Essential Camping Equipment, 2022
With talk of inflation and recession on the rise, many Canadians are turning to provincial park camping for fun with the family this summer.
GETTING STARTED
Provincial park camping is a great opportunity for you to surround yourself with the beauty of nature, unplug from your devices and daily routines, and connect with loved ones around a campfire. By giving up only a few comforts of home, your family can have a great time at one of Ontario’s beautiful provincial parks.
To help you get started, we’ve created a list of essential camping equipment.
FINDING THE RIGHT VEHICLE
There are two truck sizes appropriate for camping: a half-ton and a three-quarter ton. We recommend the three-quarter ton. A four-wheel drive dually three-quarter ton fifth wheel is essential for towing your camper in and out of the parks on those sketchy gravel roads.
If you’re concerned about the cost, you should finance a truck that’s right for the job.
RECOMMENDED: Chevrolet 3500 dually with fifth wheel trailer package.
Retail: $96,158+hst
The 2022 Chevrolet 3500 dually is a workhorse. With the fifth-wheel trailer package, you’ll have more RV options.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT RV
Once you’ve found the right truck for camping, it’s time to buy a camper. There are hundreds of options, and there are some prerequisites to consider before you head to the RV sales lot.
Make a list of the creature comforts which are important to you and your family. This will allow you to narrow down your choice and make the right decision when speaking with a salesperson at your local RV store. Remember, this is camping. You’re not going to get everything you’re used to at home.
Here’s our recommended list of the must-haves:
Can comfortably sleep eight to twelve people
Features a three-piece washroom
Spacious entrance, seating area for guests, and a full-size kitchen with double door refrigerator and stove with over-the-range microwave
50 amp service
Low noise Generac generator, large rigid solar panels, and a 12V battery array
Air conditioning
4G LTE Satellite Internet
50” + TV, for when the weather is bad
We wouldn’t suggest sacrificing anything from the above list, so if you can’t afford it, obviously financing is your best option.
We recommend the VOLTAGE V 4135 base package, which is equipped with everything you need. You can always upgrade with additional features if you’d like.
RECOMMENDED: VOLTAGE V 4135 base package.
Retail: $174,960+hst
ENJOYING NATURE ON AN E-BIKE
E-Bikes continue to gain popularity across provincial parks, and with the Generac generator onboard your VOLTAGE 4135, it becomes a breeze to simultaneously charge all of your family's bicycles. Available from a number of different companies, e-bikes allow you the freedom of cycling without the discomfort of effort and sweat. If you’d prefer to work those quadriceps, you can always kick it old-school and pedal a few rotations manually.
If price is a concern, our favourite E-bike company offers payment options.
RECOMMENDED: RadRover 6 Plus Electric Fat Tire Bike
Retail: $2399 each
KAYAKS & CANOES
Kayaking and canoeing are both great Canadian pastimes, and with the garage in your camper, you’ll have plenty of room to hang a few kayaks, PFDs, and paddles. If you feel a little tight for space, you could opt for two kevlar canoes, which will put your family together in the same watercraft.
The expense of kayaks and canoes may seem hard to justify, but you don’t want to be caught in a provincial park without these recreational past times.
We had trouble sourcing financing options for canoes, but luckily you can finance your kayaks with this company.
RECOMMENDED: Wilderness Systems Aspire 105
Retail: 1299+hst
If you’re traveling with little ones, you won’t want to go without the carbon fixed centre seat (add $650), and carbon fusion trim and carbon tech package to make it a breeze to carry down to the beach (add $2500)
RECOMMENDED CANOE: Swift Prospector 16’
Retail: Base package $3795+hst
If you forget something, don’t sweat it; every Park Store has any food and toiletries you need for a comfortable stay, just be sure to budget an extra $80/day for things you didn’t plan for. If you can’t afford $80 per diem, we recommend this travel rewards visa credit card from TD.
Remember, this is about having fun, connecting with nature, and creating memories with loved ones. Beyond these few essentials, you really don’t need much to go camping with your family this summer.