NAC Newsletter 1 - 100

We've all felt it. That moment when you look toward the horizon, only to see some dark, ominous clouds heading your way. Rain! As much as you don't want it to dampen your plans (pun intended), you've mentally prepared yourself for a soggy hike into camp, putting up a wet tent, and wishing you were back in the comfort of your own home. We can't stop the rain, but we sure have found a few ways to be better prepared for it.   Here are a few tried and true tips, tricks, and sugge

This weeks Good to Know topic is a very hot topic every since the Ultra Light backpacking fad started. It causes many arguements in hiking and backpacking forums, and is one of the most important pieces of information you can have before heading out on the trail. I cringe every day when browsing through the forums, and see long time experienced backpackers telling brand new hikers and backpackers they don't need boot, and suggest trail runners. This could be dangerous! So let

For casual hikers, particularly day hikers trying to fit in a quick hike in the wilderness and knowing how long a hike will take is of utmost importance. Many times a hiking trail will list its mileage but not an estimated time to complete it, leaving hikers to guess or, worse, set off hoping they'll make it back before the rain or sunset hits. No matter where or how you hike, there are certain variables you can consider when trying to mathematically estimate how long it will

Sorry guys, but as I am in a bit of a rush this week, I am just going to post links to 3 great articles instead of typing out an article for you.   I figure this pandemic had many of us couped up for a while, and we may have lost some of that strength and stamina. Or maybe you are new to backpacking, and not quite sure what your limitations are yet. In any case, backpacking is a physical challenge, utilizing muscles we didn't even know we had. Here are three great articles th

Ontario has some of the most varied landscapes in Canada. From the hard granite of the Canadian shield to the mossy ferns of Canada’s southernmost tip , this province is an outdoor-lovers paradise. And when trying to narrow down the most beautiful hikes in Ontario, there is a huge swath of territory to consider. Luckily the Ultimate Ontario community  has a large number of nature lovers in its midst. Our awesome members jumped at the chance to help us narrow down the best hik

Don't let a poorly-loaded backpack put a damper on your next adventure in the backcountry. Learn how to pack it the right way—with efficiency, convenience and comfort in mind. Backpacks have come a long way since the 70’s, when hikers swore by (and at) bulky external frames and nifty side pockets were few and far between. Nowadays, there’s any number of high-tech packs that help you lug more gear longer, and farther, than ever before. But it's still critical that you know how

A blister can turn the greatest hike into a nightmare. Blisters are the most common foot ailment suffered while hiking. Even a short hike can seem like an eternity if a blister has formed on your foot. Blisters develop anywhere on the foot or body where there is irritating friction. Shoes, clothing and skin rubbing against skin creates friction. Sweating skin is more prone to blisters than dry skin. It is better to prevent blisters than it is to treat blisters once they devel

If you’ve spent any time in the woods, you’ve probably made some epic backcountry blunders. We certainly have. In fact, the only reason we’re able to give any “clever” hiking advice is because of all the laughably bad mistakes we’ve made over the years. At one point or another we’ve fallen victim to every one of the blunders listed below (and then some!). We’ve made every backpacking mistake in the books, but we’ve learned our lessons and we keep coming back for more. Because

Learn how to treat the most common wilderness maladies with our guide to dealing with everything from bellyaches to broken bones. In the backcountry, anything can go wrong at any time. Unfortunately, “anything” is hard to prepare for. We dug into the numbers from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) database of medical incidents to figure out what you really need to worry about out there. Here’s how to save your trip—and maybe even your life.   Strains & Sprains Stra

We’ve all felt it. That moment when you look toward the horizon, only to see some dark, ominous clouds heading your way. Rain. As much as you don’t want it to dampen your plans (pun intended), you’ve mentally prepared yourself for a soggy hike into camp, putting up a wet tent, and wishing you were back in the comfort of your own home. We can’t stop the rain, but over the years of working outdoors in Alaska, we sure have found some ways to be better prepared for it. Here are a

Lately, whenever I go hiking I always find myself grabbing my trekking poles, regardless of whether I am hiking 1 mile or 20 miles. It doesn't matter if I am ascending one hundred feet or descending several thousand, they have become an essential part of my outdoor gear I never leave home without. They are simply a part of my kit nowadays, ready at a moments notice, and I don't see leaving them behind anytime soon. That being said, here are some pros and cons for you to consi

This week I want to discuss LNT (Leave No Trace) Ethics, and ways to minimize your impact on the trail.   Outdoor sports enthusiasts are typically been very environmentally-aware. However, everyone can always learn some new tricks. Minimizing our impact on the trails ensures that the trails will maintain their character and beauty for other users to enjoy, and nature will continue to flourish. A few thoughtful steps will help you keep your trail impact to a minimum.   Keep it

Cotton has large spaces between the fibers, that holds water and acts much like a sponge. It takes hours to dry, and in humid environments, drying times increase significantly. This water (sweat) carried by the cotton is not only heavy, it is dangerous and can cause mutliple problems.   In the Summer the wet clothing will cause your body to stop cooling itself. This will eventually lead to Heat Exhaustion and eventuall to Heat Stroke if not remedied. Heat Stroke can cause per

During the 2020 Pandenmic, many of us have found it very difficult to get our excercise. Combine that with boredom eating, and like me, I am almost sure everyone has added on a few pounds.   So, how do we keep fit and keep up our stamin without the benefits of gym equipment or trails to hike on? Well luckily, Backpacker Magazine has figured out a sure fire way to make sure you are fit and ready to hit the trails again.   Take a look at the article, and make sure you book mark

The past week has been a bit of a relief as parks and trails start to reopen! Some such areas are;   The Bruce Trail The Bruce Trail is now over 90% open, excluding the stretch of trail in Bruce Penninsula National Park. The park is not yet open to over night and therefore, that section of the Bruce is much too long to hike in one day, therefore, it is not yet open. But, get out there, and hike the remaining 840kms any time you feel. Bruce Trail is asking that you maintain ph