Algonquin Park - Highlands Backpacking Trail

[@user-md6lf8rz9n]

Love Algonquin park. First time there was as a youngster on family vacation in 1974. Enjoy all your trail reviews too. The Bruce, Rideau, Killarney, and now this. Great job!

[@Campology]

Thanks so much G

[@jeffbackcountry5651]

Thanks for sharing your walk. I’ve been backpacking that trail for 35 years, multiple times every summer. It never gets old to me, it’s a passion of mine! I also have the Zpacks Altaplex tent but mines in camo. Anyways, happy hiking.

[@Campology]

Happy trails Jeff… thanks for reaching out!

[@tinaeckerlin]

Hey Bruce! Love this trail! Last season was really wet. Hike the Highlands in late September, really wet. Hiked the Western Uplands in late October and had wet feet for 5 days! Always beautiful despite wet feet!

[@Campology]

Sounds great! I hate wet feet, but particularly when the temps start bumping ZERO... wet feet often mean blisters, so I generally try to change socks as often as I can, but sometimes... it gets down to just putting on wet socks in the morning! Usually it's not that bad after an hour or so. It is what it is. I too have hiked Western Uplands a few times and generally my feet were wet most of the time no matter what season it is!

[@jamiemaxwell2074]

My friend and I were there around the same time as you, last year (October 26-28). A bit cold and wet, but as you say, "No bugs!". The bridge you made mention of did cause us a bit of trouble and we were thinking that it might be time for a replacement. Great video - enjoyed it and it got me all set to get out there this year.

[@Campology]

Hey Jamie thanks for reaching out. I just love Algonquin in October. Perhaps I will see you there next year!

[@marlenemohle7945]

Great video! Looks peaceful and beautiful. I have never backpacked in Algonquin. Only Killarney. I shall have to check out this park. Thank you for posting. Thank you for your wonderful smile and modeling of positive solo, fall, coldish weather, rainy day hiking. ( *what are the mesh pockets you have on the straps of your backpack?)

[@Campology]

Thanks and appreciated

[@Querenciatv]

Great Video! Thank you for uploading. Can't wait to see more content 😊

[@Campology]

Thanks so much... and that’s high praise from you guys. Your content is excellent!

[@kenwilliam42]

When I had saw your post I hoped for another long series of videos so that way it would take my mind off this third wave of Covid lockdown we’re going through. Nonetheless another great video and I am very appreciative of the time that you spend to make these and share them with your community.

[@Campology]

Thanks so much and glad you like them.... re the Highlands Trail... I’ll hike slower next time. 😂

[@snakebitmcgee6532]

Heading up there next week. Wish me luck hopefully it’s not too muddy 🤙🤙

[@Campology]

Good luck… bring spare socks🤣

[@Tents.and.Timber]

Love the intro! Such a great trail, we can not wait for this lockdown to be over so we can get back up there. Great little clip, thumbs up from fellow creators!

[@Campology]

Thanks, and much appreciated.

[@DuyTran-bg3zk]

hi Dudley, thanks for uploading such a nice video. I was just wondering how easy or hard this trail is compared to the Algonquin Western Uplands, Im looking to do this trail on a 2 day hike, and not sure if it's as doable as the Western Uplands. Thank you.

[@Campology]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! The trail is definitely different from the Algonquin Western Uplands, yet I would suggest the difficulty is about the same... and 2 days is doable but ambitious. Unless you are an experienced backpacker I would plan for 2 nights and 3 days. I can do it in 2 days but I travel ultra light and hit the trail at 6am.

[@KingDoomfist]

I'm considering trying out this trail next summer instead of my usual paddling trip. Looks serene as hell. No other people is my jam. Do the backpacking sites have firepits?

[@dariusafrouzi2226]

doing this trail in two days 1 night. Fit well equipped. Recommended?

[@Campology]

Enjoy

[@tombeckett4340]

And good water and breathable boots are a must.🇨🇦👍

[@Campology]

I agree in most cases. But on the GDT there where so river crossings that my Gortex (waterproof/breathable) footwear was actually a problem. But for most Ontario hiking I still like my waterproof/breathable footwear.

[@OntarioBirding7538]

How do you make those cold soak meals?

[@Campology]

I'm glad you're interested in cold soak meals! It's a simple and convenient way to prepare food while backpacking.... check out my video kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2iQhpqbd8ppo7M

[@sebasm7255]

As someone wanting to get into backpacking (I live in Ontario) what resources and or tips should I be aware of??

[@Campology]

wow… apart from my website …😂…I think it’s time for a post after I finish the Appalachian Trail.

[@camillelesco9813]

Gosh I LOVE your videos. You're living out all my dreams. Are there any beginner backpacking trips in ontario you would reccomend?

[@Campology]

Thanks so much Camille... likely the easiest and with the ability for shorter hikes are 3 I'm thinking of... likely many others. Eastern Pines Algonquin Park, Charleston Lakes PP has a 10 k loop and Bon Echo PP has some great trails for a weekend trip... hike on!

[@dmbambino]

Unfortunately, OntParks places no caps on how many sites someone can book. A lot of folks book a ton of sites in advance and then cancel the ones they don’t use at the last minute. Gotten worse during COVID I think. Parks should introduce booking caps of some form.

[@Campology]

I suspect you are right... the front country camping is pretty much fully booked for 2021... it's the backcountry that is even stranger. The Ontario Parks website indicated that Highlands was "almost" fully booked and when I hiked the complete loop, yet I didn't see one pitched tent in 2 days and only 2 people entering the park on the last 2 kilometres. There is some major disconnect. I don't know the solution, but I hope they fix it soon!

[@philippebourdeau2281]

Great Vid Bruce. Curious, which app do you use to forecast weather while backpacking?

[@Campology]

I don't... I generally check the weather prior to the adventures for the general expections and pretty much take the same gear for spring, summer, and fall... winter is another thing! Although I have used the weather function on my Garmin just for curiosity, but never really changes my plans. This trip was a short 2 day thingy, so I had the luxury of seeing the 4 day forecast prior to entering the backcountry.

[@philippebourdeau2281]

@@Campology Got it, thanks. I also enjoyed your review of your winter z-packs quilt, do you have a favorite summer quilt as well (z-packs but higher temperature rating or?). I'm from Ottawa as well, living in Thailand, but dreaming of tackling some Canadian trails post-covid. Your videos are great.

[@Campology]

Thanks so much for the kind comments... There are so many cottage quilt makers out there doing great work... but so far my fav is the Zpacks... I suspect the 30degree version would be a great summer bag... EE and others make a 40degree quilt... yet they are heavier than the Zpacks’ 30 ˚... go figure. And I can attest that their temp ratings are a conservative “comfort” rating...

[@philippebourdeau2281]

@@Campology cheers and look forward to seeing your future treks

[@Campology]

Cheers

[@xxgg]

As someone who is new and would like to try Highlands backpacking... how easy / difficult is it to follow the trails? (during non summer/bug season)

[@Campology]

The trail are easy to follow. The trails are not easy, but relatively moderate. Enjoy.

[@tombeckett4340]

Your boots can make you or break you. I’ve found that out years ago. Thanks water prof boots don’t forget .🤔😳🇨🇦

[@Campology]

Totally agree!

[@tombeckett4340]

I love a hot meal especially in the cold weather or raining weather.

[@Campology]

I hear yah… most are like you. But I’m like stoveless most times. My stove will still come out on the shoulder seasons and short hikes.

[@tombeckett4340]

Keep everything nice and dry.

[@Campology]

Always!

[@TriFlyAdventures]

Taking my 3 year old on thee short loop next week. Wish me luck 🤣😂

[@Campology]

Rock on… enjoy!

[@travist7644]

Friggin……😂

[@Campology]

Thanks