Probably one of the greatest hidden treasures is without a doubt, the Lake Superiors North Shore, also simply known as the North Shore. It’s funny, I’ve traveled hither and thither doing adventures all around the States, up and down mountains from Colorado, to Utah, to Wyoming, always looking for those untouched places, far from the busy hustle and bustle of traffic and people.

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If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you are either a seasoned backpacker or an aspiring one eager to take on the vast, beautiful expanse of nature that the world has to offer. As thrilling and liberating as backpacking can be, it also comes with its own set of challenges. It demands you to be resilient, resourceful and prepared. But don’t worry – whether you’re gearing up for your first adventure or you’re a veteran looking to brush up on some essential skills, we’ve got you covered.

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It’s funny the thing most people don’t think about when heading out for adventures in the outdoors. I’ve always had a simple philosophy about how to make any outdoor adventure experience the best it can possibly be.

“It’s the little things that matter. The planning and preprations that make you comfortable on your oudoor adventure are key.”

I’ve spent a lot of time in the outdoors, pretty much every waking minute of my life. I’ve also had the good fortune to be the conduit take many others on some of their first outdoor adventures, backpacking, fishing, hiking, camping, doesn’t matter what the adventure is. You have to be prepared, and it’s usually the small things that make the difference.

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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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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.
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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.

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!

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.

 

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.

 

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.