NAC Adventure Blog

Hiking in the winter can be fairly tricky and even life threatening. Sub-freezing temperatures, dampness, heavy snowfalls, snow covered crevasses and more make it all very risky if you're not paying attention. Let's take a quick look at some helpful tips to make your winter hiking experience more enjoyable and safer! When all of the leaves have fallen, and the temperatures bottom out, it may be tempting to hole up and hibernate at home. Though nothing is quite so wonderful as

There are many variables to look for when choosing your down products. In jackets for example, I look for packability (does it have a stow-n-go pocket), sizing (is it long enough to keep me warm but also harness compatible), weight (I have to carry this thing after all), and WARMTH! There is no point in hauling around a jacket that won't keep you warm in those unexpected moments. For warmth, most people turn to Down Fill Power, but do those numbers really tell you how warm a

I have spent many years hiking and camping, but in the winter, you're dealing with a whole new beast. I personally have not done any winter camping in quite a long time. As much as I prefer the cooler temperatures, I just can't handle the freezing cold mornings anymore. For winter camping, there is a whole new level of gear and clothing, so let's take a look at what it will take to get you winter camping ready. If you’re a summer camping enthusiast, you may be keen to put you

We are now deep into the Autumn season, and winter is fast approaching. During the months of Autumn, the weather can be all over the place, the conditions are wet and muddy, but every step is worth it as Autumn offers some of the most beautiful hiking of any season. Dressing for Autumn hiking is definitely a challenge, and so today we are going to discuss some of the best layers for your chilly and possibly wet hikes. These are my favorite clothes for hiking in the fall weath

I have done my share of grueling hikes and activities. And in my youth, it wasn't really much of a problem. But now, at my current age, those long days with a heavy pack really take a toll. I am finding that the older I get, the more recovery time I need, and I know you are experiencing the same. I have yet to find the fountain of youth, but I did find this article that may help in taking on those more challenging adventures and reducing the "feeling of death" after said adve

In the past few months we have talked about where to use your backpacking stove and how much fuel you will need for your adventures. But none of that matters if you don't have food to cook! Backpacking meals are by far, one of the hardest things to plan. Food is heavy, so you don't want to carry too much, but at the same time, you need to ensure you have enough calories to refuel your body. Food is very difficult to plan, and it takes many years of experience to perfectly dia

In all the years I have been backpacking, there have been many advancements in the area of backpacking stoves. I have personally had more than 12 different stoves over the past 35 years, each with it's own pros and cons. Currently, there are well over 1000 possible backpacking stoves you can purchase. So how do you choose. Well, with a little knowledge, a little understanding of your particular needs, and savvy shopping skills, you can easily choose a stove (or 3 or 5) that w

Over the years, I have tried many different kinds of backpacking stoves. Origionally, in my youth, I would start a small fire and cook over the open flame. This method was dangerous and destroyed many camp dishes. I then moved on to the liquid fuel stove in the fashion of the MSR Whisperlite International. A great stove, especially in the winter, but also large, bulky and very smokey, not to mention the fuel is heavy and difficult to carry. I then found my way to stick stoves

In my youth, I was far too cool to use trekking poles. As many younger hikers do, I believed hiking poles were for the "older" crowd that was getting too weak to hike and needed canes in the form of hiking poles to make it a few kilometers along the trail. As my hiking experience grew, and with the wisdom of age, I soon learned the value of trekking poles and when to use them. It turns out that they are very useful in reducing fatigue and helping with balance on some of those

There is nothing worse that bad blisters that completly ruin your enjoyment of a beautiful hike. The good news is, treating blisters or avoiding them all together is very easy with a little knowledge and a few simple steps. So read on to gain the knowledge and skills you need to ensure your future trips are not ruined by pesky blisters. It's a long read, but you'll be glad you did! Being located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, it’s probably not surprising that we h

In the last few years, NAC has added kayaking to our list of adventure activities. Kayaking is a great form of excercise and allows one to explore many new natural locations. However, kayaking also adds a new level of danger to the game and requires some basic skills and much knowledge to be done safely. This week, let's take a dive into the world of Sea Kayaking and get a feel of where you should start your kayaking journey! The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Sea Kayaking, fro

It's March and the warmer months are on their way, so it's time to start planning those Spring backpacking trips. April and May offer warm, but not hot temperatures that keep the bugs at bay, making Spring the perfect time for backpacking adventures. If you are new to the wonderful world of backpacking, there are many tips and tricks in this weeks article to help make your first trips much more enjoyable. If you're a seasoned backpacker, it's a great refresher article to remi

Backpacking, although an amazing experience, is very challenging and has many inherent dangers. So it's easy to understand how that would be amplified when solo backpacking. I get asked about solo backpacking quite often. And although they are usually asking for a location, the answer starts with education. There is much to know and much to practice before heading into the outback alone, after all, you will only have you to rely on. In a world with so many stresses and distra

The winter weather has finally arrived in Southern Ontario. Winter hiking is a special treat. There is nothing more incredible that walking the trails with a layer of fresh powder crunching under your feet. The thick snow dampens all sound and lets you hear the true sounds of nature. Rivers and waterfalls freeze over and glisten in the sunlight. It truly is a spectacular experience. As amazing as it all sounds, there are many new challenges to hiking in these conditions, so l

Indoor Climbing offers a safe and fun venue to first try rock climbing. With a very simple 1 -2 hour lesson to teach you the basics and a little gear you can spend hundreds of hours challenging yourself while truly having a ton of enjoyment. But climbing gyms offer various amenities and a few different types of climbing, each of which requires different gear, a different skill set, and many times, a climbing partner. Let's take a look at the three most common types of gym cli

Here in Southern Onatrio, the climate is changing and the Winter temperatures are much warmer than they has been in past decades. Despite this fact, many people still enjoy venturing out onto frozen rivers, lakes and ponds. With the uncertain climate the ice is not as safe as it was in the past and so much more dangerous and even life threatening. If you find yourself in frigid waters, this 2 minute video could save your life! Video by Insider Tech , posted on January 10, 201

Even though we rarely see snow in Southern Ontario anymore, we do have those cold windy days that can chill you to the bone. Dressing properly for cold weather hikes is relatively simple once you know a few key facts. Watch this short, but very infomative video to ensure that you know how to properly layer for those cold day hikes providing for a much more enjoyable adventure. Video by NYSDEC , posted on January 3, 2022 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, January 5, 2025) Good Morning, Welc

Winter brings snow and ice, and with that comes many more slippery and dangerous trail conditions. To combat this, most hikers carry various traction devices that are placed on hiking boots or trail running shoes and give a level of traction you could not get any other way. Shoping for traction devices can be a bit tricky as thre are so many options and such a large range of pricing. So this week, I am offering you these two videos to help you make a great choice when it come

Hiking in the cold of winter can be very problematic if you're not properly prepared. In the event of an emergency, you will need a few more items in order to survive the extreme temperatures. One of the most important items is a simple but effective fire starting kit. Even more important is the knowledge to use it properly and get a fire started! In most places, fire's are not permitted, but in an emergency scenario, it is absolutely necessary to get a fire going both for su

Winter is coming and for many that means the hiking season is over. But not for us, we are the true outdoor enthusiasts and a little snow won't stop us. But as the temperatures drop and the snow begins to cover the ground we do need to take some extra precautions and be just that little bit more prepared. Let's look at some of the most important items you will need for your winter hike. "Trail guide and cellphone and water in bottles, Flashlight just in case your hike is a da

Seasons are changing and it's likely many of you are putting your gear away for the year or transitioning to your winter gear. Either way, you have a lot of gear to clean up before putting it away in storage. The way you clean and store your gear could be the difference between a lifetime of geat adventures or a lifetime of constantly replacing expensive gear. This week let's look at some great tips for cleaning your gear before packing it away. Splashing and melting snow dro

It is Autumn, a magical time of year where we are regailed with a wonderous display of colour from Mother Nature. Hiking in Autumn is a special treat, but it also poses some new challenges, especially here in Canada where the weather and tempuratures are very unpredictable. So without further adieu, here is a great article from Ontario Parks  with some helpful advice for Fall hiking. Fall is our favourite hiking season. It’s not too hot. The bugs are gone. Solitude is easier

For the past year, NAC has been enjoying our partnership with Climber's Rock Indoor Gym  by hosting many indoor climbing events. Climbing is a great form of entertainment and exercise, but requires some basic knowledge of techniques. In the past, I gave you an article on the different types of climbing holds , and today we will look at the best ways to use those holds. Enjoy this video from Boulder Movement Singapore  that will help you improve your climbing skills. THIS CHAN

For the past year, NAC has been taking full advantage of our fairly new partnership with Climber's Rock Indoor Gym  by hosting many indoor climbing events. Quite a few of you have become regular climbers now, and so today, I offer you this great video that will guide you on your way to becoming a better climber. If you haven't joined us at Climber's Rock  yet, watch this video, then register for our next climbing event  for your free lesson and free day pass on your first vis