| Skills » Tarps for winter camping? » 4/06/2024 8:14 am |
I have a winter tarp from Simply Light Designs that I bought for my hammock but also works great for winter camping. It has 3 internal poles that really open up the inside for maximum room. Nice and easy to set up on a single ridgeline. I use one of these (with either real wood or pellets for no smoke) and it warms the interior up REALLY well (have to be mindful of carbon monoxide but I vent well):
| Equipment » new head lite recommendations » 3/05/2024 10:46 am |
I'm interested in this as well. I too like a simple option (on, off, red, etc.). I have a Petzl that automatically dims when you look at someone and stuff but in all honesty I find them too much. I like a nice single large button that I don't have to press 10 times to cycle through various settings (and that's big enough to use with a glove)
| Trip Planning » How to reserve Pretty Lake » 2/29/2024 6:36 am |
The site is actually a pretty nice site. Yes it is right on the road so it wont be a true "back country" experience but it's a decent middle ground between car camping and back country. The site itself is nice and flat with good open spots for tents etc and well spaced trees for tarping. There will be some traffic so that's why most people wouldn't choose this spot.
| Trip Planning » Tim Lake and Summer Haulage Noise » 2/25/2024 10:18 am |
I've emailed the AFA a few times with questions like this about logging in an area that I was planning on visiting. Each time I received a very detailed a prompt response and they were very happy to share info with me. Might be worth shooting them a quick email to see if they can offer any insight?
| Backcountry » Winter camping rules » 2/09/2024 1:54 pm |
To be honest I did not look at the Stihl. Not sure why really...looks like a nice little saw as well! A tad heavier than the Echo but not by much.
This was about 15 minutes worth of work. The best part is that each cut is nice and square/level so splitting them is super easy as they all stand up nicely 
And yes...I know the bar is upside down lol
| Backcountry » Winter camping rules » 2/09/2024 8:00 am |
Ya honestly it was one of the best purchases I've made. The thing is an absolute beast at cutting. I went back and forth between gas and battery and decided that gas was better for my use. The batteries nowadays are intelligent and if you do a deep dive on reviews there are all sorts of issues with them, and the cost to replace is insane (almost the cost of a whole new saw). Then there's the worry about running out of charge and not having the ability to recharge remotely. So for those reasons I went gas (as long as I have enough gas and bar oil I can cut for days)...
| Backcountry » Winter camping rules » 2/09/2024 7:41 am |
Since this was posted a few years back I've bought a tiny little Echo gas saw and have used it in the back country and it has been a game-changer! in 20 minutes I can fell and process two dead trees and have enough wood for several days. I can't believe how it has saved my back (I have pretty major back problems and processing wood was killing me...)
| Trip Planning » White Partridge Creek » 1/14/2024 8:44 pm |
jeffreym wrote:
It's captured by planes rather than satellites. That also means there are never any cloud cover problems like you'll often see with satellite imagery.
That would explain it! Thanks for the info...love this!
| Trip Planning » White Partridge Creek » 1/14/2024 11:10 am |
Holy cow that Fish Online satellite imagery is incredible eh? I've never heard of it before but it's very clear!
| Equipment » Night Vision? » 12/31/2023 4:16 pm |
Anyone use any form of night vision while on their trips in the park? Several years ago I borrowed a FLIR from work while on a winter camping trip and it was pretty cool (I could see birds in the trees but didn't see any other animals). Just wondering since technology has come a long way, if anyone uses anything like this?
| Sell and Swap » Feathered Friends Snowy Owl (-60) Sleeping Bag [SOLD] » 11/13/2023 2:20 pm |
Bag has been sold
Touted as "the warmest sleeping bag on the planet." This is the holy grail of winter sleeping bags.
Feathered Friends "Snowy Owl"
-Rated to -60F
-850+ fill power
-Long version (6'6")
-Right-side zip
-Pertex Shield EX outter (waterproof/breathable)
-Expedition Mummy cut allows you to move around inside the bag / sleep on your side, etc. (very roomy)
-Like new condition
Currently sells now for over $1800 Canadian.
Can send pics upon request.
Asking $1200 firm.
| Trip Planning » Winter at Mew Lake Question » 10/29/2023 9:39 pm |
Y'know, I never really considered the backcountry options around Mew. I had some new gear that I wanted to test out, so figured front country would be ideal for that, but it is considerably more expensive. I could just take two trips from the car to the back country though....and my understanding of Algonquin backcountry in winter is 30 metres from a lake/trail/portage? Thanks for something to think about!
There are some great "back country" spots in the airfield that are about a 3 minute hike in from the parking lot. Like you say it's way cheaper and kind of the best of both worlds!
| Trip Planning » Winter at Mew Lake Question » 10/21/2023 4:32 pm |
Is there a particular reason you're looking to stay at Mew Lake proper?? If winter back country is in effect you could easily hike from. Mew and interior camp. I've done this many times in winter. We've been able to access the facilities at Mew in a pinch and BC permits are quite a bit cheaper. Unless you require front country it may be an option.
Ya the airfield is kind of the perfect balance of back country with access to a comfort station a 5 minute hike away (good for getting unfrozen water in the morning and doing "your business" on a warm toilet seat?
| Trip Planning » Winter at Mew Lake Question » 10/20/2023 8:23 pm |
There are some decent sites back in the dog/radio free area that would be suitable for a hammock. I prefer the ones along the back (to the left as you pull into the area) as they are well sheltered from the wind off the lake, and have some decent trees behind you. Have you winter camped with your hammock before?
| Equipment » Dutch Oven » 10/20/2023 8:53 am |
Awesome info folks, I really appreciate it! Go figure it's being delivered Tuesday and I'm heading up to the park on Monday for 7 days. Would have loved to take it and try some new meals
| Equipment » Dutch Oven » 10/19/2023 8:04 am |
That's awesome info thank you! I don't have a lid lifter for it as I was planning on using high heat bbq gloves but sounds like that might not be an option? Is it fairly easy to at least clean the burnt on stuff or does it take a hard scrub? Also, any concerns with putting it right in the hot fire/coals? I read a couple posts where people were saying there may be melting issues.
Mine doesn't have the legs so I plan on using it with a folding grill to keep it up off the coals a bit...
Thanks again for the insight!
| Equipment » Dutch Oven » 10/18/2023 8:42 pm |
Anyone use a dutch oven on their trips to the park? I've never used one before and have never really been interested in cast iron due to me being lazy and not wanting to clean it etc after every use so they don't rust out. I was intrigued by the GSI Hard Anodized Dutch Oven so I've got one on order. Much lighter than cast iron and easier to keep clean I think...
I'd love to hear folks experience with dutch ovens and any of your favourite recipes and tips!
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