NAC Newsletter 101 - 200

The idea of backpacking can be a very scary thought. Heading into the unknown with only what you can carry on your back to keep you alive and safe doesn't really seem like the most brilliant plan, but it can lead to the most amazing feeling of accomplishment ever, not to metion the incredible memories you will have for a lifetime. But with a little education and baby steps, it could become the most common activity you are part of, and you will be very thankful that you did. W

There are alot of stigma's out there when it comes to women in the backcountry, but none of them are true. Women are just as capable as men, and have much to offer on the trail. However, since the activity has been male dominated for many years, there are some challenges women must overcome. Gear, hygene and mysogony on the trail, just to mention a few. This week, we will take a look at some great tips for women who plan to join the world of Backpacking. Women make awesome ba

This week's article promises to make the men a little squeamish, but this is very important information for men and women alike. Women are obviously experts in the topic, but in the backcountry it gets to be much more challenging. And for the men, odds are, at some point, you will be on a trip or hiking with a woman who is squeamish about these topics. It’s a natural thing, and all genders should be aware of the best practices while in the wilderness. So, let's dive in to thi

As we are preparing for our Heaven's Gate trip which will take place in bear country, it's a good idea to cover the topic of bear bags and how to hang them. Bear's have excellent smell and have no issues with rummaging through your camp and tents, (even when you're in them) to find those wonderful smells. There are many ways to do a bear hang, and over the years, the bears have learned how to foil most of those methods. We are going to look at the PCT Method of hanging a bear

Believe it or not, during the last two years, when so many rushed to the outdoors as a result of the pandemic, human waste has become quite the problem. There was human waste everywhere, with piles of toilet paper laid over top. It was in city parks, climbing crags, backcountry areas, popular day hiking trails and more. And many times, it wasn't even remotely hidden. So today's lesson is going to be all about pooping in the backcountry. This great article from Outward Bound w

Recently, I had a bit of a sticky situation with one of my backpacks, literally. The hip belt pocket zippers were sticking as I was trying to open them, making access to my most needed gear very difficult along the trail. It's been a while since I have done any zipper maintenance, but we rely on ziper's quite a bit in the backcountry, and they are not easily maintained in the field. So here are some tips and tricks to stay on top of those pesky zippers before they become a pr

Although I always love the memories forged while out on a trail, the amazing views granted to me by nature, and the bond formed with fellow hikers, sometimes, just sometimes, while I'm pushing through deep thick mud, torrential downpours, hurricane like winds, or many of the other adversaries in the backcountry it just doesn't seem worth it (it always is). So, here are some tips and tricks to trick yourself into enjoying the hike at the very worst of times. Bad weather, horre

There are a few different ways to conduct a day hike. There are Out and Back Hikes, Loop Hikes, and End 2 End Hikes. Out and Back can get boring, Loop Hikes are sometimes difficult to find and typically rather short. But End 2 End (point to point) Hikes are where it's at! These allow you to cover the most ground in a day, and always have fresh views along the way. But it does have it's problems, mainly in the transportation field. So let's look at a few ways to deal with the

Anyone who has hiked with NAC, knows I carry an extensive First Aid kit for the group, and I have the knowledge and training to properly assess and care for most injuries that could happen while on the trail. As I will no longer be guiding our hikes for a while, I think it's very important to reiterate the importance of carrying a First Aid Kit, and what supplies you should have, as well as the importance of knowledge needed to use it! A first aid kit is one of hiking’s Ten E

Last week we took a very in depth look at protecting yourself from ticks. The article however, was written and published in the USA, and I did my best to add some edits to make it more Ontario friendly. I have found another article on protecting yourself from ticks and more importantly, Lyme Disease that was written by Ontario Parks and has more information for Ontario. So, please take the time to read this article, and don't worry, it's much shorter. CHECK OUT CANADA'S eTICK

I will apologize in advance for the length of this week's article. Also, I would like to apologize for the HeeBeeGeeBees I know the article will cause. But, this is very important information that is extremely valuable for hikers, backpackers, runners, and all those that enjoy time in the outdoors. The tick problem, especially here in Southern Ontario, is getting worse with each passing summer and the diseases they carry are no joke. So please take the time to read this artic

Although you should never rely on just your phone while in the backcountry, it's the way of the modern world to have your phone strapped to your side at all times. Modern smart phones offer many apps to help along your travels, provide entertainment while in the tent or while taking a rest trail side and just make you feel more comfortable having it with you. But alas, these devices are not designed for the perils of the backcountry. So today, let's take a look at how you can

As the days grow longr and the nights grow warmer, many will begin to head out on overnight adventures. Of the many, a few will be experiencing the wonderful world of backcountry camping for the first time. Overnight trips can be a little scary your first time out, and there is a lot to know. Let's take a listen to a first time overnighter and what he learned on his first time out. Overnight hiking can be an amazing experience, if you are properly prepared.(Supplied: Gov Kris

Each day, thousands of people head off into the woods, up the mountains, or across a desert. Where you are going, what you'll be doing, and how long you will be there will dictate how you should pack for the trip. But, in the name of safety and preparedness, there are some essentials you should never leave home without. Today we will look at the "Ten Essentials", the basics which can make or break your trip; to put it mildly. Wondering what to bring hiking? Even if you’re onl

Last week, you learned how to organize your gear and get it all in your pack to make it bearable to carry. But what kind of pack should you stuff all that gear into. This week, let's take a look at what you need to know when shopping for a pack and get you ready to make that big purchase. When choosing a pack, the first thing to consider is how much capacity you want. Carrying a pack that’s bigger than you need means you’ll be carrying extra weight. Ideally your pack should b