Backcountry Paddler

A perfect morning paddle today out on the lake 👌

Hope my 🇨🇦friends had a great Canada Day and Cheers to my fellow Americans on tomorrow's big 250! 🇺🇲

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 7

Backcountry Paddler

Happy New Year, everyone! I just want to say I'm super thankful to those of you who are still watching my videos and patiently waiting for some new content. My family and I are doing great. I'm 100% planning an ice out Algonquin trip this year and I can't wait to be back out in the backcountry portaging from lake to lake and filming my adventures. Have a very Happy & Healthy 2025!

- Mark

1 year ago | [YT] | 81

Backcountry Paddler

As much as it pains me to do this, I need to. I need a serious break from being "Backcountry Paddler" to re-focus on being Mark. I have not been myself in a very long time and I'm in need of time to get myself right. It may be a few weeks, a year or may be indefinite. How ever long I see fit. That's simply how I want to live my life... on my terms. I am human and life does not follow algorithms. My focus is to get healthier, (including not drinking) and be the best father I can be for my daughter. I can only be that man if I take the necessary steps to get myself right.

I absolutely plan to get outside and do all of the things I love to do, but I will be doing them simply because I want to rather than because I feel I have to or that I should. In fact, I hope to do it far more than I have been! I'll be hiking for the love of nature, not a challenge, and paddling for the love of being out on the water, not for Youtube or Instagram content. I do hope to still post things, but who knows. I just want to live life in the way that I choose and share what I want to share when I want to share it.

Thank you to all of you who reach out often and have been on this journey with me. I truly appreciate and value all of the many friendships I've made through Youtube and Instagram. I promise this is not goodbye and I'll still be around, just on my time now.

Be well always. Get outside, keep learning and keep inspiring!

❤️

Mark

3 years ago | [YT] | 50

Backcountry Paddler

Life's greatest adventure starts now! I will be back to camping eventually my friends.. but for now, I'm taking some time off to enjoy as much time as I can with my first baby girl, Emery. 😍 Just as I learned how to camp, I've gotta learn how to Dad! I started a new job as well which takes up much more of my time, so getting out often and editing videos isn't quite as possible right now. I'm still out hiking and paddling every chance I get so be sure to follow me on Instagram where I still post daily! I'd love engaging with you all there!

@backcountry_paddler

✌️
Mark

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4 years ago | [YT] | 45

Backcountry Paddler

First snow of the year came yesterday (woohoo!!) which gave me a great opportunity to burn in my new Pomoly Dwellar wood stove out in the yard. This thing is a BEAUTY! It got up to 80°F inside the tent no problem. I'm all geared up for cold weather camping so I promise winter camping videos will be coming. 🤞for more snow soon! My hope is to get out and film during some real snow storms this year. ❄🔥 it's gonna be funnnn!!

Have a great day today!
Mark

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4 years ago | [YT] | 32

Backcountry Paddler

I've really come to love sleeping in lean-to shelters, especially in significant weather. They provide the best protection for storms. Not only are you well protected, you are also right there in the elements and can fully experience the storm! Not to mention, they give you a place to hang up your gear and keep it dry. Oh, and no tent set up!

Have you ever camped in one?

Also, would you be interested in seeing me film an overnight winter camp in one? I think it could be really fun in a snow storm!

PS: I apologize for not being too active on here of late. I've been really busy with work and things at home that take priority at the moment. Thanks for sticking with me, I'll be back at it soon.

Be well,
Mark

4 years ago | [YT] | 34

Backcountry Paddler

Thanks to all of you who watched my latest overnight adventure with Riley. Next up will be a solo overnighter in the woods soon! I've got some fun things planned! 🎃

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4 years ago | [YT] | 22

Backcountry Paddler

Hey look I can "post" on YouTube now, sweet!

I'm currently editing my recent ADK solo canoe trip video and spending all day today working on it. I can't wait to share it with you. The trip had it all... it was hard work portaging, hiking a mountain and dealing with storms, but also extremely peaceful hearing and watching loons, seeing gorgeous sunsets and gazing at the stars all night. I hope my upcoming video captures it all.

I've been posting some teaser photos from this trip on Instagram. More to come this week.

@backcountry_paddler

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

Be well,
Mark

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4 years ago | [YT] | 24