our gear

This was the first tent I bought - super spacious, but not the lightest. MEC has unfortunately discontinued the old version of the Camper, which is the one I own. They have a new version which you can find linked. Available in 2, 3 and 4 person sizes.

Reliable and lightweight tarp that creates a massive dry covered area when the storms roll in. I've had so many tarps break on me in high-winds, but the AquaQuest tarp has held strong for seasons.

An amazingly affordable ultralight tent that sets up with just your trekking poles. Great for backpacking adventures where you want to pack light. Yes, it's from AliExpress, but it's well known within the backpacking community for being a reliable and affordable option.

This is a lightweight 3 person tent with a full mesh interior that lets you feel outdoors when the fly is off or pulled back. Tons of headroom and quick to set up. I love this tent, but it's definitely on the pricier side, and the version I have is discontinued. The new EVO version is linked here.

Super cheap and super lightweight. Great for backpacking trips where you don't want to carry a larger heavier tarp with you.

This is my cold-weather bag, with an awesome slot for your sleeping pad to slide into that keeps you from rolling off of it.

Saves your breath and prevents moisture buildup inside your pad after long days.

This is my warm weather quilt, which can be clipped together as a sleeping bag if you prefer. Affordable and good quality with 20D nylon and duck down. It's kept me warm even at temps below zero, but I would recommend it for warmer temperatures. Another AliExpress hidden gem.

Can't go wrong with a trusty Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad. I have an older version, the NeoAir Trekker, but this is the closest model to the one I have that's still being manufactured. Lightweight and well insulated to keep you warm and comfortable.

Foldable, non-inflatable sleeping pad. I bring this to keep Norm off the tent floor, and sometimes bring a second one as a second layer of insulation beneath my inflatable pad. It's also great to strap to the top of your pack on backpacking trips so you can pull it out for a quick lie-down on the trail.

Efficiently boils water using just handfuls of twigs found right at your campsite. Great for quick fires with minimal wood gathering.

Amazingly tiny stove that disappears in your pot and weighs almost nothing at all. Great for boiling water, not great for simmering.

Not as compact as the BRS, but a provides a bigger burner for larger pots and simmering.

Compact grill that gives you a platform over the fire to sit a pot or grill meat.

A simple metal tube that magically turns dying embers into a roaring blaze.

Saves your fingers when handling hot pot handles or rearranging burning logs safely.

An essential, affordable tool with replaceable blades for processing firewood.

The gold standard for keeping food scent-free and protected from greedy backcountry critters, with a backpack harness for ergonomic carrying on portages.

Keeps your paper maps readable and dry while navigating through windy, open water.

ultralight full-frame power that captures professional shots without weighing down your trekking pack.

the only lens you need for everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits.

unbeatable reach for capturing distant moose and eagles without carrying a massive heavy lens.

perfect for grabbing immersive vlogs and wide shots of the entire campsite layout.

clutch for getting crisp audio and cutting out wind noise by the lake.

rugged enough to record every whitewater rapid and rain-drenched mile of the trip.

captures epic birds-eye views of the route while staying under the weight limit.

buttery smooth handheld footage that fits easily in your life jacket pocket.

record clear storytelling even when you're standing far away from the lens.

keeps your extra layers bone dry even during messy portages and rain-soaked paddles.

bright, featherweight, and rechargeable making it perfect for setting up camp after dark.

collapsible solar light that adds a nice warm glow to the interior tent space.

packs small and dries fast so you aren't carrying a soggy mess on portages.