Survival Skills

Ultra-light Solo Camping Trip

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“The trail is un-groomed—no one has been out there all winter—and the snow is pretty deep”. Those were the words the park ranger told me when I inquired about camping at their lone, backpacking site. MORE >

Video: Making A Feather Stick

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There are many ways to start a fire and we’re bringing you one more. We found a striking tutorial about making a feather stick to aid in fire starting. MORE >

Winter Camping Symposium ’11: Part Two

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Where else can you join an arctic expedition, dine on gourmet camp food, and rawk out to bluegrass? MORE >

We’re Off to Winter Camping Symposium ’11

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Winter hasn’t officially begun yet, but to us… this weekend marks the kickoff. MORE >

Becoming An Outdoors Woman

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Do you know how to paddle your canoe when the wind kicks up?   What would you do if you sprained an ankle while portaging? MORE >

Expedition Canoeing School April 1-3

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Got your sights set on a trip to remote Wabakimi?  Scratching your head about what gear to bring? Maybe you’d love to tackle the art of hitches and knots.   MORE >

Found: Vintage Winter Camping Article

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Think you’re a winter camping know-it-all? Get ready to be upstaged by the old school, ya whipper-snappers!

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UpNorthica Reviews: Suunto A-30 Compass

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So, you’ve got your June permit in hand and your route pretty well mapped. But have you figured out how you’re going to navigate your way around that endless horizon of water? MORE >

Ice Safety Basics

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The Minnesota DNR has put out a handy guideline for ice safety.  In it you can find helpful ways to measure ice thickness, and make a calculated decision if it’s safe to be on it.

Here are handy steps to getting out of the water, should you fall through the ice.  The site also has a video on making your own ice claws.  These would shave off minutes getting out of water and provide a solid grip on the ice.  They are lightweight and worth the short time they take to make to possibly save your life.  Maybe you won’t fall through, but if your buddy does, they have guidelines on helping them out without risking your own safety.

It prudent to review the basics and familiarize yourself  because ice can change quite dramatically 10 feet ahead of you when you’re snowshoeing across a lake.  Ice will vary in age, thickness, temperature and snow cover.  Conditions you want to be aware of and well prepared for.

Download ice safety information brochure here.

UpNorthica Basics: Orienteering

Becoming an adept wilderness tripper involves a process of ongoing learning.  Before we first started paddling the Boundary Waters, we knew our Orienteering (map and compass) skills were lacking.  So we found easy opportunities to learn.  You can too, and it can be a fun outdoor activity.

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