Floating the River. Lost. Darkness. Dead Things.

For an Average Flatlander there is one things thing that calls to use like nothing else. What you ask? A River Float of course. Is there anything else like it? What is is about floating down a quiet river that speaks to the soul and to adventure? I think it’s because you get to see what most other people don’t.

Most people don’t float rivers, most people never see the miles of shorelines, inlets, marshes, and wildlife, that someone who floats a river gets to see. You’re alone. One a few people who will probably travel that way for an entire year. Do you think you have to get lost in the most remote regions of the world to see something new and novel?

I say nay. You simply need to float a river.

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Family Outings Gift Guide

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer, a weekend adventurer, or simply someone who enjoys a relaxing afternoon picnic in the park, there’s an undeniable charm in immersing oneself in nature. Our ultimate family outing gift guide is tailored to family adventures and features items that elevate the outdoor experience while making it easy for parents. We personally own ALL these essential gear items that make the wild a bit more comfortable and inspire memorable outdoor adventures.

 

MacSports Collapsable Outdoor Wagon

The collapsible style of this wagon makes it easy to transport and the large wheels can handle tough terrain. We’ve used this wagon to haul kids and gear to and from the river, around in the woods, and for sporting events.
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Adventure Medical Kits

When out in the woods with little ones, scuffs, and scrapes are inevitable.  This lightweight first aid kit has just enough space for the necessities while being small enough to easily include in a backpack.
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Biodegradable Wet Wipes

For on-the-go emergency bathroom breaks to cleaning sticky hands. These wipes break down naturally so you don’t have to worry about leaving a trace behind.
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Contigo Trekker Water Bottles

Water bottles in general are a huge staple in our house but the hunt for leakproof ones can take forever! Not only are they actually leakproof but they are also super durable, dishwasher safe, and easy for little hands. We’ve owned them for years.
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MSR Pocket Rocket

This tiny portable backpacking stove packs a lot for its size. Not only is it small which fits easily into any backpack but it makes cooking food a breeze in the woods.
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CleverMade Cooler Backpack

When toting a lot of gear around having to carry a cooler in your hand, can sometimes feel like one more burden. We bought this backpack cooler after a vacation with a friend who had the same one. It has plenty of room for lunch on the go and pockets to hold all the extras! We took this to the beach and by the end of the day, we still had cold food.
Find on Amazon

 

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Got Cabin Fever? Get your kids out to the River!

When it’s fall and winter, starting to get cold and you have cabin fever … get your kids out of the house, and take them to the river! Teach them lessons they will never forget in nature, they will be better for it! That’s just what an Average Flatlander did the other day.

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Winter Trout Fishing in 25 Degrees! Catch and cook!

There is nothing better in life than trout fishing in the great outdoors. The Driftless region offers some of the best trout fishing around. The perfect time to go is when fall has left and winter is here, because the cold weather keeps everyone else away and you have the trout streams to yourself!

Trout fishing in the cold, like the 25 degrees in this episode provides its own unique challenges. The eyelets on the fishing rod freeze up, hands get cold, the trout are slow and sluggish, water levels are low. It’s not for the weak of heart.

Today the Average Flatlanders head into the woods to do some trout fishing and do a cook up of some fresh trout. Enjoy the show!

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What’s in my Winter Day Pack?

As the seasons’ change and winter brings its cold and howling winds and snow down upon us, it’s time to switch gears, pun intended, and swap out our day packs for a more winter focus.

Today, another Average Flatlander shows us what gear items he keeps in his winter day pack to make sure every trip to the woods is a success.

 

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What’s In a Bushcraft Firekit.

What is more classic than starting a fire in the bush? Being able to start a fire with just some kindling and a fire striker is one of the most common bushcraft skills to start off with. Our resident expert Average Flatlander takes us through his process of going into the woods and starting a fire with his kit.

 

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Cooking Super in the Bush at Night!

Winter is almost here, there is snow on the ground and the weather is getting cold and cool. When most folks are staying inside, for Average Flatlanders this is the time to go exploring! It’s quiet, people aren’t around, water levels are lower, and we are able to explore places that are hard to get to in the summer and spring.

So that’s what we did. Bushwacked out into the middle of nowhere. Started a bushcraft fire, and cooked some good food, while we laughed and had a good time.

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Lake Superior Fastpacking

Want to do something difficult, something most people will do? I have one for you. Combine a few of the most difficult things you can do as an adventurous outdoors person. Fastpacking (ultralight), camping, the cold dark woods of the North along Lake Superior, and running.

This will test the metal of any person. Wolves howling at night, running in the dark. Doing 20+ miles in a single day.


This is what the Average Flatlander’s decided to do. Arriving late a night, we ran miles into the dark to our first camp spot, which I missed and had to backtrack.

Eventually, we settled into the night with a fire and the sound of wolves howling all around. The next day we ran and fastpacked 22 miles, a brutal and hard overland hike that left us exhausted. Endless forests and trees, a lack of clean water, and 14lb backpacks made for an interesting trip. Enjoy!

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Introduction to Bushcraft Fire Starter Kit

Nothing is more important than your bush craft fire starter kit. It could save your life, come in handy in a pinch, and is probably the single most important piece of any bugout bag or survival gear setup. Without it you are open to the elements, with it, you’re ready to take on the most difficult situations.


In this video, Ed, an Average Flatlander takes time to show you how he DIY’d his bushcraft fire kit from common household items.

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Cold Camping and Bushcrafting on the River.

There aren’t too many things harder in life than pushing yourself to do something uncomfortable. Cold-weather camping and bush-crafting are one of those things. There is not that much room for error, everything is more difficult in the cold and the stakes are much higher.

In this video the Average Flatlander setups up a minimal shelter with a bivy on the banks of a wooded river in 30-degree weather, while it spits snow.

Starting a fire with flint is the next order of business for anyone who is into cold-weather bush crafting. It not only keeps a person warm but is essential for the mental win as well, to help your body and mind deal with the cold.

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