NAC Adventure Blog

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

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