It’s the August long weekend, and if you’re not heading to Veld, Osheaga or Caribana, then you must be going up north. Hiking, camping, cottage, the great outdoors is at your feet. We know to bring water, snacks and sunscreen, but to have a successful and safe journey, you need more than just band-aids to get by.
How to Pack for The Great Outdoors – Camping, Hiking or Biking
If you’re going for a backcountry camping trip, portaging and canoeing, then you’ll need to up your ante and pack for weather and emergency situations. But even at the cottage, where first aid may not be easily accessible, stocking up on over-the-counter first aid can actually save a life.
Benadryl and antihistamines are essential. From food allergies to insect bites, if you have a reaction, you cannot wait for the hospital. My partner once drank an entire bottle of children’s Benadryl after stepping on a wasp’s nest and getting stung a billion times. Make sure you have both adult and kids’ medicines on hand. This goes for Tylenol, Advil and Aspirin, too.
For sprains and muscle tears, KT Tape is king. I even carry a piece of KT Tape folded up in my wallet! From period cramps to ankle sprains, this product is brilliant for keeping things held in tight, which can buy you some time before a doctor’s visit. KT Tape has rolled out new formulas like Oxygen, Cotton and Extreme with 100% synthetic performance fibres that are also super-fast drying, too.
Top Tips for Camping with Your Poochie Pal
Hiking in Ontario is pretty tame, but the further north you get, you may encounter bears and other wildlife. Bear spray is a pretty easy thing to carry with you. Do some learning about the local animals you may meet, and ensure you know what to do in any event. Especially in places like Alberta or BC. There is only one venomous snake in Ontario, the Massassauga Rattlesnake, but fatalities are rare due to the snake’s small size and the relatively small amount of venom it injects.
Definitely don’t mess around in long grass, for snakes, but also ticks. Long socks, pants tucked into those socks, that’s a good start. Check yourself out, or ask a friend to help. One friend found one on his testicles a few years ago, so you never know where these creatures will hide! Make sure you have a good tick kit and know how to use it.
More Gear to Keep The Sun Shining this Long Weekend
Sunburns are a great way to ruin a weekend. Sun protection goes well beyond a dollop of sunscreen and a cool pair of sunglasses. Instead, we’re investing in wear-all-day pieces that don’t just keep the sun off your back, but everywhere else too.
Light SPF smart clothing is your best bet in any weather. We love these easy, wearable looks from MEC. The MEC Sunburst Hooded UPF (Glacier Grey/Navy) is built for effortless all-day wear. It’s perfect for the boat or dock.
Meanwhile, the new Kathmandu Sun-Stopper LT Long Sleeve Hooded Top is our new look for topping our bathing suits. Both MEC products are breathable and soft, so you can wear them with ease without overheating.
For long hikes or distance runs, wear wool socks, like Darn Tough or Smartwool. Wet feet = blisters, misery, or worse. Wool dries faster, doesn’t smell, and keeps you warm even when damp. Happy feet, happy life!
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