Campers are eagerly preparing for the spring camping season as the winter snow melts and the weather begins to warm up. Camping is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature and escape the busyness of everyday life while creating priceless memories with your loved ones. Whether you are a seasoned camper or a beginner looking to embark on your first camping adventure, having a comprehensive checklist is essential to ensure a successful and enjoyable trip. For beginners and intermediate outdoor enthusiasts, we have created the ultimate camping checklist for the spring season, complete with hot items for 2023.

Tent
The cornerstone of any camping trip is a high-quality tent. Choose a tent that is spacious, durable, and easy to set up. Tents with built-in LED lights are popular for 2023 because they offer sufficient nighttime lighting. They are available in a variety of dimensions to fit families of various sizes or groups of friends camping together.

Sleeping Bag
The key to a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors is a warm, comfortable sleeping bag. If you’ve never had the pleasure, this is a camping season game changer. Choose a sleeping bag that has a temperature rating that matches the upcoming weather. It’s not a surprise that the weather in Alberta can be finicky, especially during the opening part of camping season. We recommend you look for waterproofing, insulated foot boxes, and draft collars to keep you comfortable throughout the night. Nobody likes sleeping in a wet blanket.

Camping Chairs
To relax around the campfire or to dine with your camping crew, cozy camping chairs are a must. For the most comfort and durability, search for lightweight, foldable chairs with strong frames and long-lasting fabric. For added convenience, reclining chairs, rocking chairs, and chairs with built-in cup holders and side tables are the trends to up your camping experience for 2023. Need some suggestions? Check out the Basecamp chair from MEC. https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6018-575/base-camp-chair

Camping Stove
The ability to cook food outdoors requires a camping stove. Look for a portable camping stove that is easy to set up, has multiple burners for your preferred cooking options, and runs on a fuel source suitable for your needs. Cooking in windy conditions is a breeze thanks to the 2023 trend of camping stoves with built-in wind shields.

Cooler
During your camping trip, a cooler is essential for maintaining the freshness of your food and beverages. Find a cooler that is transportable, sturdy, and has good insulation. Some trending coolers for 2023 include rotomolded coolers with extended ice retention, electric coolers that can be powered by your vehicle, and collapsible coolers for easy storage.

Headlamp
For hands-free lighting at your campsite, a reliable headlamp is your best friend. You want to purchase a headlamp with hefty battery life, adjustable brightness levels, and a snug fit. Some modern headlamps come equipped with USB charging ports which come in handy. There are also headlamps with red light modes to preserve night vision, and headlamps with motion sensors for ease of use. These are a few of the headlamps that are trending in 2023.

Camping Kitchenware
Cooking at the campsite can be a breeze if you have the right cookware. A cookware set for camping that includes pots, pans, utensils, and plates should be compact and sturdy. Trending for 2023 are compact camping kitchenware sets that are stackable and space-saving, eco-friendly camping utensils made from sustainable materials, and cookware with non-stick coatings for easy cooking and cleaning.

First Aid Kit
When camping, safety should always take priority. Every camping trip needs to include a complete first aid kit. A first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, and other necessary medical supplies is what you should be looking for. Trending for 2023 are first aid kits with built-in survival tools such as fire starters, multi-tools, and emergency whistles.

Hiking Gear
Having the right hiking equipment is essential if you intend to hit the trails while staying in the area. In addition to weather appropriate clothing options and a tough backpack to carry all your gear and essentials, look for sturdy hiking boots or shoes that offer good traction and support. Look for hiking accessories made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled-material hiking boots and clothing for 2023.

Outdoor Games
Spending time with your family and friends when camping is just as important as taking in the natural beauty. A football, a frisbee, or a deck of cards are great choices to bring along for the whole family to play. Outdoor games that are lightweight, portable, and built of eco-friendly materials are the way to go for 2023

Bug Repellent
Springtime camping can also mean dealing with pesky bugs. Pack some bug spray to keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects away from you and your family. Consider alternatives like citronella candles or mosquito-repellent bracelets for additional protection, and look for insect repellent that is DEET-free and suitable for children. Trending for 2023 are natural bug repellents made from essential oils and eco-friendly bug-repellent wipes or sprays with biodegradable packaging.

Portable Power Bank
Having a trustworthy power source to recharge your devices is crucial in the modern digital era. Bring a portable power bank with you on your camping trip so you can keep your cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices charged. Choose power banks with a lot of USB ports, a high capacity, and tough designs that can withstand outdoor conditions. Solar-powered power banks will be popular in 2023 because they let you use clean energy to recharge your devices while spending time outdoors. Just a quick note on this – a large appeal to camping is being able to disconnect, so only consider these tips if you really need to bring the devices along for the trip

Environmental-friendly Toiletries
Camping is all about getting close to nature and leaving no trace of your visit. Whenever possible, choose toiletries that are biodegradable, eco-friendly, and safe for the environment. Look for camping toiletries like biodegradable soap, toothpaste, and shampoo and conditioner in reusable silicone bottles. Camping toiletries with natural and organic ingredients, recyclable or compostable packaging, and no harmful chemicals are on trend for 2023.

Eco-friendly Disposable Dinnerware
When choosing dinnerware for your camping trip, think about choosing eco-friendly alternatives if you prefer to use disposable dinnerware for convenience. Look for disposable dinnerware such as bamboo or palm leaf plates, bioplastic utensils, and paper or cornstarch-based cups that is compostable or biodegradable. Disposable dinnerware made of sustainable and renewable materials is on trend for 2023 and will help you reduce your environmental impact while eating at the campsite.

So there you have it! Your ultimate camping checklist for the spring includes essentials like a solid, weatherproof tent, sleeping bag, cozy camping chairs, stove, cooler, headlamp, camping kitchenware, first aid kit, hiking equipment, outdoor games, bug repellent, portable power bank, eco-friendly toiletries, and disposable dinnerware. While not an exhaustive list, these helpful suggestions will help make for an enjoyable camping trip. The trending items for 2023 put a strong emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendliness, and a focus on user convenience. They are ideal for intermediate-level outdoor enthusiasts who place a high priority on comfort and environmental awareness. Always remember to respect our precious environment, practice Leave No Trace principles, and take in the breathtaking sights of the landscape. We wish you a safe and memorable camping season in 2023!