Photo Courtesy of SAIL

This feature is Part 2 of 6 of our “Escape the City” series, presented with SAIL – your outdoor equipment store.

 

Missed Part 1? Discover The Best Places to go Camping This Summer Near Ottawa

 

There’s nothing better than escaping from the city for a few days of camping. Just you, the great outdoors, and unlimited options when it comes to exploring.

For the beginner camper, many unexpected situations can come up when you venture outdoors, making things a little trickier than anticipated.

Make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you with these tips & tricks.

 

1. Baby wipes – you can literally use these to clean anything from equipment to dirty hands.

 

2. All tinfoil everything – you can pretty much cook anything in the campfire if it’s wrapped in tinfoil. Baked potato? Wrap it up and put it into the middle of the fire to cook. A nice piece of salmon? Add some seasoning, wrap it up, and you’re good to go.

 

3. Bring water purification tablets: they make water safe for drinking, hand washing, dish washing, and showering.

 

A SAIL recommendation: These tablets from Aquatabs are great because they have no unpleasant taste or colour, and they’re fast acting.

 

4. Bring a battery pack for your phone – some campsites have electrical outlets, but many don’t. If you’re in the back country, forget it. Keep an external battery pack to use in emergencies.

 

5. Solar Panel: heading out on a longer trip without access to electricity? Use a solar panel to charge USB devices directly from the sun.

 

A SAIL recommendation: here’s a good beginner solar panel to try.

 

6. Get familiar with poisonous plants: sometimes they’re obvious, but most times they aren’t. Get to know what poison ivy and poison oak look like and avoid them.

 

7. Biodegradable camp soap – household soaps can be hard on the environment and their scents tend to attract bugs.

 

A SAIL recommendation: this biodegradable camp soap is fragrance-free and can be used in hot or cold water.

 

8. Make sure you have the right tools – You never know when you’ll need to cut, open, or sharpen something. To cut down on the amount of stuff you have to carry, invest in a multi-tool.

 

A SAIL recommendation: This Leatherman multi-tool serves multiple functions in a compact size. It’s a combination hammer, saw, can opener, safety whistle, and a whole lot more.

 

9. Duct tape. It comes in handy if you need to make a quick repair to your tent or air mattress.

 

10. Stay warm: Evening temperatures in the summer and especially fall can be cool.

 

A SAIL recommendation: This candle lantern will keep you warm and provides natural light for up to 9 hours.

 

 

Wherever your adventure takes you, make sure you’re equipped with the right gear. Visit your local SAIL store for all your outdoor needs.

Filed under: EscapetheCity