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!
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:
Follow Ian, as he heads into the back country, solo, during shoulder season in an area that was before crown land where a lot of hunt camps were grandfathered into a provincial park. This trip reminded him of why he loved the back country, as discussed in our Amateur Hour episode. Keeping it safe, he wears hunters orange to be visible to ensure his safety hiking in. A few shotguns here and there, but nothing crazy.
In this video, Ian describes what to look out for in reading the signs of weather, some fire starting tricks and, generally, how he likes to relax on his days off from work! He brought in his fishing rod to try his luck on trout in the lakes and enjoyed some beautiful sunsets between showers of rain and, in the end, snow.
In case you were wondering (and it’ll make more sense at the end of the video), closing the loop on his weather prediction, on the drive out, it snowed tons and hammered down. He was glad he got out when I did as it would’ve been more of a slog to get out. His weather prediction coupled with the radio is a good combo to ensure your trips are safe and stays fun, on the weather front! All in all, this was a great shoulder season back country camping trip!
Where is this place, you ask? Well, watch the video to find out!
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:
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.
Table of Contents
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.
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 stoveis a game-changer, especially if you’re out for a few days. Brands like MSRand 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.
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 deflatoris the gold standard. It’s easy to use, and once you’re back on solid ground, pairing it with aStop & 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)
