Our Favourite Camping Tips & Hacks

Living in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, we know being close to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. There's just something so soothing about being surrounded by towering trees, next to clear water, breathing in crisp mountain air!

And what better way to truly experience the beauty and the benefits of nature than camping? Whether it's in a sleeping bag under the stars, in a tiny pop-up tent, or in the back of an Airstream, we've compiled some of of favourite camping tips and hacks just for you!

1. FOOD: Prepare some of your favourite foods ahead of time and think shelf stable.
   
   
   
2. FIRE: Pre-waterproof some matches for your camping trip. Simply take wooden matches and dip them into melted beeswax to keep them dry and safe for when you need them.
   
   
   
3. KINDLING: Stale chips may not taste so great anymore, but they do make for an excellent fire starter. Plus, they are super light and easy to carry in your pack.
   
   
4. BUGS: Smoke is a natural insect repellent, but there are also a few things you can add to your blazing fire to make it even more effective. Place some sage in your campfire and the smell is sure to ward off any pesky mosquitos. You can also try rubbing lemon balm into your skin to help repel bugs, especially mosquitoes.
   
   
   
5. TICKS: The best way to deal with ticks is to avoid them. Make sure to wear a hat, loose pants, and long sleeved shirts when hiking in the trees. It's always good to do frequent tick checks because the sooner you catch them the easier they are to brush off, helping to prevent infection. The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation has two recommended tick removal methods one involves tweezers around the mouth NOT the body and the other more complicated method involves a straw an a knot.

1. SUNCARE: Heading out paddling or kayaking on the open water? Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, loose-fitting long sleeve shirt, and a good sunscreen to avoid a nasty sunburn.
   
   
   
2. POPCORN: Maybe you've tried beer can chicken before, but have you ever tried beer can popcorn? Simply pour some popcorn kernels into an empty beer can (about ¼ of the way full), add some oil, and place the can on the edge of the fire. Allow the kernels to do their thing until the pops slow down to more than a couple seconds apart. Cut the can in half, and enjoy!
   
   
3. SOAP: Be sure to choose a biodegradable soap made with all natural ingredients, that are not only safe for you, but for safe for our environment and the animals and aquatic life that inhabit it.
   
   
   
4. TRASH:Large garbage bags not only help with the obvious, cleaning up your campsite, but can also serve as raincoats or rain flies to keep the water out of a leaky tent!
   
   
5. BEARS: Lastly, we can't forget that the Rocky Mountains are home to both grizzly and black bears. Although bears generally prefer to avoid people, encounters between bears and people do occur. Be sure to have some bear spray handy at all times & follow these important tips from Parks Canada.
   

Got more handy tips and hacks to share? We'd love to hear them! Join the conversation on our Facebook page.