Gear for the Great Outdoors

It's finally the season of warm weather and outdoor living, and boy, have we earned it. Living life outdoors does require a few extra props to keep the good times rolling, so we've sorted through store shelves to bring you the products that deliver on what they claim. So spend more time enjoying this gorgeous weather and less time at the mall, because we've done the legwork for you.

To guard against Lyme disease and West Nile, and the mosquitoes and ticks that transmit them, you need a product with some DEET. Health Canada recommends using a product containing no more than 10% DEET for kids 12 and under—we like OFF! Skintastic Kids, as recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society. Note that kids older than 12 can use a repellent containing up to 30% DEET.

This is definitely the most rugged cooler we have ever had, and that's good, because it sure takes some rough handling (car, deck, cottage, patio, picnic, sports fields—the list goes on). The hinges, handles and tie-downs are all so well-thought out and durable that this is the only cooler we'll need for the rest of time (plus, it's grizzly proof, which we can only hope means raccoon-proof, too!).

When the inevitable bug bites occur, we turn to our handy dandy Therapik to deliver localized heat to neutralize the venom. It only takes a minute and it really helps reduce the pain and itch of bites. The ‘ow' just vanishes—our kids think it's magic.

It's a little bit playground swing, a whole lot board sports. Our kids love standing on this and swinging with their feet, but it works just as well as a bum-on-seat swing. We're adding one to the backyard and think it would be great for the cottage, and can't wait for the kids to go beddy-bye so we can try it out.

These round beach towels are simply the best, and not just for the beach. They make a great picnic or snack blanket, for playing with small toys in the grass, or naptime. Its five-foot diameter makes it perfect for sharing or striking a (yoga) pose.

The whole family can pretend that they're using floo powder (à la Harry Potter) with this magical powder. Add it to the campfire and watch the mesmerizing colourful flames emerge.

It is always best to have marshmallow-roasting sticks ready and available for nights when the kids are clamouring for s'mores. We love that these handles glow in the dark so that we can keep track of the pointy sticks, even in the dark.

Kids and tents are a winning combination, but our kids much prefer this cotton beauty to the smelly tent actually used for camping. Bring this play tent outside for the afternoon to provide a shaded and quiet spot for snoozing, reading or tea parties. Dust it off and return it to the playroom when night falls.

This is the bug shirt that we all fight over at the cottage for its maximum lightweight comfort and effectiveness in shutting out the bugs. Wrists and waists are adjustable and it folds up into its own carrying pocket, so it's worth the splurge to buy one for each family member so that forest hikes can be enjoyed, not endured.

This is a great fire pit for home (if allowed) or the cottage, and keeps the fire safely contained. We love the wildlife cut-outs and the cooking grate for roasting hot dogs over the flames. It's solidly built and we also appreciate the depth of the base to allow for a truly roaring fire.

Here's an all-natural insect repellent that we actually look forward to using. We love that this one is a lotion to more easily cover the face and neck area without getting a mouth- or eyeful. Featuring a strong base of catnip essential oil, the bugs won't like us (but the cat sure will). Like all things Saje, this lotion works wonders, doesn't irritate sensitive skin and smells divine.

This is just a fabulous multi-purpose light for any night-time outdoors event, from camping to exploring (and even a power outage or two). Hang it up or sit it down—it works as a floodlight or a spotlight. You'll never know how useful it is until you're in the dark without a great light.

Got a kiddo who just won't come inside? We can't say that we blame them. Make bath-time fun with an outdoor shower—perfect for rinsing down the kiddos at the end of the day. Prolonging their time outside and keeping the dirt where it belongs (out of the house!)…nothing wrong with that.

We love these minimalist clear globe lights for stringing around the deck, trees or canopy. They're perfect for parties or simply everyday ambience and making the outdoor space look pretty.We love these minimalist clear globe lights for stringing around the deck, trees or canopy. They're perfect for parties or simply everyday ambience and making the outdoor space look pretty.

This is, quite simply, the best watering can we have used. We love the elegant design, the perfect spout, and the lovely colours. Part décor, all function, these watering cans are a relief because they won't break or disappoint.

Let's hear it for cute, outdoorsy, non-breakable enamel mugs. We love serving hot chocolate to the kids on the patio with no fear of breakage, and tbh, our coffee tastes really good in them as well.