The Adventure Forum

In the last few years, NAC has added kayaking to our list of adventure activities. Kayaking is a great form of excercise and allows one to explore many new natural locations. However, kayaking also adds a new level of danger to the game and requires some basic skills and much knowledge to be done safely. This week, let's take a dive into the world of Sea Kayaking and get a feel of where you should start your kayaking journey! The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Sea Kayaking, from essential equipment to basic paddling technique Thousands of years ago, Indigenous Arctic people navigated the seas in kayaks made of hides stretched over wood or whalebone. Sea kayaks have thankfully become much more sturdy and easy to navigate since then. But in its essence, sea kayaking remains the same - you’re paddling through the water in a light, aerodynamic craft, navigating wind and waves.   Sea kayaking adventures bring with them a feeling of peace. You can leave your chaotic daily lives onshore and let the water take you. There's also chance to see familiar beaches and coastlines from a new perspective. Plus, the opportunity for wildlife sightings - whether it's orca whales off the Norwegian coast or otters and sea eagles in Scotland.   Interested in giving it a go? Here’s our guide to getting started. What's the difference between a sea kayak and other types of kayak? Sea Kayaks are known for thier long, thin shape and multiple strage compartments A sea kayak has many features in common with a touring kayak - it’s long, sleek and narrow, which allows it to cover vast distances efficiently. It’s also ‘sit-in’, meaning that your lower body will be inside the hull of the kayak.   Sea kayaks have a high curved rocker (basically, the bottom part of the kayak that connects the bow with the stern) which means that you can more easily crest over oncoming waves. It’s also even narrower and pointier than a touring kayak.   “Sea kayaks have at least two sealed compartments for storage,” explains Jordan Harper, a sea kayak guide at Nordic Ventures. “If you capsize, they’re filled with air, rather than water, so help keep the kayak afloat.” “Another feature of sea kayaks is that they either have a rudder or a skeg to help you steer. A skeg is a retractable blade underneath the kayak - you can’t move it from side to side like a rudder, but it helps you paddle in a straight line, by preventing being blown off course,” he continues. What will I need for my first sea kayaking expedition? The author of this piece (front), kitted out to the max. Starting with the obvious, you’ll need a kayak and a paddle. Choosing a paddle can be a surprisingly difficult choice - there’s a whole range of shapes, sizes and materials to choose from. Plastic paddle blades offer a good mix of durability and affordability; fibreglass and carbon blades are both lighter and stiffer, but more expensive.   If you’re sea kayaking in colder climates, you’ll want a warm base layer, a wetsuit, a waterproof spray jacket, neoprene boots and a PFD (personal floatation device). Make sure it fits properly by tugging at the shoulders - it shouldn’t rise up any further than your ears or mouth. A helmet is another important piece of safety gear, as is a first aid kit. Take a leaf out of this pooch's book and wear your life jacket! Another good bit of kit is a spray skirt. It’s a cover that attaches to the kayaker and the cockpit of a sit-in kayak, creating a seal to prevent water from getting in. Sunscreen, a sunhat, sunglasses and drinking water are essential for warmer climates. Waterproof storage containers and dry bags will keep your possessions dry. This includes anything from a spare warm layer to a camera. How do I start Sea Kayaking? Jordan giving the Much Better Adventures Team a safety briefing. If it’s your first time on the water, we’d recommend kayaking trips in a small group with an instructor. That way, you’ll have the benefit of their expertise when it comes to tides, weather and risk assessments. They’ll also be able to teach you basic paddling techniques.   When you arrive on the beach, make sure you check the weather conditions. One of the most important things is to ascertain which way the wind is blowing - if there’s an offshore wind you’ll be pushed out to sea, and find it harder to get back to shore. You can check wind direction by looking at flags on the beach. Another visual clue can be found by looking at the water. If the beach is calm but there are rough waters further out to sea, you can expect wind.   To launch your kayak, place it in the shallows facing out to sea; in just enough water for the front to float easily. Make sure the rudder is pulled up. Use the paddle to push yourself out, then put the rudder down.   Your next task will be to get through the surf (where the waves break on the shore) to calmer water. Face the wave head-on - this will give you the greatest stability. Make sure you gain momentum as you head towards it, and that your paddle is in the water as it hits, to give you more control and enable you to crest the wave.   Time to start paddling. Hold your paddle loosely (not so loosely that you drop it in the ocean) and make sure you immerse the blade of your paddle fully for maximum momentum, and keep your hips loose so you sway with the waves.   “Practice paddling with completely straight arms,” Jordan advises. “It’ll get you used to swaying your hips and torso, which gives your strokes more power. Once you’re used to the movement, you can bend your arms again.” Learning to read water Lifeguards have expert local knowledge about sea conditions - ask them if in doubt! To sea kayak safely and efficiently, you’re going to need to learn about tides and currents. A flood tide is when the water level is rising and high tide is when it reaches its peak; an ebb tide is when it falls to low tide. It’s important to check the tide times because the changing water level might affect your route. You’ll want to paddle out at low tide and return as the tide turns from ebb to flood, and carries you back to shore.   When water flows into shore, it needs to find a route to flow back out again - it’s sucked into the deeper channels, which creates fast-flowing rip currents. To spot them look out for areas of deeper, calmer looking water or sandy-coloured water beyond the breakers. When currents are pushed through a constricted area (underwater rock and reef formations, narrow channels created by sand bars) it is known as a tidal race.   Part of the fun of sea kayaking is learning how to navigate these ever-changing waters. One of the most challenging sea kayak routes in the UK is through the Gulf of Corryvreckan, off the west coast of Scotland. Its underwater rock formations and powerful currents cause large whirlpools and fast-flowing water. Is Sea Kayaking dangerous? Capsizing terrifies beginner kayakers - but more advanced paddlers do eskimo rolls for fun! As with any adventure sport, there are risks involved. However, there are also plenty of ways in which you can mitigate them. The first way to do this is to paddle within your skill level. That means that if you’re a beginner, choose calm bays with few waves.   “There are plenty of ways to be safe to make yourself safe when sea kayaking,” Jordan says. “Make sure you wear the correct gear, especially the buoyancy aid. Make sure you carry your phone with you, in a waterproof case, so you can call for help if necessary.When I go out sea kayaking I always take a personal locator beacon, so if there’s any problems I can call for help.”   A personal locator beacon can send a signal on a 406 Mhz frequency (used internationally for distress signalling), which is then picked up by search and rescue crews.   “The biggest risk when you’re sea kayaking is probably rocks under the water. If you capsize, you might hit your head on them. All you need to do for that is wear a helmet,” Jordan explains.   Capsizing is another risk - especially if you’re in strong waves. Many beginners find this the scariest aspect of kayaking, but the good news is that getting trapped underneath the kayak is actually very unlikely.   There are two ways to get out of a capsized kayak. One is to roll your kayak, a move which takes some practice. Otherwise, you’ll need to perform something called a ‘wet exit’, which is exactly as it sounds.   “You need to loosen your spray skirt to get out of the kayak - lean forward and pull the grab loop, so you can slide out,” Jordan says. “But you also don’t need to worry if you forget this. Some people panic and jerk their knees up, which loosens the spray skirt too.”   It’s now time to get back into the kayak. Flip it over and use the BBL technique for getting back in: pull your belly up over it; twist your body to get your bum in the seat, then slide your legs in. Where can I go Sea Kayaking? How about kayaking in Greenland? We think it's epic! The options for sea kayaking (anywhere there’s a sea, basically) can feel limitless. If you’re in search of adventure, how about kayaking in Greenland or Alaska? You’ll glide past large icebergs and creaking glaciers, keeping an eye out for seals and whales. In search of warmer waters? The clear waters around Mediterranean islands such as Menorca and Sardinia make for fantastic sea kayaking excursions.   But you don’t have to travel that far - there are plenty of wonderful kayaking spots in the UK. The west coast of Scotland is particularly popular with sea kayakers, thanks to its mixture of sheltered sea lochs, wild currents, offshore islands and iconic whisky distilleries. Pembrokeshire is another brilliant sea kayaking destination, thanks to its rugged coastline and gorgeous beaches. Written by Dani Redd for Much Better Adventures Magazine, published on May 30, 2022 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, April 6, 2025) Good Morning, In the last few weeks NAC hosted a few day hikes for all to enjoy. In the middle of March we visited the Niagara Gorge and hiked from the Niagara Glen to the Niagara Whirlpool along the shores of one of the World's most powerful rivers. Along our journey we were witness to massive rapids and pristine protected forests. The Niagara Gorge is truly a hidden gem. Shortly after NAC took to the Bruce Trail and hiked a small section of the trail through the Stoney Creek area where we visted a few of Hamilton's many waterfalls. With the spring thaw and all the rain in the past weeks, they were furious and made for an incredible sight. I always love hiking the waterfalls of Hamilton during the Spring season.   Unfortunately, NAC won't be hosting any World Expeditions in the 2025 season. Late planning and the uncertainty of travelling into the USA has caused me to abandon any plans I had for excursions this year. Instead we will concentrate on some smaller trips here in Ontario.   Join us in July for a multiday kayaking trip in the waters of the Georgian Bay. We will launch from the docks of Snug Harbour in Parry Sound and make our way out into the Georgian Bay where we will spend three days circumnavigating Franklin Island. As the sun begins to set each night we will pull up onto the Island to make camp. Franklin Island is designated as Crown Land and as such, Primitive Camping is permitted to all. On our final day, we will make our way to a motel on the mainland for a much deserved shower and good nights sleep before ending our trip the next morning. Make sure you register now and reserve your spot!   Planning for a three day backpacking trip along the Bruce Trail has begun! In September we will visit the base of the Bruce Peninsula where we will embark on a 3 day journey along the Bruce Trail to enjoy the incredible beauty of the Geoargian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment. Along the way, we will enjoy nights under the stars in two campsites where participants will be privy to hot showers and running toilets. Meals will be prepared at your tent site and enjoyed in the beauty of nature. Please watch future emails and the Niagara Adventure Club Events Page to get on board when details are released. That's all the news for this week. Remember, the adventure never ends, it's just a change of location!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club 

It's March and the warmer months are on their way, so it's time to start planning those Spring backpacking trips. April and May offer warm, but not hot temperatures that keep the bugs at bay, making Spring the perfect time for backpacking adventures. If you are new to the wonderful world of backpacking, there are many tips and tricks in this weeks article to help make your first trips much more enjoyable. If you're a seasoned backpacker, it's a great refresher article to remind you of things you may have forgotten. Backpacking is an adventure that blends hiking with backcountry camping. It lets you broaden your horizons beyond the car campground to enjoy a richer, more immersive outdoor experience. A key distinction from day hiking is the size of your pack—your backpack (and you) must carry all of life's essentials on your back. And you must choose those essentials with care.   To get ready for your first backpacking trip, follow these steps:   1. Choose an easy destination: Short overnight hikes close to home are best. 2. Get essential gear and clothing: Borrow and scrounge gear to save money. 3. Plan your food: Just-add-water meals can be found at your local REI, or find easy to cook options at regular grocery stores. Also pack plenty of snacks for trail fuel. 4. Get ready for your trip: Condition yourself to do the planned hike with a fully loaded pack; get your permits; brush up on Leave No Trace principles.   If you have an experienced backpacking friend who knows you well, invite them along and they can be your guide. But you can also do this backpacking thing on your own—that's the focus of this article. We advise you to bring a friend regardless of their backpacking knowledge, though, because that makes any trip safer and more fun. 1. Choose an Easy Backpacking Destination The key advice here is to err on the side of easy. If the hike is too hard, it can make for a miserable experience. If it's too easy, then you simply have more time to explore the area around your camp. Follow these tips when you decide where to go backpacking for the first time:   • Consult with experienced backpackers: Hiking club members and REI store staff love to make trip recommendations. Hiking guidebooks are a valuable tool—you'll find the best selection for a given area at local outdoor retailers. • Pick a place close to home. You want to spend more time hiking than driving. You also want to have ample daylight hours to reach camp before dark. • Just a few miles roundtrip is fine: Plan on shorter distances than your typical day hike because walking with a heavier pack is slower and more difficult. • Aim for a few hundred feet of elevation gain: If you've hiked much, then you know that mileage alone doesn't tell the full story. So also choose a trail with less elevation gain than your typical day hike. • Pick a well-traveled trail and well-established camp: It's nice to have hikers and backcountry campers nearby who can give you a hand if you run into difficulties. • Make sure there's water near camp: If your source will be a lake or large river, you should be fine. Streams and springs can dry up, though, so double check with local land managers before relying on a small water source. • Consider going without Junior or Fido on your first trip: Though they can both be great fun, their presence will complicate things a little. • Seek summer weather: Unless your destination is one where extreme heat or fire danger can be an issue, go in mid-summer to maximize daylight hours and your odds of comfortable conditions. Always check weather forecasts and don't hesitate to cancel or turn back if a storm moves in. • Consider "walk-in" campgrounds: Some state and national parks have campgrounds that are within a mile or so of a car campground. Staying in one of them is an excellent way to transition into backpacking. 2. Get Essential Backpacking Gear and Clothing Keep your initial investment low by borrowing or renting the priciest items—your tent, sleeping bag and pad. Because they must fit you well, boots, and to a lesser extent packs, need to be your own personal gear.   What Gear to Bring Backpacking   Because you have to carry and fit it all into your pack, backpacking gear has to be lightweight and compact. That's why, with a few exceptions, it's not practical to simply repurpose car camping gear. Remember, too, that you'll be splitting up gear like tents and pots and stoves when you hike with a friend. The following are essential items you'll need for any backpacking trip:   • Tent: Plan to share because a two-person tent weighs less and is more economical than two one-person tents. Bring a tent rated for three seasons (spring, summer and fall) rather than a four-season tent because you're not ready for mountaineering just yet. Learn more by reading How to Choose a Backpacking Tent.   • Backpack: If you do borrow a pack, try it on first to be sure that it fits comfortably. Load it up with assorted items to about 30 pounds, and take it out on a long test hike. If it's comfortable on the hips and in the shoulders, it's probably fine for this first backpacking trip. If you decide to buy a pack, have an REI pack specialist measure your torso so they can properly fit you. Don't be tempted by an ultralight model for your first backpack because it will be less padded and have a less supportive structure than a more deluxe model. If you're determined to minimize weight, look first at ultralight tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Learn more by reading Backpacks: How to Choose.   • Sleeping bag: If you decide to buy a bag, consider the pros and cons of down fill vs. synthetic fill, especially in terms of the weather conditions you're likely to encounter. For your first bag, synthetic is a good choice because it's versatile and generally more affordable than down. Learn more by reading Sleeping Bags for Backpacking: How to Choose.   • Sleeping pad: Cushioning is crucial to a good night's sleep. Insulation is, too, which is why you can't take a pool float and hope to sleep warm. If you buy a pad, consider the virtues of each type: closed-cell foam pads, insulated air pads and self-inflating pads. If you can sleep well on a super-firm surface, then a closed-cell pad can save a lot of weight and money. For a good compromise between comfort and value, choose a self-inflating pad. Learn more by reading Sleeping Pads: How to Choose.   • Stove: If you own a single-burner camp stove that weighs less than a pound, it's probably fine for your first backpacking trip. If you choose to buy, you'll have to consider fuel types first and then make your stove choice. A lot of beginners go with a gas-canister stove because they're affordable and easy to use. And be sure to pack along a full canister or bottle of the right type of fuel for your stove. Learn more by reading How to Choose a Backpacking Stove.   • Water treatment: Even pristine-looking sources can hide things you'd rather not drink, so it's wise to treat all water in the wilds. You can borrow a filter, but an ultralight and simple option for your first trip is chemical treatment: tablets or drops you add to a bottle to purify your water. Learn all about buying and using water treatment gear by reading How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier.   • Kitchen supplies: Save money by scrounging from camping gear or well-worn items from your local thrift shop or home kitchen (not the fine china). Bring just enough pots, pans, plates, cups and utensils so that you can cook and eat each of your planned meals. Bring a small sponge and some biodegradable soap for washing dishes (well away from camp and water sources). A tiny towel also comes in handy. What Clothes to Bring Backpacking No need to buy a bunch of special "hiking clothes" for your first backpacking trip. Simply go through your fitness wear and find clothing made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics like nylon and polyester. (Moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from skin to keep you dryer.) Avoid cotton, which slurps up water and takes a long time to dry when wet—that can chill you and, in a worse-case scenario, lead to hypothermia.   Your Backpacking Clothing Should Be Grouped Into Layers:   • Next-to-skin base layers (aka long underwear): Important because even warm days can end with cold nights. • Hiking layers: Nylon pants (may be rollup or zip-off), T-shirts, sun shirt, sun hat. • Insulation: Puffy vest or jacket, lightweight fleece pullover, warm hat and gloves. • Rainwear: Definitely bring a waterproof/breathable jacket; whether you also bring rain pants depends on the weather forecast (rainwear is also good at preventing mosquito bites).   The beauty of layering is that it lets you quickly adapt to changing conditions. It also lets you put together a robust clothing defense against storms that move in suddenly, bringing cold and rainy weather.   What Shoes to Bring Backpacking   Because your feet are crucial to a successful trip, footwear is your most important item. Some backpackers insist on supportive over-the-ankle boots, while others prefer lightweight trail running shoes.   Your boots or shoes should be well broken-in before you go. Wear wool or synthetic socks, and consider bringing an ultralight pair of shoes or water sandals for wearing around camp (and for fording creeks). Basic Backpacking Checklist We've talked about major items above, but that's not all you need to carry. There's no convenience store nearby, so you need a way to be sure you have all essential gear in your pack. Use the checklist below to be sure you have everything for your trip, then use it again to check off items as you load your backpack: CLICK THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD ONE OF NAC'S BACKPACKING CHECKLISTS: TIP: Grab your checklist when you get home from your trip. As you unpack, make notes about what worked well and what didn't work so well. After a few trips doing this, you'll have a checklist that's customized for you. 3. Plan Your Backpacking Food For an overnight backpacking trip, plan for dinner, breakfast and a couple of lunches. Freeze-dried backpacking food is your lightest and easiest option (just add boiling water) for entrees, but it's also pricey. Save money by going to the grocery store instead. You won't have a cooler, so perishable things like fresh eggs can't be on the menu.   Avoid canned food (too heavy) and try to accurately project how much you'll eat because an excessive amount food adds weight and bulk to your pack. You need some extra food, though—enough for an added day in the wilds. Here are some specific meal-planning tips for your first backpacking trip:   • Dinner: Look for all-in-one meals such as packaged noodle or rice entrees. Boxed meals can be removed and placed in a plastic bag for easier packing.   • Lunches and snacks: Bring high-calorie, high-protein energy bars and trail mix to munch on during the day because backpacking burns a lot of metabolic fuel. Keep thing simple by making lunch a trailside affair with ample snacks and a longer rest. Other backpacking lunch options include bagels, jerky, dried fruit and nuts.   • Breakfast: This can range from a cooked entrée (pancakes anyone?) to hot oatmeal from a mix to two or three breakfast bars. You have to weigh the advantages of starting your day warmed up and fueled up versus hitting the trail earlier. If you can't go without your caffeinated beverage, your simplest option is an instant coffee mix or tea bags.   • Wildlife Precautions: On the trail follow common-sense measures like keeping a respectful distance away from animals and taking care not to come between large mammals and their young. At night, secure all food and scented personal products well away from camp. Often this is done by putting everything in a spare stuff sack and then using some nylon cord to hang it from a high tree branch. You can also use a bear canister to secure things, even if the main concern is rodents stealing your food. 4. Getting Ready for your Backpacking Trip Set yourself up for success by taking steps to be sure you're physically, mentally and logistically prepared for your trip. To get ready for backpacking, follow these tips:   • Get physically ready: You're not training for a marathon, but even a short trip can be physically demanding. At a minimum do plenty of day hikes and be able to comfortably handle trails with a similar distance and elevation gain as your planned trip. Do at least a few pre-trip hikes of similar difficulty wearing a backpack loaded with 30-plus pounds.   • Get mentally ready: Familiarize yourself with your gear ahead of time. Pitch your tent, fire up your stove and filter some water before you go. Learning basic first aid and map and compass navigation is also a wise move, and both skills will serve you well even if you don't go on future backpacking trips.   • Figure out your logistics: In addition to figuring out your ride to and from the trailhead, you need to be sure you have all of the necessary permits. Popular destinations are especially likely to require them. Check with the local land management agency to learn what's required—land managers are also a great resource for updated trail conditions, fire restrictions and other valuable intel.   • Leave a trip plan with a friend or family member: Include details about where you're going, start point and finish point, your campsites and when you expect to be back. That gives them a jump on alerting help if you ever need it   • Do your packing early: Don't wait until the night beforehand to load your pack. Read How to Pack and Hoist a Backpack for helpful loading tips. Do your pre-trip pack loading several days in advance, then weigh it to be sure you didn't overdo it. A rule of thumb is that it should weigh no more than 20 percent of your body weight. If your pack weighs well above that mark, take a hard look at your checklist and see what you can jettison. Written by Lindsay McIntosh-Tolle for REI Expert Advice N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, March 16, 2025) Good Morning, This past weekend, NAC halted all events as I was celebrating my 50th birthday! I know, I know, 50 is a big one or so everyone keeps telling me. A half century, more than half way to my demise. Personally, I feel it's just another day, but to those in my life, it's a big deal. I am writing this email on the Thursday before the big day, but as we speak, Lauren, the kids and my Mother are planning many events that I will learn about over the next few days. My actual birthday is Saturday, March 15th, and I will be spending that day with a home cooked meal at my parents place. What this means is, I will have a nice dinner, then play IT specialist for a few hours after dinner. :P   Last weekend we travelled to Waterdown, Hamilton, Ontario to take part in the Rockcliffe End of Winter Hike. It was a great hike, but Lauren and I were a bit rushed and had forgotten our microspikes. About 60% of the trail was covered in ice, so it added some serious challenges, especially on the many inclines and declines. But as always, the hike did not disapppint. The Spring thaw meant the Grindstone Creek was raging with flood waters and the cascades were gorgeous. Smokey Hollow Waterfall was equally as impressive with the large volume of melt water rumbling over the crest. Photos of this hike and all our events are posted on our Facebook Page!   Ensure you keep next weekend open, as NAC will be guiding an incredible hike in one of Canada's most famous areas, the Niagara Gorge! Oh, and it gets better, this hike will be on a Saturday! Join us at 2:00pm on Saturday afternoon to journey down into the Niagara Gorge and hike along one of the most ferocious rivers on the planet. This hike is always a fan favporite and rightfully so, as it offers an exprience not available anywhere else. Visit the NAC Events Page to register for this hike or any of our upcoming events!   With the changes to my lifestyle and with working on weekends, it has been a bit more of a challenge to spend as much time as I would like producing these emails and operating the club. So going forward, NAC's Adventure Bi-Weekly will become NAC's Adventure Monthly. I willl create and publish the Adventure Monthly on the 1st Sunday of each month, and event emails will be sent on all remaining Sundays keeping you informed of all our upcoming events. Hopefully this changes in the not so distant future and we can get back to it full time! That's all the news for this week. Remember, the adventure never ends, it's just a change of location!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club 

Backpacking, although an amazing experience, is very challenging and has many inherent dangers. So it's easy to understand how that would be amplified when solo backpacking. I get asked about solo backpacking quite often. And although they are usually asking for a location, the answer starts with education. There is much to know and much to practice before heading into the outback alone, after all, you will only have you to rely on. In a world with so many stresses and distractions, spending time with yourself on a solo backpacking trip can provide the opportunity to disconnect, focus wholly on an objective and create exactly the type of trip you want. Without others along, you'll be able to go where you want to and travel at a pace that suits you best.   Backpacking alone is not for beginners, nor is it without its unique mental, emotional and physical challenges. And it can be even more intimidating for those who may feel unsafe, unwelcome or unable to be fully themselves in the outdoors—such as women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and others who may be more likely to experience overt or covert forms of discrimination.   No matter who you are, where you live, or what your relationship to the outdoors looks like today, if you have reached a point where you're ready to try solo backpacking, this article is here to help. We'll look more closely at how to manage the risks, where to go and what gear to bring. With the right planning, you can put together a solo trip that's just right for you. Why Go Solo Backpacking Some people will say that the point of backpacking is to experience the outdoors with good friends. But who's to say that a solo trip can't be just as rewarding? Here are a couple of reasons to consider going alone:   So you can go at your own pace: Whether you're always faster than your hiking pals or they're the ones waiting for you, going solo lets you travel at exactly the pace you want to. You can hike briskly to the summit or take a nap partway there—the decision is entirely up to you.   To push yourself: Doing things alone isn't always easy. On a backpacking trip, you'll be responsible for carrying all the gear, making all the decisions and figuring out what's making that creepy noise in the middle of the night. While a solo trip can certainly be challenging, it will also give you a chance to get outside your comfort zone and find out what you're capable of. There's a good chance you'll learn something about yourself along the way. How to Manage the Risks of Solo Backpacking When you tell a friend or family member that you're going solo backpacking, don't be surprised if they question how safe the endeavor is. Their well-intentioned worries are likely founded in the long-standing belief that solo travel is just too risky. To their credit, it is generally true that the safety margin with solo travel is narrower; without a hiking partner, it's entirely up to you to figure out what to do if something goes wrong. But that doesn't mean you can never go alone. Before you set out, be sure you understand what you're getting into and how you can manage the risks. Here are some tips:   Get trained in first aid and navigation: Going solo means you can't count on anyone else to help you out if you get injured or hopelessly lost. You need to prepare yourself to be self-reliant, and you can do so by taking classes in wilderness medicine and navigation.   Always share your itinerary: This can't be overstated. It's essential that you leave a detailed itinerary with someone you trust. Include details about where you're going, where your car will be parked, where you will camp, what time you expect to return and who to contact and when (if you haven't returned at your expected time).   Stick with your plan: Going by yourself gives you the freedom to roam, but you don't want to significantly alter your plan once you've shared it. If you do, people will have a tough time finding you if they need to.   Know your limits: With no one else along to bounce ideas off or to assess potential dangers with, you need to be very honest with yourself about your skills and capabilities. It's OK to turn around at any point.   Pack the Ten Essentials: On every backcountry outing, whether you're alone or with a group, you should carry the Ten Essentials. During a trip without any glitches, you may only use a few of these items, but it's when something goes awry that you'll appreciate having things that can be essential to your survival.   Trust your instincts: If something just doesn't feel right, listen to that. Most experienced solo backpackers will tell you that at some point they've packed up and moved on to another site or even headed home because they weren't getting a good vibe. Don't be ashamed if this is what you decide to do. Read Backpacking Tips for Women for some safety advice applicable to anyone out on the trail. Folks who identify as LGBTQ+, members of the BIPOC community and other under-represented communities in the outdoors, can connect with inclusive organizations like The Venture Out Project and Wild Diversity to get both inspiration and cautionary advice. Decide Where to Go Solo Backpacking Deciding where to go solo backpacking is not very different from choosing a destination for a trip with friends. You can narrow your options by thinking through things like how much time you have, how many miles you want to hike, what scenery you'd like to see and what the weather will be like. There are, however, a handful of things to consider for your first solo backpacking trip:   Start small: You need to be self-reliant out there, so be conservative when deciding how many miles to hike each day and what level of challenge to take on. You may find that being alone will present physical and mental challenges that you didn't expect, so choose a trip that is well within your skill and comfort levels. (Start with smaller, easier trips to gain experience and build confidence. After you've done a couple trips, you'll get a handle on what's right for you.)   Consider going somewhere you've been before: By going to a familiar place, you can eliminate a bit of the unknown. Before you even leave home, you'll be able to visualize the hike and the spot where you'll spend the night rather than wondering what it will be like.   Choose a well-traveled trail: Some people solo backpack to get away from everything and everyone. But if you don't want to feel all alone out there, pick a place that is likely to have at least a few other backpackers. Pack Essential Gear for Solo Backpacking Solo backpacking requires all the same gear you take on group trips, so you probably won't need to make any big purchases. But, because you're going alone, it's extra important to make sure you have gear that helps you be self-reliant. Here's some advice for packing for solo backpacking trips:   Double-check to be sure you have all your essentials: That includes the Ten Essentials, noted before, which are your safety net if something goes wrong out there. But this also extends to all your gear when traveling alone because you can't rely on someone else to have an item you forgot. Check out our Backpacking Checklist for a comprehensive overview on gear to take.   Don't skimp on first-aid supplies: Give yourself a safety buffer and pack plenty of first-aid supplies so you're prepared to treat a wide range of injuries. Also, make sure you know how to use the supplies you're bringing (sign up for a wilderness medicine class or wilderness first aid course if you need training).   Consider carrying a PLB or satellite messenger: In the mountains, where cell service can be spotty, a smartphone can't be relied on as a sure way of calling for help. A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger is a better option. There are differences between the two, but both allow you to send an SOS in an emergency from just about anywhere on the planet.   Lighten up where you can: Since you can't share the load with your hiking buddies, your pack will likely be a bit heavier on solo trips than on group outings. To keep it from getting unbearably heavy, look for ways to lighten the load. This doesn't mean you have to purchase expensive ultralight camping gear just to enjoy a night of solo backpacking. Simply leaving behind some luxury items, like a camp chair or hardcover book, can make a dent. Tips for Solo Backpacking Solo backpacking can be freeing and fun. But it can also be stressful and even scary at times. Here are some tips to help you have a positive experience:   Go solo car camping: If the idea of sleeping alone in a tent makes you extremely anxious, then try a few nights of solo car camping. You'll get a feel for what it's like to be on your own but without the commitment of hiking in several miles. If you decide you don't like it, just take down your tent, hop in the car and drive home.   Stay calm: The snap of a twig in the middle of the night can send your mind wandering down all sorts of scary paths. Try your best to stay calm. Take some deep breaths, bring yourself back to the present and think logically about the situation. A forest makes all sorts of noises at night, most of them caused by completely benign things, like small animals crawling around or just a simple breeze. The more familiar you become with these sounds, the less scared you'll likely be when you hear something.   Bring distractions: To keep your mind from wandering too much and to stave off boredom, consider bringing something to entertain you for a while, such as a book to read, music to listen to or a game to play.   Find companionship: If you're lonely and not having any fun, make some friends out there. This will be tough on a desolate trail, but on a popular route, such as the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, you'll have plenty of opportunities to strike up conversations with fellow hikers.   Find inspiration from other solo backpackers: Despite the mental and physical challenges, numerous backpackers have explored the wilderness on their alone and have rewarding stories to share. Connect with others who have done it to get advice and suggestions to prepare for your trip; join a local hiking club or find others in online communities.   Connect with other backpackers and build an inclusive outdoors: Reach out to one of the many organizations working to provide welcoming and affirming spaces for historically underrepresented groups. Even if you're not prepared yet to go solo, by following these organizations on social media, participating in their programs, or joining one of their local networks, you can get connected with advice and resources, find community, and lay the foundation for solo trips in the future. Written by Laura Everson for REI Expert Advice N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, March 2, 2025) Good Morning, There isn't much news to report this week as it's been pretty slow the past few weeks. For the first time in a number of years, NAC did not visit the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show. Life has been very busy and hectic and there wasn't much time to visit the show, so it was decided to skip it for this year.   Looking forward, we have five events planned and listed on our Events Page and below, including three amazing hikes and a few Friday night climbing events. Spring is here, and with the Spring thaw comes many fast flowing waterfalls and raging rivers. Join us to visit a few of Ontario's incredible rivers and waterfalls over the next few weeks, I promise, you won't be sorry! That's all the news for this week. Remember, the adventure never ends, it's just a change of location!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club