6 long weekend must-haves for parks, picnics and camping
Make the most of the last long weekend of the summer with these items.
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Though often billed as the last long weekend of the summer, the Labour Day long weekend often still feels like the peak of the season, and many will be celebrating with a picnic, a park barbecue, or a late-season camping getaway. Whatever your plans are, here are five must-have take-alongs.
Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler
Amazon.ca
We liked this mid-sized cooler from Igloo for its sturdy construction – powerful latches and a rubberized lid mean the cold is sealed for longer within the cooler’s polypropylene confines. If its 25-quart capacity isn’t quite enough, Igloo offers a 52-quart option.
What else we liked:
Option to include gel-insulated cooling block
Available in two colour schemes
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca based on more than 5,800 reviews
Xooparc Solar Battery Power Bank
Amazon.ca
Of course, we don’t recommend spending too much time on your devices when you’re supposed to be enjoying the outdoors, but it’s best to have at least your phone along for navigation or emergencies. Depending on how long you’ll be out, a power bank is always a smart idea, and we’re drawn to this one. It’s compatible with just about every phone and device with its two USB ports but the bit selling point is the fact it can be solar-charged as well, ideal for when you expect to be far away from an outlet for a few days.
What else we liked:
Compatible with all USB-charged devices, as well as most Apple and Samsung smartphones
26800mAh capacity
Top seller for solar-charged power banks on Amazon.ca, where it has a rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on more than 4,200 reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Amazon Basics Portable Camping Chair
Amazon.ca
We’ve recommended this reliable chair for nights around the campfire before because it checks all the boxes for what you need in a portable chair at an affordable price point. It features a convenient built-in beverage pouch that will hold up to four 12-ounce cans and an integrated cup holder and storage pocket for magazines or personal items.
What else we liked:
Carrying bag included with an overall item weight of 6.7 pounds
Steel frame provides sturdy strength, made with a durable polyester material
Rated 4.5 out of 5 based on more than 7,800 Amazon.ca reviews
Citronella Coils
Amazon.ca
Citronella, when burned, is famously effective against mosquitos, and we’ve previously suggested citronella tea lights for your patio. If you're going to be spending a fair bit of time in the park or at your picnic, and don’t mind too much about aesthetics, there’s this option as well: citronella incense coils, with a dash of lemongrass. With a solid burn time, they should help take the edge off.
What else we liked:
Includes 48 coils and a free holder
Each coil burns for up to four hours
Rated 4 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on more than 1,900 reviews
CAROSE Portable Nylon Hammock
Amazon.ca
We’ve tailored these recommendations with a mind to a short sojourn, like a picnic, park barbecue or overnight camping trip, but even a nice short jaunt like that leaves some room for a nice afternoon snooze. This hammock will be your friend in that regard. With a maximum capacity of 660 pounds, it’s more than capable of meeting your relaxation needs.
What else we liked:
118 inches long, with widths of 55 and 78 inches available
Three colour options available
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on more than 1,000 reviews
SaphiRose Hooded Rain Poncho
Amazon.ca
Of course, a good rain jacket or poncho is always a must-have for your outdoor getaway, but there’s a reason we love this one and have recommended it more than once. The design allows it to be used as a picnic mat, sunshade, groundsheet, even a small pup tent (and it even incorporates eyelets for camping stakes). If that’s more than you’re asking for, the price point alone makes it attractive for the quality on offer.
What else we liked:
Large front pocket and hood with beaked visor
Includes small storage pouch
Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on 5,400 reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image photo credit Min An/Pexels
With files from Nicole Hilton
