Another awesome video! Using the backdrop of snow blowing hard was a great idea. All your tips lined up with what you do on your videos! Just proves you practice what you preach! Thanks again for what you do to teach people to enjoy nature and for bringing us along on your adventures!
xShivvy, thank you so much!! I really appreciate that. It's all good though. People like what they like and if they do, it'll grow organically. If they don't, then a small channel this shall remain :)
Great videos, great vibe. Well done! One super useful piece of gear Ive used for decades is the basic 6x8' or 8x10' grommeted plastic tarp. Rolls up pretty small and has a dozen uses, but prolly my most frequent use is as a dependable dry ground cloth to spread out on (or sprawl out on) at a moments notice . . and a fast simple solution to cover gear under overnight or whenever. .
Thanks Scott! Good call...now the question is, do you use that tarp inside or underneath your tent? If it's rainy, I use it inside so it doesn't pool on the tarp. Pointy stuff on the ground, outside.
I love a good list video! Great ambience in this one too. If I can make one minor suggestion, forget the bristle brush all together. I use moss, dirt or pine needles and they are excellent at scraping off melted cheese and other gunk from your dishes. Plus there is an abundance and they're natural. That's just me though.
Thanks Tim :) Definitely an option. I like using pine needle brushes to clean my paddle after filleting a fish on it. But for regular dishwashing, nothing can satisfy my OCD-ness like the abrasive power of a densely-packed, hard-bristled brush.
Awesome insights and reasonings! BRAVO! I might.............I might suggest my tip on BIC LIGHTERS (which I carry in my pants pocket 24/7).....make sure it is translucent so you can see if the fluid is running low. ;-)
Haha great tips as well as cantor. Definitely agree with packing LESS and using GOOD QUALITY gear that lasts. Thinking I'll have my base weight down to under 15 pounds in the pack this year. Stoked for the coming season!
Hahah I respect the sh*ts given to correct it in the first place. 15lbs!? I think you should be doing the gear video... Or is it 15lbs when all the heavy stuff is in Ryan's pack :P
Hahahahah! That’ll be before food and clothes for sure, but my goal is to stay under 20lbs total(plus camera gear probably)! That’s a great idea though 😂
Under 15 pounds? Nice! For canoe trips I went from 70lb to 20lb (not including canoe) over the past 3 years by packing less, ridding myself of gadgets, and picking up an awesome tent of course :)
Nice! That’s how I did it too. Got rid of needless things and upgraded all my gear as I saved for it. This year we even got the carbon fiber canoe. We’ll be unstoppable!! Haha
Great gear tips. I hate sporks too. They are useless and the plastic ones always break. I got my canoe so late in the season last year and only got to get on the water a few times. I am dieing to get back on the water. Enjoy your winter brother.
Lol right?? It's one of those bullshit marketing tactics. "Oh look, I can save 1 ounce of weight if I combine my fork and spoon into one useless piece of plastic!" Man I hate that crap. Soon enough man, gotta embrace the cold 'til then!
While I haven't gone solo, agree with much of what was discussed here. On our backcountry canoe expeditions, we've typically brought white gas and a stove and rarely have a fire. Cost is about 3lbs, at the beginning of the trip, but benefit is simmer functionality for more "gourmet" style meals which are usually home-prepped and dehydrated meals. Additional items, while not necessary but a nice convenience when traveling with a partner is a screen shelter for escape from bugs, and I swear by the Real Canadian Bugshirt. Thoroughly enjoying your videos, informative, entertaining and brings back memories of my tripping in the northern boreal. Well done good sir.
Bah, I replied last week but I see it didn't stick 🤔 You make a good point...sometimes I wonder if a little burner would be worth it. Definitely love the bug shelter in peak season, and I've been debating the bugshirt for a while too. Have a nasty trip planned for mid-June next year that is motivating me to buy one. Thanks so much Ken!!
Surprised that the first comment about that is in agreement lol. The bushcrafters love their fire steel. There's this idea out there that if you can light a fire with fire steel, you are a legit bushcrafter...that item comes from a store the same as a BIC!
I enjoyed watching Joe rub two sticks together in his last vid worth knowing if you find yourself in need of fire without modern tools but you are right about the Fire steel snobs. Some people like to "Bushcraft" some like to adventure, explore, and FISH. Personally, I do not get the made up bushcraft stuff but it has a following.@@LostLakes
That's a good point. If you're going to learn a skill, it should be something you can procure from nature. Creating a friction fire is a skill. Buying fire steel and striking it isn't. Same as buying a BIC but less convenient. I'm not into bushcraft either, but hey, by the same token some people aren't into fishing, and for that I'm glad :D
thanks! some really good tips and tricks in there no matter ur experience level. i have gone the opposite regarding lite weight, id rather make a couple trips or one really tough one. funny you mentioned it but i just love my steel yeti wine glass and my big skillet !! BOTA box wine is a great value for quality and quantity while camping. gonna check out that platypus water filter now, thanks been on the hunt for a new one lol.
Hahahah EVERYONE SUCKS AT IT. Put any washed dish under a black light...I dare you. Opa knows how it's done for dishwashers: "Put them in clean and they come out clean." That's how I live my life.
Really thoughtful video, I enjoyed your comments on the gear you bring and your backcountry philosophy. It's always nice when your thoughts are confirmed by others doing similar things. Spring is coming, I saw a Cardinal yesterday here in London. Cheers
New sub last week, love your videos! Did a lot of what you do when I was younger. Now in my fifties and getting back into it, where many would just quit. Love it out there!! Hoping to do more and more. Keeps me "young".
You're a tougher man than I. I prefer boots or waders and warm dry feet . I am looking forward to more trout fishing trips you hopefully show this coming year. Your videos are very enjoyable thank you for sharing your experiences.
Thanks for this wise and battle-tested advice. I haven't been backcountry camping in many years, but my son's into it now and he's threatening -- uh, promising -- to take me along this year.
Good list. I carry my clean change of clothes in a pillow case - guess what goes under my head at night! Portable pillows cost $10+. I bought a folding basin but have not used it at all. I carry a plastic-type dish scrubbing pad and scrub over the largest pot or skillet. When the utensil or plate has been scrubbed, it goes into the grey water. Last, everything gets rinsed with HOT water - large vessel last. Lighters: the BIC is perfect, cover one, on top, with duct tape to waterproof it. Also, wrap some duct tape around the lighter - a great tinder. Best dining plates, that I've used are 9" metal pie plate or a large plastic latte' cup, the handle is useful and food stays warm longer when it's in a mound. Happy Hookin' Advice for safe travel: When driving - keep the shiny side UP - When canoeing - keep the shiny side DOWN!
Hey if it doesn't bug you, why not. I'm braindead if I don't sleep well, so I need a little pampering. Very nice, I respect a thoughtful dishwashing routine. I like the idea of keeping the food tighter to keep it warm, but then I'd still need a wider plate for larger food pieces like naan. Would work for most meals though. Lol cheers man!
I agree on the good sleep - I'd rather sleep in a tent than a 5 star. Favorite gizmos are part of the life style, but take that pillow and SHOVE IT - out to that slab of Pre-Cambrian rock at the waters edge. "We don't need no stinkin' hammocks". Happy Hookin'.
Amazing videos.. I’ve spent a little time in the Lake Superior provincial park area. Can really appreciate all the hard work you do although it doesn’t seem so when you love where you are and what you do . Watching your videos reminds me of how beautiful it is and brings back a lot of memories for me. Can’t wait to bring my young boys up there to create memories for them that will last them a lifetime ... I’m not sure but I don’t think you say much about your camera gear? Thanks for all the great video.
Thanks a lot Dave! I mention it here and there, but long story short it's pretty basic stuff....each camera is under $500. My main camera is a Panasonic FZ300 with a Rode VideoMicro external mic, and the B cameras are a GoPro Hero 7 and Hero6. Hero 7's onboard mics record much better audio, so the 6 is mostly for underwater and time lapses now.
I used to bring it and called it "sleep on the ground juice".. now I hang.;;hmmm.. It helps me sleep through the bears and mountain lions though so I will still bring it.
Those cheap Scottish blends can taste like paint thinner... I would take a Crown Royal 100% Rye over Islay Mist anytime. And it's Canadian! but that's only my opinion :)
Hahaha that's what I always told my dad when I was young. I love Crown too, but cut with some cola. Straight, and for the money, it's Islay Mist 100% for me. I've tried most of the blended stuff at the LCBO and it's by far my fav.
Hey Jon great video as always. I love your practical, leave-the-ego-at-home approach. My two cents on a practical first aid kit (especially if you have people with you but also for a soloist) empirical data is irrefutable that the most common camping and back country maladies are bug/bee bites, blisters, sprains, cuts, and burns (Especially from boiling water). In addition to obvious things like tweezers for splinters, I always carry the following: 1. Anti-histamine tabs (for allergic reaction) and anti-itch ointment , 2. Mole skin, 3. Ace bandage, 4. Bandaids/butterflys and a product called Wound heal (a fascinating product that immediately stops bleeding on deep cuts or large wounds) 5. Burn gel that contains at least 4% lidocaine and a triple antibiotic ointment. I’ve never weighed all of this (and frankly I don’t care how much it weighs given the security and safety it provides) but I bet all of it weighs less than 8 ounces and worth its weight in gold if/when you need any of it. An unexpected blister or just a small amount of boiling water on skin can wreck a trip. Years ago I was asked by a party going the other way on a portage if I had any burn cream and they almost started crying when I pulled the tube out of my pack. They were at least two days away from any support and a person had a pretty nasty burn on their foot. The relief it provides is almost instant. I hope we see you barbecuing on your deck in the next video. 😜
Thanks John, "practical" is one of the best compliments you could give me. Excellent recos on the FAK. Though you say tweezers are obvious, I bet they're one of the most overlooked items. But if you get a paddle splinter on a long trip, you'll bring them every time. On the first read, I saw "bum cream", which could also prove invaluable in the event of a rash or chafing lol. I carry OTC analgesics, antihistamines, and some leftover T3's from a kidney stone that had been agonizingly passed before I even filled the prescription lol. They say you're more likely to have a kidney stone if you've had one before, so they may come in handy someday, but I sure bloody hope not.
Check out the Bushbox LF, it's got what you're looking for... If you haven't purchased it already. Agreed on your tips, and it might be I'll drop the øks (axe) next season.
Thanks Magnus! That looks like a much better design. Axes are good sometimes but they're just a lot of weight. For clearing trail, I much prefer saws. I'll only bring an axe for splitting wood while winter camping. Some people just enjoy using an axe and that's fine too :)
Awesome. Thx for posting. I have a similar approach to gear - lighter, filter etc. I picked up the that handsaw over xmas . Like the twig stove idea - so sick of stove canisters (though I love their precision for cooking). I like containers with lids for my meals as it keeps my food warm. Other item - I cannot live without a camp chair - been using same $10 toddler chair from Walmart for years....and yes I do have a camp wine glass for my Laphroaig Quarter Cask 😁. My 20 year old Eureka tent is slowly fading - need to upgrade - what tent do you use?
Hahaha someone was going to comment on the wine glass. Hey man, if you love that part of the experience, I'm all for it. I don't NEED to bring a book or fishing gear either. There's no wrong or right, but I don't think the average camper needs to include that one :P I'm in a Eureka Midori 2-man which was been excellent, but it's also starting to wear. I'll probably stick with them when the time comes though. By container with a lid, are you talking plastic tupperware? Meals do get cold terribly quickly when it's around 0.
Great tips! Thank you so much! I also can't stand dishes that are not clean and squeaky, but struggle in the backcountry to get them not feeling greasy, and inevitably use too much Campsuds......what is your cleaning method?
Thanks Lorian! I almost always cook on small open fires so, since I'm not using cannister fuel, I usually clean by boiling water in the pot/pan and put the cutlery inside. For an oily meal, one napkin goes a long way to wiping up most of the oil before I boil. And for plastic items, I pour the boiling water over them
Thanks Andrew! I've never actually weighed it but I would have to think my main pack is at least 40#. But as a soloist I'm always double carrying, so I don't worry about it much. If I was trying to single carry, it would be a lot more important
I've been watching and appreciating all of your videos. I have become interested in back country canoe camping once again. In all of your videos you wear the same or similar shirts, which shows they are made from quality materials and they last. What brands of shirts do you wear?
Thanks so much Timothy, I love to hear that. Well noted. The light blue one is Orvis though I don't know the exact model and the other one is KUHL: www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/long-sleeve/airspeed-ls/ I picked these because they were quality shirts and on sale lol. But I would buy any brand of shirts that are quality (generally regular price $80+ CDN) and that are made of synthetic material (usually a blend with mostly nylon, and some polyester). They're comfy, durable, wick moisture, smell less, and dry faster.
Appreciate it! I haven't but I really prefer to cover my skin fully. No Muskol either... Don't trust DEET and I don't like going to bed with it on me. Poison 😵
How does that non-stick fry pan hold up while cooking directly on coals? Would you be able to fry fish in oil over coals in it? Any concerns with the silicone handle grips or locking device? Thanks!
So far so good cooking on the fire with it, but I really would've preferred it without. Just using it until it's inevitable failure, and then I'll remove it and use the pot gripper. Would be better if it had a little lip around the edge though, for gripping.
Why not just use tabs for water and leave the filter behind? I’ve got the same stove, was thinking about bringing some alcohol for back up when you need a quick hot meal/drink in the wet. I tried the stove out today on the ice to cook some perch up....unfortunately the bite didn’t exist
Certainly could, but the water tastes nicer through the filter. You can taste tablets and I just prefer not to drink that for several days or a week. Tablets would be lighter, but I'm fine with the weight of the filter. The alcohol might be good in a pinch. Lol that's a bummer!
Thanks for this! Really useful! I am planning on getting into canoe camping this year and this has helped give me some ideas! I'm a little surprised you don't bring any type stove for rainy days, I guess you've never had a real issue finding dry wood! As for your twig stove, why is it you would prefer loading from the top? I feel like bottom feeding might be better? For the price I thinking about getting one for myself! Thanks again!
Thanks Sly, glad to hear that! As long as there's fallen bitch bark around, it's never been an issue to get one going. Or the insides of split sticks and logs are dry. No stove saves some good weight too 🙂 Bottom would definitely be better. This was my first one but in hindsight I would've gotten a bottom-fed one. But I still recommend either over fuel cans.
Sorry I totally mis-understood! Thought it was bottom and you wanted a top feed! Thanks for clearing that up! Few more weeks till I’ve out, I look forward to some more videos!
Great video once again with great content! I hope this isn’t a dumb question, but when you wash your dishes in the backcountry, do you just use lake/river water or do you filter or boil this water before washing dishes with it?
Hahah that's a great question actually...I've never even considered it. I've always assumed that the suds are sufficiently antibacterial to make using lake water a non-issue. Probably not, but I've never had an issue using lake water.
Ok, I figured that as well but was curious if you had an opinion based on experience. I’ve always just used lake water for doing dishes in a wash basin. Considering how clean the water is in central and northern Ontario, I’m sure the risk is very low. I hope I didn’t get the OCD part of you thinking now! Lol, I know as I’m no different!
Our friend loves going into the back country where he tackles numerous beaver dams … the beaver being the predominant contributor of the organism (you are unlikely to get the contamination from humans … but !!!). As an adult, you can handle about 100 of these lovely creatures per 100 ml of water (kids much less). They are even resistant to chlorine. The few drops left on dishes will not add up to many of these parasites, so you are OK. But the rinsing with boiling water will really help. That being said, I just rinse with lake water unless I am on a river system, where I rinse with boiling water.
Another awesome video! Using the backdrop of snow blowing hard was a great idea. All your tips lined up with what you do on your videos! Just proves you practice what you preach! Thanks again for what you do to teach people to enjoy nature and for bringing us along on your adventures!
Thanks very much Rick! Glad to hear that the mood was set hahah
I still can't get over how few views you get, every video of yours I've watched has been top notch. Keep it up man
xShivvy, thank you so much!! I really appreciate that. It's all good though. People like what they like and if they do, it'll grow organically. If they don't, then a small channel this shall remain :)
Thank you for the great advise.! Thumbs Up to Backcountry Angling..!
Thanks a lot Donny! 👊
OMG! I’m so happy your calling those sporks useless. Everyone has them and I can’t figure out why.
Great tips BTW 👍
Hahah they are complete garbage! I guess because they're bright, at the checkout, and only a few bucks. Thanks man!
Great videos, great vibe. Well done! One super useful piece of gear Ive used for decades is the basic 6x8' or 8x10' grommeted plastic tarp. Rolls up pretty small and has a dozen uses, but prolly my most frequent use is as a dependable dry ground cloth to spread out on (or sprawl out on) at a moments notice . . and a fast simple solution to cover gear under overnight or whenever. .
Thanks Scott! Good call...now the question is, do you use that tarp inside or underneath your tent? If it's rainy, I use it inside so it doesn't pool on the tarp. Pointy stuff on the ground, outside.
I love a good list video! Great ambience in this one too. If I can make one minor suggestion, forget the bristle brush all together. I use moss, dirt or pine needles and they are excellent at scraping off melted cheese and other gunk from your dishes. Plus there is an abundance and they're natural. That's just me though.
Thanks Tim :) Definitely an option. I like using pine needle brushes to clean my paddle after filleting a fish on it. But for regular dishwashing, nothing can satisfy my OCD-ness like the abrasive power of a densely-packed, hard-bristled brush.
Awesome insights and reasonings! BRAVO! I might.............I might suggest my tip on BIC LIGHTERS (which I carry in my pants pocket 24/7).....make sure it is translucent so you can see if the fluid is running low. ;-)
Thanks man! Absolutely agree. The cheapies suck.
Haha great tips as well as cantor. Definitely agree with packing LESS and using GOOD QUALITY gear that lasts. Thinking I'll have my base weight down to under 15 pounds in the pack this year. Stoked for the coming season!
... I meant candor.... :)
Hahah I respect the sh*ts given to correct it in the first place. 15lbs!? I think you should be doing the gear video... Or is it 15lbs when all the heavy stuff is in Ryan's pack :P
Hahahahah! That’ll be before food and clothes for sure, but my goal is to stay under 20lbs total(plus camera gear probably)! That’s a great idea though 😂
Under 15 pounds? Nice! For canoe trips I went from 70lb to 20lb (not including canoe) over the past 3 years by packing less, ridding myself of gadgets, and picking up an awesome tent of course :)
Nice! That’s how I did it too. Got rid of needless things and upgraded all my gear as I saved for it. This year we even got the carbon fiber canoe. We’ll be unstoppable!! Haha
Great gear tips. I hate sporks too. They are useless and the plastic ones always break. I got my canoe so late in the season last year and only got to get on the water a few times. I am dieing to get back on the water. Enjoy your winter brother.
Lol right?? It's one of those bullshit marketing tactics. "Oh look, I can save 1 ounce of weight if I combine my fork and spoon into one useless piece of plastic!" Man I hate that crap. Soon enough man, gotta embrace the cold 'til then!
I have come across more then a half dozen broken 'light my fire' sporks tossed away at campsites :( Wish MEC would stop selling them
Right... Such crap 😑
While I haven't gone solo, agree with much of what was discussed here. On our backcountry canoe expeditions, we've typically brought white gas and a stove and rarely have a fire. Cost is about 3lbs, at the beginning of the trip, but benefit is simmer functionality for more "gourmet" style meals which are usually home-prepped and dehydrated meals. Additional items, while not necessary but a nice convenience when traveling with a partner is a screen shelter for escape from bugs, and I swear by the Real Canadian Bugshirt.
Thoroughly enjoying your videos, informative, entertaining and brings back memories of my tripping in the northern boreal. Well done good sir.
Bah, I replied last week but I see it didn't stick 🤔 You make a good point...sometimes I wonder if a little burner would be worth it. Definitely love the bug shelter in peak season, and I've been debating the bugshirt for a while too. Have a nasty trip planned for mid-June next year that is motivating me to buy one. Thanks so much Ken!!
I read recently...”The more you know, the less you bring”😎
Fantastic quote Dan, absolutely!!
Nice gear tips brother! You have a new subscriber from Northern Ontario. Thanks! Doug
Thanks Doug! Looks like a great channel you've got. I'll have to check it out.
Nice vid..... Totally agree with your advice about the Bic lighter... I’ve been telling everybody the same thing for years!
Surprised that the first comment about that is in agreement lol. The bushcrafters love their fire steel. There's this idea out there that if you can light a fire with fire steel, you are a legit bushcrafter...that item comes from a store the same as a BIC!
I enjoyed watching Joe rub two sticks together in his last vid worth knowing if you find yourself in need of fire without modern tools but you are right about the Fire steel snobs. Some people like to "Bushcraft" some like to adventure, explore, and FISH. Personally, I do not get the made up bushcraft stuff but it has a following.@@LostLakes
That's a good point. If you're going to learn a skill, it should be something you can procure from nature. Creating a friction fire is a skill. Buying fire steel and striking it isn't. Same as buying a BIC but less convenient. I'm not into bushcraft either, but hey, by the same token some people aren't into fishing, and for that I'm glad :D
thanks! some really good tips and tricks in there no matter ur experience level. i have gone the opposite regarding lite weight, id rather make a couple trips or one really tough one. funny you mentioned it but i just love my steel yeti wine glass and my big skillet !! BOTA box wine is a great value for quality and quantity while camping. gonna check out that platypus water filter now, thanks been on the hunt for a new one lol.
Great video. I like the less is more approach. This winter I’ve gone through my gear and really trimmed down.
Thanks David. Always fun to do and think about in the offseason!
Great video, and agree with less is more / quality. I have a Solo twig stove and love it. Has a little feeder slit at the top.
Thanks again April! That's the key...top-feeding twig stoves aren't the best
Dishwashing rant really brought back memories from childhood
Hahahah EVERYONE SUCKS AT IT. Put any washed dish under a black light...I dare you. Opa knows how it's done for dishwashers: "Put them in clean and they come out clean." That's how I live my life.
Really thoughtful video, I enjoyed your comments on the gear you bring and your backcountry philosophy. It's always nice when your thoughts are confirmed by others doing similar things. Spring is coming, I saw a Cardinal yesterday here in London. Cheers
Appreciate it! And that confirmation you're giving right back. We're getting close!!
New sub last week, love your videos! Did a lot of what you do when I was younger. Now in my fifties and getting back into it, where many would just quit. Love it out there!! Hoping to do more and more. Keeps me "young".
Thanks Alain!! Good on ya sir. I'm hoping to do this until I'm at least 70...I think the only way to make it to that point is to keep doing it :)
Thank you!
You're a tougher man than I. I prefer boots or waders and warm dry feet . I am looking forward to more trout fishing trips you hopefully show this coming year. Your videos are very enjoyable thank you for sharing your experiences.
Can't blame ya! Believe me, I love getting them warm and dry at camp. Lots of trout to come this year :) Thanks Jeff!
Great video ! Makes a lot of sense. Cmon spring !
Thanks man, practicality is a way of life!
Thanks for this wise and battle-tested advice. I haven't been backcountry camping in many years, but my son's into it now and he's threatening -- uh, promising -- to take me along this year.
Hahaha I suggest you surrender and indulge him, for both your sake's 😜
@@LostLakes We'll start slow with a little one-portage out-and-back trip, just enough to get clear of the motorboats.
Can't wait till the ice is gone!
Soon enough!
Great tips...wonder if these would be updated now?
They are not too many people on this earth I’d invite fishing but you’re on the list.
That's quite a compliment 🙏 Thanks brother
Good list. I carry my clean change of clothes in a pillow case - guess what goes under my head at night! Portable pillows cost $10+. I bought a folding basin but have not used it at all. I carry a plastic-type dish scrubbing pad and scrub over the largest pot or skillet. When the utensil or plate has been scrubbed, it goes into the grey water. Last, everything gets rinsed with HOT water - large vessel last.
Lighters: the BIC is perfect, cover one, on top, with duct tape to waterproof it. Also, wrap some duct tape around the lighter - a great tinder.
Best dining plates, that I've used are 9" metal pie plate or a large plastic latte' cup, the handle is useful and food stays warm longer when it's in a mound. Happy Hookin'
Advice for safe travel: When driving - keep the shiny side UP - When canoeing - keep the shiny side DOWN!
Hey if it doesn't bug you, why not. I'm braindead if I don't sleep well, so I need a little pampering. Very nice, I respect a thoughtful dishwashing routine. I like the idea of keeping the food tighter to keep it warm, but then I'd still need a wider plate for larger food pieces like naan. Would work for most meals though. Lol cheers man!
I agree on the good sleep - I'd rather sleep in a tent than a 5 star. Favorite gizmos are part of the life style, but take that pillow and SHOVE IT - out to that slab of Pre-Cambrian rock at the waters edge. "We don't need no stinkin' hammocks". Happy Hookin'.
Amazing videos.. I’ve spent a little time in the Lake Superior provincial park area. Can really appreciate all the hard work you do although it doesn’t seem so when you love where you are and what you do . Watching your videos reminds me of how beautiful it is and brings back a lot of memories for me. Can’t wait to bring my young boys up there to create memories for them that will last them a lifetime ... I’m not sure but I don’t think you say much about your camera gear? Thanks for all the great video.
Thanks a lot Dave! I mention it here and there, but long story short it's pretty basic stuff....each camera is under $500. My main camera is a Panasonic FZ300 with a Rode VideoMicro external mic, and the B cameras are a GoPro Hero 7 and Hero6. Hero 7's onboard mics record much better audio, so the 6 is mostly for underwater and time lapses now.
Thank you so much for the one of the most smartest Gear videos I've ever seen Common Sense less is better thank you and God bless
Gotta love common sense!!
I really think it's unacceptable that you didn't mention what kind of whiskey to bring.
Hahahah I am so embarrassed. Islay Mist blended scotch whiskey is the best value liquor out there! If I was rich, it'd be Lagavulin every time.
I used to bring it and called it "sleep on the ground juice".. now I hang.;;hmmm.. It helps me sleep through the bears and mountain lions though so I will still bring it.
Those cheap Scottish blends can taste like paint thinner... I would take a Crown Royal 100% Rye over Islay Mist anytime. And it's Canadian! but that's only my opinion :)
Hahaha that's what I always told my dad when I was young. I love Crown too, but cut with some cola. Straight, and for the money, it's Islay Mist 100% for me. I've tried most of the blended stuff at the LCBO and it's by far my fav.
Great choice of equipment especially the bic and pots with no plastic. Great advice all around
Hey Jon great video as always. I love your practical, leave-the-ego-at-home approach. My two cents on a practical first aid kit (especially if you have people with you but also for a soloist) empirical data is irrefutable that the most common camping and back country maladies are bug/bee bites, blisters, sprains, cuts, and burns (Especially from boiling water). In addition to obvious things like tweezers for splinters, I always carry the following: 1. Anti-histamine tabs (for allergic reaction) and anti-itch ointment , 2. Mole skin, 3. Ace bandage, 4. Bandaids/butterflys and a product called Wound heal (a fascinating product that immediately stops bleeding on deep cuts or large wounds) 5. Burn gel that contains at least 4% lidocaine and a triple antibiotic ointment.
I’ve never weighed all of this (and frankly I don’t care how much it weighs given the security and safety it provides) but I bet all of it weighs less than 8 ounces and worth its weight in gold if/when you need any of it. An unexpected blister or just a small amount of boiling water on skin can wreck a trip. Years ago I was asked by a party going the other way on a portage if I had any burn cream and they almost started crying when I pulled the tube out of my pack. They were at least two days away from any support and a person had a pretty nasty burn on their foot. The relief it provides is almost instant. I hope we see you barbecuing on your deck in the next video. 😜
Thanks John, "practical" is one of the best compliments you could give me. Excellent recos on the FAK. Though you say tweezers are obvious, I bet they're one of the most overlooked items. But if you get a paddle splinter on a long trip, you'll bring them every time. On the first read, I saw "bum cream", which could also prove invaluable in the event of a rash or chafing lol.
I carry OTC analgesics, antihistamines, and some leftover T3's from a kidney stone that had been agonizingly passed before I even filled the prescription lol. They say you're more likely to have a kidney stone if you've had one before, so they may come in handy someday, but I sure bloody hope not.
Check out the Bushbox LF, it's got what you're looking for... If you haven't purchased it already. Agreed on your tips, and it might be I'll drop the øks (axe) next season.
Thanks Magnus! That looks like a much better design. Axes are good sometimes but they're just a lot of weight. For clearing trail, I much prefer saws. I'll only bring an axe for splitting wood while winter camping. Some people just enjoy using an axe and that's fine too :)
Awesome. Thx for posting. I have a similar approach to gear - lighter, filter etc. I picked up the that handsaw over xmas . Like the twig stove idea - so sick of stove canisters (though I love their precision for cooking). I like containers with lids for my meals as it keeps my food warm. Other item - I cannot live without a camp chair - been using same $10 toddler chair from Walmart for years....and yes I do have a camp wine glass for my Laphroaig Quarter Cask 😁. My 20 year old Eureka tent is slowly fading - need to upgrade - what tent do you use?
Hahaha someone was going to comment on the wine glass. Hey man, if you love that part of the experience, I'm all for it. I don't NEED to bring a book or fishing gear either. There's no wrong or right, but I don't think the average camper needs to include that one :P I'm in a Eureka Midori 2-man which was been excellent, but it's also starting to wear. I'll probably stick with them when the time comes though. By container with a lid, are you talking plastic tupperware? Meals do get cold terribly quickly when it's around 0.
Backcountry Angling Ontario y’a just Tupperware. Although my new cook set had plastic containers with lids too.
Great tips! Thank you so much! I also can't stand dishes that are not clean and squeaky, but struggle in the backcountry to get them not feeling greasy, and inevitably use too much Campsuds......what is your cleaning method?
Thanks Lorian! I almost always cook on small open fires so, since I'm not using cannister fuel, I usually clean by boiling water in the pot/pan and put the cutlery inside. For an oily meal, one napkin goes a long way to wiping up most of the oil before I boil. And for plastic items, I pour the boiling water over them
So glad I'm not the only one who thinks everybody is terrible at cleaning dishes.
Hahah it's really painful to watch without micromanaging
Great video!, its always nice to see what other people bring, how heavy would u say your pack would typically be on your trips?
Thanks Andrew! I've never actually weighed it but I would have to think my main pack is at least 40#. But as a soloist I'm always double carrying, so I don't worry about it much. If I was trying to single carry, it would be a lot more important
I've been watching and appreciating all of your videos. I have become interested in back country canoe camping once again. In all of your videos you wear the same or similar shirts, which shows they are made from quality materials and they last. What brands of shirts do you wear?
Thanks so much Timothy, I love to hear that. Well noted. The light blue one is Orvis though I don't know the exact model and the other one is KUHL:
www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/long-sleeve/airspeed-ls/
I picked these because they were quality shirts and on sale lol. But I would buy any brand of shirts that are quality (generally regular price $80+ CDN) and that are made of synthetic material (usually a blend with mostly nylon, and some polyester). They're comfy, durable, wick moisture, smell less, and dry faster.
Cant wait for the snow to melt.
One more month and it starts to retreat!
We're in temagami area might be a bit longer.
I'm in Marathon so I hear ya. I guess I'm rounding down when I say a month. But a warm day or two in March still does wonders for rivers 🙂
Have you ever used a Thermacel to keep skitters away? And do you use muskol? Great video jon!cant wait for trout opener!👍
Appreciate it! I haven't but I really prefer to cover my skin fully. No Muskol either... Don't trust DEET and I don't like going to bed with it on me. Poison 😵
Naan bread infraction 😅😅
Great video thank you lol :)
Thanks!! :)
I use the same twig stove man. So far so good. Lifting the pot is kind of annoying.
Yeah I thought I saw the same one on your Insta! It's pretty decent... Great with dry wood
How does that non-stick fry pan hold up while cooking directly on coals? Would you be able to fry fish in oil over coals in it? Any concerns with the silicone handle grips or locking device? Thanks!
So far so good cooking on the fire with it, but I really would've preferred it without. Just using it until it's inevitable failure, and then I'll remove it and use the pot gripper. Would be better if it had a little lip around the edge though, for gripping.
Why not just use tabs for water and leave the filter behind? I’ve got the same stove, was thinking about bringing some alcohol for back up when you need a quick hot meal/drink in the wet. I tried the stove out today on the ice to cook some perch up....unfortunately the bite didn’t exist
Certainly could, but the water tastes nicer through the filter. You can taste tablets and I just prefer not to drink that for several days or a week. Tablets would be lighter, but I'm fine with the weight of the filter. The alcohol might be good in a pinch. Lol that's a bummer!
Thanks for this! Really useful! I am planning on getting into canoe camping this year and this has helped give me some ideas! I'm a little surprised you don't bring any type stove for rainy days, I guess you've never had a real issue finding dry wood!
As for your twig stove, why is it you would prefer loading from the top? I feel like bottom feeding might be better? For the price I thinking about getting one for myself! Thanks again!
Thanks Sly, glad to hear that! As long as there's fallen bitch bark around, it's never been an issue to get one going. Or the insides of split sticks and logs are dry. No stove saves some good weight too 🙂
Bottom would definitely be better. This was my first one but in hindsight I would've gotten a bottom-fed one. But I still recommend either over fuel cans.
Sorry I totally mis-understood! Thought it was bottom and you wanted a top feed! Thanks for clearing that up! Few more weeks till I’ve out, I look forward to some more videos!
Ahh gotcha, no prob. Coming up next week :)
Great video once again with great content! I hope this isn’t a dumb question, but when you wash your dishes in the backcountry, do you just use lake/river water or do you filter or boil this water before washing dishes with it?
Hahah that's a great question actually...I've never even considered it. I've always assumed that the suds are sufficiently antibacterial to make using lake water a non-issue. Probably not, but I've never had an issue using lake water.
Ok, I figured that as well but was curious if you had an opinion based on experience. I’ve always just used lake water for doing dishes in a wash basin. Considering how clean the water is in central and northern Ontario, I’m sure the risk is very low. I hope I didn’t get the OCD part of you thinking now! Lol, I know as I’m no different!
For sure, it's pretty pristine as far as global freshwater goes. Sometimes you gotta turn down the OCD dial lol
I like to rinse mine in boiling hot water at the end of the day.I do not worry about giardia here though.@@LostLakes
Our friend loves going into the back country where he tackles numerous beaver dams … the beaver being the predominant contributor of the organism (you are unlikely to get the contamination from humans … but !!!). As an adult, you can handle about 100 of these lovely creatures per 100 ml of water (kids much less). They are even resistant to chlorine. The few drops left on dishes will not add up to many of these parasites, so you are OK. But the rinsing with boiling water will really help. That being said, I just rinse with lake water unless I am on a river system, where I rinse with boiling water.
Sir what knife would you recommend?? Folding sak or fixed blade ? Large or small ?
Believe it or not, I don't bring or use a knife on trips... So I'm not much help here lol
Dry bags inside of dry bags...do you happen to wear a belt AND suspenders by any chance? ;)
Hahaha all good systems are designed with some redundancy in the event of the primary system's failure 🤓
👍 oing any ice fishing lately?
Not much I'm afraid. Been really cold so I've only been out three times in 2019. Had that nice pike, and only two outings since :(
old grand pappy lost is toe
Lol sure did