With Canada Day upon us and the Fourth of July just around the corner, I wanted thank all of the loyal CampingBlogger subscribers with a “summer fun bundle” giveaway this week. This month it is top-notch gear from Klean Kanteenâ„¢, Trek Light Gearâ„¢, Kiss My Face®, and The Drink Toqueâ„¢; everything you need for a relaxing afternoon in the shade, sipping on your favorite beverage.
Camping Activities for Kids
With summer in full swing and many families heading into the backcountry over the July holidays, I thought I would take this opportunity to revisit some of the activities we employ to keep our kids excited about camping. We camp a lot, but we try to incorporate things that the kids don’t get to do at home, which helps keep camping something special that they always look forward to.
Best Waterproof Bag. Period.
One of the most functional pieces of gear I own is this Window Dry Sack™ from Outdoor Research, in Seattle, WA. It is constructed of thick nylon, with taped seams and a big urethane window that lets you find what you are looking for, so that you don’t have to dump everything out. Like all Outdoor Research products, it’s guaranteed forever.
How to Clean a Hydration Bladder
Somehow, Father’s Day ended up being maintenance day around the house, but since it was my day, I decided to prioritize a little maintenance on the gear before I took on the yard. One of my primary pieces of gear is my CamelBak® hydration pack, which provides the family with water, snacks, and usually a lunch on our hikes. This pack is admittedly overkill for light use, but it came with a prior job assignment so the price was right and unlike a nylon daypack, I don’t have to worry about wear and tear. I thought I’d snap some pictures while I cleaned the hydration bladder, so that you could all participate in a little maintenance with me!
Campfire S’mores
Perhaps no other camping tradition is more memorable, as a child, than melting your own marshmallow over an open fire, than squishing it between two halves of a graham cracker along with a piece of chocolate candy bar. S’mores are a huge hit with the kids, of course, but they have such a rich tradition that they remind many adults of their childhood family camping experience, too.