by N. Glenn Perrett I was introduced to canoeing with my brother’s cedar strip and canvas canoe made by the Lakefield Canoe Company. While still in university I bought my first canoe – a “Sundance” from Muskoka Canoe Ltd. in Gravenhurst. The 15’ 3” cedar canvas canoe was made to be light and weighs only 45 pounds. When my wife Lynn and I bought our cottage on a rocky lake … [Read more...]
Gear Review: The Svante Freden Reflector Oven
Spending time outside makes us hungry. Spending all day, every day on a trip in the backcountry makes us very hungry, all the time. One thing we have learned on our trips, is that it takes careful planning to make sure there is enough food to satisfy that outdoor hunger. But there are limitations to what you can reasonably pack. Fresh bread, for example, is tricky. At best, it … [Read more...]
Using car sun shades to increase the warmth of your winter wear
Your favourite winter trip that you have been planning for weeks or months could easily turn out to be a very unpleasant one if you don't take enough precautions to protect your body from the cold. In most cases, if you have the right gear you might get through the day just fine. But sometimes, just having a quality pair of winter boots or sleeping pad isn't going to cut it. … [Read more...]
Review: Grey Owl Paddles
I’ve enjoyed canoeing since I first set foot in my brother’s canoe at our family’s cottage on Georgian Bay in the 1960s. It is an ideal way to explore nature. One item that can significantly improve a canoe trip is the paddle that you use. A paddle that is significantly too long (or short) or one that is particularly heavy will make paddling not as enjoyable as it could … [Read more...]
Gearing up for a Winter Trek
By Patrick Mott Snug as a bug in a tent When preparing for a winter trek, the most important piece of gear is an appropriate sleeping bag. The “right” sleeping bag is an incredibly individual decision, although important factors are the temperature rating (remember to check the overnight temperature!), the style (mummy-style sleeping bags are more efficient at keeping you … [Read more...]
