Heading Across Canada on Foot

**crashdive123** · 04-22-2008, 08:46 AM

Well XIXIX looks like your head's in the right spot for this. Take a look at your food. Rice and dried fruits/veggies are fine, but for 18 months you may want something more substantial.

I like the idea of camera and journal (something you can share with the grandkids). Also good advice from Montana - stay as light as you can - it'll be a much more enjoyable journey for you.

**DOGMAN** · 04-22-2008, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Rick

Montana - That was a pretty good post. Personally, I don't agree with the finger saw. I've seen way too many of those things break. I carry a folding saw and like it a lot. It's light and durable and pretty handy in my book. I wouldn't ditch the crank radio either. It could be really handy for weather information and just to keep you from going nuts. Just my opinion.

If the folding spade is one of the small trowel types that would be okay. If it's a military type I don't think I'd carry it either. They are pretty darned heavy.

As for the headlamp, get an LED and you won't have to worry about bulbs.

Nice post, Montana.

Rick- thanks for the compliement.... I agree, in general finger saws suck. Usually, they are a nifty gimmick more than a tool. However, I have had good luck with the USMC version that has changeable blades. However, you do need to work with them a little and know their limitations and use them with in reason...definetly not as a good of a tool as a good saw, but they are serviceable and super light. I get by fine with one.

I was envisioning the old school Army issue folding trowel with the leather case....Super heavy. Maybe a light weight gardeners hand trowel could work...but, its something I have never personally viewed as a neccessity in my adventures/misadventures. I can dig just fine with my hands and a Green River Knife. And, when I have done smaller/shorter versions of his trip (I've never done an 18 month continually travelling trip) I'd rather have a little more difficulty digging occassionally than have the extra weight of hauling around a specialized digging implement on my back all the time.

The crank radio thing....I guess that can fall into the category- personal luxury item. I've never needed one, but, I can see that they might be nice occasionaly to hear. Again, it just depends on how much weight you want to carry on your back.

Thanks again for the positive feedback, and good discussion. Hopefully, we can get this guy lined out so he can come back here in a year and a half and share what he learned!

**trax** · 04-22-2008, 11:01 AM

Figure on going through about ten to twelve good pairs of hiking boots or athletic shoes. So obviously you'll be buying them as you go. Figure on how far you're going to be when the cold weather hits and have someone to hole up with for a few weeks at various places along the way. You won't walk through a blizzard on the transcanada highway between Winnipeg and Calgary partner, I guarantee you. If you continue to travel through the bad weather, pre-plan where you can make stops.

Also, if you're into serious hiking, check out the areas where the transCanada trail is complete. There are some awesome hiking trails through northwestern Ontario and eastern Manitoba, in the Whiteshell park. Trip will take longer, but it's well worth it.

**Ridge Wolf** · 04-22-2008, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

Montana - That was a pretty good post. Personally, I don't agree with the finger saw. I've seen way too many of those things break. I carry a folding saw and like it a lot. It's light and durable and pretty handy in my book. I wouldn't ditch the crank radio either. It could be really handy for weather information and just to keep you from going nuts. Just my opinion.

If the folding spade is one of the small trowel types that would be okay. If it's a military type I don't think I'd carry it either. They are pretty darned heavy.

As for the headlamp, get an LED and you won't have to worry about bulbs.

Nice post, Montana.

A word on the folding spades.... I have both the entrenching tool of the U.S. Military.. and I also have a smaller one just like it. Duhhh.. made in China but has the Coleman name on it.. Being smaller it is easier to pack and has the same functions as the bigger military issue. Just a thought.

**XIXIX** · 05-05-2008, 09:27 PM

just an update i was supposed to be heading out on the 15th of may but i just returned from a death in the family so i dont think ill be heading out this year as theres loads of stuff to do, but im still gonna head out aiming for march 1st next year, yeah its a little while away but id rather go then as opposed to going and starting out in the blistering heat

**crashdive123** · 05-05-2008, 09:29 PM

Sorry to hear about your loss.

**DOGMAN** · 05-05-2008, 09:52 PM

Bummer man. keep dreaming though...eventually the timing will be right and you'll get out there.

**Sarge47** · 05-05-2008, 10:03 PM

Sorry to hear about your loss XI, But I am very pleased about the logical thought you've shown in delaying your trip for more favorable conditions. This time can be spent gathering more info and the proper equipment; that way you don't have to rush into it!

BTW, did you ever find the book I was telling you about?

**nell67** · 05-06-2008, 02:48 AM

So sorry for your loss.

**XIXIX** · 05-06-2008, 11:27 AM

ive found it the bookstore is just really slow placing the order

oh and also i have a friend who may be going with me next year so that will help things out as well for safety concerns and what not

**rebel** · 05-06-2008, 12:08 PM

A couple did what your doing from here in the 70's. They went to Montana on their trek. They ended up writing a book about their experiences and the publishing company offered them $500,000 advance for the next book.

So, Take good notes and pictures. It maybe worth something besides memories.

Also, sorry about your loss.

**Aurelius95** · 05-06-2008, 02:00 PM

Not bothering to go back into earlier posts, so maybe this has been covered. Since you are planning on doing the trip next year, why not do some mini-hikes along the way, a dry run, if you will? It might help you confirm you have the right gear, as well as let you know what you haven't thought of.

Sorry about the loss in your family.

**Rick** · 05-06-2008, 03:30 PM

I think that suggestion is even more important now that you have someone that wants to join you. It might be good to do several just to see how well you two get along. It would be the pits to get stuck with someone you can't get along with on a cross Canada hike.

**Stony** · 05-06-2008, 05:25 PM

my gut-feeling is this trip will never happen!
there is always something coming up and more important.

**nell67** · 05-06-2008, 05:29 PM

Stony,My feeling is,you are gutless

**trax** · 05-06-2008, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by Stony

my gut-feeling is this trip will never happen!
there is always something coming up and more important.

I'm sure we will all give your gut feelings the careful consideration they deserve. Always something coming up? You ignore it when people you care about pass? S#it or get off the pot Stony

Roman numerals dude sounds like one of the adventurers on here that has his head on straight. You can do this XIXIX, being put off til next March might just be a sign that you needed that time for extra prep too. That's a pretty smart start time I'd think. And my condolences on your loss, as well.

**Sarge47** · 05-06-2008, 06:15 PM

Stoney: What's up dude? The guy just lost a family member, not his car keys! I think he's showing wisdom here, add to the fact that now he may have a hiking partner then he's made the right choice, IMHO.

XI (nick name

), keep the vision, just plot, plan, & set your goals. Make it into a series of steps that finally lead you to the big one and you should do fine. Rick & Trax both are right on! Also, I should have told you that I got my copy of "98.6 Degrees..." from Amazon.

They're fast! BTW, if two guys named Brad & Adrian show up wanting to join, well.....

**crashdive123** · 05-06-2008, 06:37 PM

Roman Numeral Dude.....I like that. Like we have all said (well almost all) this gives you a bit more time to plan and prepare. As was suggested, some shorter trekking with your new partner may be a good idea. You will also have a chance to try out some of your winter gear to make sure it and you are up to the task.

**XIXIX** · 05-07-2008, 02:10 AM

within the next month i have planned for me and my buddy to spend a week in the cape breton highlands so well see how that goes, also the guy im going with is my roommate ive known for about 8-9 years so im pretty sure we get along but the cape breton highlands will just show wether or not that is true