Hi everyone, we hope you enjoy our favourite top 10 camping tips! Also, please let us know what your favourite tips are! For those who are looking for the 4K version of this video, it should be finished encoding on TH-cam’s end in about 30’ish minutes, but the 1080p version’s good to go now if you’d like to enjoy that. As always, thanks so much for watching, as well as all your comments, likes, shares, and if you haven’t already, subscribing to help support our channel - we really appreciate it, and we look forward to seeing you in the next adventure coming up soon! :)
Fab family picture right there..👍 my favourite tip is always wear a nice woolly hat to sleep in. And an odd one that I have used is if you are suffering with cold feet.......wash them! Then dry them and put fresh warm woolly sock on before getting into your sleeping bag. Odd but it works?
Just something to note : wounds generally shouldn't be closed unless they are incredibly well cleaned. in the backcountry, the risk for infection is greatly, greatly increased when we pull skin together and create a small warm pocket for infection to breed. thus, the tip about steristrips being used as 'backcountry stitches" should be avoided, or approached with extreme care. the best approach is to clean the wound appropriately and meticulously and then let it heal with breathability and also some amount of protection (breathable wound dressings) (yes you might get a bigger scar but it is safer). if a wound is so big that it wouldn't otherwise heal unless the skin is pulled together - that is even more of a concern for deep infection and should truly be stitched in a hospital setting. deep clean it and evacuate to a hospital.
Thnx for the great tips. Some of mine: 1/ You can use a flat-ish PFD, or a folding sit pad, under your sleeping pad for extra insulation on cold nights. 2/ A SOL breathable Escape bivy can add warmth to your sleep system, and keep condensation off your bag. The breathable one is the way to go; milar is not. 3/ Clam shell style folding stadium chairs are comfy seating in camp and in the canoe (on top of the canoe seat) as a backrest. 4/ Using a GPS and Basecamp at home to place waypoints marking portages and campsites makes navigation on the water easier. I like the Garmin GPS Map 64s. Don't forget spare batteries, and keep them in your pocket and sleeping bag if it is cold.
Great tips. I love your videos. Your voices are so calm and mellow. I don't get why the guys think shouting, crazy editing and loud music is appropriate for camping videos. I go out for the peace and quiet. We've gotten too old and creaky (my partner turns 86 on our Algonquin trip this month) for backcountry canoe camping, which we enjoyed for so many years. Now we stick with developed campgrounds.
You're great, I love every video. Great tips. My contributions - 1. Use a gravity filter, and 2. Always always always tie your canoe to a tree when on shore. It's your life line.
I think I'd already made a mental note while I watched your previous videos of your tips but its great to see you both and little Cedar as always. The one thing that's never predictable is the weather so your suggestion to capture a screen shot before embarking was brilliant one of those "now why didn't I think of that !" One thing I consider to be most admirable about you both is your level of fitness which is why you are so successful in dealing with those adverse moments that everyone encounters. I firmly believe that your are loved and admired by thousands for your example of appreciating what is most precious our beloved wilderness areas. Well done and love to you both.
Here are a few extra tips: 1. Always wear your PFD when paddling. Don't overestimate your ability to manage a swamped canoe in deep water. 2. Consider taking an emergency paddle 3. More than one canoe?... stick together and stay within hearing distance 4. Water filter is an absolute must - for my type of tripping, I prefer the gravity over the pump. Bring tablets as a backup. 5. Collapsible camp saw is a must - campsites on islands and close to entry points tend to be picked over. 6. Battery to recharge your camera/phone since camera tends to drain battery pretty quick 7. Matches are fine, but bring a lighter for backup. Waterproof matches are notoriously more difficult to light. 8. Choose a tent or tarp with bright color, and if possible. Protect your canoe, but if possible position it at camp so other campers can see it from the water. This is a courtesy to other campers searching for campsites, especially on larger lakes. 9. Closed-toes waterproof sandals (ex Keens). They are great for getting in/out of canoe, and provide some basic protection stepping onto dams. 10. Butterscotch schnapps & instant apple cider... it tastes like apple pie. No really!
Mmmmmm! Bacon on day seven! Great tips! I’d like to add to Julia’s warmth tips with something I was reminded of by “Step away from the screens” channel: It’s SO much easier to stay warm than it is to get warm. It takes so much more effort and time and resources to warm up someone who got too cold than it is to nip it in the bud early and add a layer, or drink a coffee. I need reminding of that when I’m too focused on enjoying the amazing moments outdoors. Love your work.
Tip 11 is good. From the Army Ranger Handbook "All you need to do is extend your arm fully and count the number of finger widths between the sun and the horizon. Each finger is about 15 minutes, which means each hand width should be about an hour. Remember that this is just an estimate, so if you want to be conservative, make sure to give yourself a bit more time than you measure if you want to get home before dark." Tip 3 can be referred to as Terrain Association.Tip 4 YEA AEROPRESS. Tried a pour over but it sucked so went back to Aerorpress. Tip 6. After exercise, eat a bite of chocolate. Navigation - you can download maps before leaving home. Then when in the woods, switch to Airport Mode. The GPS function still works regardless, so you have a great second GPS. Really enjoying your videos. New subscriber.
I am going to have to give that hot rock tip a try. I am curious if that would keep the condensation down under the fly. If it is just to keep a little warmer while sleeping then a Nalgene filled with hot water accompanying you in the sleeping bag works wonders.
I always carried a small AM radio with a NOAH band. It also helps just to listen to a live voice when you are alone in an isolated area. I was also very mindful of hypothermia after capsizing a canoe as a scout and getting all of my gear and clothing soaked. As luck would have it the July temperature dropped into the 50s that night and it rained all night. A space blanket saved my you know what! The life jacked was a great idea BTW.
Great tips. My added tip would be to take some robust gardening gloves to use when chopping wood and handling the fire. On a long trip with minimal facilities, a small cut or burn can get infected quickly, but wearing leather gloves stops the injury in the first place.
I quite enjoy your videos. A variation on your ‘hot rock in a pot’ that I use is this: I put boiled water into a metal water bottle that is then placed into a sock. This can be safely placed in a sleeping bag, or inside your sweater or coat. Of note, the air in the bottle expands and pressurizes the contents of the bottle. So it’s best to shake the bottle to assure that the air is as hot as possible, then loosen the cap to allow some air out, then tighten it to reseal the bottle. (One litre of water, cooling about 50 degrees C, represents approximately 50 watt-hours of heat. A person at rest generates about 50 watts of heat. So a three hour use of a 1 litre hot water bottle averages about 17 watts of heat, a considerable heating boost to a person in a sleeping bag.)
I like to prep my breakfast skillet by Pre-cooking my Potatoes, doing all my knife work dicing onions, herbs, garlic and such in a Vacuum bag or Ziplock, so in the first morn it's just grill sausage sautee and done. Love the great Idea of the quick Bacon! + Tortillas are a must!
Ive heard the hot rock in the tent idea before but have never tried it because it didn't seem safe. But putting it in a pot seems to fix that! Thanks for the idea. When it gets chilly here again I will have to give it a try.
Want to say that Peanut better smores are amazing. Took the fixings out on a recent Hiking trip with my nephew thinking he might enjoy them. ( I am not a smores fan) Tried one and WOW!! loved them.
I like that hot rock tip (4:23). I think you can make it a bit safer to use inside a tent, by putting the cooking vessel with the hot rock inside, on the trivet of the camp stove. Trangia's are very stable and with other makes you should be able to use an extra inverted lid or wind screen to insulate the bottom of the hot pot. Excellent illustration of a camping accident by Julia at 9:12!
Thank you for the great videos. I always bring a clip with rubber bands attached to my pack. I use them for all kinds of things, folding clothes, space blanket and rap with a rubber band to keep them folded. Easy to keep small items together. Just add the rubber band back on the clip when not needed
Thanks Alexis! Btw, congrats on the success of your recent vid - that's awesome! If you're interested in trading featured channel spots on our channels, let me know :)
Great videos! My tip for those who are like me and not a coffee drinker but still love caffeine. I drink far too much cokes so i take those 5 hour energy bottles you can find at most gas stations and drink half of one a day. So you never run into the evil post caffeine headaches. Also if you keep the bottle I'm told they can hold oil safely without leaking (haven't tried that yet but its what I've been told)
I collect birch bark while I'm at shore when i see a dead tree. No guilt collecting.. I'm in Saskatchewan and do 4-7 day trips in lac la ronge provincial park.. look up twin falls and Roberson falls.. just there last week..solo
Our campfire treat is a mini wrap, sliced banana, chocolate chips, PB (for me), maybe a sliced marshmellow. Wrap in foil and toast slowly at edge of coals or on grill. To kick it up a notch, I've added a slice of that Ready Crisp. Mmmm good. Thanks for sharing your tips. Will try the 2b-brownie combo this summer. 😋
Great tips for sure. Love seeing all three of you. Your love as a family gives me hope for humanity. Keep making those memories, for life moves quickly. Cherish those memories, many blessings to you all. Thank you!
Not sure if it is a tip but my preference is to pitch the tent with the door facing the sunrise. Nothing quite like throwing open the door and being bathed in the warm light as the sun peeks over the horizon. Best start to the day possible.
Love the videos. You guys helped me learn how to back country and I'm about to do my first solo trip in Algonquin. My tip would be to cook some bacon yourself and take it with you. I'm thinking it should last much longer than uncooked.
Hi..as for coffee I just throw the coarse ground beans in the water to heat up and "stew" then let them rest a bit till they sink to the bottom and pour gently. I love this video though and I never knew about the "four fingers". Great tip....Also that baby is perfectly adorable and seems happy.....
very good tips, I would add (aside from all the common basics) 1) cheap, light, monocular (half of a binocular) 8x20 or 10x25 or similar. This helps u find portages. 2) plastic cutting board (double duty as blade if paddle lost/broken) . I eat out of pot so I don't carry plates/bowls. 3) strong thread and needle for repair 4) compass in boat (get a good map bearing on land then find the RIGHT portage) 5) very bright shirt or clothing to wave down water taxi/help 6) bring a book to read
Good camping tips! I’ll add a few: 1. Use Avenza maps 2. Pack a pulley (or better yet 2 pulleys) for hanging your food barrel/bag. Each pulley doubles your strength, which makes it much easier to get your food at least 12 feet off the ground and at least 5 feet from any tree. We have seen even experienced campers hanging ineffective bear piñatas. 3. Bring gorilla tape. We had to rescue a group of campers who set their canoe down less than gently on the long portage between Tom Thomson Lake and Ink Lake and punctured it. Gorilla tape will repair most punctures well enough to get you back safe. 4. Silky saws are the absolute best saws for interior camping (no affiliation, I just really love their saws). The best camping tip that we learned from you ladies was to use a yoke pad. We had no idea that these things existed until we saw you using one in your videos. Best $20s we’ve ever spent. When you start camping with Cedar we would be interested in a similar video with your top camping tips for camping with infants/children. We have a little one on the way and we’re looking forward to bringing him on our camping adventures.
We’ve been tripping with my daughter since she was about 4, some things I’ll suggest - I’d make her a “throne” in the canoe for every trip. I’d use two foam sleeping pads, one folded to make the base, one folded’wrapped around a thwart or the yoke for her back. She was super comfy and thought it was great - just like in a car, we’d pack her activity bags for in the canoe. They would have books and such that she could read while we were paddling - if you get them to read the books out loud to you it’s a great way to pass the time - we never got too ambitious with our trips and would make sure that we got out to stretch our legs, have a swim break etc every couple hours at most, and most times we’d try to keep that 2-3 hours between campsites if we could. - make sure to pack light minnow nets. Our daughters loved looking for minnows, tadpoles, frogs etc at the water’s edge. Super fun for them to explore. - develop a framework for a simple story, then just change the details - instant new story. My daughter would beg for an “Old Pete” story every time we’d be underway, and they were super easy to make up on the spot. The format was always exactly the same, “Old (insert name)” was the protagonist of the story. They’d go to do some activity, be it fishing on a lake, walking a trail, hiking a portage...doesn’t matter what, and I’d usually try to theme it around something that happened to us, where we were, you name it. “Old Whomever’s” friend’s would always tell them not to go/do the activity, that it wasn’t safe, there was a shark, monsters, whatever I chose, but Old Whatever the name would always say, “I knoooooww what I’m doing, and I looooove to (insert activity)”. I’d always ham up that line, the kids would ge at laugh and I’d sometimes throw it to them to add the line. Go through 2-3 rounds of them going to go out to do the activity while being warned, and of course they’d be gone longer and longer each time, until eventually they didn’t come back, but a boot would be found, or a PFD, or their canoe...and they were never. Seen. Again. Kids love them, and 10+ years later as teens will STILL ask for a story every now and then - we’d make sure to have a camp towel that could be used as either a makeshift blanket or sun shade depending on weather. In extreme heat we could wet the towel and would be a nice cool blanket to keep their temps down. - we’d have them carry their own gear - they’d get a small pack that their clothes etc would go in so they could “help” during the portages, and they would get a kick out of being helpers - my older daughter, even at 7 would look like a Sherpa with a pack on her back, one on her front and arms full of paddles etc...it was hilarious - another word about portages, try to do them in one carry if you can...or if you can’t, then think about using the leapfrog method of carrying so you don’t have to walk back and forth repeatedly with little legs. - if you are tripping with two canoes, and you do have to do multiple trips try to get the canoe with the kids and all the stuff that has to go into it over first and at least shoved off - no one wants to have to sit at a bug-infested portage waiting for people to come back from a second trip. If they can get underway...even to slowly paddle by the portage, that can keep little spirits high. A little long, I apologize, but that’s some of the common sense basics that we always kept in mind.
Tip: add keyring loops or string toggles to the zipper tabs for your tent. Makes it much easier to find and open the fly and doorway at night or when fingers are cold. Also, if you're packing a pot or gas stove inside another pot, separate them with a piece of kitchen paper towel. Stops the rattling, and can be useful tinder or wipe.
Here's a variation on your Tip 3, which saved my life once in Algonquin Park. I'd lost my map in a canoe spill 5 days in, and retraced my steps as well as I could remember from one lake to the next, but on one (small) lake couldn't find the darn portage! After paddling around it twice, and panicking-I quieted down and thought, portages are meant to get you from one lake to another, but when it rains one lake often spills into another, and the stream is often the shortest connecting point and the lowest-- so that's where a portage is likely be. SO: I paddled around that lake once more and this time LISTENED for the sound of running water, and when I heard it-got out on land and poked around, and there in a culvert, hidden from view from the lake, was the portage sign! Hooray! By the way I used a variation of your Tip 5 (heated rock in pot-actually the hot flattish rock itself) to iron out all the wet gear from that spill--hanging things “near the fire” just either burns them or gets smoke into them often enough. Keep up with these terrific videos, which are just memories of my youth. --A fan
Great tips! And sleek looking boat! I have the swift keewaydin single canoe! I like the warm water bottle idea. Not sure why I've suffered so many cold nights 🤣
Bought an Aeropress coffee maker. Simple and efficient piece of equipment. Enjoy your videos and appreciate the efforts you put into them. From Lismore NSW Australia
Great tips! I have been camping for years and never knew most of these!! Always love your video. As for my hacks, I am a huge fan of pizza buns for canoe trips as they pack well. And a cotton liner in my sleeping bag helps keep my bag cleaner and on hot nights it is nice to not stick to your sleeping bag, and on cold nights it helps insulate even more! Also, I always bring 2 pairs of shoes, one pair that can get wet ( sandals) and another for keeping my feet dry ( blundstones). There is nothing worse then wet feet all the time!
Thank you so much this informative film. Fortunately there are many more people discovering the great outdoors. Unfortunately many are true beginners. Any tips you provide can save a life. My tips, take some classes before venturing out. There are so many of the outfitters who provide really great info for little money and a few Saturdays of your time. The one other is buy the best equipment you can afford and think about renting from the outfitters 1st. You will save money in the end. Both will get you home with smiles. Speaking of little cuties.........: )
I seriously adore you two 😇 . Fire Paste (Coghlan) is almost too easy, and Super glue as well as steri strips .... just don't glue parts not wanted stuck together .... fixes stuff too. Definitely deploying the smores variation. Be well .... take care
Great Tips! Really enjoyed this video. I adore your channel. I’ve been out tripping in Algonquin Park for years and you give people such a great view into the experience! Were heading out for the first trip of the season Friday morning. Nearly froze last May, so I’m for sure going to do the Hot Rock Pot hack. Brilliant idea! Also the brownie s’mores. Thanks for the tips!
Greetings from PEI, new subscriber via Joe Robinet. On a clear night the bottom of a crescent moon will point south. It's not exact but a good indicator
@@ChrisProuse ... so is that back before you two were married? For some reason I thought your intro was the easy route that she did as a kid... and one video you guys made was you two re-doing that route together (which, I think, might be the only route I've done in Algonquin as a kid :D ) I wonder if some day you guys will have one complete list of all your trips? ... maybe I wanna do one of yours... maybe I wanna hit an area before you get there :D
Love your videos should be interesting to see the three of you out and about this year I was in North Bay last fall and on the way in what did I spot . The Algonquin park sign first thing I thought of was all your great videos you have posted thanks for the great adventures
On my trip I forgot to take your advice and get a photo of the weather, I guess I was too excited. My strategy was to get an early start each morning because you're in competition with the others in the back country. I figured you're more likely to find a nice site at 2PM than 5 or 6PM (or in the dark:-). But packing up early means your tent will still be wet from dew and condensation, but you'll have plenty of time to dry it out when you arrive at your next site in the afternoon. Also, I looked for west facing sites so I had more day light when I got there. You can see the east facing sites already in the shade in the afternoon. I brought instant coffee to save weight and less trash. Try the instant before you leave home to make sure you like it. The pre-cooked bacon is a great idea. I thought of you two while I was enjoying my bacon. I had Keen sandals for the portages but mud would get inside and make my feet slide around inside the shoes. I've seen you in videos with hiking boots which might be a better idea. Thank Julia, Chris and Cedar!
Great tip looking for low point for portage. I'll also have to remember about airplane mode. A tip I had you might find useful is this; To get a rough point of direction using the sun, (if it's out), multiply GMT (Greenwich time) X 15, and then subtract Longitude to get sun's True bearing. i.e. at 12 noon, in the summer, GMT is 14:00. 14 X 15 = 210. Longitude at Algonquin is appx 78 deg, 210-78 = 132, therefore facing the sun you should be facing appx 130 deg True, (SE) with 310 deg at your back. (NW). You can also use it to get an idea where the sun might rise or set, if you know times for sunrise and sunset.
Great tips !!! Also for starting a fire I always have some dryer lint in my bag. Depending on where you are birch bark may be hard to find. Dryer lint is extremely light and works just as good as birch bark.
My #1 would have been Avenza Map APP, with the jeff map its amazing! #2 Advil, after a day of 50 km and 10+ portage, it's a life saver #3 keen sandals and blisters tape. #4 powdered eggs for breakfast, cauz oat meal gets boring! #5 the foam pad for the canoe yoke!!!!! #6 never go in June, we used all the bug spray in a day and ran out of the park the next morning #7 instant coffee pouches from Starbuck #8 in case of dangerous paddling conditions, sit at the bottom of the canoe, not on the seats. Flipping will be impossible. We were in the middle of HOGAN'S during the 2018 tornados and that saved us from flipping in the 4 foot waves , reached shore safely #9 watch Chris and Julia series for ideas on where to go in the park! #10 don't go the first day the parks opens, the portages are full of downed trees! # extra, sawyer water filter
Do a video of these with a cute baby, you'll get more likes/views! :) All good tips by the way! #2,#4,#7 are especially good. I'll ignore #6, the camping season is too short.
Fully agree about the Starbucks' instant coffee pouches. I don't even go to Starbucks, but someone brought them on a camping trip two years ago, and none of us who attended have gone back to the French press.
I miss your masterful productions. Some of these great tips, are also very applicable to 2 day or more hikes. 6:21 Taking a little bit off the Birch is okay...but if you Ring peel the tree, you will kill it. I totally agree though..about using a fallen Birch (dead) and its bark for fire starting, as a first choice....Using fat wood shavings or making feather sticks from kindling is another option for fire starting..
I was wondering if Peanut "Better" S'mores was going to be in the list. It's back on the menu for my Appalachian Mountain Club Conneticut River paddle that I'm leading this September.
Little disappointed in this video. You already ready sold me on the aero press. I love it! Thank you. But I'm old school. I used a map and compass. Leave the electronics in the truck. Except for the camera. Love you guys! So when's the little one going camping. Start them young. An if you'd have it stop raining it be nice too. Got to take the grandkids camping. An I'd like it dry. Lol. Keep up the great work!!! An one more thing. Those peanut butter smores are the best. Grandkids got to have them now!!! Guess I should say I'm addicted to y'all!
Haha, thanks Aubrey! Totally agree with you on the electronics - we put the phones into airplane mode when we're setting off and then tuck them away for the trip. Not having service out there is one of my favourite things about camping in Algonquin :)
To go with the airplane mode and taking weather screenshots, download offline maps. Or have a GPS. And an actual map and compass and know how to use them. Longer trips and batteries fails happen for the average camper - probably not with you as you likely charge cameras and laptops with something like a powerfilm solar, but still. Analog maps, especially of Algonquin, could be your friend. Also a robust first aid kit with a tourniquet should be handy given how isolated from emergency help you can get.
Great tips Mike! Thanks for sharing! Totally agree - learned how to do topo navigation at Basic, and the skill has been invaluable out there with a good analog map. Way more fun too! :)
@@ChrisProuse I learned in the Cadets and the Army when I was in the Reserves in Toronto back in the day. It's a skill serious outdoors people should have. Still have my original Silva too. :)
Hi everyone, we hope you enjoy our favourite top 10 camping tips! Also, please let us know what your favourite tips are! For those who are looking for the 4K version of this video, it should be finished encoding on TH-cam’s end in about 30’ish minutes, but the 1080p version’s good to go now if you’d like to enjoy that. As always, thanks so much for watching, as well as all your comments, likes, shares, and if you haven’t already, subscribing to help support our channel - we really appreciate it, and we look forward to seeing you in the next adventure coming up soon! :)
Fab family picture right there..👍 my favourite tip is always wear a nice woolly hat to sleep in. And an odd one that I have used is if you are suffering with cold feet.......wash them! Then dry them and put fresh warm woolly sock on before getting into your sleeping bag. Odd but it works?
Martin Outdoors69 yes it does work I do that
Just something to note : wounds generally shouldn't be closed unless they are incredibly well cleaned. in the backcountry, the risk for infection is greatly, greatly increased when we pull skin together and create a small warm pocket for infection to breed. thus, the tip about steristrips being used as 'backcountry stitches" should be avoided, or approached with extreme care. the best approach is to clean the wound appropriately and meticulously and then let it heal with breathability and also some amount of protection (breathable wound dressings) (yes you might get a bigger scar but it is safer). if a wound is so big that it wouldn't otherwise heal unless the skin is pulled together - that is even more of a concern for deep infection and should truly be stitched in a hospital setting. deep clean it and evacuate to a hospital.
Each of your videos are like a mini vacation for my soul. Thanks SO much for sharing your wonderful content and exceptional videos.
Aww! Thanks so much Michael! Glad to hear you're enjoying them :)
Thnx for the great tips. Some of mine: 1/ You can use a flat-ish PFD, or a folding sit pad, under your sleeping pad for extra insulation on cold nights. 2/ A SOL breathable Escape bivy can add warmth to your sleep system, and keep condensation off your bag. The breathable one is the way to go; milar is not. 3/ Clam shell style folding stadium chairs are comfy seating in camp and in the canoe (on top of the canoe seat) as a backrest. 4/ Using a GPS and Basecamp at home to place waypoints marking portages and campsites makes navigation on the water easier. I like the Garmin GPS Map 64s. Don't forget spare batteries, and keep them in your pocket and sleeping bag if it is cold.
Great tips. I love your videos. Your voices are so calm and mellow. I don't get why the guys think shouting, crazy editing and loud music is appropriate for camping videos. I go out for the peace and quiet. We've gotten too old and creaky (my partner turns 86 on our Algonquin trip this month) for backcountry canoe camping, which we enjoyed for so many years. Now we stick with developed campgrounds.
You're great, I love every video. Great tips. My contributions - 1. Use a gravity filter, and 2. Always always always tie your canoe to a tree when on shore. It's your life line.
Thanks Jake! Great tips! 👍
OMG the canoe rope is Soo important,
ALWAYS tie it hahaha learned that lesson myself.
@@mrsrebeccajoy8381 same here :) a lot of tips come from hard lessons learned.
@@jakel540 definitely. Happy Paddling!
I think I'd already made a mental note while I watched your previous videos of your tips but its great to see you both and little Cedar as always. The one thing that's never predictable is the weather so your suggestion to capture a screen shot before embarking was brilliant one of those "now why didn't I think of that !" One thing I consider to be most admirable about you both is your level of fitness which is why you are so successful in dealing with those adverse moments that everyone encounters. I firmly believe that your are loved and admired by thousands for your example of appreciating what is most precious our beloved wilderness areas. Well done and love to you both.
Aww! Thank you so much Paul! Your kind words mean a lot to us :)
Here are a few extra tips:
1. Always wear your PFD when paddling. Don't overestimate your ability to manage a swamped canoe in deep water.
2. Consider taking an emergency paddle
3. More than one canoe?... stick together and stay within hearing distance
4. Water filter is an absolute must - for my type of tripping, I prefer the gravity over the pump. Bring tablets as a backup.
5. Collapsible camp saw is a must - campsites on islands and close to entry points tend to be picked over.
6. Battery to recharge your camera/phone since camera tends to drain battery pretty quick
7. Matches are fine, but bring a lighter for backup. Waterproof matches are notoriously more difficult to light.
8. Choose a tent or tarp with bright color, and if possible. Protect your canoe, but if possible position it at camp so other campers can see it from the water. This is a courtesy to other campers searching for campsites, especially on larger lakes.
9. Closed-toes waterproof sandals (ex Keens). They are great for getting in/out of canoe, and provide some basic protection stepping onto dams.
10. Butterscotch schnapps & instant apple cider... it tastes like apple pie. No really!
Mmmmmm! Bacon on day seven! Great tips! I’d like to add to Julia’s warmth tips with something I was reminded of by “Step away from the screens” channel: It’s SO much easier to stay warm than it is to get warm. It takes so much more effort and time and resources to warm up someone who got too cold than it is to nip it in the bud early and add a layer, or drink a coffee. I need reminding of that when I’m too focused on enjoying the amazing moments outdoors. Love your work.
Love that sage advice - hadn't thought of it that way, and it's so true! Thanks for sharing Taryn! :)
Came over from Joe's channel, great content! looking forward to checking out more of your videos. Greetings from Niagara region.
Tip 11 is good. From the Army Ranger Handbook "All you need to do is extend your arm fully and count the number of finger widths between the sun and the horizon. Each finger is about 15
minutes, which means each hand width should be about an hour. Remember that this is just an estimate, so if you want to be conservative, make sure to give yourself a bit more time than you measure if you want to get home before dark." Tip 3 can be referred to as Terrain Association.Tip 4 YEA AEROPRESS. Tried a pour over but it sucked so went back to Aerorpress. Tip 6. After exercise, eat a bite of chocolate. Navigation - you can download maps before leaving home. Then when in the woods, switch to Airport Mode. The GPS function still works regardless, so you have a great second GPS. Really enjoying your videos. New subscriber.
I am going to have to give that hot rock tip a try. I am curious if that would keep the condensation down under the fly. If it is just to keep a little warmer while sleeping then a Nalgene filled with hot water accompanying you in the sleeping bag works wonders.
I always carried a small AM radio with a NOAH band. It also helps just to listen to a live voice when you are alone in an isolated area. I was also very mindful of hypothermia after capsizing a canoe as a scout and getting all of my gear and clothing soaked. As luck would have it the July temperature dropped into the 50s that night and it rained all night. A space blanket saved my you know what! The life jacked was a great idea BTW.
Thanks, Asher! The AM radio's a great tip! :)
Great tips. My added tip would be to take some robust gardening gloves to use when chopping wood and handling the fire. On a long trip with minimal facilities, a small cut or burn can get infected quickly, but wearing leather gloves stops the injury in the first place.
I quite enjoy your videos. A variation on your ‘hot rock in a pot’ that I use is this: I put boiled water into a metal water bottle that is then placed into a sock. This can be safely placed in a sleeping bag, or inside your sweater or coat. Of note, the air in the bottle expands and pressurizes the contents of the bottle. So it’s best to shake the bottle to assure that the air is as hot as possible, then loosen the cap to allow some air out, then tighten it to reseal the bottle. (One litre of water, cooling about 50 degrees C, represents approximately 50 watt-hours of heat. A person at rest generates about 50 watts of heat. So a three hour use of a 1 litre hot water bottle averages about 17 watts of heat, a considerable heating boost to a person in a sleeping bag.)
I like to prep my breakfast skillet by Pre-cooking my Potatoes, doing all my knife work dicing onions, herbs, garlic and such in a Vacuum bag or Ziplock, so in the first morn it's just grill sausage sautee and done. Love the great Idea of the quick Bacon! + Tortillas are a must!
Ive heard the hot rock in the tent idea before but have never tried it because it didn't seem safe. But putting it in a pot seems to fix that! Thanks for the idea. When it gets chilly here again I will have to give it a try.
Hi i just bought an old canoe and i loved your tips. Thanks for this vidéo. Have fun too this summer. Can wait personnaly to try canoe camping 🏕
I've had a few surprise cold desert nights by a river when I hadn't packed a heavy layer and ended up in my PFD until bedtime. Great list!
I'm here by way of Joe. Your production quality is amazing. Looking forward to seeing more of your content. Thanks.
Yay! Thanks Chris and Julia. I am stoked. Great tips. Esp. the Steri strips.
Haha, thanks for watching Gordon! :)
I knew you ladies had skills, but those roasted marshmallows look next-level perfect.
Want to say that Peanut better smores are amazing. Took the fixings out on a recent Hiking trip with my nephew thinking he might enjoy them. ( I am not a smores fan) Tried one and WOW!! loved them.
I like that hot rock tip (4:23). I think you can make it a bit safer to use inside a tent, by putting the cooking vessel with the hot rock inside, on the trivet of the camp stove. Trangia's are very stable and with other makes you should be able to use an extra inverted lid or wind screen to insulate the bottom of the hot pot. Excellent illustration of a camping accident by Julia at 9:12!
7:27 made my day! Thankyou beautiful ladies! I enjoy watching your adventures and updates! Much love & blessing to you all ❤️
Helpful tips! Am going to try hammock camping in Algonquin this summer and will definitely pack PB, brownies and marshmallows.
Thanks Laura and glad to hear! So delicious ☺️
Thanks for the tips! I’m hoping to go for my first backpacking trip this fall.
Thank you for the great videos. I always bring a clip with rubber bands attached to my pack. I use them for all kinds of things, folding clothes, space blanket and rap with a rubber band to keep them folded. Easy to keep small items together. Just add the rubber band back on the clip when not needed
Loved this! Great tips and perfect B roll to go with em :P
Thanks Alexis! Btw, congrats on the success of your recent vid - that's awesome! If you're interested in trading featured channel spots on our channels, let me know :)
Tips from the pros! Definitely stealing the s’more dessert! Brittany is in love! Cheers guys!
love the smores. copied that a few years ago and now they go on every trip. great video. i never would have thought of the PFD to keep you warm
So enjoyed the scenery in the videos. The tips are fabulous. Thank you for sharing! Nice to see the wee guy in the video, future advenurer! Xo
Thanks so much Janelle! Hope all's well with you and the family! :)
Great videos! My tip for those who are like me and not a coffee drinker but still love caffeine. I drink far too much cokes so i take those 5 hour energy bottles you can find at most gas stations and drink half of one a day. So you never run into the evil post caffeine headaches. Also if you keep the bottle I'm told they can hold oil safely without leaking (haven't tried that yet but its what I've been told)
Amazing tips! But the peanut butter snore was definitely the best !
I collect birch bark while I'm at shore when i see a dead tree. No guilt collecting.. I'm in Saskatchewan and do 4-7 day trips in lac la ronge provincial park.. look up twin falls and Roberson falls.. just there last week..solo
Can't wait to see you guys on the trail this summer with the baby! I'm always in Algonquin Park 😁 hope we cross paths soon
Watching makes us feel like being in Algonquin Park and we will be soon again.
Great videos and tips! PK&VK
OMG THANK YOU LADIES! I an old soldier and tips 1 and 10 I never thought of! Thank you! Cheers!
You two are wonderful. Amazing contributors to the camping community.
Aww! Thanks so much Cameron! :)
You guys are amazing! I’ve been camping for decades in Algonquin and your peanut butter shmores was insanely incredible.
Excellent suggestions. Especially liked airplane mode on your phone and the steristrip suggestion.
Our campfire treat is a mini wrap, sliced banana, chocolate chips, PB (for me), maybe a sliced marshmellow. Wrap in foil and toast slowly at edge of coals or on grill. To kick it up a notch, I've added a slice of that Ready Crisp. Mmmm good. Thanks for sharing your tips. Will try the 2b-brownie combo this summer. 😋
Great tips for sure. Love seeing all three of you. Your love as a family gives me hope for humanity. Keep making those memories, for life moves quickly. Cherish those memories, many blessings to you all. Thank you!
Not sure if it is a tip but my preference is to pitch the tent with the door facing the sunrise. Nothing quite like throwing open the door and being bathed in the warm light as the sun peeks over the horizon. Best start to the day possible.
Love the videos. You guys helped me learn how to back country and I'm about to do my first solo trip in Algonquin. My tip would be to cook some bacon yourself and take it with you. I'm thinking it should last much longer than uncooked.
Hi..as for coffee I just throw the coarse ground beans in the water to heat up and "stew" then let them rest a bit till they sink to the bottom and pour gently. I love this video though and I never knew about the "four fingers". Great tip....Also that baby is perfectly adorable and seems happy.....
Great tips! We love you guys; you’re awesome!
very good tips, I would add (aside from all the common basics) 1) cheap, light, monocular (half of a binocular) 8x20 or 10x25 or similar. This helps u find portages. 2) plastic cutting board (double duty as blade if paddle lost/broken) . I eat out of pot so I don't carry plates/bowls. 3) strong thread and needle for repair 4) compass in boat (get a good map bearing on land then find the RIGHT portage) 5) very bright shirt or clothing to wave down water taxi/help 6) bring a book to read
Good camping tips! I’ll add a few:
1. Use Avenza maps
2. Pack a pulley (or better yet 2 pulleys) for hanging your food barrel/bag. Each pulley doubles your strength, which makes it much easier to get your food at least 12 feet off the ground and at least 5 feet from any tree. We have seen even experienced campers hanging ineffective bear piñatas.
3. Bring gorilla tape. We had to rescue a group of campers who set their canoe down less than gently on the long portage between Tom Thomson Lake and Ink Lake and punctured it. Gorilla tape will repair most punctures well enough to get you back safe.
4. Silky saws are the absolute best saws for interior camping (no affiliation, I just really love their saws).
The best camping tip that we learned from you ladies was to use a yoke pad. We had no idea that these things existed until we saw you using one in your videos. Best $20s we’ve ever spent.
When you start camping with Cedar we would be interested in a similar video with your top camping tips for camping with infants/children. We have a little one on the way and we’re looking forward to bringing him on our camping adventures.
"bear piñatas"... that's funny!
We’ve been tripping with my daughter since she was about 4, some things I’ll suggest
- I’d make her a “throne” in the canoe for every trip. I’d use two foam sleeping pads, one folded to make the base, one folded’wrapped around a thwart or the yoke for her back. She was super comfy and thought it was great
- just like in a car, we’d pack her activity bags for in the canoe. They would have books and such that she could read while we were paddling - if you get them to read the books out loud to you it’s a great way to pass the time
- we never got too ambitious with our trips and would make sure that we got out to stretch our legs, have a swim break etc every couple hours at most, and most times we’d try to keep that 2-3 hours between campsites if we could.
- make sure to pack light minnow nets. Our daughters loved looking for minnows, tadpoles, frogs etc at the water’s edge. Super fun for them to explore.
- develop a framework for a simple story, then just change the details - instant new story. My daughter would beg for an “Old Pete” story every time we’d be underway, and they were super easy to make up on the spot. The format was always exactly the same, “Old (insert name)” was the protagonist of the story. They’d go to do some activity, be it fishing on a lake, walking a trail, hiking a portage...doesn’t matter what, and I’d usually try to theme it around something that happened to us, where we were, you name it. “Old Whomever’s” friend’s would always tell them not to go/do the activity, that it wasn’t safe, there was a shark, monsters, whatever I chose, but Old Whatever the name would always say, “I knoooooww what I’m doing, and I looooove to (insert activity)”. I’d always ham up that line, the kids would ge at laugh and I’d sometimes throw it to them to add the line. Go through 2-3 rounds of them going to go out to do the activity while being warned, and of course they’d be gone longer and longer each time, until eventually they didn’t come back, but a boot would be found, or a PFD, or their canoe...and they were never. Seen. Again. Kids love them, and 10+ years later as teens will STILL ask for a story every now and then
- we’d make sure to have a camp towel that could be used as either a makeshift blanket or sun shade depending on weather. In extreme heat we could wet the towel and would be a nice cool blanket to keep their temps down.
- we’d have them carry their own gear - they’d get a small pack that their clothes etc would go in so they could “help” during the portages, and they would get a kick out of being helpers - my older daughter, even at 7 would look like a Sherpa with a pack on her back, one on her front and arms full of paddles etc...it was hilarious
- another word about portages, try to do them in one carry if you can...or if you can’t, then think about using the leapfrog method of carrying so you don’t have to walk back and forth repeatedly with little legs.
- if you are tripping with two canoes, and you do have to do multiple trips try to get the canoe with the kids and all the stuff that has to go into it over first and at least shoved off - no one wants to have to sit at a bug-infested portage waiting for people to come back from a second trip. If they can get underway...even to slowly paddle by the portage, that can keep little spirits high.
A little long, I apologize, but that’s some of the common sense basics that we always kept in mind.
Tip: add keyring loops or string toggles to the zipper tabs for your tent. Makes it much easier to find and open the fly and doorway at night or when fingers are cold. Also, if you're packing a pot or gas stove inside another pot, separate them with a piece of kitchen paper towel. Stops the rattling, and can be useful tinder or wipe.
Here's a variation on your Tip 3, which saved my life once in Algonquin Park. I'd lost my map in a canoe spill 5 days in, and retraced my steps as well as I could remember from one lake to the next, but on one (small) lake couldn't find the darn portage! After paddling around it twice, and panicking-I quieted down and thought, portages are meant to get you from one lake to another, but when it rains one lake often spills into another, and the stream is often the shortest connecting point and the lowest-- so that's where a portage is likely be. SO: I paddled around that lake once more and this time LISTENED for the sound of running water, and when I heard it-got out on land and poked around, and there in a culvert, hidden from view from the lake, was the portage sign! Hooray! By the way I used a variation of your Tip 5 (heated rock in pot-actually the hot flattish rock itself) to iron out all the wet gear from that spill--hanging things “near the fire” just either burns them or gets smoke into them often enough. Keep up with these terrific videos, which are just memories of my youth. --A fan
That. Is. Brilliant!
Something tells me that I'll be "hot rock ironing" for many years to come; thank you!
You two are, simply, the best!! Hope to see you both (plus one!) soon!
Love you guys. Learning a bunch from you both. I love the park so much. Can't wait to start paddling in and forget the car!
Great tips! And sleek looking boat! I have the swift keewaydin single canoe! I like the warm water bottle idea. Not sure why I've suffered so many cold nights 🤣
I would lightly roast that little brownie at the bottom so it warms up and if timing is right, it could create a thin crisp outside layer! *droooling*
yes! yes! I love your movies, please publish them more often. You are amazing girls.You make great and atmospheric films.Greetings from Poland !
Joe Robinet told me about this channel. Lovin it.
Cut an 8x8" square of one inch thick high density foam. It makes any seat in the back country feel like a cloud!
Bought an Aeropress coffee maker. Simple and efficient piece of equipment. Enjoy your videos and appreciate the efforts you put into them. From Lismore NSW Australia
Came over from Joe Robinet! Great tips and your cinematography skills are on point! Can't wait for more!
Great tips! I have been camping for years and never knew most of these!! Always love your video. As for my hacks, I am a huge fan of pizza buns for canoe trips as they pack well. And a cotton liner in my sleeping bag helps keep my bag cleaner and on hot nights it is nice to not stick to your sleeping bag, and on cold nights it helps insulate even more! Also, I always bring 2 pairs of shoes, one pair that can get wet ( sandals) and another for keeping my feet dry ( blundstones). There is nothing worse then wet feet all the time!
Those are great tips! Thanks for sharing! Btw, if you're interested in trading featured channel spots on our channels, let me know :)
@@ChrisProuse Thank you Chris! Yes, I would appreciate that so much! I just added you. Thank you for the offer! :)
Cool! Just added you! :)
@@ChrisProuse Thank you!
@@mrsrebeccajoy8381 Thank you! :)
Thank you so much this informative film. Fortunately there are many more people discovering the great outdoors. Unfortunately many are true beginners. Any tips you provide can save a life. My tips, take some classes before venturing out. There are so many of the outfitters who provide really great info for little money and a few Saturdays of your time. The one other is buy the best equipment you can afford and think about renting from the outfitters 1st. You will save money in the end. Both will get you home with smiles. Speaking of little cuties.........: )
Thanks, great stuff! But now you’ve made me hungry. Gonna have to try one of those s’mores. :)
Haha, thanks for watching Don! :)
I seriously adore you two 😇 . Fire Paste (Coghlan) is almost too easy, and Super glue as well as steri strips .... just don't glue parts not wanted stuck together .... fixes stuff too. Definitely deploying the smores variation.
Be well .... take care
The food tips were great...especially peanut better s’mores! We loved them🤤
Great Tips! Really enjoyed this video. I adore your channel. I’ve been out tripping in Algonquin Park for years and you give people such a great view into the experience! Were heading out for the first trip of the season Friday morning. Nearly froze last May, so I’m for sure going to do the Hot Rock Pot hack. Brilliant idea! Also the brownie s’mores. Thanks for the tips!
Greetings from PEI, new subscriber via Joe Robinet. On a clear night the bottom of a crescent moon will point south. It's not exact but a good indicator
Thanks for the tips. In exactly a week I'll be pulling into Algonquin for 10 days. I expect I'll be using your 'keep warm' tips on this trip.
I don't get to Algonquin often so your videos make up for my absence. Great topics and please keep them coming often! I'm in withdrawl between posts!
Established 2013 Lake Louisa... is this going back into your early days? And when will there be videos from that part of the park?!?!
Yep! Julia invented it before we were on TH-cam :) Working on the next park videos now!
@@ChrisProuse ... so is that back before you two were married?
For some reason I thought your intro was the easy route that she did as a kid... and one video you guys made was you two re-doing that route together (which, I think, might be the only route I've done in Algonquin as a kid :D )
I wonder if some day you guys will have one complete list of all your trips?
... maybe I wanna do one of yours... maybe I wanna hit an area before you get there :D
The wizards of Algonquin park.
Great tips! So glad you included the bonus tips - Peanut better smores sound amazing :) Will be using more than a few this season, thank you!
Hey Chris , Julia great tips 🤗. Hope all is going well. Take care, Tom.
Thanks Tom! Hope all's well with you too! :)
Love your videos should be interesting to see the three of you out and about this year I was in North Bay last fall and on the way in what did I spot . The Algonquin park sign first thing I thought of was all your great videos you have posted thanks for the great adventures
Another awesome video! Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks Matt! :)
TP in ziplock bag with Purell (or other hand sanitizer) under lid of thunderbox. This prevents washing your hands in cold water.
Awesome! Burning sage helps keep mosquitoes away. It works. I saw it on Pinterest.
On my trip I forgot to take your advice and get a photo of the weather, I guess I was too excited.
My strategy was to get an early start each morning because you're in competition with the others in the back country. I figured you're more likely to find a nice site at 2PM than 5 or 6PM (or in the dark:-). But packing up early means your tent will still be wet from dew and condensation, but you'll have plenty of time to dry it out when you arrive at your next site in the afternoon. Also, I looked for west facing sites so I had more day light when I got there. You can see the east facing sites already in the shade in the afternoon.
I brought instant coffee to save weight and less trash. Try the instant before you leave home to make sure you like it.
The pre-cooked bacon is a great idea. I thought of you two while I was enjoying my bacon.
I had Keen sandals for the portages but mud would get inside and make my feet slide around inside the shoes. I've seen you in videos with hiking boots which might be a better idea.
Thank Julia, Chris and Cedar!
Thanks ladies: A great list of helpful tips. That hot rock really got my attention. Thanks again Brian 78
Great tip looking for low point for portage. I'll also have to remember about airplane mode. A tip I had you might find useful is this; To get a rough point of direction using the sun, (if it's out), multiply GMT (Greenwich time) X 15, and then subtract Longitude to get sun's True bearing. i.e. at 12 noon, in the summer, GMT is 14:00. 14 X 15 = 210. Longitude at Algonquin is appx 78 deg, 210-78 = 132, therefore facing the sun you should be facing appx 130 deg True, (SE) with 310 deg at your back. (NW). You can also use it to get an idea where the sun might rise or set, if you know times for sunrise and sunset.
Sorry. 12 noon in the summer is 1600 GMT, not 1400. 16X15 -78 = 162 degrees T. No wonder I'm always getting lost.
"I'm sure there is some B roll going on in the background..." You two are so funny! Love it!
Good well structure tip video
Thanks Kevin! :)
Peanut butter s'mores ... genius!
Great information and Cedar is darling.
Great tips !!! Also for starting a fire I always have some dryer lint in my bag. Depending on where you are birch bark may be hard to find. Dryer lint is extremely light and works just as good as birch bark.
My #1 would have been Avenza Map APP, with the jeff map its amazing!
#2 Advil, after a day of 50 km and 10+ portage, it's a life saver
#3 keen sandals and blisters tape.
#4 powdered eggs for breakfast, cauz oat meal gets boring!
#5 the foam pad for the canoe yoke!!!!!
#6 never go in June, we used all the bug spray in a day and ran out of the park the next morning
#7 instant coffee pouches from Starbuck
#8 in case of dangerous paddling conditions, sit at the bottom of the canoe, not on the seats. Flipping will be impossible. We were in the middle of HOGAN'S during the 2018 tornados and that saved us from flipping in the 4 foot waves , reached shore safely
#9 watch Chris and Julia series for ideas on where to go in the park!
#10 don't go the first day the parks opens, the portages are full of downed trees!
# extra, sawyer water filter
Do a video of these with a cute baby, you'll get more likes/views! :) All good tips by the way! #2,#4,#7 are especially good. I'll ignore #6, the camping season is too short.
Fully agree about the Starbucks' instant coffee pouches. I don't even go to Starbucks, but someone brought them on a camping trip two years ago, and none of us who attended have gone back to the French press.
Well done! Love your posts. Algonquin is my second home!
You were doing So well before the hot rock plan. Lol.
Love the videos, great work. Sending love and support from New Zealand :)
cowboy coffee! try it. you'll like it.
Great video ladies
I miss your masterful productions.
Some of these great tips, are also very applicable to 2 day or more hikes.
6:21 Taking a little bit off the Birch is okay...but if you Ring peel the tree, you will kill it. I totally agree though..about using a fallen Birch (dead) and its bark for fire starting, as a first choice....Using fat wood shavings or making feather sticks from kindling is another option for fire starting..
I was wondering if Peanut "Better" S'mores was going to be in the list. It's back on the menu for my Appalachian Mountain Club Conneticut River paddle that I'm leading this September.
Love all the tips....Can’t wait for the videos.....
I like the bacon idea!!
Good tips. I like your videos.
Great tips what kind of coffee do you normally buy for the aeropress?
Thanks Tanya! We usually have Timmie's, McDonalds or Van Houtte :)
Thks guys..excellent!!!
Love these videos! Thanks so much!
Always good to me!
Little disappointed in this video. You already ready sold me on the aero press. I love it! Thank you. But I'm old school. I used a map and compass. Leave the electronics in the truck. Except for the camera. Love you guys! So when's the little one going camping. Start them young. An if you'd have it stop raining it be nice too. Got to take the grandkids camping. An I'd like it dry. Lol. Keep up the great work!!! An one more thing. Those peanut butter smores are the best. Grandkids got to have them now!!! Guess I should say I'm addicted to y'all!
Haha, thanks Aubrey! Totally agree with you on the electronics - we put the phones into airplane mode when we're setting off and then tuck them away for the trip. Not having service out there is one of my favourite things about camping in Algonquin :)
To go with the airplane mode and taking weather screenshots, download offline maps. Or have a GPS. And an actual map and compass and know how to use them. Longer trips and batteries fails happen for the average camper - probably not with you as you likely charge cameras and laptops with something like a powerfilm solar, but still. Analog maps, especially of Algonquin, could be your friend. Also a robust first aid kit with a tourniquet should be handy given how isolated from emergency help you can get.
Great tips Mike! Thanks for sharing! Totally agree - learned how to do topo navigation at Basic, and the skill has been invaluable out there with a good analog map. Way more fun too! :)
@@ChrisProuse I learned in the Cadets and the Army when I was in the Reserves in Toronto back in the day. It's a skill serious outdoors people should have. Still have my original Silva too. :)
That's awesome! :)