by Brian Patton | Jan 4, 2018 | Government |
Parks and wilderness recreation managers across North America are increasingly turning to volunteer trail crews to help maintain backcountry facilities. With the exception of the Jasper Trail Alliance, Parks Canada has rejected volunteer help, despite a steady... by Brian Patton | Nov 9, 2017 | Waterton Lakes National Park, Wildfire |
It is estimated that 30% of Waterton Lakes National Park was burned by the Kenow wildfire that swept through the park in mid-September. The scenes of charred forest and buildings left park fans, including hikers, wondering what the future holds. For many who spent... by Brian Patton | Oct 25, 2017 | Outdoor gear, Technology |
After years of searching for the perfect water filter for the backcountry, I recently discovered the Katadyn BeFree Microfilter with Hydrapak 0.6L flask—a water filter and soft, collapsible bottle that comes very close to the good old days of scooping water directly... by Brian Patton | Oct 13, 2017 | Backpacking, Banff National Park, Trip reports |
Each summer, Calgary hiker Jim Shipley organizes a multi-day backpacking trip into the remote valleys and passes of Banff or Jasper Park, exploring country that he and his buddies haven’t visited before. While Jim contacts us for pre-trip tips, we always receive... by Brian Patton | Oct 6, 2017 | Waterton Lakes National Park, Wildfire |
As autumn snow dusts the peaks down to the 2000-m level, Waterton Lakes National Park has reopened, more or less, and is licking its wounds following the Kenow wildfire, the most devastating forest fire in the park’s history. The townsite is open for...