Winter Camping: Amateur Hour Episode 3

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:

McCrae Lake, Winter camping, pulks, sleds,
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!

Journey to Granite Falls

Weekend warrioring from Vancouver, follow Damian trying to find Granite Falls and his overlanding journey! The journey to the falls is in an inlet up through Indian Arm or Halkomelem, or Sleilwaut (səl̓ilw̓ət) in the traditional indigenous name. This inlet separates North Vancouver and the rest of Vancouver.

Normally, during regular times and not COVID times, you could kayak. But since everyone is eager to get outdoors and do things, wait times and rentals are jammed packed. So, to get out, Damian follows the Sea to Sky highway, cut through Squamish and head into the back roads! This takes about 2 hours.

In the video, you’ll find some of the best damned views in all of Canada through several water crossings, and very quintessentially Canadian rocks and trees and water! Of course, it’s also dotted by old and abandoned machines and building, reminiscent of years past when logging and mining and other resource harvesting activities occurred. Spoiler alert, bonus points if you spot the pentagram. Finally, you’ll see some influence of MTV My Crib of quick camping setups.

Check out Damian’s Journey to Granite Falls!

If British Columbia content is something you’re looking for, checking out more of Damian’s adventure in:

Red Boxed Wine Tasting

Following up our tasting of the White Boxed Wine video, Explorations search for the best boxed wine continues, this time with a selection of reds. Which one tastes the best and is worth bringing along on your next adventure?

Remember, the idea was that, if you can’t bring glass bottles of wine, what’s the best alternative?

The wines we tried this time around:

  • Peller Estates Dry Red
  • Peller Estates Shiraz
  • Don’t Poke the Bear Baco Noir Cabarnet
  • Pelee Merlot
  • Naked Grape Cabernet Sauvignon

Who won!? Who lost?! Wait are there losers to this wine tasting…? Well, no spoilers here. Watch the video!

White Box Wine Tasting

Do you also get stuck with hating carrying glass into your next adventure? Namely glassed wine bottles?

Do you not know which wines to buy is the best wine to take into the back country, up an alpine wall or on your next 4×4 overland trip (though granted you have tons of vehicular space to carry glass of sorts).

Say no more! Explorations did the heavy lifting and the dirty work of wine tasting for you! You’re welcome!

With our fantastic dirt bagging palates for fancy food and wine, we threw in our best thoughts surrounding some easy to find box wines in your local alcohol retailer. The wines we tested were:

  • Peller Estates Chardonnay
  • Naked Grape Pinot/Chard Blend
  • Pelee Island Pinot Grigio
  • Peller Estates Pinot Grigio
  • Woodbridge Pinot Grigio

But spoiler alert, all wines taste good in the back country and especially if you’re having a lot of it! Watch the video to see which wine was the actual winner!

Check out our new video of Boxed Wine tasting!

Why we Camp: Amateur Hour Episode 1

Welcome to our first episode of Amateur Hour where we discuss things with a bit more knowledge than the general person, but not as professionals. Our common denominator is back country paddling and what about the ruggedness of the back country caught our love for adventure. In this episode, we discuss why we camp, how we got into it all our adventuring and what we’ve learned through our years. More than that, we discuss our gear, stoves, food packing, water purification and a lot of other topics.

It’s a jammed pack topic that we love to discuss and have so much more to say! Over the years of knowing each other (at least 2 decades and counting…), and having some amazing trips together as 3 besties, we have a lot to share on tips and tricks! We all started off differently in where we gained our camping experiences. Using camping as a starting point to discuss and introduce our passion for other outdoor adventures seem only natural. As camping is the basis of most activities that we do and the knowledge base in which have transferable skill sets (ie reading the weather), it’s easy to apply it to other activities. Gear is a big part, but also knowledge base, and personal comfort level are crucial to enjoying the back country as well.

Follow us as we also learn more skill sets and set out to complete more adventure projects. We have a lot of ideas of what we want to do in the future and places to explore, discuss, recommend! It’ll be super fun to share it with you!

Enjoy learning more about us, from us, and our perspective on adventure on back country paddling, and of course, why we camp!

If you’re curious to learn more about us, visit our about page here!

Moon River Paddling

Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival always comes up when I think of Moon River. But, au contraire, Moon River can be anything but bad times. Moon River paddling is an easy paddle for novices to get introduced to portaging and enjoying the outdoors with relative closeness to civilization.

Ian has gone there in the past and had a great blast, for the actual camping part. He went over a long weekend and with ill-mannered cottagers and campers at the put in and along the portage. It left Ian with a bad taste in going back. There was a weird paid parking encounter incident with a very angry man… Yes, the post started off with Moon River can be anything but bad times.

Enter, Rob’s adventure to Moon River! His experience was very different and phenomenal. Rob went on a separate time without Ian over a weekend. With an easy portage you’ll be able to check out some waterfalls, the beautiful river, dotted with your classic Canadian rocky shorelines. Just North of Toronto, it would be a fun little get away for a weekend paddle trip.

While still an easy area to navigate and portage, it’s still recommended to go with someone with some experience in the back country. Things can turn really quickly and it is still pretty rugged terrain, out near the Georgian Bay Coast.

Check out Rob’s Moon River Paddling video below!

If you liked this post, check out some more paddling posts here:

Paddling Gear Run Down

Backcountry Camping at McCrae Lake

Explorations YouTube Channel!

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!

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!

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

Revamped Explorations

This is a quick update that I will begin again, writing a bit more onto the blog. I had been struggling to write something profound and thought provoking about my hiatus, in addition to a launch of the new Explorations website. However, in the exercise of writing, that will eventually come. In the mean time, please enjoy the the writing that is up. I had taken some time off the blog as there were several things going on in my life and navigating life in general.

Still adventuring and more to come!

There are old posts up, which I have curated. They are not, by any means, any posts I feel strongly about. Au contraire, they are the posts where I reflect the most about who I was back then and who I am now. More posts will be coming to discuss what I’ve learned in the journey of life, my relationship with the world, and myself.

There have several lessons learned since my last post. There have been other adventures as well and more to come. Admittedly, professional life is a challenge in balancing a private life, but I strive to continue to seek out adventures where I can. I will continue to write upon my experiences and my relationship with the world. Some reconciling needed to be done to find the angle in which I would like to narrate my stories. But now, I’m mostly ready (are we ever fully really ready?) to share more.

Explorations continue!

Interview with a World Traveler

I was interviewed by ArtSocket and originally published here titled “Interview with a World Traveler”,  and my journeys of being a digital nomad. I was asked 21 questions about adventuring through some of the least visited countries in the world. Below is the re-produced interview which was published from their blog.
Ian in the Everest Mountain Range

Art is a journey. Same-old is the opposite of creativity. Every single artist, musician and photographer that I know longs to discover something new – and what is a better way to do that than to go somewhere far far away?

Meet Ian Chow, my friend and someone I look up to when it comes to actually going to places most people only dream about. He is here to share his wisdom and experiences about being far far away from home.
Where are you now?
Currently, I’m back home in Toronto.
How many countries have you visited so far? How many cities?
17 or so countries and far too many cities to even care to count. Some countries though are weird, like Hong Kong, is that China or not? Or North Korea and South Korea, is that ONE Korea or not?
When and where was your first trip?
First trip with my parents was to NYC when I was like, 6? First trip abroad was to Hong Kong/China, Australia and New Zealand just before I went to university.
The ruins in Hampi. Read Ian’s account of this unforgettable site on his blog.
What was the longest time you have been away from home?
When I was teaching English in Korea. And then afterward I travelled. So that was maybe 3.5 years. Pretty not long considering I’ve met people that travelled for like 10 years.
What is it like to live in a foreign country, away from family and friends?
For me personally, it’s super easy. Although, I wish my friends were with me. But honestly, if they were, I wouldn’t be going around and meeting people and getting myself into stupid situations in other ways than I would with my friends… So that’s pretty cool.
What makes you keep on venturing into the unknown?
That’s a good question. I really couldn’t tell you. There’s so many reasons. I think though the biggest reason is that the world is so big, so many things to see, so many awesome things to do and experience. And my personality is that of curiosity and to seek adventure. I’ve decided big cities aren’t for me to travel to. Remote places to go adventuring, like climbing, biking, seeing wildlife, camping, and always that lingering possibility of meeting some locals that take you to probably the best of your life that wouldn’t find in any guide book.
The breathtaking Himalayas. Ian’s story behind his treck on his blog: here.
What is your most favourite place so far?
Hands down, Lobuche basecamp. I was in the Himalayas, did a trek out to climb this peak called Lobuche sitting at 6,100 meters. (Everest is 8,873M for comparison) We were acclimatizing after reaching basecamp and after a storm hit us, I was out at night just looking at the stars. It was so tranquil. Just being in the midst of 7000-8,000 meter mountains. So quiet. And so humbling to feel so small in such a big world. The energy was just immense. I mean, the experience of climbing a mountain there probably added to the awesomeness of it.
What is your least favourite place so far?
I don’t think there’s a least favourite place. It’s more about what you explore in that place you’re currently in. I’d have to say, after skiing in Hokkaido for a week in Northern Japan, the rest of it was pretty anti-climatic. It was just big cities. Not that I don’t enjoy big cities, but I went on weekdays and so my friends were working and couldn’t really go out. And so that has made Japan not that much fun.
An image Ian took at the India/Nepal border (more on his Google+ page).
Can you name three things that you experience on daily basis and could never have back in Toronto?
This really depends on you’re heritage (for language skills), where you travel to and your travelling style. I mean, I love the mountains and adventures in general. So generally aim to be in the middle of nowhere remote places, although I know people who love resorts and being pampered. So in my context…
The joy of fighting to communicate in another language constantly. I mean, most countries will speak a few phrases of English though. But in the remotes places… learn a few phrases of the local language.
Strategizing on how to pack your pack in the most efficient way. With things you use most constantly on the top, to the things that aren’t needed as much to the bottom. Where to secure money for easy access, yet out of prying eyes.
Enjoying being the misconceptions others have about you. People look at me, no matter where you are and guess wrong about me. I’ve been called, Korean, Japanese, Indonesian, “Lama” (Nepali calls people who look Chinese “Lama” because of the cast system), and the best one was… I was a Sherpa. Obviously this is accompanied by racial stereotypes and people making fun of those stereotypes. Oh, and be prepared to be stared at. Constantly.
Being patient while frustrated for whatever reason. Patience goes so far in keeping yourself sane when you’re exhausted from hauling your pack after not sleeping for 48 hours, jumping on and off buses, rickshaws/tuk tuks, fighting traffic and people, and haggling for money in a different language where you dont’ know the market price for destinations while you have a fever and travellers diarrhea. Being patient has a different meaning when you’re travelling than it does back home.
How does travel impact your creative side?
I haven’t done much “artsy” things along the way. Although, I enjoy photography. Not so much in a contemporary way, but I’ve ended up being inspired with National Geographic shots for obvious reasons. I don’t go and look for the shots, I like to come across them and work with what I have. I guess it’s about trying to work your head around those shots.
This shot by Ian is my absolute favourite :>
During my time at some tourist locations I have seen millions of people taking… perhaps more photos than necessary. Do you think it is worth an effort to bring own (perhaps pro) camera to places like that?
Depends. I don’t think its necessary to have an expensive camera. And again, depends on your travel style. Honestly, a point and shoot is quite enough. But if you do want to go that extra mile to get the shot, then having something as simple as controlling the aperture would be pretty beneficial.
What was your wildest adventure to date?
That’s kind of a tough call. Adventure could mean different things. I consider party adventures as well, in my head anyways. I can’t do it justice to name one and leave the others out, as they all have its own flavours. I’ll list the top ones.
  • Bicycling the maritimes of Canada for a month and a bit.
  • Sailing down the Atlantic coast of America for 1.5 months.
  • Scaling a peak in the Himalayas.
  • Sniffing out an outdoor psy-trance festival in Nepal.
  • Hitting the Street Parade in Zurich.
  • Crashing the full moon party while learning to scuba dive in Indonesia.
What is the scariest thing that happened to you during your travels?
Probably in hindsight the fact I almost fell to my death in Switzerland when I was downhill biking in Zermatt. I took a downhill bike 45 mins up to the peak (I can’t remember the name of it now…) and 3 hour ride down. Part of the way down, there was a detour:
“Blasting zone. Imminent death. Do not pass.”
Okay.
Taking the hiking route down. Meaning biking down stairs of death and hairpin turns. On one of these hairpin turns I went over the bars and started tumbling down wet grass, rock, and through the clouds. Finally I caught myself, picked up the bike and kept going. When I passed another turn where I can look at where I fell… Had I kept falling, I would’ve gone over a cliff where it just drops to nothing for over hundreds of stories…
Lesson: Tell people where you’re going: It would’ve been days before anyone even found my body…
During your time overseas you meet a lot of other travellers. How different are they (if so) in your opinion from people back home?
Depends where you meet them. Resort or on a mountain. And depends who you hang out at home. I don’t want to make stereotypical comments and stuff, but you can guess what demography you’d find where. And generally… people tend to be the same in those kind of cliques or circles.
Issues of racism, sexism and homophobia are known to be more prevalent in some countries over Canada and United States. Do you have any experience or opinions regarding this issue?
When I travel with female companions in Muslim countries, if we just walk next to each other, we’re considered married. In Tazania, my lady-companion got a lot more attention from guys after I had left. Ladies, if you want guys to not bother you, just walk with another guy; a friend or even a guy you meet at the hostel is fine.
I was travelling with another couple once and there was a UK fellow and a Korean American. In the restaurant in India, the Korean American and I were suddenly given the bill with our order as they just assumed we were together.
When it comes to homophobia in Korea, it’s very interesting… They all love Adam Lambert (from American Idol) and think he’s a fantastic singer. But when they found out he was gay, they didn’t believe it. The Korean guys there hold hands, wear make up, and my male students play this game where they run around and grab each others shlongs. But that’s not gay. And neither is Adam Lambert.
A beautiful sight of elephants playing in Nambia on Ian’s Google+ page.
Is travel for everyone?
Travel is definitely for everyone. Depends how much you want to be involved with your travels and how much you want to learn and interact with others. The more you let go of your comforts and safety zones the more interesting adventures you get yourself into and if that’s what gets you going, do it. Or if the idea of hanging out by the beach on a resort soaking in the rays drinking margaritas all day is what you long for, go for it.
Personally, and I think you already get a feeling of my travelling style and personality, letting go and going with the flow is definitely the best way. What do you do when the only hotel is 150 bucks a night and there’s snow waist deep outside, -5 and it’s 12am and you’re in a small town somewhere Northern Japan? The correct answer is flatten down the snow and camp!
What do you do when you’re asked to join a troupe of 3 guys with 3 motorcycles to ride up to Mt. Merapi at 4pm and go see the sunrise in the morning the next day when you can go back to your Couch Surfer Host and spend a quiet night? You hop on the back of one of the motorcycles and ride through the night, up a misty mountain, past search and rescue crews, and recent lava flow. Now that’s travelling!
North Korea! Source.
What is the difference between travelling and tourism in your opinion?
Haha, I think I just answered it with the stories I just told (above)… Tourism is still seeing the place you’re travelling as a 3rd person. Travelling is when you live with/like the locals.
Is life as a traveller expensive?
Life as a traveller can be relatively inexpensive. Life as a tourist is super expensive., as per examples earlier.
Really, monetarily speaking the cheapest way is to stay at random peoples houses and travel slow. By that I mean, taking local transport all the way. Talk to people. Hitch. Bike. Walk. Sail. Don’t ever take a plane unless you’re out of options for time and distance.
Make local friends. Generally, they want to show others how they live, especially when they see only local people. They’ll cook food for you and let you stay at their place. But obviously, you give back by cooking for them and showing them other things as well as a cross cultural experience.
What is your advice to people who want to start travelling but can’t get their feet off the ground?
Well, there’s a lot to be said given the context of their situation. Mortgages, credit, work, significant others…
I started travelling on my own during university when I got the chance to school over seas. Hey, youngin’s: Do that! Study over seas! Best experience of your life!
Start earlier than later. Once I graduated, I looked for anything that could get me overseas. I landed a job teaching English. And frankly, flying out of Canada is the most expensive thing ever. Once that’s done, everything is A-OK. Once you start getting a job and saving money to go travel, you’re too late. You’ll end up collecting bills, responsibilities that tie you at home, and general excuses to not go do it. I find it so inspiring people who can do that and still leave.
If you’re already in the workforce and saving to go travel I think it’ll be a bit hard. You’ll only get the vacation dates. Take a job at home with an organization that will send you over seas. Other than that, really, your option is to quit your job, sell everything, and just go. Take a job overseas that has transferable skill sets. Or not. Start fresh. As a travel bum!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
After all this travelling, I feel super sad to be hanging up my travelling boots for a bit. I have to settle at home for a bit before heading out again. But this would mean I’ll be travelling with more of a purpose as I want to get into community development with a focus on environment and resource planning. So essentially my goal is to head into rural communities and find out how they can be re-organized to be self sustainable.
Any last words?
Uh… I’m a man of few words… Any questions?
Dmitri Tcherbadji is the owner and one of the key contributors to ArtSocket. He is an avid photographer, traveller, designer, coder, musician and even a rock climber. Find him on Google+,Twitter or check out his blog.

Top 4×4 gear for camping in Ontario backcountry

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)