an instant fire without any smoke or stray sparks. We bought our fire pit a couple of years ago and love it—we’ve never looked back.
Buy it here: canadiantire.ca
Backcountry (Backpacking)
MEC Vectair Insulated Double Sleeping Pad
My partner and I struggled when picking out a mattress for our home due to our sleeping preferences: I need a firm bed for my aching back; he sleeps soundly with softer memory foam. MEC’s unique new double sleeping pad features dual air chambers that allow each camper to set the firmness of their side. We tested this out camping at Hicks Lake in Sasquatch Provincial Park. While the sleeping pad was easy to inflate, we ended up with pretty much the same firmness for both sides. The dual air chambers meant neither side deflated, but the closeness to the ground wasn’t ideal for us—when car camping, we take a large, luxury air mattress, which is easier to get out of in the morning. I’d suggest this dual pad for couples who enjoy backcountry camping.
Buy it here: mec.ca
Deuter Aircontact Lite 50 + 10
Deuter.com
Embarking on an ambitious multiday backcountry camping trip this summer? You’ll want a lightweight backpack that’s comfortable and breathable to get you there. The Aircontact Lite features VariQuick back length adjustment and ECL hip fins for a snug, comfortable fit and highly efficient load transfer. The full-contact back system is made of open cell foam with a ventilation channel for noticeably effective breathability and allows space to ease the strain on the spine. The result: superb balance between comfort and weight for long days on the trail.
Buy it here: deuter.com
Complete Campsite Kitchen Bundle
Forget freeze-dried meals, hot dogs and basic dishes like KD and oatmeal—cooking outside in the backcountry doesn’t have to be boring or bland. Transform into a gourmet chef with this lightweight complete campsite kitchen bundle, which has everything you need including a canister stove (just add fuel). From pots and pans to a collapsible kettle, no-break egg container, spatulas and condiment bottles, this kit will equip and empower you to cook and serve up delicious recipes wherever your adventures take you. Plus, there’s a copy of explore magazine for some motivational reading and adventure inspiration.
Buy it here: explore-mag.com
WACACO Nanopresso
I love a cup of tea in the evenings around the campfire, but I’m a dedicated coffee drinker in the morning. This portable espresso maker is the bougiest way to make an Americano in the backcountry. Using finely ground coffee and hot water boiled in a camping kettle, you can make an espresso right at your campsite—no batteries (or barista) necessary. The multiple steps with small parts were much easier to use than I’d anticipated, resulting in a small, frothy shot of espresso. I added hot water and sipped away. I’m not sure it tasted significantly better than my French press or pour over, but it’s worth it for espresso aficionados who need to have their morning jolt in the backcountry.
Buy it here: amazon.ca
SABRE Bear Spray
SABRE
If you’re pitching a tent in the backcountry, you need to be prepared for wildlife encounters. Although an attack is unlikely, you can feel safe and comfortable by carrying bear repellent. Bear bells, bear canisters and bear spray are all important items in the wild. Bear spray is the most effective method of deterrent when used properly. Pick up a canister of SABRE Frontiersman Xtra or SABRE Wild Max with a glow-in-the-dark safety for easy detection in a dark tent. You can also purchase a training canister to practise using it before heading into the wilderness.
Buy it here: canadiantire.ca
Platypus Gravity Works 6.0L Filter System
MEC.ca
The heat of the summer months reminds us to stay hydrated. If you’re planning on escaping into the deep wilderness, be sure to bring along a reliable water filter like the Platypus Gravity Works 6.0L Filter System. This gravity-fed water filtration system removes sediment, bacteria and cysts to provide you with all the clean, safe water you’ll need for your backcountry adventures.
Buy it here: mec.ca
Check out more gear:
10 Cool Uses for Your Nalgene Bottle on the Trail or in the Tent
The Best Summer Hiking Gear for 2023
How Folding Kayaks Can Change Lives
