NAC Newsletter 1 - 100

Last week, we looked at a very helpful article with the basic information for new hikers. In part of the article, you learned about all the items you should be carrying with you on your hike. And of course, you will need to carry those items in a backpack, unless you plan of practicing your juggling along the trail. So today, let's take a closer look at that backpack and how you should go about packing one! The way a pack is loaded will have a big effect on how it feels on yo

Warmer weather is upon us, and with this comes a huge influx of new and old hikers heading out to the trails. Many new people take up the hobby of hiking each year, but nothing is more detrimental to the trails and surrounding eco-systems than the unprepared hiker. So this week, we will take a look at a great article by MEC for those journeying out into the world of hiking. When it comes to getting outside, nothing beats a hiking daytrip. Walking along forested trails or sett

This is our sixth, and final article on Rock Climbing. In this final article we will discuss the best practices while climbing. These practices are sure to aid in keeping climbing areas open to the public and many future generations. The Leave No Trace ethics of climbing could arguably be the most important topic when it comes to rock climbing, so take a few minutes to read and understand today's important article... Climbing ethics are important because climbers are visitors

This week will be our fifth article on Rock Climbing with one more article to come. We will look at how to take all the skills you have learned and move to an outdoor setting safely. Finding a guide, obtaining gear, the different types of outdoor climbing and proper etiquette are all important topics when it comes to outdoor climbing, so let's dive in! Though some gym climbers never venture beyond their climate-controlled world, for most of us, our outdoor spirit inevitably l

This will be week four of our Climbing Series. You now have a basic understanding of climbing knots, climbing equipment and belaying. So this week we will continue the climbing theme with some basic techniques for staying on the wall! Safety is your responsibility. No article or video can replace proper instruction  and experience. Make sure you practice proper techniques and safety guidelines before you climb. Great climbers don’t power their way up a wall, they “technique”

Over the past two weeks, we have taken a look a climbing knots, climbing gear, and basic climbing knowledge. This week we will look into "The Belay". The belay is the technique that keeps climbers safe from a fall and teaches team work like no other activity, so let's get into it... Safety is your responsibility. No article or video can replace proper instruction  and experience. Make sure you practice proper techniques and safety guidelines before you climb. Typically, every

Last week, we took a look at many of the knots needed to take on Rock Climbing as a hobby. We will continue on with a rock climbing theme over the next few weeks, and todaywe will start with the basics of Rock Climbing. Safety is your responsibility. No article or video can replace proper instruction  and experience. Make sure you practice proper techniques and safety guidelines before you climb. If you’re looking for fitness, fun and a healthy dose of adrenaline, then rock c

Spring thaw is here, and with Spring comes the climbing season. Climbing can be a very dangerous hobby, and as such, all climbers should be practicing their skills all year round to stay sharp and be ready for all situations. This week's article will be a very long one, but a very informative one. You may want to grab a length of rope before starting, because this week we will be looking into...   Safety is your responsibility. No article or video can replace proper instructi

During the pandemic, many people took to the outdoors as the usual indoor plaes they like to visit were closed. Unfortunately, many of these people took to the outdoors without first learning the importance of Leave No Trace. Many areas were decimated, which lead to numurous closures and permanent restrictions to some of the most beautiful and natural places in Canada. So, today we will review the 7 principles of Leave No Trace!   1. Plan Ahead & Prepare Why it’s important: B

Today, we will look at the final piece of equipment needed to protect your mode of transportation in the outback, your feet. Often overlooked, and under-praised, Gaiters are an essential piece of gear that should be in every hiker's and backpacker's arsenal! Let's take a look at how to choose Gaiters, and the features you should consider when purchasing your Gaiters.   After doing some of the hardest treks in Australia and in Europe, I would not leave home without a pair of g

We have spent the last two weeks looking at how to choose proper hiking boots and how to lace them up. It's very important to protect your feet in the backcountry, because, without your feet, you're not going anywhere. So now that you have great boots, and lace them up nice and tight, let's talk about your cushioning, socks... The average person takes 2,000 steps to travel one mile. Factor in the up and down of a hiking trail and the roots and rocks you’ll encounter along the

Last week we took an in depth look at everything you need to know when choosing the right hiking boots. So, now that you have your perfect new boots, and you're ready to hit the trails, let's take a look at various ways to lace your boots. The right lacing techniques can make those new boots feel just perfect. There is no better feeling than having your footwear dialed in. Most of us master shoe-tying in elementary school and don’t give our laces much thought after that. If y

One of the hardest things to do when getting into the world of hiking, is choose the right footwear! Terminology, Materials, Different Types of Boots, Shoes, Sandals, ect. make it nearly impossible to know what to look for. Not to mention, finding your fit. So this week, we are going to help prepare you for the joys of shopping for boots. Whether it's your first time or hundredth time, this article has something to offer everyone. Choosing the right hiking boots is a matchmak

Last week we talked about how to go about choosing the right snow shoes for you, and there was quite a bit to take in. I hope you foung it all very useful. So, now that you have those snowshoes, let's talk about how you should use them! Today we will look at the techniques you need to know in order to get the most out of your new or old Snowshoes. What started thousands of years ago as an essential mode of winter transportation has evolved into a popular recreational activity

Winter is finally here! I mean, winter, with snow and all. This year we started late with the freezing temperatures, and even later with the snow. But the snow is finally here, and with that, it's time to talk about snow shoes... When outdoor landscapes finally succumb to the snows of winter, dear hiker, there’s no need to feel like the outdoors are closed for the season. Snowshoes allow you to travel across snow-covered terrain without sinking or struggling. They do this by

One of my biggest pet peeves is smart phones on the trail. Sure, with the proper apps and with current smart phone cameras, they seem very useful, but they also offer a serious distraction which increases the level of danger. Far too often I see hikers walking along with that phone in front of their face. In 2019, mobile phones cost taxpayers $19 Billion in insurance claims, damages and rescue costs. So todays article, put the smart phone away and get a proper outdoor device!

Winter is here, and with it comes cold temperatures that will make you want to stay in and cuddle in front ot the fireplace all Winter long. But that's not necessary, with a little guidance, you can learn how to dress for success, and still enjoy some amazing Winter hiking!   Layering for winter hiking is essential. The more layers you have, the better the skin can breathe and the better sweat management hikers can enjoy. Multiple thin layers are superior to one thick layer i

Trekking Poles, Hiking Poles, Walking Sticks, they have many names, but no matter what you call them, they can be an invaluable tool with many uses. Thier main use, to keep you stable and reduce strain on your muscles. Trekking poles are especially helpful in the winter, but many see them as a sign of weakness. I disagree! This week, let's look at why trekking poles are so very useful during the winter and how to use them to your advantage. This is a long one, but very much w

It's Winter time, and with winter weather comes the need for a waterproof breathable layer. This can be a very expensive layer, and therefore, proper care of this layer is vital! A good Proshell Jacket could last year up to 15 years or more if properly cared for, so this week, we will take a look at the proper way to wash your waterproof layer! When your waterproof jacket was new, you might have noticed the way water beaded up on its fabric. A quick shake was all you needed t

Outdoor Winter activities are much more demanding than in the summer. Especially when we are talking about hiking. You will need to carry extra weight, many more stops for body tempurature regulation and lifting your feet higher to get through the snow, often while wearing much heavier boots or even crampons or snow shoes. Today we will look at how to condition yourself for those tiring winter hikes. Winter day hiking and snowshoeing require a higher degree of physical fitnes