Squeezing in one last cottage trip this Labour Day weekend? Don't forget to pack these must-haves first
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Well, despite our best efforts (and dearest wishes), the last official weekend of summer is upon us. And while some of you may already be settling into your fall routines, we suspect there are plenty of folks who are planning to make the most of the Labour Day long weekend by heading up to a cottage — and who would blame you?
There’s nothing quite like whiling away the lazy late summer days than lakeside, roasted marshmallow in hand. To help you keep the chill vibes going (and prevent any unnecessary stress), we’re sharing a bunch of our favourite cottage essentials you might want to bring along before you go.
Dextreme Natural Firestarter
Dextreme
Who has the time to fiddle with matches, lighters, or wet wood? Not you. So next time you’re sparking up a charcoal BBQ, wood-burning fireplace, or other blaze, you’ll want to have these little cubes on hand. Reviewers were surprised by how easily they caught fire and say they work better than other similar products they’ve tried, meaning you can spend less time fiddling with your bonfire and more time enjoying it.
If you want something a little more hardcore (a.k.a. windproof and weatherproof), the brand also makes fire plugs for emergencies.
After Bite Outdoor Insect Bite & Sting Treatment
@afterbiteusa/Instagram
You may be on vacation, but the bugs are anything but. Instantly reducing itch may seem too good to be true, but reviewers say that’s exactly what you’ll get with just a dab of this stuff (which is enough to convince us, TBH).
Vichy Capital Soleil UV Sport
Victoria Kuglin/Daily Hive
Spreads like butter. Lasts through a whole afternoon of splashing around in the lake. Can be applied to wet skin. Need we say more? In case you’re still not convinced, we also love it for its non-greasy finish and body lotion-esque feel that kept our skin hydrated during long days outdoors.
Yeti Sidekick Dry Gear Case
Amazon Canada
Everything you stash inside this waterproof case will be protected from splashes, rainfall, and other unexpected cottage messes. It features a powerful magnetic closure that, yes, is also waterproof — but if you don’t believe us, reviewers have tested it while doing everything from portaging to horseback riding and say it delivers on every front.
Bite Insect Repellant
@staybitefree/Instagram
This ain’t your mama’s bug repellent. No more greasy residue or mysterious chemical ingredients — this formula is entirely plant-based, biodegradable, and even has a refreshing scent that won’t give you a headache within minutes of spraying. It’s gentle enough for the whole family and provides up to six hours of protection from common pests like mosquitoes and ticks, so you can spend less time reapplying and more time actually enjoying your vacation.
EverBrite Mini LED Flashlight 6-Pack
Amazon Canada
When you’re away from the bright lights of the big city, you’ll need something to illuminate your way. Enter: these ultra-bright flashlights. Reviewers love everything about them, from their easy on-on switches and bright beams to their long-lasting battery power and small design that fits into pockets, backpacks, and purses without issue. Though they come with batteries, make sure you stock up on a few extras.
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Amazon Canada
No matter where you’re filling up (a roadside gas station, a random bathroom tap — you get the picture), this water bottle will ensure that whatever you sip is clean and tastes great. It works its magic thanks to a built-in membrane filter that can clean up to 4,000 litres (or five years of daily use). Reviewers call it a must-have for any outdoor activities and say it holds up to rough conditions like nobody’s business.
Telescoping Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Jolly Green Products
Regardless of whether you’re roasting marshmallows or getting creative with sausages or veggies, reviewers say these extendable sticks are IT. They’ll never sag or bend under the weight of your food, and they’re easy to both clean and store. We also love that they come with tip protectors and a zippered storage bag.
Kitsch Travel Bottles Set
Kitsch
This petite kit will let you pack your creams, lotions, cleansers, shampoos, and conditioners while being completely leakproof, so you won’t have to stress about getting your stuff goopy en route. And it definitely doesn’t hurt that the kit comes with a mini funnel, a mini pipette, and a mini spatula to make topping things up easier. You’ll also get a spray bottle, two pump bottles, two mini jars, three flat pouch bottles, and a reusable travel pouch.
Stanley Perfect Brew Pour Over Set
Amazon Canada
We’re clearly coffee fans here at DH, so when we’re away from our at-home favourites, this is the set we’ll be bringing along. It’s as durable as you’d expect from the brand that’s become synonymous with on-the-go drinkware and features a stainless steel filter (because who wants to mess around with paper ones?). Reviewers love that it fits perfectly over their other Stanley mugs and bottles.
Schick Hydrosilk TrimStyle Razor & Bikini Trimmer
@hydrosilkca/Instagram
One tool, multiple ways to use it: You’ll be able to shave your legs, pits, and other bits, then flip it to the other side to take advantage of the powerful trimmer. It’s (of course) completely waterproof, and reviewers say that even though the blade guard’s handy, the trimmer is actually pretty darn nick-proof on its own. The razor end is also wrapped in moisturizing strips to help things glide smoothly and leave you razor-burn-free.
Koonie Clip-On Fan
Amazon Canada
Whether the cottage is equipped with AC or not, we’re willing to bet you’ll love this compact fan. A powerful airflow, impressively long-lasting battery, and 360-degree head have reviewers raving about it. Plus, the base can be clipped onto just about anything — a table edge, chair leg, stroller, golf cart, you name it.
Simple Modern Rubber Tote
Amazon Canada
This thing is all about convenience — reviewers say it’s big enough to tote around all your lakeside accessories, kids’ essentials, exercise accoutrements, and daily odds and ends, and it’s decked out with clever lay-flat straps that’ll never get tangled or twisted. We’re also really fond of the easy-to-clean rubber that you can, quite literally, rinse off with a hose when it inevitably gets dirty.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
@aqara.smarthome.official/Instagram
We’re calling it now: this is a must-have for cottage owners. It can be fully integrated into your Apple Home (or other smart home) ecosystem, allowing you to unlock it right from your phone, even if it’s dead. Always losing your keys or don’t feel like duplicating for your guests? By enabling biometrics, you can use your fingerprints — or the fingerprints of other people in your household — to get inside. Reviewers love that the alert system notifies them when someone enters or leaves, too.
e11ement Hypochlorous Acid Skin Spray
@e11ement_/Instagram
Consider this a one-and-done solution to just about every skin irritation, including sunburns, eczema, and bug bites. Because it’s made of an ingredient our bodies already produce naturally, you won’t have to spend ages deciphering complicated ingredient lists (or worry about accidentally making things worse).
Multi-Cable Travel Storage Box
Amazon Canada
No matter what you’re powering up (or the type of charger you need to do so), you’ll find it inside this neat little compact. Despite the shorter cable design, reviewers still love that they have easy access to their tech essentials, allowing them to keep their phones and tablets powered up even when they’re on the road. It even has a hidden stand in the base for propping up screens!
Sarna Bug Bite Patches
Victoria Kuglin/Daily Hive
I am a magnet for hungry bugs, so I pretty much have to douse myself in repellent every time I step outside. To be honest, I don’t love all the chemicals, so I was *thrilled* to try out these patches that use aloe vera, witch hazel, and chamomile to soothe any chomps left behind by mosquitoes, black flies, and other pests. They also prevent me from picking at them (soooo guilty) and are free of potential irritants like steroids and latex! You’ll get a pack of 24 patches.
Huski Beer Cooler 2.0
@huskicooler/Instagram | Amazon Canada
There’s nothing like sipping an ice-cold bev, and this handheld cooler will keep things frosty ’til the last drop. Whether you prefer a bottle or can, domestic or imported, all you’ll need to do is slip your beverage inside to take advantage of its powers. You can even use it as a tumbler if you’re feeling fancy, since it’s non-slip and has a contoured shape to fit your hand just right. As an added bonus, there’s a detachable hidden opener on the base. If your tastes skew more towards bottle service, grab yourself the wine chiller style instead.
Sukeen Cooling Towels
@sukeen_official/Instagram
Soak, wring, and snap — that’s it. Once you do that, these towels will stay cool for up to three hours and can be worn anywhere on your body (around your neck, wrapped around your head, or even draped over your overheating pets!). Reviewers use them on sweltering job sites, at the gym, to soothe hot flashes, or as a post-sport refresher in the summertime, all with great success. Once they start to lose their cooling powers, just soak, wring, and snap once more to activate.
Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion
Sun Bum
Peeling skin? We don’t know her. After a long day tanning on the dock, slather on this soothing lotion to prevent skin from drying up and flaking off (it has plenty of moisturizing additions like aloe, tea tree oil, cocoa butter, jojoba, and vitamin E). Reviewers report that it’s non-sticky and non-greasy, making it great for slathering on active kids or impatient adults.
Luminaid PackLite 2-in-1 Camping Lantern & Phone Charger
Amazon Canada
This baby has a 50-hour battery life when used as a lantern and can be recharged in 12 to 14 hours of direct sunlight (or 1-2 via USB). Perfect as an emergency power backup or a handy cottage accessory, you’ll probably love that it’s waterproof and shatterproof, too. Reviewers add that it’s surprisingly lightweight and packable.
Rael Flushable Wipes
Amazon Canada
When you need a refresh on the go (or suddenly have to face an unexpected TP outage at the cottage), you’ll be glad to have these pH-balanced wipes on hand. Since they’re designed for even your most sensitive bits, they’re paraben-, dye-, and fragrance-free, and completely flushable. Reviewers have used them post-partum, during long flights, and on every inch of their bods, reporting zero irritation.
Ocoopa DiveBlues Beach Blanket
Amazon Canada
Not only is it way bigger than anything currently hiding in your basement or garage, but it’s also magically sand-repellent. The parachute nylon material is super lightweight and folds up nice and small, which means you won’t need to sacrifice precious cargo space to haul this to the cottage. Reviewers are also loving that it comes with a set of pegs so you can secure it safely wherever you want.