10 simple tips for the beginner camper

With fall rapidly approaching the race to enjoy the last few weeks of warm weather is on, and between summer tourist numbers dwindling and fewer bugs there is no better time to plan a last-minute camping trip. If you’re new to camping—or just a bit rusty at the process—here are 10 simple tips to prepare you for the summer’s ultimate outdoor swansong.

1. Dig into your destination

Take a quick read through the camping or provincial park website before you get started on your journey. Not only will this tell you what is in the area and location, it might help answer some questions about washrooms, electrical outlets—a great help for packing purposes. Never go into unchartered territory without telling someone where you’re going and taking along a good map—your phone GPS is not reliable in the wilderness.

2. Prepare your cooler

If you’re doing the kind of camping that involves your car, stick your cooler in the freezer the night before to keep it extra cold on the drive. Instead of buying bags of ice, freeze a few water bottles. They act as ice packs and can be used as drinking water when they thaw.

3. Capitalize on fall’s bounty

Hit the supermarket before you hit the road. Hearty fruits (like apples) and vegetables (like zucchini) are a necessity when lugging your meals through the woods. While at the market, stock up on non-perishables like trail mix and protein bars, which keep hunger at bay and energy levels high when hiking through the forest.

4. The no-mess omelette

This is possibly the best camping breakfast idea ever. Crack your eggs at home, then toss them with and diced onions, peppers and cheese and throw them into a mason jar. Pour into a pan, scramble, and enjoy.

2. Catch your dinner

Pack a few lures, your rod, reel and a good fileting knife then gut (make sure to throw innards far from your campsite so you don’t attract animals), sizzle, and serve. Pro-tip: Throw some fresh rosemary either in the fire below your grill or straight onto your fish; finish with a squeeze of lemon if you’re feeling fancy. P.S. Don’t forget your fishing licence.

5. Veg out

Vegetarian is a safe and easy way to eat when refrigeration is a challenge. Throw soy burgers, bean patties, and tofu dogs into your pack. If you’re a noob to the veggie lifestyle, be sure to bring enough condiments to keep your taste buds dancing (a little ketchup or hot sauce has never gone such a long way, we can assure you).

6. Skip the pasta

Pasta takes forever to cook over an open fire. Opt for couscous or quinoa instead. Both are hearty grains that take on the flavour of any dish. Try this quinoa blackberry porridge recipe for a quick, hearty breakfast or just bring along a bit of marinara and some hard cheese and you’ll have a delicious lunch option.

4. Keep clean

In the event that you’re using an outhouse (or just the soft moss of the forest, for that matter), hand sanitizer, baby wipes and some dry shampoo will be your best friends (check out some favourites here).

9. Quench your thirst

We all know we’re supposed to drink a lot of water. Add another gallon or two on top of your recommended amount when you’re spending every waking moment outdoors—especially if it’s sunny and hot. Always purify, boil or bring your own water. Make sure to have enough for cooking and cleaning, as well.

10. Take what you need to be comfortable

No matter how low-maintenance you claim to be, you will appreciate creature comforts. With fall around the corner nights can get chilly. Throw a warm sweater over a and

Not only will this outfit be your cozy go-to around the campfire, but you can slide comfortably into your sleeping bag wearing this without having to change in a chilly tent. Speaking of your sleeping bag, do not underestimate the importance of quality. Purchase one good bag now and it will last a lifetime. Forget the air mattress, which is heavy to lug and almost always leaks, leaving you on the ground; try a camping mattress like a Thermarest to keep you cushioned and your body off the potentially cool ground.

Bonus tip: Those tiny bottles of alcohol and wine by the checkout at your liquor store are great for accompanying your cold drink by the lake. Just be smart and mind your consumption, after all you are probably a long way from help. And that’s just how you planned it.