Category Archives: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Paddling Guidebooks

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If you watched our Amateur Hour you’ll learn about where our love for nature came from. It’s only natural to share my thoughts on the best paddling guidebooks! Simply, stemming from the connection through camping, portaging and paddling. It is one of the most tranquil, sometimes rough, ways to ground yourself and just busy yourself with your day to day living. No phones (ok, admittedly I do bring the phone and use it for our Explorations photos, video and blog), no wifi, no constant bombardment of social media. It’s a time to disconnected and just… be. Just. Pure. Bliss.

The guides are to the very best canoeing regions for specifically Central and South Eastern Ontario, Canada. Frankly speaking, it’s just really one author I trust the most when it comes to the most detailed hand-drawn map guidebook, with historical explanation to the region. Light is shed to the First Nations in the regions, before the settlers came, punctuated by little pro tips and gems in the area where you’re looking to paddle.

But more importantly, the information details exactly what you need to know, what to expect and straight to the point with no over the top superfluous writing that is irrelevant.

The author is Hap Wilson and his several paddling guide books, with regions including Temagami, Upper Ottawa River, Muskoka and several more regions. He sells it through his website, link below, along with his art and literary books!

The first book I bought from Hap Wilson was over 20 years ago for the Muskoka region in Ontario. It immediately became my best paddling guidebooks that I kept on hand. It included regions like Moon River, where Rob had gone to explore. I discovered some of the best back country camping and paddling decades before the Toronto crowds descended upon my once favourite camping spot. As trails and best-kept secret places become increasingly exposed by newer technology such as Alltrails and the likes, time honoured writing, illustration and the spirit of solace in the woods become loss to quick searches and instant gratification.

However, technology like this has it’s pros and cons. It provides accessibility for many who are otherwise unable to acquire these types of guide books. But with accessibility also brings people who have no respect for the space, portage in outboard engines into non-motorized lakes, and partying all night long. Com’on folks – it’s no wonder spaces are becoming more pressured and less people are even willing to talk about where they go to their secret spot to go camp!

On a 2 week trip through Temagami and down the Ottawa river, dodging in between Ontario and Quebec

During the pandemic, my favourite camping spot just 1.5 hours away from Toronto exploded with Torontonians and the small parking lot became over flowing through onto the cottage country roads. New “No Parking” signs are put up and the police now more frequently patrol. Just the nature of everything happening, the pandemic, lock-down and the need for outdoor spaces; and not blaming anyone. As a consequence, I don’t plan on going back to that spot and on the hunt for new, quieter, less accessible areas, pushing me deeper into the woods, which is not a bad thing, but difficult time-investment wise for a weekend trip.

The hand drawn maps of Hap Wilson’s guide books

But I digress and back to the best paddling guidebooks! In the hunt for more areas, I had previously gone on a 2 week trip, over 10 years ago now, through Temagami and down the Ottawa river, dodging in and out of Quebec province. One of the biggest trips I ever did, and one of the best and most beautiful places too. Remembering this, and also remembering Hap Wilson’s books to the region, I ordered, the guidebook for those regions. Hap Wilson, with his personal and traditional touch, signed the books.

Check out his store, with several more books! https://hapwilson.com/shop/ What’s more, he has a cabin, Cabin Falls Ecolodge in Temagami, in a remote area far from civilization that you may visit! I should mention, I’m not in anyway associated with the lodge or Hap Wilson’s shop, just merely a fan of his and his wife’s work.

If you want to learn more about canoe tripping and canoe camping gear list, check out Explorations the blog post and video here!

Winter Camping: Amateur Hour Episode 3

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Our third episode of Amateur Hour, where we’re not experts, but we have a little more experience than the lay person on various topics. This episode, we’re talking about winter camping! Check out our first episode here where we introduced ourselves and various topics on back country camping.

Being in two different provinces with wildly different terrains, we touched upon differences in BC (British Colombia) and in Ontario, they type of gear to bring and why.

Drawing from that, we dive a little deeper into camping trips and tricks for winter season. We spoke to topics, such as:

Much younger us, haul in sleds for a few nights in the back country
  • Why winter camping?
  • Layering system
  • Sleep system
  • Staying warm
  • Winter gear
  • Tents
  • etc…
  • and a fire round of tips and tricks

While there was limited time to discuss everything in detail, some of the key points that are different than camping in summer were staying warm. It’s just as easy to get hypothermia as it is to get heat exhaustion. We just don’t recognize it. There is a bit more gear to bring, no doubt, but that will also help keep you warmer and enjoy your time outdoors in the negatives.

Of course the barrier to entry is slightly higher for winter camping, as equipment is more specialized. If there was one piece of equipment to invest in, is the sleeping bag. You could get away with a 3 season tent, but ideally you’ll want to focus on the bag. This will need to be kept in consideration with your entire sleep system, from your sleeping pad (thicker and keeping yourself off the ground), to your layering system of what you’re wearing in the sleeping bag.

In time, we’ll provide more tips and tricks through more articles or videos, but for now, enjoy the video, below!

Your guide to 5 Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Beginners

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Welcome, fellow climbers, to your ultimate guide on the best rock climbing shoes for beginners. Whether you’re just starting your climbing journey or looking to upgrade your gear, choosing the right pair of shoes is crucial for your comfort and performance on the wall. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top five rock climbing shoes that are perfect for beginner climbers, while also discussing what to look for when selecting the ideal pair. Let’s get started!

What to Look for in a Rock Climbing Shoes

Before we dive into the specifics of each shoe, it’s essential to understand what features to consider when selecting the best rock climbing shoes for you. In our second episode of Amateur Hour we explained more about talking about rock climbing shoes! The market can be over whelming with the amount of products out there. Some, what I call “myths” are “beginner” vs. “advanced” shoes. I characterize it as purpose function shoes. If you’re predominantly bouldering and doing steep sport routes, you’ll want more aggressive shoes. If you’re doing crack and slab climbing, much less aggressive. But also depends where it is you’re climbing. There is no “real” best rock climbing shoes!

If you’re in Southern Ontario on limestone the best rock climbing shoes for beginners may look a lot like crack climbing shoes, easy soft and pliable leather that allows the foot to move. This is where I would start. Leave the more aggressive “shark fin” types of shoes later, as they do require a bit of getting used to in climbing shoes.

For a new climber, I would suggest prioritizing comfort and fit, looking at toes, width and then heel cup. Everything will come later, ie knowledge of the rubber, shape and shoes used for what climbing. The below are a few suggestions that should cover most feet shapes and size.

However, in short, choosing the best rock climbing shoes in around your street shoe size; don’t worry too much about how tight they should be as you’re learning, or much your toes are curled; if they hurt too much, you won’t have fun climbing! And this defeats the purpose of enjoying the sport!

Best Rock Climbing Shoes for You

Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:

The best rock climbing shoes for you will last for several adventures!

1. Fit and Comfort: When it comes to climbing shoes, fit is paramount. Some argue either you should go super tight where your toes curl under your feet and others argue to keep it loose and flat. As a beginner, the best rock climbing shoes for you is to look for a shoe that snugly wraps around your foot without causing discomfort or pain, otherwise you won’t enjoy climbing at all! Women may prefer shoes designed with a narrower heel and lower volume to accommodate their foot shape.

2. Type of Climbing: Consider the type of climbing you’ll be doing most often. Are you primarily indoor bouldering, or do you plan to tackle multi-pitch routes outdoors? Different types of climbing require different shoe designs, so choose accordingly. Most who start climbing tend to start bouldering or begin with indoor routes. If this is you, the suggestions below are targeted for indoor routes.

3. Closure System: Climbing shoes come with various closure systems, including lace-up, Velcro, and slip-on. Each has its advantages, with lace-up offering a more customizable fit and Velcro providing quick adjustments. Choose the closure system that best suits your preferences and needs. My preference is lace up system.

4. Rubber and Sole: The rubber and sole of a climbing shoe determine its grip and durability. Look for shoes with high-quality rubber compounds that offer excellent friction on the wall. Thicker soles provide more support for long climbs, while thinner soles offer increased sensitivity and precision. But as a beginner, don’t worry about this too much for now. Understanding that the rubber is a key part of the climbing performance will come as your grow as a climber.

5. Budget: As with any gear purchase, consider your budget when selecting climbing shoes. While higher-priced shoes may offer advanced features, there are plenty of affordable options available for beginner climbers.

As an Amazon Associate Explorationsevo earn from qualifying purchases.

La Sportiva Tarantula: Explorations choice! This is the best rock climbing shoes in this context. Laces generally fit better as they have more points of contact over your feet to ensure better a closer fit. Available in both men’s and women’s versions, these shoes offer the same great features as the original Tarantula with the added benefit of a customizable fit.

Check the price!

Key Features:

  • Lace-up closure for a precise fit
  • FriXion rubber for superior grip
  • Asymmetrical shape for enhanced performance

Why We Love It: The La Sportiva Tarantula Laced provides unbeatable comfort and performance for climbers, with the added customizable fit of a lace-up closure system.

La Sportiva Tarantula Original: They are your go to for introduction to climbing and are not yet ready to drop some coin into your shoes! These will probably be the most comfortable shoes and as they break in, it will fit even better!

Check the price now!

Available in both men’s and women’s versions, these shoes feature an asymmetrical shape and sticky FriXion rubber for excellent grip on a variety of surfaces.

Key Features:

  • FriXion rubber for superior grip
  • Asymmetrical shape for enhanced performance
  • Velcro closure for quick and easy adjustments

Why We Love It: The La Sportiva Tarantula strikes a perfect balance between comfort and performance, catering to the needs of climbers.

La Sportiva Finales are considered “better” in some circles and have been known to be a little bit more “aggressive”. Without getting into too much technical detail, the Finale’s will have better edging performance and will fit tighter.

available in both men’s and women’s models. These shoes feature an unlined leather upper that molds to the foot over time, providing a customized fit and enhanced performance on the wall. The downside is that if you have wide feet, these may feel tight and take a while to get used to the tightness.

Key Features:

  • Unlined leather upper for a customized fit
  • Vibram XS Edge rubber for superior grip
  • Lace-up closure for a precise fit

Why We Love It: The La Sportiva Finale offers exceptional performance and versatility, making it an excellent choice for climbers who are looking to improve their skills.

The Black Diamond Momentums came a little later to the rock climbing shoe game, but they did come out with a decent quality entry-level shoe. Major difference is that this is synthetic and does not stretch as much as the leather shoes and the rubber is known to not be as sticky with their brand of rubber compound.

Check the price now!

These shoes are designed with both men’s and women’s versions, ensuring a comfortable and precise fit. The neutral shape and flat last provide ample support for long sessions at the gym or out on the crag.

Key Features:

  • Neutral shape for all-day comfort
  • Engineered knit technology for breathability
  • Velcro closure for easy on and off

Why We Love It: The Black Diamond Momentum combines comfort and performance, making it an ideal choice for beginner climbers

Scarpa Helix are probably my favourite shoes, and arguably the best rock climbing shoes I’ve ever bought. They are super comfortable, sticky and great for crack climbing as well, available in both men’s and women’s models.

These shoes prioritize comfort with a flat last and padded tongue, making them ideal for long days at the crag. The suede leather upper molds to the foot over time, providing a customized fit.

Key Features:

  • Suede leather upper for a customized fit
  • Flat last for all-day comfort
  • Velcro closure for easy on and off

Why We Love It: The Scarpa Helix offers unbeatable comfort and performance in a stylish package, catering to the needs of climbers looking to climb in sport multi-pitch and cracks

In conclusion, selecting the best rock climbing is very subjective, but is essential for a successful climbing experience. Whether you’re a beginner climber or a seasoned veteran, choosing a shoe that fits well and meets your needs is key to enjoying your time on the wall. With the options outlined in this guide, you’re sure to find the perfect pair to take your climbing to new heights. Happy climbing, everyone!

Ian is the Subject Matter Expert in this case, having started climbing in high school. Launching outdoor climbing for over 10 years of climbing, getting into trad and vertical ice, then having gone to the Himalayas, climbed in Southern Africa, United States, Canada and Korea. Read up on Ian’s post on Rock Climbing in Korea, here! Damian with a close second on climbing experience with getting out in Southern Ontario and British Colombia. Rob… well, he’s the one who needs climbing shoes!

Paddling Gear Run Down

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If you’re looking for an idea of paddling trip gear required, in this video below I give a paddling gear run down. Everyone will have different needs and preferences for gear, but when it comes down to it, you will need some gear that is cross cutting for paddling.

Over the years, I’ve gone from really roughing it in the back country with no camp chairs, heavy front country tents, sleeping on the ground, to saying, “screw it, I like some luxury” and portaging in solar radios, fancier sleeping pads, lighter weight tents, gravity filters and other “glamping” items.

However, your base gear essentially will consist of:

  • Canoe or kayak (and associated items to be legal, ie life jackets, bail bucket, signaling device, whistle, tow line, etc…)
  • Map and compass (or some sort of navigational device)
  • Packs (hiking packs, food barrels, dry sacks, etc)
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Tent
  • Cook set (stove, pots and pans, gas… etc)
  • Water filtration device (mechanical filter, tablets, etc)
  • First aid kit

Anything on top of this is going to be, in a way, luxury. Could you cut out anything from this list? Sure, but I wouldn’t recommend it! There are a few items I would add to the list for additional comfort:

  • Sleeping mat (some would even argue this should be in the first list)
  • Chairs (doesn’t have to be those big clunky camp chairs. There are a lot of stuff out there now!)
  • Cards or some sort of game
  • Tarp (you’ll thank me when it rains and there’s no communal sitting area)
  • Mosquito repellent and/or net

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and again, everyone will have different wants and needs depending also on their comfort level.

In the video, I go through a few pieces that I believe are essentials that I think can be really helpful for your knowledge of getting ready for your adventure! Take a gander below for a paddling gear run down!

If you enjoyed this video, you may also like:

GSI Bugaboo Camper Cook Set

Unleash Your Outdoor Chef: A Comprehensive GSI Bugaboo Camper Cook Set Review!

The North Face Storm Break 2 Review

https://explorationsevo.com/2022/07/storm-break-2-review/

Explorations YouTube Channel!

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Hey Everybody!

Wanted to share the hard launch of Explorations YouTube Channel! Instead of reading our shenanigans, you can watch it here! If you’re new here, check out who we are and what we do!

YouTube Channel

Here, we will be posting videos of our short videos, trips, gear discussion and our fire side chats! We’ve got content like this:

Downhill biking in BC

And this:

Overlanding in BC

And this:

Portaging in Ontario

We also want to introduce a forthcoming segment of “Amateur Hour” where we discuss things not as pros, but having gained experienced in the activity for a number of years. There will be more stuff for your viewing pleasure all coming shortly as part of the new revamping of Explorations!

Don’t miss out, subscribe to our Explorations YouTube Channel now! More announcements of videos to come!

YouTube Channel

Here’s a short teaser of other videos to come. Damian at Half Nelson, British Colombia:

Bike Touring Packing Setup

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This article talks about my motorcycle bike touring packing setup and I packed during my cross-Canada tour with a sport touring motorcycle, Suzuki Bandit 600.

As a quick background, this is my longest and biggest trip I’ve done on my motorcycle. I’ve done several long-weekend tours and other adventures. This worked for me with my style of touring, camping background and experience. This may not work for everyone due to style preference or motorcycle.

The bike, fully loaded with rain cover on the packs, cutting across the prairie grasslands

If you have a basic understanding of, and practice some ultra-light camping, then this style of motorcycle touring set up may be for you. Prior to this trip, I had done zero research on how to pack. I took my previous experience from bicycle touring the Atlantic maritime and back country camping experience to piece it together. I wanted to carry my kitchen, sleeping arrangements, food, clothes, water, and repair kit on the trip with me. Additionally, I had planned to go rock climbing and brought some basic gear. So, admittedly, I wasn’t going ultra-light, but there were a few more things I wanted to do along the way.

Essentially, this was my set up for self-sufficiency and didn’t need to buy food for about 4 to 5 days (all three meals) with my set up. With that said, let’s get into it.

The Packs

I had a total of 145 litres of of space for packing. I had two 25 litre panniers (50L total), 20 litre tank bag (which was my back pack), and the main 75 litre backpack. I had decided on my pack, as I knew I was going to be hiking at some point during my trip.

At the very end of the bike, I had a 5 litre Jerry can for gas, which I was grateful for as I had pushed the range on my bike in territory with few gas stations in between. I will advise, during hot days with the sun beating down, I’d open the vent to reduce the hot pressure inside.

What Did I Bring?

As you know, space is valuable on the motorcycle and especially on a bike touring, the packing setup, will have to be very strategic.. The list here is not the complete list, but instead, outside of the “normal” things, ie tent, toiletries, etc., there were a few items here I brought that helped me out immensely and was very grateful for.

Tarp laid out over the gear to keep it from getting wet
  • A 3/4 inch thick, 2×1 foot plywood for the centre and kickstand, along with holding my 75L pack.
  • Mosquito repellent, the Thermacell. Better than the spray, as this creates a barrier, in a sphere, around you.
  • Water filtration pump by MSR
  • Baby wipes, not only for the bum, but general cleaning when showers weren’t available and especially after bike maintenance.
  • 3 litre water bladder, 1 litre Nalgene (4L per day, folks!)
  • 2 pairs of boots; 1) waterproof, heavy multi-day backpacking boots and, 2) Combat boots from the army surplus, which are my regular riding boots. I know, this set up isn’t ultralight, but there was plans for hiking around for a couple of days and the surplus boots were not waterproof.
  • Multi-tool Leatherman
  • Radio that also had NOAA radio frequency; this was very helpful for outside of cell signal and needed to know the weather
  • Bear horn/bangers/whistles – I’ve come to liking having the security of the bear horn and whistle with me inside the tent at night, as it would be impossible to set off a banger. During outings, bangers and whistle are still my go to.
  • 1 burner gas stove, set of pots and pans, kitchenware, 1 large and 1 small Iso-butane gas; this worked for both my cooking and the Thermacell
  • 1/6 dozen Egg carton protector – this is actually more valuable than you’d think!
  • 10L Bear vault, I’ve tried many different ones and they were relatively ok. But this one is supposedly the standard that’s used and accepted in most States, ie, you need to show you have this vault before going back country. The vault apparently was tested with actual grizzly bears and was fine. Bringing this was a good peace of mind about protecting my food, but it doesn’t have scent protection.

What Should I have Left Home?

The tarp. Because the tarp set up didn’t work out, I could’ve left my mosquito net at home as well. However, I do recommend it in other trips. They took up a lot of space and found little use for. It was hard to set up in “proper” camping spots, with minimal trees around. I thought I could throw it on the ground and use it as a quick shelter, but in the end the set up was way more cumbersome than my tent.

PAC Safe pack locking wire mesh. This mesh wire product wrapped around bags to prevent theft. I was hoping to deter any thieves if I left my bags and motorcycle unattended in the city. Turns out, every time I was in a city, I took my bags into an AirBNB or hotel. And when I was passing through, well, I was passing through. Museum drop-in going through a city? Never happened. I only visited when I had several nights.

WHAT I WISH I BROUGHT INSTEAD was my camp saw and axe. As I didn’t think I’d make a campfire, I sorely regretted that. It was one easy way to stave off loneliness at the campsite at night. There were more opportunities than I thought when I could’ve made a fire. I was on a budget and didn’t want to buy those items along the way.

How Did I Organize my Packing?

As I’m used to camping, so I used my big 75L for nearly all my equipment, sleeping bags, food, tent, etc.

The only things I left in the panniers were the extra set of boots, the rain gear for easy access, and repair and cleaning kit for the bike.

I put my 3 litre water bladder in my day pack, which I had elastic straps to use as a tank bag, along with some snacks and food.

And voila, if you made it this far in the article, I hope it was helpful for you to understand or get inspired from more information on bike touring packing setup.

Changing Stubborn Oil Filter

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This post is a quick guide on changing a stubborn oil filter. Just north of 6,000km on my odometer reading, it indicated it’s about time for regular motorcycle maintenance. I have a Suzuki Bandit 600. Normally, oil changes for me are quite quick and takes maybe just about an hour, including running around my basement and garage to find all the tools. I can be a bit better organized for that. But regardless, if you have a stubborn oil filter, these are a few things I’ve tried and might work for you.

My normal set of tools of the trade that kind of worked.

The Situation

During my motorcycle’s last oil change, some gorilla mechanic tightened the filter incredibly tight. Later on, I learned that the filter, Suzuki proprietary, required 3 full turns to tighten. Other filters I’ve used only instructed 1.5 to 2 turns maximum.

The oil filter on the Suzuki Bandit sits behind the exhaust pipes and between the engine block. This provides very little room between the engine block and exhaust pipes.

Some basic oil removal tools:

Belt Wrench

Having the belt wrench is great for removing an oil filter from the car. But when there isn’t enough room between the engine block and the exhaust pipes on my motorcycle, it proved useless. The belt would stretch too much to create the tension needed by the time the handle meets the limits of the turning radius required.

Wrench Cap

This is probably the most useless tool and wasted CAD $9 bucks on. I went out to buy one, thinking it would fit perfectly and handle the torque required. Instead, it kept slipping. I tried the elastic band trick by wrapping the elastic band around the oil filter and putting the wrench cap on. It still slipped.

The filter after being crushed by the pliers

My next idea was to drill screws into the wrench cap and onto the oil filter. Upon boring a hole through the wrench cap, I realized it was going to take too much effort. I didn’t have the right equipment to drill through the metal, and subsequently, drill into the oil filter.

What I also wanted to do, was maintain the integrity of the oil filter, so when it needed to be torqued, it won’t rip apart.

Filter Plier Wrench

This ended up doing the trick. I was apprehensive at first, partially I was feeling cheap as I already had some tools. I purchased an off-set one, as the area I was working in was really tight. It literally took a minute. It did crush the oil filter a bit, but it didn’t puncture it.

This is the very one from Canadian Tire: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-offset-plier-wrench-0283585p.html

Some other ideas that I’ve come across and have known people to try:

  • Successfully drilling the wrench cap on. 3 screws even spaced seemed to have worked.
  • Stabbing the filter with a screwdriver and turning it. The filter will rip, as I’m told, and may lose the integrity to keep going.
  • There are a variety of oil filter removal tools. If the belt or pliers don’t work, I would still try and acquire another tool. There are other still: Strap wrench, band wrench and 3 arm adjustable. Having the right tool saves so much more time.

Hope these tips and tricks help you with changing a stubborn oil filter! Good luck, happy maintenance!

Could’ve suffered much more at night… Have you considered mosquito nets?

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PermaNet hanging out during the day. Not in anti-mozzie mode
just quite yet!

I woke up in the middle of the night from the swelling, itching and a thousand mosquitos finding their way through the giant wide open windows to the already stuffy room in India to eat me alive. It was mosquito netting time. I didn’t think it would be as bad as it was considering how the evening was so mild. But then again, I’m the kind of guy that mosquitos love, to my demise.

Thank goodness, Vestergaard Frandsen had provided me with wonderful oppurtunity to try out their mosquito nets, aptly named PermaNet. This fantastic company, in short, helps improve lives of those in vulnerable countries through supporting the UN’s Millenium Development Goals. And this mosquito net is one of the big products. It helps with fighting malaria in the most hectic mosquito ridden places.
Make shift the net; notice pack shoved
to increase height in feet space
Mosquito nets injected with insecticide
The one I received from Vestergaard Frandsen was big enough to fit two people in a rectangular prism. All four corners can be strung up with extra material to lift the mid points up. Or be creative and figure out how to fit your sleeping accommodations.

And embedded in the mosquito netting is insecticide. And my gosh does it work. The insecticide, Deltamethrin, is harmless to humans at that potentcy. However, I would still recommend washing your hands with soap thoroughly after handling it, as it can cause a burning feeling if touched in more sensitive parts of the body. It could last up to 2 days.

The results
You can actually see the mosquitos collect on the net and around on the ground. I had no idea mosquitos loved me that much! It was quite satisfying to have a full night rest without having to worry about being eaten alive.

The implications of this, other than my own comfort, is that when this mosquito net is distributed to the vulnerable countries, it actually will prevent malaria. Any mosquito net will do, really, but when there’s insecticide, it will greatly reduce the chance of the having more mosquitos around. 

Practicality
The best part of it, especially for those hardcore backpackers, this mosquito net is pretty easy to set up, pack, and throw in your pack. I usually carry some cord when I travel (being me) and I can string it up in a makeshift way. Even when I don’t have all four corners, I can shove my pack in the appropriate spot to elevate the net to not touch my feet. I love the fact I have a retangular prism, it provides ample amount of room under the netting and keeps it off your face. It’s possible to fit 4 people in it easily.
Net shoved away during the day.
In short, if you’re going to some mosquito infested regions, don’t leave without this mosquito net, PermaNet. It’s an amazing product that I had never considered until I was introduced to it.

All respiratory masks suck. Except for this one

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Totobobo Mask

I’m not a man to give reviews very easily, unless it was bad… or spectacularly amazing. And this one is it, amazing. I’m talking about the Totobobo Mask, of course.

After a few years of use, it was about time I had written something more significant.

My Criterias: Light, Not hot, breathes easy, and non invasive
When I was still working in South Korea, spring time was also a time for a phenomenon called “Yellow Dust”. Fine particles of sand specs picks up from the Gobi desert, collects air pollution as it travels through China and then dumps it in Korea. This can also last throughout the summer. Needless to say, I got sick a lot during the spring. Finally, I had enough and decided to look for a good mask. My criteria was that 1) Was light 2) Not hot 3) Breathes really easily 4) Non-invasive

You can rock climb with it!

After searching awhile online, reading reviews, I found that most other masks were lacking in atleast one of these criterias. Some were made of neoprene, some were “good” but once the filter goes on, it’s very hard to breath, and some were just a huge thing in your face. Just as I was about to give up, I found Totobobo Mask.

They matched all my criteria.

Light
This mask is incredibly light. You can even mash it up, fold it in your pocket and carry it around with you. No harm will come to this mask.

Not hot
Despite scorching 36 degrees and 110% humidity, the mask doesn’t make it any hotter when you breath into it. Ok, a little bit, but despite that I’m a sweaty guy, (I use a sweat band that channels sweat instead of a sweat absorber in high cardio exercises in the summer) the mask doesn’t really make that much of a difference.

Breathes Easy
Yeah, as I said, I do lots of sports outdoors. And so breathing hard into this mask is no problem. The air flow doesn’t really slow down. It does a bit, but not that significant.

Non-invasive
Once I got it, I started wearing it riding my bike to work. And wouldn’t you know, I didn’t sound like someone who had been smoking for 10 years and you can see the physical debris of dirt that gets caught up in the filters. Not only do I ride my bike with it to work, I also rock climbed with it. It never got in the way.

After using it for biking and rock climbing, I had brought it to India and Nepal. Even just sitting in the rickshaws in Nepal for 20 minutes, I had realized my mask is completely filthy and needed a filter change. With good foresight, I had bought a lot of filters.

Some other cool features?

30 minutes in a can in Kathmandu, Nepal

Filters
How good are these filters? Well, if you don’t know what N95 is, that is pretty much the standard for “The American National Standard for Air Purifying Respiratory”. This means it filters out practically every airborne pollution, which refers to 95% of the pollution. Also, I ended up getting N96 filters too!

Changeable filters, renewable everything! Less waste!
Unlike other masks where you have to throw out the entire thing and get a new one, Totobobo only throws out the filters. This produces a lot less garbage and being environmentally aware, I feel a lot less guilty doing this. To be honest, I didn’t think this was a thing I’d really like about it, but it has grown on me. Recently doing lots of construction work, I’ve been throwing out and purchasing a lot more face masks than I feel was necessary. This changed everything

In a nutshell
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Top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry

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When it comes to exploring the vast wilderness of Ontario’s backcountry, having the top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry can make or break your adventure. Trust me, if you’re heading deep into places like Algonquin Park or Killarney Provincial Park, you don’t want to be caught without the essentials. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, setting up camp on rugged terrain, or going off the grid, the right gear will ensure you’re safe, comfortable, and ready for whatever Ontario’s wilderness throws at you.

Top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry

When it comes to the top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry, you need gear that’s not just reliable but built for rugged environments. You can’t afford to have things break down in the middle of Algonquin Park or when you’re halfway through a trail in Temagami. So let’s dive into the top pieces of kit every off-roader needs.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry. Trails in Northern Ontario can get pretty rough—Bruce Peninsula and areas around Georgian Bay are perfect examples. You’ll want gear that holds up against rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and the demands of off-roading. Here’s what you need to start your overlanding adventure:

Rooftop Tents

A rooftop tent is a game-changer. Not only does it get you off the ground, away from bugs and moisture, but it’s also super easy to set up after a long day of driving. I’ve found rooftop tents particularly handy when camping near Lake Superior, where finding level ground for a regular tent can be a nightmare. Plus, being elevated gives you that extra layer of safety from wildlife.

Pro Tip: Check out brands like Thule Tepui or Yakima SkyRise for durable, weatherproof options.

Why a Rooftop Tent?

  • Quick Setup: Takes the hassle out of finding flat ground or dealing with a traditional tent.
  • Protection from Elements: Keeps you above soggy or uneven terrain.
  • Perfect for Remote Locations: Once you park your 4×4, you can set up camp anywhere.

All-Terrain Tires

You can’t talk about top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry without mentioning all-terrain tires. Your regular street tires just won’t cut it on Ontario’s backcountry trails. You need tires that can handle gravel, mud, rocks, and anything in between. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a solid choice. Whether you’re exploring Temagami or trekking through Muskoka, these tires will grip the ground and give you confidence on the roughest roads.

  • Why it matters: The last thing you want is to get stuck in the mud or slide on loose gravel, miles away from the nearest service station.

Off-Road Recovery Gear

Here’s the thing about top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry—the trails can be unpredictable. You might hit deep mud, rocky hills, or even snow, depending on the season. That’s where recovery gear comes in. You can’t rely on getting help in the middle of nowhere, so your recovery gear is your safety net.

Winches and Recovery Straps

A winch is a must-have. Whether you’re stuck in mud or need to clear obstacles on the trail, a winch will get you moving again. ARB makes excellent winches and recovery gear, but you’ll also want to pair that with high-quality recovery straps. These aren’t just for you—helping someone else on the trail can save your day, too.

Traction Boards (Fireyred)

Another piece of essential gear is traction boards like Fieryred. These boards help get your tyres out of deep mud, snow, or sand by giving your vehicle something to grip onto. A lot of Ontario’s trails, especially in places like Bruce Peninsula, are notorious for their tricky terrain, and you don’t want to get stuck without a way out.

Quick Recovery Gear Checklist:

Camping Essentials for 4×4 Adventures

It’s not just about the off-roading gear. Once you reach your destination, you’ll want your camp setup to be smooth and enjoyable. Here’s the essential camping kit that’ll make life out in the Ontario wilderness way more comfortable.

Portable Camping Stoves

A quality camping stove is a game-changer, especially if you’re out for a few days. Brands like MSR and Jetboil make portable stoves that are compact yet powerful. Whether you’re boiling water for coffee or grilling up some fish by Lake Superior, having a reliable stove makes all the difference.

Chairs and Coolers

Don’t skimp on comfort. After a day of navigating backcountry trails, you’ll want to relax. Grab a solid camping chair and a Yeti cooler to keep your food and drinks cold for days. Ontario’s summer heat can be unpredictable, so having a cooler that lasts is key.

Top Camping Gear for Ontario:

  • MSR or Jetboil portable stove
  • Yeti cooler for long-lasting cold storage
  • Durable camping chairs for comfort
  • Waterproof bags to protect gear in sudden rainstorms

Solar and Power Solutions for Off-Grid Camping

When you’re off the grid, staying powered up is a challenge. That’s where solar and portable power stations come into play. You don’t need a full solar setup to keep your gear running, but having a small solar panel and a portable power station can make your life much easier.

Goal Zero Power Stations

A Goal Zero or Jackery portable power station is a lifesaver for charging up phones, lights, and even small appliances. Pair it with a solar panel, and you’ve got endless power, no matter how deep into the wilderness you go. This is particularly useful in Ontario’s remote areas where cell service is spotty at best.

Power Solutions Checklist:

  • Goal Zero or Jackery power station
  • Foldable solar panel for on-the-go charging
  • LED camp lights to keep your campsite lit at night

Tire Deflators and Compressors

One of the most overlooked pieces of gear for top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry is a tire deflator and compressor. Adjusting your tire pressure is crucial when driving on different types of terrain. Lowering your pressure for sand, mud, or snow gives your tyres more traction and prevents you from getting stuck.

Rugged Ridge Tire Deflators

The Rugged Ridge tire deflator is the gold standard. It’s easy to use, and once you’re back on solid ground, pairing it with a Stop & Go compressor will get your tyres back to road-ready pressure. Whether you’re exploring the trails around Algonquin Park or navigating deep sand, having these tools is a game-changer.

Why You Need a Tire Deflator:

  • Increases traction on soft ground
  • Prevents tyres from getting stuck in mud or sand
  • Quick and easy to adjust your tyre pressure on the go

Final Thoughts

Having the right gear is essential for enjoying top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry. Whether it’s a solid rooftop tent, a reliable winch, or the convenience of a portable power station, being prepared ensures that you can tackle the toughest trails and set up a comfortable camp. So before you hit the backcountry, make sure your rig is fully equipped, and your adventure will be unforgettable.After my travels overseas, I came back to Ontario and was looking for some adventure destinations. I headed out over a weekend to do some 4×4 off trailing to do some camping in the back country. Back country camping don’t necessarily have campgrounds and generally the campsite is where you create one yourself. I find myself enjoying this wilderness and tranquility. There’s something special about disconnecting for a few days away from electronics.

It’s hard to find quiet places around Ontario, near Toronto for back country solitude. But a quick research on a map yielded a spot to check out. I use the “Crown Land Use Policy Atlas” from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resource. To my surprise, the spot my brother and I checked out was a moderately-used, but still not popular enough for huge crowds.

Top 4×4 gear for Camping in Ontario Backcountry Short Video

Azure production swung this piece quickly together from the footage we took. We went with our pup through some rivers (which the water was far too low for), mosquito filled bush whacking (because we missed the actual portage route), and took the 4×4 through (when we realized we could drive into the lake and haul our gear out instead of back tracking upstream through the rapids)