Gear & Tech
The must-have gear for the ultimate summer cottage getaway
The loons are calling, the beer is chilling and the Muskoka chairs are waiting on the dock. It’s cottage season, and whether you plan to spend your time tanning on a floatie or exploring the wilderness, do it in style with these lakeside staples.
1 Muttonhead denim shirt
Go from the dock to dinner in this breezy denim button-down, made in Canada. $84, muttonheadstore.com
2 Gresso Boston sunglasses Don’t worry about sitting on Gresso’s sleek aviators. With a titanium frame and nylon scratch-resistant lenses, they’re practically bomb-proof. US$245, gresso.com 3 Pendleton “Water” blanket
On cool cottage nights, wrap yourself in Pendleton’s reversible wool blanket, the design of which is inspired by traditional Navajo iconography. $479, pendleton.ca
4 Kindle Oasis
Amazon’s waterproof e-reader has an 18-centimetre glare-free display, allowing you to float in the sun with your juicy true-crime novel. $329.99, amazon.ca
5 Georgian Bay Spirit Co. Gin Smash and gin
Sip on a Gin Smash, a cocktail-in-a-can made with lemon, lime and tangerine, or mix your own G&T using a spirit made with wild Georgian Bay juniper. $2.95/$39.95, georgianbayspiritco.com
6 Kanu Surf Monaco swim trunks
Put a classically stylish spin on your cannonball by donning these gingham swim trunks, which have UPF 50+ protection. $24.99, amazon.ca
7 Columbia Drainmaker III shoes
They’re fast-draining, quick-drying and have a wet-grip outsole, but these water shoes are as comfortable on the trail as they are lakeside. $85, columbia.com
8 Level Six Eleven-six SUP
Canoes are so last century. Instead, traverse the lake on this ultralight inflatable standup paddleboard. When you’re done, deflate it and fold it into its backpack for easy storage. $899, mec.ca
9 Snakes & Ladders
When the weather turns foul, cosy up with Michaud Toys’ version of the classic board game, handcrafted from Canadian maple and Baltic birch. $39.95, michaudtoys.org
10 Bialetti Moka Express
Add a dash of colour to the cottage kitchen by brewing your morning espresso in Bialetti’s red six-cup stovetop pot. $94, amazon.ca