Baffin Island Exploration: A Trip to the Edge of the World  

Oct 11, 2023

Baffin Island is the world’s fifth-largest island. It lies mostly north of the Arctic Circle in Canada’s Arctic Archipelago. It is absolutely wild, perched on the fringes of our global, Westernized society. Baffin Island is the indigenous land of the Inuit, who have lived and thrived there for thousands of years. We were incredibly fortunate to travel on these lands, and to receive advice and guidance from a local Inuk outfitter. Today, Baffin Island is part of Nunavut, the most northern territory in Canada. Baffin Island is cold. The average annual temperature is well below freezing, and summers are cool and brief. Baffin exists north of the arctic treeline, with only barren arctic tundra or ice cap and glaciers covering every inch of this immense island. Traveling in Baffin varies…

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Building Your Backcountry Kitchen, Part 1: Storing, Stashing & Stocking

Oct 4, 2023

Even if you’re content to subsist primarily on reconstituted meals in the backcountry, there’s always room for improvement (it’s amazing what a dash of soy sauce or a dollop of peanut butter can do, for example). If you genuinely enjoy the challenge of creating healthy, delicious fare while out in the back of beyond, having a well-stocked portable kitchen will serve you well. The following are tips on storing, stashing, and stocking your backcountry kitchen. I’m not going to address cookware here, as what you carry depends upon the type of trip, destination, and your personal preference/weight-bearing capabilities. (See Part 3: Cookware and Stove Pairings.) One of the main considerations is keeping your kitchen kit lightweight and compact. If you’re going to be on the river or in a clime…

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Mastering High-Altitude Cooking: Essential Tips for Success 

Sep 13, 2023

High-altitude cooking can be challenging, even for those who know their way around a quality camp stove. The thin air, cold and wind of cooking above treeline can complicate even basic tasks, like boiling water, so you can forget about creating complex dishes above treeline without the right gear. The reality is that some stoves just aren’t built to burn well in the alpine zone.  Preparing for a high-altitude environment before you head out is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Fortunately, there are ways to maximize the efficiency of your high-altitude cooking kit. Here’s what you need to know to set yourself up for culinary success at high elevations.   Understanding the Challenges of High-Altitude Cooking Did you know that water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes…

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