Style Bee - Algonquin

Camping In Algonquin | What To Pack

07.07.15

Style Bee - Algonquin

You may not have pegged me for the ‘outdoorsy type’, and on most days I’m not, but ever since I met Dave about 5+ years ago, we’ve made it our mission to get to Algonquin Park for a long weekend adventure each summer. Dave is the ultimate outdoorsman and has been the best guide over the years. From teaching me paddling technique, to fire building, to mastering a marshmallow roast he is 100% responsible for making a camping lover out of this city gal. When I say ‘camping’ I mean REAL camping. As in, paddling in a canoe across huge lakes, portaging with heavy packs for kilometers, sleeping under the open sky in a tent and showering in the lake type camping. We be legit.

During our last adventure I brought my camera and took a ton of photos so that I could share what makes the experience such a pleasure. Of course, great weather and hectares upon hectares of protected, well maintained park land are essential but there are lots of other things that help too. I decided to break this little Camping In Algonquin series into three parts, starting with What To Pack. Next up is What To Eat followed by What To Do. So here goes! 


WHAT TO PACK

Packing your camping clothes is a bit of an art. This was the most successful trip packing I’ve accomplished yet. I wore almost everything at least once (I had an extra t-shirt) and I was cool enough during the day and warm enough at night. My best advice is to make sure you check the weather right up until the night before you leave to make sure you have what you need. The temps fluctuate considerably between day and night so layers are your best friend. Here’s what I suggest you bring:

| Start with the comfiest jeans and tee you own.

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| Add your favourite swimsuit, sunnies and sun hat.

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| Steal your fella’s sweater if the one you brought gets wet.

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| Flannel is a must, as is the best all purpose ointment for scrapes, bites and cuts.

Style Bee - Algonquin

FULL PACKING LIST

It is imperative to pack well for true Algonquin camping. Be prepared to wear everything twice (except underwear of course!) and remember you’re carrying it all with you. If it’s not too hot I’d suggest wearing your bigger items on the way into the park. Only bring things that you can easily wash and don’t mind getting dirty. Ergo, the white sweater I brought was already stained and on it’s last legs.

Style Bee - Algonquin

CLOTHES (For a stay of 2 nights + 3 Days)

Day 1 – Big Sweater | Denim Cutoffs | T-Shirt | Sports Bra | Undies | Tevas | Swimsuit (s/o)

Night 1Yoga Pants | Camp Socks | Long Sleeve Shirt | Flannel Shirt | Tevas

Day 2Comfy Jeans | Crop Tee | Sweater (borrowed from Dave) | Undies | Sports Bra | No shoes! | Swimsuit (s/o)

Night 2 – Same as above + Flannel Shirt + Camp Socks

Day 3 – Comfy Jeans | Big Sweater | T-ShirtSports Bra | Undies | Tevas

ACCESSORIES

Floppy woven hat (similar) | Sunnies | Towel

SKINCARE

Cleansing Cloths | Moisturizer | BB Cream | Sunscreen | Lip Balm | All-Purpose Ointment | Natural Shampoo

Toothpaste attracts bears so we brush our teeth using just water and floss while in the park.


One of the best parts about camping is not having to care AT ALL about whether you look presentable. The lake thinks you look great, the trees don’t care and if you’re with true friends they certainly shouldn’t either! You just get to be comfortable, run around barefoot without makeup and forget to brush your hair the entire time! 

6 comments
07.07.15
Style, Travel

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Rita says:

    This is so lovely. I’m glad you shared. We do a lot of tramping in New Zealand all year-round. The available gear, though absolutely appropriate, is not at all my style (e.g. it’s hard to find a hard shell that isn’t neon-something). Nevertheless, I have been trying to improve my tramping wardrobe. I don’t think I will ever be able to get away with wearing jeans but I have started to pick natural fibres over synthetics and more natural colours. It feels a lot closer to nature for some reason…

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Rita, I’m so glad to hear you like the post and that you’re a fellow camper! It’s such a great experience and much more affordable than most other travel option. Tramping is very popular in Canada too. I totally know what you mean about camping gear being somewhat flamboyant haha. When available I opt for black but that’s rare. Cotton and linen are my favourite fabrics for sure. Polyester in the middle of a lake just doesn’t seem quite right! Xo

  2. Myrna says:

    I’ve only been camping once and it was in the winter and I wore every item of clothing up to the campsite. Why we chose Nov.1 to go camping is beyond me but we made it back without frostbite so I guess it was kind of worth it. Love the photos and especially that swim suit !

    XX-Myrna
    Mybeatboutique.blogspot.com

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Oh man that would be so cold!! We went once in late October and I was not warm for 1 minute that entire trip haha. We won’t be doing that again! Definitely consider a late summer trip. There aren’t as many bugs and it really is glorious to sit on the warm rocks and bask in the sun. Xoxo

  3. Jodie says:

    Looks like so much fun! It’s great when you’re with someone who opens you to new things. Can’t wait to see the following camping posts!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Jodie! Camping is so much fun! Good weather is key but it’s just so great to get off the grid and enjoy a true natural environment for a while. Plus it REALLY makes you appreciate a hot shower haha. XO