1. NEMO: FILLO BACKPACKING AND CAMPING PILLOW
Bringing a pillow on a multi-day river trip is usually out of the question. Take advantage of festival camping by treating yourself to a few simple luxuries like this incredibly plush and comfortable Fillo Backpacking and Camping Pillow from Nemo. It inflates in moments, comes with its own stuff sack and packs down to about the size of a box of mac n’ cheese. The pillow is substantial enough for those who sleep on their sides and the washable polyester fabric is super soft. After you’ve enjoyed sweet dreams using this nine-ounce pillow you may just find room for it on your next overnighter. $39.95 | WWW.NEMOEQUIPMENT.COM
2. STANSPORT: STAINLESS STEEL PERCOLATOR COFFEE POT-9 CUP
We know on your backcountry trips you’re all about those ultralight, super small, NASA-engineered coffee contraptions, but we think the chill vibes of river festivals make them the place to keep your caffeine consumption classic. Made of stainless steel, the three-piece Stansport Steel Percolator Coffee Pot is dead easy to use, durable and has a hardwood, insulating handle so you don’t burn your paws. Oh, and it makes nine cups, so you can place it on your campfire grill first thing in the morning and wait for eight new best friends to roll out of their tents and flock over. $31.99 | WWW.STANSPORT.COM
3. IMAGINE CAMPING: DOUBLE FIRESIDE FORK
Bring these sleek Fireside Forks from Imagine Camping to your next festi- val and you and your favourite paddling buddies will be roasting hot dogs and marshmallows in style. Each rod is made of high-grade, lightweight aluminum. According to Imagine Camping, the rods cool fifteen times fast- er than other stainless steel roasting sticks. Want a more gourmet meal? These compactable sticks can also be used as kebab skewers for riverside barbecuing—think chicken satay, shrimp and vegetable kebabs, corn on the cob and baked potatoes. $45 | WWW.IMAGINECAMPING.COM
4. AO COOLERS: 12-PACK CANVAS COOLER
It’s hard to make new friends with warm beer. Make sure your drinks stay crisp with this soft-sided cooler with serious insulation. The 12-Pack Can- vas Cooler from AO Coolers holds 12 cans plus five pounds of ice and has a leak-proof liner and removable shoulder strap. We like the side pocket where you can stash can openers, beer cozies and snacks. $49.95 | WWW.AOCOOLERS.COM
5. SEA TO SUMMIT: TRAVELLING LIGHT EYE SHADES
Because river rats need their beauty sleep, too. We know your friends might make fun of you when you peel away from the campfire and slip into these Travelling Light Eye Shades from Sea to Summit. Trust us, you’ll be the one laughing when you emerge from your tent bright-eyed the follow- ing morning. These adjustable eye shades have a cushy contoured micro- fibre lining for serious comfort and sport a special section over the nose to block out any light from the live music, bonfire or flashlights near your tent. Good night. $19.95 | WWW.SEATOSUMMIT.COM
6. SNOW PEAK: STAINLESS DOUBLE 240 MUG
The insulated and sleek Stainless Double 240 Mug from Snow Peak is per- fect for keeping your coffee warm, your beer cold or even as a vessel for a few fingers of whiskey. The stylish and understated design from Snow Peak means it’s not only a good bet for riverside camping but will look great steaming on your coffee table at home or in the console of your truck. $17.95 | WWW.SNOWPEAK.COM
7. GILI: GILI GEAR BAG
We all know the reputation kayakers have for leaving shit everywhere (see page 43). Stay a bit more organized during your river festival with a des- ignated bag for your paddling gear, like the Gili Gear Bag from Colora- do-based Gili. The 26-inch by 14-inch repurposed vinyl mesh bag is stain proof, UV and mildew resistant, easy to clean and sand doesn’t stick to it. Essentially it’s made for your river lifestyle. At the end of your river festival, pack your wet gear inside and get going, instead of leaving it in a soggy and disorganized ball in your trunk.
$59.95 | WWW.GILIBAGS.COM
8. SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS:
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, hot dogs, ibuprofen. Well, maybe not real sur- vival essentials, but in the context of a paddling festival, we think these items are pretty key. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese has a shelf life of more than a year and pre-cooked packaged wieners can be eaten raw; if they’re good enough for the apocalypse, they’re good enough for a quick and hot dinner at a paddling festival. Combine for the ultimate one-pot festival meal. Factor in 1,200 calories and 141 grams of carbs in a box of Macaroni and Cheese and you’re going to be cheaply energized for that downriver race. When you wake up the next morning feeling like a soggy river bootie with a headache from too much fun or sore paddling muscles, anti-inflam- matory ibuprofen can help get you back to your fighting self.
This article originally appeared in Rapid Early Summer 2017 issue.
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