by Brian Patton | Mar 17, 2020 | Backpacking, Outdoor gear, Technology |
A veteran solo backpacker looks back to a decade of exploration on the remote trails of Banff, Jasper and the Willmore Wilderness and provides useful tips for today’s wilderness travellers. Back before there were text-enabled GPS units, solar panels with power... by Brian Patton | Sep 28, 2018 | Outdoor gear |
When Mark’s suddenly released a line of permethrin-treated clothing under its WindRiver label this past spring, it came as a huge, personal surprise. For several years, I had been questioning why Canada was reluctant to approve insect-repellent clothing while it... by Brian Patton | Jun 14, 2018 | Outdoor gear |
After years of frustration, Canadians are now able to purchase clothing that is commercially treated to protect against mosquitoes and ticks and the diseases they can carry. Using “No Fly Zone by Burlington” technology, Marks (aka Marks Work Wearhouse)... 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 | Jul 1, 2017 | Outdoor gear |
Reviewing outdoor gear made in Canada is a good way to celebrate the country on its 150th birthday. Not the least being companies that design and manufacture innovative and quality products in Canada for hikers. I’m a big fan of “Made in Canada”, and... by Brian Patton | Apr 17, 2017 | Home page News, Outdoor gear, Technology |
Once again, tick season is upon us. For most in the Rockies wood ticks are an annual nuisance that we suffer for a couple of months. The only defence is to tuck our pants into our socks and check ourselves carefully for the beasties following every hike. But in many...