Start your BC Day celebrations early, by going into your garage or storage unit and doing a quick inventory of your camping supplies. If theyre so old theyre back in style, take note...Camping gear is more lightweight, stronger and attractive than ever before plus its affordable. All items are available at Mountain Equipment Co-op (130 West Broadway; MEC.ca) unless otherwise indicated.
Tents
Stable, low-profile design has made the MEC Tarn 2 Tent huge with camping twosomes, and with soloists who like sprawl. Hump-like and lightweight (2.7 kg), its quick to pack in the new cinch-down style stuff stack. $199. A roomier dome-shape has made the MEC Wanderer A/C 2 Tent a go-to tent for generations of Canadians. Its still light enough (3.7 kg) to carry on backpacking trips and a breeze to set up. $299
Sleeping bags
If having some room to stretch makes you a happy camper, the MEC Drake 0C spacious barrel bag is an affordable option. It uses down insulation to keep it light (1.2 kg) and compact enough to be a practical choice for summer backpacking. Full length, two-way zip allows you to use it as a duvet on warmer nights. $140 - $163 depending on size. Synthetics may result in a slightly heavier sleeping bag, but are generally a better choice in BCs rainy climate. The MEC Perseus Sleeping Bag 0C (1.7 kg), with its slightly relaxed mummy shape and quick-drying synthetic insulation offers good value and reliable performance even in damp conditions. $127-$134 depending on size
Sleeping pads
The ground is hard no matter how seasoned a camper you are. Very light foam and fabric makes the Therm?a?Rest Prolite Sleeping Pad the lightest (460 g), most compact self-inflating pads around. Designed for those backpacking long distances, the tapered shape saves weight while preserving cushioning and insulation where it matters. Alternately, Therm-a-Rest poly foam pads are a good leak-proof option. $75-93 depending on size.
Cooking stoves
While cooking over a campfire is a rewarding exercise in patience, a simple to operate, sturdy stove suitable for all temperate outdoor activities is a great backup plan. The convenient Primus Classic Trail LPG Stove (227 g) requires no pumping, just light it and cook. Note: LPG stoves do not function well at below-zero temperatures at low or medium altitudes, since the pressure inside LPG cartridges is reduced by the cold. $26
Coolers
It wouldnt be camping section without also mentioning equipment giant Coleman, who has been making outdoor and camping supplies such as 60-second tents and backpacking gear to the eponymous grills and coolers for over 100 years. Theres even an iPhone cookbook app. Check out their space-saving Party Stacker cooler line, designed to be placed on top of each other. (starts at $28.99)
Backpacks
Straight backs are happy backs, and Swedish outdoor company Fjällräven (meaning Arctic Fox) began 50 years ago with a framed backpack design that carried loads comfortably. Fjällräven now has a large line of outdoor products that stylishly meet the needs of wilderness seekers while remaining lightweight and durable. A.J. Brooks (147 West Broadway) carries an extensive product selection our favourite being the gorgeously minimal, cult-classic Kånken rucksack which comes in 30 colours. $65
New gadgets
While this list is for the average camper, MEC learning coordinator Mark Harvey couldnt resist recommending a cool new gadget that is worth a splurge. The Petzl NAO (187 g) is an intelligent headlamp that adjusts its output and beam pattern to changing situations. An integrated sensor analyzes and responds to reflected light. When you start reading a map, the beam becomes soft and diffused. On the trail it uses a wide, mid-bright setting to show obstacles to the sides. When you glance ahead, it brightens and narrows to let you pick out details. $159. Also, dont miss your morning espresso just because youre waking up in the woods. Pick up the pint-sized Handpresso portable pump for the perfect cup. $98
Tools
Victorinox has added a beautiful new "companion for life" to their 128 years of Swiss-made outdoors products. The Hardwood Spartan Swiss Army Knife features the original Spartan set of 12 functions, which cater to the active outdoors person. The color and grain patterns in the hardwood handles are unique to each piece and subtly complement our West Coast lifestyle. $44 Find a store
