Functional and stylish looks for your long weekend campfire

Stay toasty and bug bite-free while looking great.

by Natalie Sexton

May 21, 2021 12:13 p.m. EST

Whether you're kicking off the long weekend by going camping, or just hoping to enjoy the fresh air in your backyard or a park - having the right gear is essential for a good time. I have searched high and low for the best pieces, tech fabrics and fun trendy pops that are the perfect mix of function and fashion for you this long weekend that will have you toasting marshmallows like a pro! And of course, a great camping chair is the first item on the shopping list. The full, off-the-ground sitting experience is no longer reserved for car campers. Technology transferred from high-end tents makes this chair light enough for regular backpackers, bike tourers, and paddlers to transport easily and most importantly, you can sit in comfort as you dine or stare into the fire! Obviously, I opted for fun tie-dye print - I want to relax comfortably, but I am always up for that photo op in this cool chair! Now, onto the fashions:

Fun Fresh Colour mixed with Canadian Classics

Nothing says Canadian long weekend better than a classic Roots sweatsuit! This iconic brand is an absolute must for ultimate comfort and style known for making some of the best sweats out there! We played with some fun newer colours and some classics. There are no rules for your sweatsuit - if you want to match head to toe you can co-ordinate or you can have fun mixing and matching pieces. I love the classic salt & pepper Roots zip up with a lightweight long tank layered underneath paired with these fun Roots retro-inspired bold yellow sweatpants for a fun pop of colour. The streamlined cut makes wearing a statement colour like this more flattering, especially on the bottom - oversized fits can sometimes be trickier to pull off in bold hues.

Now we add some strategic layers without the bulk! I love adding a tech fabric lightweight puffer vest on top of her sweats, this will keep you warm and there is no worry of trying to stuff the arms of her oversized sweatshirt into a coat - this can be so uncomfortable and limit mobility, which is never good for marshmallow toasting!

SHOP:

Roots Pants, $74
Roots Zip-up, $86
Roots Tank, $28
Roots Socks, $18.50
Blundstone Boots, $230 at MEC

Cozy & Functional

We want to be prepared for the outdoor elements from weather to insects and we want to do this in the most comfortable and (bonus!) fashionable way! The North Face is known for its high quality - made for the outdoors pieces so their cozy lightweight zip-up jacket in a plush fleece fabric is the ultimate fireside layer. Made from 100% recycled materials, it's the perfect shell to layer tees, long sleeves or hoodies underneath comfortably. And the gorgeous colour plays right into Spring's pastel hues. Pants with performance features like moisture-wicking fabric keep you warm and dry to get you from hiking, walking, biking to the fireside with ease!

Not only will you be warm, but we are also adding a lightweight layer underneath to keep those pesky bugs away. Get more enjoyment from your outdoor adventures by wearing a special WindRiver shirt. The fabric is treated with No Fly Zone Tick and Mosquito Repellent technology - it's odourless, invisible and effective for 70 washes!

SHOP:

The North Face Coat, $130
The North Face Pants, $130
The North Face Tee, $35
The North Face Sneakers, $160
Mark’s Mosquito/Tick Repellent Shirt, $39
Mark’s Mosquito Repellent Bandana, $20
Smartwool Socks, $27

The Glamper!

A lightweight activewear puffer jacket in a fun colour is a Spring must. This Rudsak design features a sporty silhouette made with a combo of stretch neoprene on the sleeves, so you have zero arm restriction and a semi-gloss nylon quilted waterproof puffer front for added warmth. Ideal for an evening cocktail by the fire and easily used as a great layering piece all weekend. And the pants are one of my favourite trends of 2021 - the return of the cargo pant! I love the fun acid wash print, they're lightweight 100% cotton, elastic waist, big roomy side pockets and a relaxed easy fit.