For most British Columbians, bear spray is considered essential gear for backcountry adventures. Whether you’re paddling remote waters or exploring old fire lookouts, carrying bear spray is a smart wilderness safety decision. If used correctly, it’s one of the most effective deterrents against bear encounters and can also be used against other large predators. If…
With outdoor recreation being a large part of BC culture, it should come as no surprise that our province is home to many outdoor gear companies. These days, more and more people are turning to buying locally and supporting businesses right here in the province. So who are these companies and what do they make?…
If you’re thinking about purchasing a kayak or paddleboard for touring your local lake or simply enjoying a day out on the water, you need more gear than just a boat and paddle. What most people might not know is that required safety gear isn’t just a suggestion. In Canada, all pleasure craft, right down…
Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup after a cold day on the trail. This easy, quick-to-prepare curry soup is a twist on a classic comfort dish. Warm, comforting, and flavourful, it’s packed with veggie goodness. It pairs well with rice crackers for an extra filling meal. Food Safety Reminder When dehydrating your own backpacking…
For hikers with small cars, reaching more remote trailheads can be a challenge. Even those with better-equipped vehicles may not want to risk damage on rougher forest service roads. With fuel and vehicle prices ever-increasing, more people are turning to e-bikes for off-road recreation as a more affordable option than owning a high-clearance 4WD vehicle….
As a budget lightweight backpacker, my standard practice for many years was to create a pillow out of stuff sacks and spare clothing. While this works just fine most of the time, it’s often lumpy, and drawstrings and cord locks can be annoying to tuck away properly. After a few cold trips in which…
The Ten Essentials are a set of safety gear that are brought along on outdoor activities for use in emergencies. This can range from an accident to getting lost and being in a survival situation to something as simple as a cut or bite. The Ten Essentials in British Columbia differ a little bit from…
The first time I went backpacking, I just shoved all my kayak camping gear into a pack, which I really do not recommend, because I had a pretty bad time. As both a beginner and someone who is thrifty, when I started assembling a set of lighter gear, I found there were so many options…
After a long day on the trail, nothing hits like some comfort food, and this Mushroom Stroganoff recipe is exactly that. Adapted from an old family recipe, it’s packed with flavour, delicious, and surprisingly simple to convert into a dehydrated backpacking recipe. Making your own dehydrated meals is cost-saving and healthier, especially using garden-grown herbs…
The use of walking sticks dates back centuries. Even before hiking poles were invented, a collection of sturdy sticks were often left at the base of steep trails by thoughtful hikers. Initially, I admit that I was skeptical of hiking poles. I thought they looked a little silly and were mainly used to exercise the…
