NAC Adventure Blog

Over the last two weeks we looked at how to use snowshoes and when to use the various types of traction devices. So, let's carry on with the theme, today we will jump back to snowshoes, and figure out what size you're going to need. There is quite a bit to consider when choosing your size for the right amount of floatation. The size of snowshoe you need depends on your body weight, the weight of your gear, snow type, and whether you snowshoe on broken-out trails or travel cro

With winter coming, we will soon face many slippery situations. It's time to look at the various forms of traction for hikers. There are a few choices, and it's not always an easy choice. Crampons, Micro-Spikes, Snow Shoes, Skins, and more, there are many choices that all have their pros and cons. Each situation may require a different form of traction. Careful planning ahead of time will ensure your safety and make your trip much more enjoyable. So let's take a look at when

As much as you fight it, winter is coming. Soon the ground will be covered in fresh white powder. As hiker's, we won't let that stop us though, we will push through. Soon that snow will be too deep, and you will be postholing all the way along, which will tire you out fast. It's time to break out the snowshoes! When winter arrives and we start to get snow, I like to get outdoors and go snowshoeing on the local trails near my house. In just a few hours, I can get a great worko

Packing a backpack can be a tricky thing, whether it's for a day trip, or an epic 5 day adventure. Sometimes, it just seems impossible to get everything you think you need into that tiny pack. Other times, you get it all in and realize you can't handle that much weight. And where do you even put it all anyway, what item should go where? Well, packing a backpack is something that takes practice and time. With experience, you will learn what works best for you and where you sho

One thing that is guaranteed in almost all outdoor activities, you will have to carry stuff with you. We do this utilizing backpacks. The world of backpacks is vast, and there is much to know. Walking into your outdoor outfitters to get a simple backpack can turn into a stressful, half day long adventure. So how do you know what backpack is best suited for you? Well, read on dear hiker. Understanding suspension and construction is key to finding the right fit—and proper maint

For many years, I have spoken to my hikers and followers about all the wonderful physical, emotional and psychological effects of being in the outdoors, and more specifically, deep in the forest. Today, we are going to look at an article that breaks it all down, and dives deep into the mental advantages of hiking and camping. So, let's get to it... Conversations about mental health are gradually being destigmatized and it’s high time. With celebrities like Lizzo, Jonathan Van

While on a multi-day trip recently, myself and some of the other hikers began discussing puffy jackets, and the difference between hoods and no hoods. I myself, prefer my sweaters to have no hood, as they will be under my jacket and the hood gets in the way of the jacket and my backpack. But my puffy jacket is mainly used at camp while hanging around the campsite, cooking and eating. A hood is very useful on those colder evenings. Let's take a look at a few pointers from the

As we have been doing quite a bit of indoor rock climbing lately, a lot of climbing discussions have come up. Topics like grip techniques, best ways to train and a few others. One topic that comes up often in my groups, and in climbing areas all together is, how tight should your climbing shoes be. So let's dive in shall we... It's tempting to fit your shoes too tight, but easy to size them too large. Advice for getting it just right. One of your most critical climbing decisi

A problem with your shelter while backpacking can be a very big nuisance, and actually quite dangerous. Many things can go wrong with your tent, but one of the most common problems is a broken or bent tent pole. But never fear, it's not very difficult to repair, and even easier if you have a proper repair kit with you. Check out this week's article on how to repair your tent pole should the need arise. Tent poles are the skeleton of your outdoor shelter, providing structure t

n 2009, I launched Hiking and Backpacking Niagara on Facebook along with a few other Facebook Groups. Eventually, these groups came to be what we know today as Niagara Adventure Club. It was definitely a learning curve. I had to learn how to manage and market the events, basic crowd control, and how to deal with many various personalities and behaviours. I didn't always succeed in every interaction, but I always learned something. I combined my knowledge and experience to car

To continue on with our tent theme, this week, we will look at the logistics of choosing the perfect spot to pitch your tent. And before you ask why, trust me, there is a lot more to it than you think. Choosing the wrong tent site can really mess up your trip, and even leave you without shelter. So, without further adieu, enjoy this week's article. Find the perfect spot to pitch your tent with these tips. So, you’re new to backpacking and scanning the map before your first tr

Last week, we to a look at finding the perfect tent for you. So, now you have your tent, and it's time to set it up. Most tents are pretty straight forward, and after one or two times, you'll be a pro at setting it up. But where should you put it, and what if the weather isn't cooperating. This week, lets take a look at how you should go about pitching your tent. Perfect your camping setup with these tips. So you bought your first tent. Congratulations! No matter how impressi

Tents have come a long way in the past 40 years. When I first got into hiking, all tents were A-Frame canvas tents. Now you have UL, Dome, Freestanding, Inflatable, Nylon, PolySil, and so much more. It's almost to the point where you need a two week class before even thinking about purchasing your first tent. Well, Backpacker.com has a great article to help you with your purchase and the simple repairs you may need to make. Home is where you stake it out. Understand the ins

In all the years I have been backpacking and planning trips, I have used many resources to gain the knowledge and experience I now have. However, nothing has been more helpful than little tidbits of advice from the experts in our community. Today, we will take a look at 15 such pieces of advice that myself and many others have found to be very useful. "You don’t have to learn the hard way, because we already did." This may come as a surprise to you, but Backpacker’s editors w

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