Tag Archives: backcountry

Best 5 winter activity ideas to beat winter blues

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These days, everywhere I look on social media all I see is how terrible winter is and how everyone can’t wait for summer. Honestly, I feel attacked. This is my favourite season and it’s all about getting out and about and finding enjoyment out of the season! So, as such, to the wonderful beautiful Winter Wonderland, best 5 winter activity ideas to beat winter blues! Listed below, from least amount of gear investment and skill set to the most, to give any adventurer varying options!

We talk about “Why Winter” on our Amateur Hour; Winter Wonderland episode! Check it out!

Hiking

This may seem silly to be on the list, but seriously, the first step to enjoying winter is going outdoors. I get it, winter in the city sucks. You have slush, melting snow, snow banks, reduced parking spots, too hot indoors and too cold outdoors. And getting out of the city could be a bit of a hazard. But when you’re finally out in the forest and hiking around, there are some beautiful areas to explore! You don’t have to even go too far to find beautiful places to explore.

The posts below contain ideas for one hour away from Toronto. Rockwood Conservation, for example. I visited during the winter, and it’s just absolutely beautiful! If you’re around the Greater Toronto Area, there are several more spots to check that’s under an hour away. However, if you’re not in the GTA, take a quick search of local, provincial (or state) parks, and especially conservation areas!

Sometimes through the trails are well packed enough, you don’t actually need any additional equipment, other than your boots and winter coat!

Snowshoeing

If the trails are a bit more packed and especially right after a large snowfall, snowshoes would be highly recommended. They are easily rented in most outfitting shops, at the local trail head and sometimes not a huge entry point to purchase. Generally, I would suggest bringing snowshoes on a hiking trail all the same in case there are areas that are a bit deeper in snow or there’s fresh snowfall.

There’s not too much more of an increased skill set with snowshoeing. However, if you’re planning on going back country camping with a pack on, with snowshoes, having some trekking poles would be highly recommended.

Gear consideration needs to be taken in to choosing which types of snowshoes dependent on your weight. Each brand and model will have different sizing dependent on the technology.

Skiing – cross country and alpine

Skiing was one winter activity I really started enjoying during the cold dark months.

Alpine skiing takes a bit more skill set than the activities listed above. If you’re super new to it, there are classes you can take to get the basics down and build upon.

Cross country skiing, is the OG of skiing and has been around for centuries. It is a little bit more intuitive, but still does require a bit of adjusting with these awkward massive things on your feet. But I would say, it’s one thing most can get into without classes. It’s a bit more cost effective for a lower barrier to entry as well.

You’d be able to rent most of these equipment at the trail head, the shop, local retailers and definitely the ski slopes.

Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is a really fun way to try a new way of climbing, if you’re already into climbing, or just looking for a completely new activity to do! It may look intense, and some say it’s dangerous, but when done safely on top-rope, it’s not a danger.

Admittedly, if you’re completely new to climbing, let alone on ice, there’s a bit of a learning curve here. However, take a quick search online, you may be surprised to find some local guiding companies that offer ice climbing outings and courses!

I will put in a plug for my old employer One Axe Pursuits, and give them a shout out here, as they do a lot of climbing courses and other adventure things in Southern Ontario!

This is one winter activity idea I think is incredibly fun to try to get out of your comfort zone and learn a new way of interacting with snow, ice and nature!

Winter Camping

Lastly, we have winter camping. It may seem obvious, much like hiking, but I feel there are a number of things here that may deter people from trying it. Especially being cold all the time. Well, you know what? You can easily get a heat stroke, sun burn, bug bites and in winter… it’s just the cold to contend with. Maybe some extra weight of gear.

Admittedly, the barrier to entry is a touch higher, as you would new warm clothes and some more technical know-how of layering to ensure moisture control and staying warmer. Otherwise, if you’re already adept and understand the basics of fire starting, it won’t be too much of a difference. The other piece is finding water. You know, snow is a thing. But should you drink snow? If you’re far enough away from the city, yes, it’s safe.

More winter camping details can be found on our Amateur Hour on some tips and tricks and discussion of camping in the winter!

There you have it! The best 5 winter activity ideas to beat winter blues! What do you do to beat the winter blues? Did you find these helpful? Please let us know in the comments below!

MSR Autoflow Water Filter Review: Streamlining Hydration for Outdoor Adventures

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In the world of outdoor exploration, access to clean water is non-negotiable. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter is a game-changer in this regard, offering backpackers and campers a reliable solution for obtaining safe drinking water in the backcountry. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and overall value of this essential piece of gear.

In the decades of being in the back country and adventure travelling, I have always used the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter. It wasn’t only until my previous work allowed me to field test a gravity water filter did I become a convert to these types of filters. Read on below and watch the video review to see why Rob and I have to come the MSR Autoflow Water Filter as our go-to!

Bottom Line Up Front

  • Mechanical filtration can treat nearly all bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa and particulate
  • Easy use and field maintenance
  • Very robust and strong materials to prevent punctures and preserve product utility
  • Cannot be used in sub-zero temperatures

Specifications

  • Filter pore size: 0.2 microns (small enough to get rid of that pesky beaver fever, or giardia).
  • Volume of water reservoir: 10 litres or 2.64 gallons
  • Flow of filtration: 1.75 litres or 0.46 gallons per minute
  • Field maintenance: Yes; simply back flush
  • Cartridge life: 1500 Litres or 396 gallons, before replacement

Pros

  • Very compact system, fit well in backpack and not bulky
  • Made of strong material
  • Doesn’t leave a taste in water as in other systems, can taste like plastic, or iodine
  • Passive system, don’t have to continuously pump water
  • Easy system to clean: After every 10L, back lush with 1L of water

Cons

None of these cons are actually really cons, and we really had to reach for them.

  • Cannot be used in sub-zero temperatures; the filter may crack – however this is not unique to this filter and most filters will behave the same way
  • Priming the system can be tricky; we found the easiest way is to either back flush, or have the line just run, before putting the end of the hose into the water bottle
  • Over time, the mouth of the bag, where the connection points are, begin to degrade as the first thing to break down. But this is after 6 years of use and already impressed with the life span of the product

MSR Autoflow Water Filter

MSR Autoflow Water Filter (4L) in the field, with some fancy set up.

We love this product because it is easy to use and does a great job of filtering water. The MSR Autoflow water filter is designed to be used with gravity to filter large amounts of water quickly. We also appreciate the fact that it is designed to be used with gravity, which makes it much easier to use than other water filters on the market

It is ideal for use in situations where clean water is scarce, such as during natural disasters, and for those preppers, after a Sh*t Hits The Fan (SHTF) event. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter can filter up to 1.75 litres of water per minute, making it one of the fastest filters on the market. Additionally, it is made with durable materials that can withstand heavy use.

To note, again, do not use this filter in the winter as the residual water in the filter, when frozen, can expand and break the filtration mechanism inside.

How long does the filter last? Well, there’s no easy answer to that, but keep in mind the filter can last 1,500 litres. If you are 1 person, drinking and using 4 litres per day, this can last you 375 days. Yes, 10 days more than 1 year. Cleaning it should help extend the life span, but unsure for how long. From there, you may be able to calculate when to change the filter.

MSR Autoflow Water Filter Best Uses

Base camp: By far, this will be the best use at base camp, or home base, where you plan on having a few days. If you’re constantly on the move, that’s okay too! Anywhere you can hang this and let the gravity filter do it’s work.

While in the canoe, it may not be the easiest to use. But the idea is to have your water bottles filled before hitting the water. And if really need to refill, simply take a break, pull over, and filter some water. Otherwise, the hand pump MSR Miniworks will be a great back up.

Travelling will be helpful in hotel rooms should you not be able to find potable water. However, do note, that this will not filter out any chemicals and toxins, as it is only a mechanical filter. I have used the MSR Miniworks while travelling to varying degrees of success, largely due to the water filtration systems in the host country, and what remains in their water system coming out of the tap water. If you are sure your water is coming from, for example, fresh spring water, melting glacial water, or similar sources, then you may use this. To be safe, always know where your water is coming from!

Check the price for the MSR Autoflow XL 10 litres.

If you need a replacement filter, check it out here!

This MSR Autoflow Water Filter can’t come any more highly rated. One quick outing with Rob, and he was a convert and has been using it for years since. It is perfect for those who are looking for an investment gear to adventure travel, as it requires no pumps or chemicals. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter offers a reliable and efficient solution for obtaining clean water in the outdoors. With its innovative design, high-performance filtration system, and user-friendly features, it’s a must-have for backpackers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether embarking on a multi-day trek or enjoying a weekend camping trip, this versatile water filter ensures that safe hydration is always within reach. With the MSR Autoflow Water Filter by your side, you can explore with confidence, knowing that clean water is never far away.

Check out further details of the MSR Autoflow Water Filter in the video, below!

If you enjoyed this review, check out:

The North Face Storm Break 2 Review

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

GSI Bugaboo Camper Cook Set Review

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

Bannock Backcountry Bread: Explorations Eats

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Another video of Exploration eats, this time focusing on Bannock backcountry bread! Why Bannock in the backcountry? Well, why not!? You get fresh hot bread that’s easy to make in the back country for your breakfast, or great additions to your meals.

I will admit straight up, I’m not a bread maker, let alone a baker. Fry bread came to me when I was travelling in the Dakotas and found a fry bread mix that I thought would work for camping, decades ago. Only recently did I more actively seek recipes to make and try out in the back country. I share this to caveat that: if I misinform, apologies – please do share with us what could be done to make it better!

I will give full credit to The Spruce Eats for this recipe, being reproduced below: https://www.thespruceeats.com/native-american-fry-bread-4045432

Recipe:

  • 3 cups vegetable oil or shortening (enough for 1-inch depth, for frying)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk (substitute with 1.5 tablespoons of Bulk Barn powdered milk.)

Instructions and Tips:

  • Quite simply, premix this all the dried ingredients that’s ready to go for the back country into a container
    • Ziploc bag is recommended for space saving as you go through the ingredients, it’ll shrink in size as you consume it, as opposed to a solid container.
  • When ready (in the field), mix in the water to the mixture and let stand for 15 minutes so the milk reconstitutes. Or just be a monster and mix and go.
    • Add more just a little bit of water or powder as necessary.
  • The consistency should be thicker than pancake powder and sticking to the spoon, but still slightly gelatinous-like
  • The consistency will make it hard to work (I think), so I use a spoon to shape it in the fry pan.
  • Pour your vegetable into the fry pan.
  • Work your bannock batter into the pan, small balls at a time and press to flatten.

The variation with the powdered milk is our adaptation, for the backcountry. For the powdered milk, if you’d like to have more insight, follow this link to other powdered milk that we have reviewed for use in the back country, specifically!

Bulk Barn states, “To reconstitute, always add milk powder to cold water. For smoothness and flavour, mix at night for use the next day. For 1 glass of milk, mix 3 tablespoons (30 g) of powder with 1 cup (250 ml) of cold water.”

Bannock comes from a complicated history of colonial rule and the creation of the reserves in Canada. Fry bread was brought over to Canada on sea-faring ships by the British (also consisting of Irish and Scottish descendants). When the Indigenous population was put into reserves, from 1830 onwards, they had learned the way to create fry bread and has since become to be recognized as a staple of Indigenous cuisine.

Hope you enjoy the Bannock backcountry bread! Video, below:

Killarney Adventure

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Join Rob and friends as they embark on an eight day trip in Killarney adventure! This Episode 3 concludes the trip in Ontario’s Killarney Provincial Park, with reflections on the good and the lessons learned (never bad)!

In the first episode, the trip started at the Bell lake put in. In the second episode, we saw Rob made the hike up to the iconic white cliffs of Killarney, Silver Peak.

In the third episode, it starts off on beautiful morning on Day 7 with mirrored lakes, classic of the Ontario interior. With blue berries collected from yesterday’s hike up to Silver Peak, they were able to make wild blue berry pancakes. They cooked over the GSI bugaboo camp set, which Rob has also reviewed.

However, needing to cut the trip short, the group decided to bail on day 8 instead of staying the full 9 days. It was forecasted for torrential rain for the whole day 9. Camping, portaging, breaking camp, all sucks in torrential downpour. They also still a week long car camping at Grundy Provincial Park and setting up in the rain would also suck. So, they decided to enjoy paddle out instead of being miserable. You, too, can create your happiness!

This last day would consist of 6 to 7 kilometers of paddling, with some decent portage, which would have to be done 3 times. A bit of a slog, but would have been worse in the rain.

On day 8, high cirrus clouds came rolling in, indicative of pro-longed rain to come in the next few days. Luckily the decision to leave was a good one. On their way out, they would pass by old logging camp, largely an empty field now, where nature grew over to see any evidence. Sets of nice little rapids, dammed by beavers. To which, carry overs on the canoe were essential. The ABS canoes are worth the extra weight!

In the end, the trip was a success with lots of beautiful views, blue berries, learning of the quartzite rocks and how to avoid being soaked. This concludes the 8 day Killarney adventure!

Enjoy the trip diary, below!

If you enjoyed this video, you might also enjoy:

Backcountry Camping at McCrae Lake

https://explorationsevo.com/2022/05/backcountry-camping-mccrae-lake/

Moon River Paddling

Moon River Paddling

Killarney Silver Peak

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Join Rob and friends as they embark on an eight day trip in Killarney backcountry paddling! This Episode 2 showcases Killarney Silver Peak in Ontario’s Killarney Provincial Park.

In the first episode, the trip started at the Bell lake put in. Typical of an Ontario summer, and especially more so during COVID, lots of people are looking to get out and about. The put in for the lake is super busy, with cars lined down the parking lot. We left it off the episode at the increasingly dire situation of rain pooling under the tent and draining through, where it was possible to make ripples on the tent floor.

We begin this second episode on Day 4, which is looking to be a nice day, clouds passed, and good day to dry out gear. Hanging everything up, it resembles the enchanted forest of wet items, clothes, foot print of tent, all billowing in the wind.

Exploring the lake and the park, and quintessentially Canadian shorelines, you’ll encounter loon calls, muskegs old dock, beaver dams or even some old foundation of what used to be the lumber industry.

Portaging 600m with food barrels 3 times because of gear. Keep number of back and forth in planning trips. The goal is always one trip, but that is hardly the case. Especially with kids. Rob here gives a brief gear run down, but check out our video here for more in depth gear packing!

Finally, on day 6 we reach Killarney Silver Peak. This is the highest point in Killarney Provincial Park, which is a 5 km hike up and down. At the peak, you can see all the way to Sudbury in the East, and in the West the body of water of Georgian Bay.

Silver peak is part of the La Cloche range, mountain/hill range. La Cloche is made of quartzite, which gives it the iconic white look. If you ever wondered why the rocks have been so bright, it’s because of the high quantities of quartzite. According to Wikipedia, Quartzite is a hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock which was originally pure quartz sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure usually related to tectonic compression within orogenic belts. And over Canada, and specifically in Ontario and the Killarney region, there was 2km thick of ice, creating this pressure, during the ice age.

Along the way, you’ll find wild black, blue and rasp-berries! Be sure you’re confident with your plant identification, before picking!

All this and more, with the episode, below!

If you enjoyed Killarney Backcountry Paddling, check out these videos!

Backcountry Camping at McCrae Lake

https://explorationsevo.com/2022/05/backcountry-camping-mccrae-lake/

Moon River Paddling

Moon River Paddling

Killarney Backcountry Paddling

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Join Rob and friends as they embark on an eight day trip in Killarney backcountry paddling! This is in Ontario’s Killarney Provincial Park. This is Episode 1 of a video diary day paddle trip!

The trip started at the Bell lake put in. Typical of an Ontario summer, and especially more so during COVID, lots of people are looking to get out and about. The put in for the lake is super busy, with cars lined down the parking lot.

Luckily, the first campsite is 150m out and so despite the crowds it’s an easy enough paddle into the site. The is a very rocky tent set ups with guying out and staking to be creative. This tends to be reflective of the shorelines of Ontario for the most part. You have rocky shores of the boreal shield that years of growth of flora has decomposed over the ground to create an uneven ground of dirty over rock.

The one about this particular site is that there is a terribly placed thunder box; everyone can see it from campsite. Hope you’re close with your friends! Regardless, it’s a super beautiful site on the lake.

Over the next couple of days, Rob makes the portages through Balsam lake and David lake, with more in the coming episodes! Encountering also very typical weather patterns of Ontario and micro-climates. Loving the weather, with threats of rain and then no rain. That has been largely the feeling of weather these days in Ontario, when it has been forecasted to be raining all week and then it doesn’t. However, have no fear, you can still make fire when it’s wet!

With the threat of rain, it’s usually accompanied by some wind. While out paddling, it’s so helpful to have the wind at your back and running the wind in a canoe. Makes for easy paddling!

Finally when the rain comes, Rob realizes there’s a leaking fly. At least the floor is fine with the help of a foot print, and the hydrostatic pressure of the tent floor has held up over the years. Admittedly the tent is 8 years old, so it’s holding up considering the usage!

All this and more in the video diary, below! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed Killarney Backcountry Paddling, check out these videos!

Backcountry Camping at McCrae Lake

https://explorationsevo.com/2022/05/backcountry-camping-mccrae-lake/

Moon River Paddling

Moon River Paddling

Introduction to Overlanding: Amateur Hour Episode 4

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Our fourth 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 giving an introduction to overlanding! Check out our first episode here where we introduced ourselves and various topics on back country camping.

In this video, we explore topics such as:

  • What is overlanding: And differences than just 4×4
    • One involves camping and one doesn’t! But which one?
  • Upgrades: What are you first upgrades you should make?
    • Probably not what you’re thinking and can be less expensive than you think!
  • What kind of vehicle?
    • Spoiler alert, don’t take a Jetta (sorry Volkswagen). But you still could!
  • Other additional equipment that should be included as part of your first purchases – winches, recovery gear, lights?
    • What should I prioritize?! I need it all!
  • Making friends and finding groups. Because I’m lonely…
    • How to find trails and which apps to use to highlight information for you. This will answer the key thing to know: is my vehicle enough for the trail?
    • Have a mentor, connect with people you know, or try reaching out (I know, can be pretty nerve wracking and vulnerable to ask for help).
  • Mechanic skillsets:
    • Don’t go to places where you’ll screw up your Jetta, I mean, car; I mean, truck…
      • (We rag on Jetta because Damian took it out overlanding. BUT it held up great!)
    • You’re more of a mechanic than you think!
  • Watch the video, below, for more information!

To get you started, Damian’s 3 main tips to getting an introduction to overlanding

  1. Know your limits, recognize you’re new to something
  2. Bring a friend in a separate vehicle who can call for help
  3. You don’t need thousands of dollars of gear to overland. There are campsites where you don’t need a crazy jeep.

Enjoy the video below!

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy these posts!

Journey to Granite Falls
4×4 and camping in back country Ontario

How to Make Fire when it’s Wet

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Welcome back to another episode of Explorations! How to make fire when it’s wet is the key focus in this video diary. Shoulder season camping in the spring is generally known to be quite a wet time of year and there are a few tips and tricks that will allow you to find dry firewood and get a roaring campfire going in, relatively speaking, a short amount of time.

Even if everything is sopping wet from a few days of rain, it is still possible to get a fire going. It will take some extra bit of time and some helpful tools, it is still possible. The key thing, here, is to practice, practice, practice! Without further adieu, the key tips and tricks!

  • A Leatherman, or equivalent, knife to make wood shavings
  • Axes and saws are good tools too
  • Look for thicker logs. In the middle of the log will be some dry wood
  • Rotten logs may still be OK. You’ll have to saw through the middle to check the integrity of it
  • Shave wood from the (dry) middle of the thicker logs
  • Collect shaves onto a bark of sorts and once lit, shove it under your pre- built camp fire
  • Once the fire is going, dry the logs out by either building a firewall, or if really wet and thick, on top.
  • A “log cabin” is the best balance of oxygen and fuel to keep a fire going

Quite frankly, he just uses fire starters and a Bic lighter. It’s small enough to carry around, doesn’t add weight, and can be shoved in your pockets. However, it is always good to know and practice emergency fire making.

In an emergency situation and you need to make a fire, make sure they tools you bring out to the woods, you have practiced with and are experienced with in using! Ian was practicing making fire with some unfamiliar tools and it took several failed attempts to almost start a fire. Candidly, was an eye-opener that he should also practice a good few more times with the tools he’s using.

Enjoy the video below!

If you enjoyed this video, check out a few more shoulder season camping and paddling!

Best Brands of Powdered Milk for Camping

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A very common question “What are the best brands of powdered milk for camping?” Milk is an ingredient that we have been consuming for eons. When it comes to camping in the modern day, it’s one of those items that you want to bring, but not bring at the same time. So Explorations did the hard work for you again, mainly Rob and Heather, trying out all the types of powdered milk so you know which one is the best powered milk for camping!

In a world where convenience often reigns supreme, powdered milk stands as a versatile and practical option for countless households. As an avid camper, powdered milk offers a solution that’s both cost-effective and convenient. In this guide, we’ll delve into the best brands of powdered milk for camping, exploring its benefits, uses, and some of the top brands available on the market today.

Understanding Powdered Milk: What is it?

It’s pretty obvious why we wouldn’t want to bring cartons, glass or even milk bags (what animal in Canada buys these bags of milk anyways?!) into the back country. It’s mostly a specialized use case, and, unless you’re a regular consumer of milk that would drink a glass at a time, it’s really not all that pragmatic to carry it into the back country. I think this goes without saying, but in this post, we’re not talking about baby formula kind of milk – I know – I had to mention, though. To lighten the load having the best brands of powdered milk for camping will be very key while maintaining the versatility of your back country cooking.

Powdered milk, also known as dry milk or milk powder, is made by evaporating milk to remove moisture, resulting in a powder form that can be easily stored and reconstituted with water when needed. This process not only prolongs the shelf life of milk but also makes it more convenient to transport and use in various applications.

Choosing the best brands of powdered milk for camping!

Benefits of Powdered Milk: Why Choose it?

  1. Long Shelf Life: One of the primary benefits of powdered milk is its extended shelf life compared to fresh milk. Properly stored, powdered milk can last for months or even years, making it a pantry staple for emergency preparedness or long-term storage.
  2. Convenience: Powdered milk is incredibly convenient, especially for those who may not have regular access to fresh dairy products. It can be easily reconstituted with water whenever needed, eliminating the need for frequent trips to the grocery store.
  3. Cost-Effective: Powdered milk is often more affordable than fresh milk, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious consumers. Additionally, its long shelf life means less waste, further maximizing its cost-effectiveness.
  4. Versatility: From baking to cooking to simply enjoying a glass of milk, powdered milk is incredibly versatile. It can be used in a wide range of recipes and applications, offering the same nutritional benefits as fresh milk in a convenient powdered form.

Best Brands of Powdered Milk for Camping tested:

We went ahead to try out some of the best brands of powdered milk for camping as listed below. There is a clear winner of this, though! For more details, watch Rob’s review of them all!

  1. Carnation:
    • Carnation is a well-known brand that has been providing quality dairy products for decades. Their powdered milk is made from high-quality milk sourced from trusted dairy farms.
    • Known for its rich and creamy flavor, Carnation powdered milk is a favorite among consumers for its versatility and reliability.
    • Whether you’re using it in baking, cooking, or simply enjoying a glass of milk, Carnation powdered milk delivers consistent quality and taste every time.
  2. Happy Yak:
    • Happy Yak is a brand that specializes in outdoor and adventure foods, including powdered milk designed for camping and hiking trips.
    • Their powdered milk is lightweight, compact, and easy to pack, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a convenient source of dairy on the go.
    • Despite its portability, Happy Yak powdered milk doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying beverage wherever your adventures take you.
  3. Bulk Barn:
    • Bulk Barn is a popular retailer known for its wide selection of bulk foods, including powdered milk.
    • Their powdered milk offering provides customers with an affordable and convenient option for stocking up on this pantry staple.
    • With Bulk Barn powdered milk, you can enjoy the same great taste and nutritional benefits of fresh milk without breaking the bank.
  4. Selection:
    • Selection is a trusted brand that offers a range of dairy products, including powdered milk.
    • Their powdered milk is made from high-quality milk sourced from Canadian dairy farms, ensuring freshness and purity.
    • Whether you’re using it for cooking, baking, or simply enjoying a glass of milk, Selection powdered milk delivers the rich and creamy taste you love with the convenience of a powdered form.
  5. Life Smart:
    • Life Smart is a brand that focuses on providing wholesome and nutritious products for health-conscious consumers.
    • Their powdered milk is made from real milk and contains essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D to support overall health and wellness.
    • With Life Smart powdered milk, you can enjoy the goodness of fresh milk in a convenient and shelf-stable form.
Adding to mac and cheese in the back country!

Explorations Video on Best Brands of Powdered Milk for Camping

Explorations video review of the best brands of powdered milk for camping

Out of all the products tried, the winner for the best brands of powdered milk for camping is Bulk Barn! Frankly, Bulk Barn is my go to place to get a lot of camping food anyways, and so it only works out well that I can do more one-stop shopping before a trip!

How to Use Powdered Milk: Tips and Tricks

  • Reconstituting: To reconstitute powdered milk, simply mix it with water according to the package instructions. Use cold water for a refreshing glass of milk or warm water for cooking and baking applications. But wait for the time as directed on the packaging for the reconstitution to fully take hold! Otherwise you may come out with a clunky mess.
  • Cooking: Powdered milk is a versatile ingredient that can enhance or substitute recipes in the back country. Creating a bannock recipe, for example, which would require some milk could be substituted with powdered milk.
  • Baking: Powdered milk can be used as a substitute for fresh milk in baking recipes. Simply reconstitute it with water and use it in place of fresh milk in your favorite recipes for cakes, cookies, bread, and more.
  • Beverages: Enjoy powdered milk as a standalone beverage or add it to smoothies, shakes, and hot drinks like coffee and cocoa for added creaminess and flavor.

Conclusion: Embracing the Versatility of Powdered Milk

To summarize, out of all the products tried, the winner for the best brands of powdered milk for camping is Bulk Barn! Powdered milk is a convenient and cost-effective option the back country. With its long shelf life, versatility, and wide range of uses, powdered milk has earned its place as a pantry staple for camping. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or simply enjoying a glass of milk, powdered milk offers a convenient and delicious solution that’s sure to satisfy.

Powered milk for camping is a little under represented. From coffees, tea, hot cereal, to other recipes, including some bannock recipe, it’s great to know which brands actually resemble milk in what context. It may come to some as a surprise, but the brand of powdered milk will work better with what you’re using it for. Want to know which is good for what? check out the video below!

If you enjoyed this review, you, you may also like our other Explorations Eats! Check out:

Red Boxed Wine Tasting

Red Boxed Wine Tasting

White Boxed Wine Tasting

White Box Wine Tasting

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!