CityScene
Stuff We Like For Winter Camping By Rebekah Skochinski
W
e’re knee-deep in a traditional winter here in Northwestern Ontario, and it has us daydreaming about getting cozy under some evergreen boughs and waking up to sunrises reflecting off of the snow. Winter camping might sound extreme, but it’s completely possible if you’re prepared for it. And the payoff is totally worth it: peaceful seclusion in a pristine wilderness. Without, we might add, any bears or bugs. Here’s Stuff We Like for Winter Camping.
Tent
Gear Up for Outdoors
894 Alloy Place The geodesic dome shape of this three-person four-season Eureka tent isn’t just easy on the eyes—it’s also great for supporting heavy snow and strong winds. With a four-pole aluminum frame that is specially formulated with a cold weather shock cord, it has two vestibules for storage space and a nylon canopy to minimize condensation and prevent ice buildup. Plus the continuous mesh rod sleeves simplify setup. Home sweet home!
$799.99
Snowshoes
Complete Guide to Winter Camping
Fresh Air
Chapters
710 Balmoral Street Strapping on a pair of snowshoes is essential for traversing through the wilderness. Break trail with these Canadianmade beauties that have a tradition that goes back 50 years. Made of lightweight aluminum, the GV Mountain Trails offer great flotation on all surfaces, and have ergonomic binding as well as a ratchet-style buckle that allows for an effortless adjustment of all bindings without having to remove your mitts. Keep warm and carry on!
797 Memorial Avenue It’s impossible to know everything about everything, which is why we need guide books like this one by Kevin Callan. With advice on everything from how to set up a shelter to choosing a proper sleep system and warm clothing, as well as educating readers on both hot tenting (camping with a small stove in the tent) and cold tenting, you’ll feel confidently prepared before heading out on your wintertime adventure.
$24.95
Headlamp
$179.99
Gear Up for Outdoors
894 Alloy Place Don’t be left in the dark on your big excursion. Pack this Petzl headlamp and you’ll be the light of the party! It offers 350 lumens of power and has a reflective headband that includes an integrated whistle. It also has IPX4 waterproofing and white and red lighting, features a multi-beam design for proximity lighting, movement, and distance vision, and comes with a rechargeable core. Shine on!
Wool Pants Chaltrek
$92.99
Elk Jerky
Thunder Bay Country Market
850 North May Street Stay nourished on the trek in to set up camp with a snack that won’t weigh you down. We like Rainy River Elk Company jerky because it’s made of 100% grass-fed elk that is naturally low in cholesterol and fat, yet high in protein. It’s also really delicious. It has a full red meat flavour with a hint of sweetness that is not gamey in the least.
62 The Walleye
$9.25/80 g
404 Balmoral Street Keep your assets comfortably warm and protected with these Filson field pants and join the long history of miners, loggers, anglers, mariners, and explorers who have worn these in the most rugged and harsh conditions. Constructed of 100% pure virgin Mackinaw wool, they are naturally water repellent, breathable, and provide superb insulation. Available in sizes 28 to 42, they have suspender buttons and six pockets for all of your extras.
$350
Axe
KBM Outdoors
349 Mooney Avenue An axe is a necessary tool if you plan to head into the woods, so that you can chop down some of it for fire. We like this Hultafors Aby Forest Axe, which is a hybrid style that makes it perfect for felling, carving, and splitting. It has a good finger notch below the head and a long, thin ergonomic handle. Hand-forged in Sweden, the edge is sharpened and polished and ready to go and it comes with a leather sheath.
$209.99