Send us a text

You can feel the spark from the first minute: a morning coffee turned into a grassroots outdoor festival that now spans a Friday night film showcase, three packed halls, and a winter courtyard buzzing with dog sleds, fire pits, hot tents, and live demos. We’re joined by Jason and Bretton from the Hamilton Adventure Expo to trace how they kept the show independent, community-centred, and hands-on while doubling its size and raising the bar for Canadian outdoor events.

We dive into the new Adventure Film Festival at the historic Westdale Theatre—nine films, intimate Q&As, and a 350-seat room where creators and fans meet face to face. Then we map the weekend across the Ancaster Fairgrounds: indoor tunnels connecting vendor halls, a dedicated speaker space, acoustic music sessions, a kids’ corner, and a coffee-and-treats hub that makes every room feel alive. Outside, winter takes centre stage with Abitibi Dog Sledding rides, Esker hot tent demos and cocoa, live knife forging, sled-pulling workshops, and collaborative camp kitchen sessions. It’s an immersive way to learn winter skills, talk to experts, and turn questions into confidence.

The speaker lineup is stacked: Adam Shoalts, Joe Robinet, Kevin Callan, Kylan Marone, Tori Baird, Ken Whiting, Ray Zahab, Ben Beauchamp, Marty Morcette, and Evan LaFive. We talk about why these voices matter, how their stories move people from YouTube to trailheads, and why Saturday and Sunday each offer unique sessions worth seeing. You’ll also hear how last year’s sellout lines shaped smarter crowd flow, added volunteers, and a VIP entrance for weekend pass holders—without losing the indie spirit. And if you like great odds, every ticket enters you to win a Nova Craft ToughStuff 16’ Prospector canoe, ready to kick off your paddling season.

Join us for a warm, honest look at the Canadian outdoor community—where makers, guides, filmmakers, and fans come together to learn, collaborate, and head outside. Tickets go live November 24. Grab yours, share this episode with an adventure friend, and leave a review to help more people find the show. We’ll see you at Westdale on Jan 23 and at the Ancaster Fairgrounds Jan 24–25.

hamiltonadventureexpo.com

https://www.instagram.com/hamiltonadventureexpo/

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show

Send us a text

The camp stove shouldn’t be where flavour goes to die. We sat down with Liz and Wally from Wanderless Kitchen to share how they turned heirloom South Asian recipes into plant‑based dehydrated meals that pack light, rehydrate fast, and taste like home after a long day on the water or trail. Their journey starts in Lahore’s kitchens, winds through a windy first paddle on Georgian Bay, and lands in a commercial kitchen where “a pinch” gave way to spreadsheets, tilting skillets, and hard‑won texture tests.

We dig into what makes dehydrated meals go wrong—chewy bits, pasty sauces, mushy or underdone rice—and how thoughtful ingredient choices flip the script. Dals became the stars: brown lentils that hold their shape, moong dal that turns silky, and basmati rice that stays long‑grained and separate. You’ll hear the story behind three signature meals—Masur Dal Chawal, Chikor Chole, and Moong Dal Chawal—why they’re all plant‑based, and how limiting oils preserves both flavour and performance in the dehydrator. This isn’t “moon food.” It’s smoky cardamom, cinnamon warmth, and nutty comfort that passes the ultimate test: family approval.

Beyond the recipes, we talk about scaling up without losing soul: renting a commercial kitchen, investing in larger dehydrators, logging every gram for consistency, and learning packaging the hard way so you don’t have to. Community demos at MEC and paddling festivals proved that if people can taste it, they get it—good calories can be delicious calories. If you’ve ever dreaded a bland boil‑in‑bag after a cold paddle or steep portage, this conversation will reset your expectations for backcountry meals.

Explore authentic flavour that travels. Try the holiday bundle—three meals for $40 at wanderlesskitchen.ca through December 10—and stock up for your next trip. If you enjoy the show, tap follow, share it with a paddling friend, and leave us a quick review to help more campers find real food for real adventures.

www.wanderlustkitchen.ca

https://www.instagram.com/blandcantakeahike/

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show

Send us a text

What if the comfort you chase is the thing holding you back from real resilience? We sit down with Jay Carson—veteran of U.S. politics, creator behind House of Cards and The Morning Show, and now executive director of the Boulder Outdoor Survival School—to unpack how a minimalist 14-day course can reset your inner compass. From a pandemic power outage that felt apocalyptic to making friction fires and sleeping without a bag, Jay shares the skills and mindset that turned fear into capability.

We explore the philosophy behind Boss: keep the gear list short, keep the learning deep, and move often enough that comfort can’t calcify. Jay explains why “compare down” cuts anxiety, how survival priorities put shelter and fire ahead of food, and why discomfort isn’t danger. If you’ve wondered whether you’re fit enough, his answer might surprise you. Baseline fitness helps, but head and heart make the difference—especially on specialised tracks like the Hunter-Gatherer course where, if you don’t find it, you don’t eat it.

There’s history and scope here too. Boss has operated since 1968 across nearly a million permitted acres in southern Utah, taking students from desert scrub to high forest in a single day’s walk. Jay connects those landscapes to his own, tracing a line from 9/11 and an anthrax exposure to a deeper need for nature’s grounding. He also previews his forthcoming book built on survival priorities—part backcountry guide, part life manual—aimed at anyone ready to rethink comfort, risk, and what truly matters.

If this conversation sparks something in you, subscribe, share the show with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a quick review. It helps more people find their way back outside and back to themselves.

https://www.boss-inc.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SurvivalSchool

https://www.instagram.com/boulderoutdoorsurvivalschool/

https://www.youtube.com/@BossSurvivalSchool

https://www.instagram.com/vikingbooks/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/vikingbooks/

https://www.youtube.com/user/VikingBooks

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show

Send us a text

Ever wondered how to stay truly clean outdoors without messing up the places you love? We pull back the curtain on camp hygiene with no-nonsense tips for safe handwashing, smart dish systems, and bathroom choices that protect water, wildlife, and your stomach. From what “biodegradable” actually means to why distance from lakes matters more than you think, we break down simple routines that reduce impact and keep your campsite calm and critter-free.

We start with first principles: preventing GI illness, avoiding scents that draw animals, and making soil do the filtering work soaps need. You’ll learn how to set up compact wash stations, strain food scraps from grey water, and decide when to use a cat hole versus a wag bag in fragile or rocky terrain. We talk gear that works—collapsible basins, light trowels, concentrated soap—and low-waste habits like packing out wipes and diapers, double-bagging scented items, and rinsing away from camp. For families, we offer kid-friendly rules that make clean hands and safe water second nature.

We also tackle menstrual hygiene with practical, low-impact options like cups and period underwear, plus tips on storage and rinsing that respect Leave No Trace. Along the way, we share real-world missteps (hello, solar shower rules) and how to read campground and park guidelines so your system fits the landscape, not the other way around. Clean camping isn’t about perfection; it’s about small choices that add up to healthier trips and healthier ecosystems.

If this guide helps you camp cleaner, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a quick review. Got a trail-tested hygiene trick or a tough question? Send it our way and join the conversation.

leavenotrace.ca

parks.canada.ca

outdoorgearlab.com

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show

Send us a text

A “short day” on the Temagami River can still knock the wind out of you. We set out expecting easy miles and found five portages, two line-throughs, low water, and a masterclass in patience instead. Between scraping rental hulls and threading skinny lines through swifts, we had to read the river moment by moment—scout when the tongue vanished, line when rocks stacked too tight, and save our pride for camp. It wasn’t epic in distance, but it was rich in decisions, teamwork, and small wins that add up.

We walk through how low water changes everything: where V’s lie, how eddies give you breath, and why a gentle pillow can signal a lurking boulder. You’ll hear our decision tree for run vs. line, how we split loads on back-to-back portages, and the subtle cues that tell you when to step out and rope the canoe. We also talk mindset—keeping humour when progress crawls, measuring success in clean ferries rather than kilometres, and staying safe without killing the fun. The Temagami River demanded respect; we paid it with caution, conversation, and a few fresh scratches.

The day ends the way river days should: at Greg’s Escape from Reality cabin, warm food on the way, and a quiet room that lets the stories breathe. We share shout-outs to friends like Thunderbox Diaries, compare notes on route choices, and build a few takeaways for your next trip. If you’re planning a canoe route with variable water levels, you’ll pick up practical tips on scouting, lining, and pacing a team through “short” days that aren’t. Hit play, settle in, and then tell us your best trick for tight, rocky swifts.

If you enjoyed the journey, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Spotify, and send us a note at [email protected]. Share the episode with a paddling friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more campers find the river.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show

Send us a text

Wildfire smoke, sudden downpours, and surprise park closures are rewriting the camping playbook—and we’re mapping a better way forward. From downbursts that flatten tree canopies to late-season black flies and fire bans that change by municipality, we share how our own trips have shifted and what actually works when conditions get weird. This is a practical, no-drama guide to staying safe, staying flexible, and still finding joy around the campfire when the rules of the outdoors keep changing.

We dig into the realities campers now face: how to check fire bans across jurisdictions, read air quality indexes before you roll, and build a safer camp when torrential rain hits. We talk fire hygiene that prevents smouldering root fires, smarter site selection that avoids flood paths, and the gear that holds up—tight rainflies, solid guylines, repair tape, and a pre-filled water bucket. You’ll also hear tips for navigating drought and water scarcity with reliable filtration, plus how to spot and treat heat exhaustion fast. On the wildlife front, we cover rising tick and mosquito activity, daily tick checks, and why a small removal kit can save a trip.

Planning is where resilience starts. We walk through creating Plan A, B, and C routes to dodge local smoke and storms, using Parks Canada and Ontario Parks updates, cross-checking municipal advisories, and leaning on weather and AQI tools for real-time decisions. We round it out with low-impact choices—carpooling when possible, rechargeable or solar lighting, battery recycling, and Leave No Trace habits—that reduce harm without killing the fun. Camping is still magic. With a flexible mindset and a few new skills, it’s not only possible—it’s better, because you’re ready.

If this helped, follow the show, share it with a camping friend, and leave a quick review so more outdoor lovers can find it. Got a pro tip or a story from a smoky or stormy trip? Tell us—we’d love to feature it next time.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show

Send us a text

Warm October sun, a gentle river, and the sweet spot between skills and ease—day two on Temagami delivered a slow-burn kind of joy. We kept the mileage short, dialled in our teamwork over breakfast, and spent the afternoon playing in friendly rapids with boats light and smiles wide. If you’ve wondered how to design a canoe-camping day that builds confidence without chasing distance, this is the blueprint.

We break down the day from a compact portage around a falls to the practical art of ferrying and S turns—how to set an angle, read a tongue of current, and keep hips loose so the boat does the work. With the water as coach, we lap the same feature to sharpen timing and control, proving you don’t need big whitewater to grow river sense. Along the shore, camp takes shape early: tents pitched, late lunch enjoyed, and a quick, bracing swim to rinse off the trail dust. The heat feels surreal for October, which brings its own lessons in layering and hydration for shoulder-season paddling.

Fishing fans get their moment too. Jared hooks a solid bass and lets it go, a small but clear nod to stewardship and Leave No Trace. We talk safety without killing the vibe: why intentional swims are the only ones we’ll accept, how throw bags and buddy systems add margin, and when to say yes to one more lap versus calling it a day. With a relaxed plan for tomorrow—likely a couple of small rapids, a short paddle, and a meet-up with Greg in the afternoon—we lean into the idea that a great trip balances play and planning.

If you love canoe camping, Temagami routes, beginner whitewater, or simply hearing the river in the background while you plan your next adventure, you’ll feel right at home here. Follow along for practical tips, warm camp stories, and the small wins that turn a simple day into a standout memory. Subscribe, share with a paddling friend, and leave a review to tell us your favourite rapid to lap or your go-to breakfast on trail.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show

Send us a text

Ready to fall in love with camping without the stress of a full-blown trip? We break down our favourite microadventure formula: a single midweek overnight at Ontario Parks within an easy drive of Toronto. Think quick packing, simple meals, and all the magic of a campfire, minus the overwhelm. Whether you’re testing the waters or introducing kids to the outdoors, this is a repeatable plan that builds confidence and joy.

We walk through how to choose parks within one to two hours of the city and why midweek bookings can turn crowded hotspots into calm escapes. You’ll hear our top picks—Presqu’ile, Bronte Creek, Ferris, Emily, and even Sibbald Point when timed right—plus the specific perks that make each place shine. From Bronte Creek’s farmhouse demos, indoor barn playground, and massive pool to Presqu’ile’s trails and shoreline, there’s more than enough to keep curious minds engaged and screens out of sight.

Meals stay easy and delicious with our go-to foil-pack method: frozen fish and veg thaw en route and hit the fire on a clean foil layer over the park grate. Pancakes in the morning, hot dogs and s’mores at night, and a compact kitchen bin to keep everything organized. We also share practical checkout rhythms, small Leave No Trace habits that matter, and how short trips help you learn what you actually need. Start small, build momentum, and let these one-night adventures stack into memories your family will talk about for years.

If this sparked a plan, subscribe for more trail-tested ideas, share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge outdoors, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show

Send us a text

A broken train plan shouldn’t break a trip. When the Spanish River route vanished overnight after a baggage car mishap, we leaned on fast-moving outfitters, scanned our maps, and chose a new path that turned out to be exactly what we needed: Temagami by way of Red Cedar. What started as a scramble became a reminder that the best stories often arrive when the itinerary falls apart.

We walk through the decision tree—French River, Martin River, then Temagami—and why Temagami won on terrain, access, and spirit. From our Red Cedar put-in to a sandy beach campsite under tall pines, we share the small wins that steady a group: clean landings, quiet water, and a camp kitchen that goes beyond “good enough.” Expect pizza hot off the pan and a shout-out to Bill from Thunderbox Diaries for unrolled cabbage rolls and smashed pierogies that boosted energy and morale.

The day ahead brings two dam portages and our first real taste of whitewater after months of training. We talk scouting, conservative calls, and what “intentional swims” means to us. Safety, communication, and humility take centre stage as we plan runs, respect horizon lines, and keep the group moving smoothly. Along the way, we dig into adaptable trip planning for Northern Ontario—how to evaluate alternate routes quickly, work with local knowledge, and choose campsites that actually fit your needs.

If you’re curious about Temagami routes, Red Cedar access, beginner whitewater strategy, or trail-tested camp meals, you’ll find practical takeaways and a few laughs. Subscribe, share this episode with a paddling friend, and leave a review to help more backcountry folks find the show. What’s your best last-minute trip pivot?

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show

Send us a text

A dream trail broke his knees and changed his life—Steve Evans went from hauling “light” heavy gear to engineering tools that feel like cheating on a portage. We bring you the origin story of Suluk 46, where a licensed mechanical engineer applies stress analysis and real-world testing to build ultralight, ultra-strong equipment that actually earns its place in your pack. From a titanium-and-carbon ice axe born for Nepal, to award-winning tent stakes, to a folding saw that weighs like a candy bar, Steve shows how obsession, iteration, and field time create gear that lasts.

We explore the design logic behind two very different saw families—an ultralight buck saw and slim folding pull saws built around Silky blades—plus the realities of supply, custom blade development in Sweden, and choosing performance without extra grams. You’ll hear the surprisingly relatable story of a packable grill that snaps together at camp and disappears into a small tube when you hike out, solving the “gross site grate” problem without adding bulk. We also dig into the market divide between canoe trippers and ultralight hikers, why product choices shift with terrain and portages, and how to think about comfort versus weight when you’re planning multi-day routes.

Looking ahead, Steve teases a carbon fibre, refillable fuel canister with a titanium valve assembly—a TSSA-informed answer to disposable isobutane canisters that could save weight, reduce waste, and make fuel management smarter on long trips. Along the way, we talk about building a small, family-powered company, launching products at Canadian outdoor shows, and redefining success around time outside, not just scale. If you care about backpacking gear, canoe tripping essentials, and thoughtful design that starts on the trail and ends at your workbench, this conversation will spark ideas for your next kit rebuild.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a gear-obsessed friend, and leave a quick review to help more curious campers find us.

www.suluk46.com

https://www.facebook.com/suluk46

https://www.instagram.com/suluk46/

https://www.youtube.com/@Suluk46

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING:

Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping

Support the show