It doesn't matter whether you're canoeing, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking or participating in a myriad of alternative outdoor activities - there are some essential items you should always have on-hand that are universal across the board. Forget one of these seemingly minor items and you could end up in pain, dehydrated, or in a worst-case scenario, without the proper treatment for an injury.

Head protection
If you've ever gotten sunburned on the top of your head, you undoubtedly know how painful it (and the first few times you wash your hair) is. Not only is a burned head uncomfortable, but too much exposure can leave you with a raging headache, dizziness, nausea or actual heatstroke. Make sure your noggin is adequately covered every time you venture outdoors for an extended period of time.

Try: Bilt Designs Bandanas made from 100% organic cotton. Available at MEC for $1 (reduced from $5.50)! Alternatively you can MEC's Blurr Organic Cotton Visor Beanie, which offers some added protection for your face and is specifically made for warmer temperatures.

Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn't even optional when you're playing outdoors. In fact skin experts say you should be wearing a minimum of SPF 30 whenever you venture outside of your house. Every. Single. Time. It's safe to say most of us don't apply it that religiously even though it is the safe thing to do. Just imagine though: if you're supposed to put on sunscreen for your daily run to the local coffee shop, think of the amount of damage caused to your skin if you spend an entire day outside without it. Thought that burned head was excruciating? Trying bending at the knees when they're fried. To ensure you're properly protected, sunscreen should be applied every two hours according to beauty expert Nadine Haobsh.

Try: Kiss My Face Face Factor SPF 30 For Face & Neck and Kiss My Face Oat Protein Sunscreen (SPF 30) for the rest of your body.

Sunglasses
While you may innocuously forget sunscreen from time to time, it's hard to ignore the fact that you're without sunglasses - ten minutes of squinting and trying to shield your eyes from the bright light of the sun will serve as a quick reminder. Sunglasses should always offer 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Try: iWood ecodesign sunglasses if you have some extra funds you're looking to have fun with. The wooden frames of these glasses use high-quality, sustainable wood veneer, but at $370 a pair, aren't the most wallet-friendly option available. If your budget doesn't have quite this much room, try buying a used pair (but remember to sanitize, sanitize, sanitize before you wear them!) to remain earth-friendly.

Water
Spending time in the sun without consuming enough water can lead to serious dehydration. Drinking alcohol in the sun is a double-whammy for your body. Make sure you consume water frequently throughout the day rather than chugging a lot at the end of your time outdoors. Too much too quickly can be harmful. Try to avoid alcohol and sugary drinks as both will make you feel thirstier. Take a reusable bottle with you and continue to fill it as needed.

Try: SIGG water bottles. Safe, non-toxic and widely available make these an ideal choice. Unfortunately the bottles are no longer sold on the official SIGG website, but check there anyway for a list of national retailers.

First-Aid Kit
There are essential items that should always be included in a basic first-aid kit including scissors, gauze, gloves, bandages, antiseptic tweezers and non-prescription pain relief medication. The first time someone falls or accidentally gets a cut or a scrape, you'll be glad you had the foresight to plan ahead and come prepared. The Canadian Red Cross recommends keeping a fully stocked kit in your home and each car, so consider assembling multiple kits.

Try: Online retailer All Terrain sells biodegradable antiseptic wipes, latex-free bandages, paraben-free aloe gel, as well as a pre-packaged First Aid Set with some of the necessary components. Also consider adding some essential oils such as rosemary, lavender or tea tree, all of which have natural healing properties and can help soothe ailments such as mosquito bites.

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