What To Pack For An Off-Grid Cabin Glamping Or Backpacking Trip

What to pack for an Off-Grid Cabin Glamping or Backpacking Trip

There is nothing quite like an off-grid cabin experience to help you unplug and reconnect in the wild beauty of nature. In Northern Ontario this can be an amazing year-round experience. To make the most of the experience it is a good idea to take time in advance to think about what you will want to bring with you and pack accordingly. Don't think of this as a difficult task but actually part of the fun of the overall experience! There are a few tips to keep in mind.

Clothing:

No matter what time of year you go you will want to make sure you are prepared for a variety of temperatures. In winter it is not unheard of for temperatures to be above freezing and in the fall and spring cool nights are common. The key to warmth and comfort is layering so you can add or take off layers as the temperature changes. Always consider bringing the following:

a good pair of sneakers to hang out around the cabin site and bonfire and a good pair of hiking boots so you can explore the trails and natural terrain. For some of the best hiking boots for 2024 go to www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-hiking-boots.
woolen socks. Even in summer woolen socks are a great idea as they help your feet breath in hiking boots and are more comfortable and help prevent blisters.
for base layers bring a variety of both long and short sleeve tops. When walking trails or hiking try to avoid cotton fabrics as these retain water and will leave you feeling wet and uncomfortable. For maximum comfort look for wicking fabrics (fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin) such as polyester or fine wool. These fabrics help you stay warm and dry no matter what the season. Nothing beats an old-school chunky woolen sweater around the bonfire.
shorts and long pants. While jeans may be the most common thing in your closet they are not ideal if you are going hiking or walking trails. Ideally you will want fabrics that breathe and are strong and light-weight. For a look at the best hiking pants for 2024 go to https://switchbacktravel.com/best-hiking-pants.
top layers should be made of fabrics that are both breathable and waterproof. Nylon and polyamide blends are becoming more and more popular. Don’t forget to bring a rain jacket or a poncho.
cabins at Camp Blaze Retreat come equipped with outdoor showers. If your site includes an outdoor shower or nearby body of water you will want to bring a swimsuit with you so you can take full advantage of what nature has to offer!

Accessories and Equipment

a brimmed hat in the summer is a great idea. Sunglasses (with UV filtering|) are recommended no matter what time of year you go. Even in the winter sunglasses should be worn as the sun can reflect off the snow. Depending on the season and location a mesh bug hat might also be a good ideal.
When hiking it is always a good idea to bring a small backpack for your water bottle, snacks, compass, binoculars and any other accessories. You will want your backpack to be sturdy, lightweight and waterproof so avoid cheaper canvas or cotton options. For the 10 best hiking backpacks for 2024 go to www.thebrokebackpacker.com/best-backpacks-for-hiking/
smartphones have a compass built-in but you never know when the battery might run down so bring an old-school compass and be familiar with how to use it. Ideally a map of the area you will be camping/hiking in is also a good idea. Don't forget to bring a small journal and pen/pencil for journaling, writing down your adventures and recording the wildlife you encounter along the trails or at your cabin site.
For bird watching during the day and viewing the night sky in the evening a good pair of binoculars is also a great idea. In “dark sky” country like Northern Ontario a good pair of binoculars can give you an amazing view of the stars. Avoid going too big when it comes to binoculars as they can be bulky to handle. Binoculars rated between 7x40 and 8x40 are good for bird watching. To see the best of the night sky go for binoculars rated either 7x50 or 10x50. For more information on choosing, using and caring for binoculars go to www.audubon.org/gear/binolcular-guide.
high SPF water-resistant sunscreen, lip balm and, depending on the season and where you go, insect repellant (cream or spray) are also recommended. Don't forget eco-friendly toiletries such as toothpaste, soaps, shampoo and lotions.
cabins at Camp Blaze Retreat are powered with solar panels. If your cabin or site is powered using a solar-power system, charging phones and other devices on the system is not recommended as this can drain the deep-cycle battery powering the cabin. If you need to charge devices during your trip it is recommended that you bring a portable charger with you. For a selection of the best portable chargers and power banks go to www.wired.com/gallery/best-portable-chargers-power-banks/.

No matter what time of year, a glamping off-grid cabin experience in Northern Ontario will be an experience you will never forget. A little time preparing for your trip will enable you to enjoy every moment of your trip and maximize what this beautiful country has to offer! Check out the cabins at Camp Blaze Retreat to begin planning your getaway in the beauty and wonder of Ontario’s north!