Elise has more than five years of backcountry canoe tripping and winter camping experience.
She and her husband Ross spend at least four full weeks in the backcountry every year, no matter the season.
Together, they’ve paddled thousands of kilometres of lakes and rivers across Ontario, Canada.
Elise is an expert at backcountry meal prep and planning—having mastered the art of dehydrating foods, cooking over a campfire or camp stove, and keeping meals as simple as possible without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
With a professional background in copywriting and digital marketing, Elise is the one who makes sure Gone Camping Again looks as good as it does and features the highest quality camping content (including original photography).
She has also completed a whitewater canoe clinic, certification for Whitewater Rescue (WWR) I & II and Wilderness First Aid (WFA), and is a member of the Wilderness Canoe Association.
Camping tents come in all sizes and shapes, but if you're tall, finding the right one can be tough. For taller folks, regular tents might feel cramped and uncomfortable. That's why choosing a tent with a higher ceiling and a longer floor is important, so you can enjoy...
Backcountry camping offers a unique way to immerse yourself in nature. One of your most important pieces of gear is the tarp, a versatile tool that provides shelter from the rain, wind, and sun. Tarps are lighter than traditional tents and offer a minimalist approach...
Three-season tents are versatile shelters designed for the varying conditions of spring, summer, and fall. They are lighter than four-season tents, making them ideal for backpackers and casual campers who trek in milder weather. While these tents aren’t built for...
So you were expecting to go backcountry camping, but your plans have changed. Should you try to rebook it for another time, or cancel it altogether? We've been in this situation before. It can be tough to decide what to do when you have so many factors at play—your...
Traditional backcountry camping isn't for everybody. But now that glamping is such a huge trend, you no longer have to plan a trip that requires you to be roughin' it through the wilderness. Glamping? Glamping is a portmanteau of "glamorous" and "camping," referring...
As Canadians, two months of the year is never enough of a camping season. Believe it or not, the best time to go camping is any time—as long as you're prepared! We camp in snow, slush, sleet, and ice—even when the temperatures have plummeted well below freezing. In...
Camping in December comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. You’re trading in buzzing crowds for the tranquil silence of a winter wonderland. With the right planning, you can enjoy the brisk beauty without the frostbite. Think toasty fires, warm drinks, and...
Ever woken up from a night in the tent feeling like you slept on a slab of ice? You're not alone. The right camping mattress or sleeping pad can make all the difference between a night of blissful slumber and one of chilly regret. What is R-value and why does it...
Choosing between hot tent camping and cold camping in winter is kinda like deciding if you want hot chocolate with marshmallows or just the hot chocolate on its own. Both warm you up, but one's got a little extra comfort built right in. Hot tents, with their built-in...
Choosing the right camp stove fuel for cold weather or a winter camping trip can make or break your expedition. If you've ever tried to fire up a stove with the wrong kind of fuel when it's freezing out, you know the frustration of failing to get a hot meal when you...
We've all been there—you're about to head out the door, you grab your backpack, and bam, the zipper's stuck. It's frustrating when you can't access your essentials because your trusty zipper has decided to jam. Don't let a stuck zipper throw a wrench in your plans....
Packing up a wet tent can dampen your spirits as much as your gear. It's a common scenario when backpacking, especially when the weather decides to throw you a curveball. You've woken up to a soggy tent; now what? Don't worry, you've got options to keep everything...
Ever found yourself peeling off a backpack as if it's a second, sweat-soaked skin? Yeah, we've all been there. You're out embracing nature, feeling like a modern-day explorer, only to discover that your back has turned into a mini sauna. Not exactly the cool,...
Let's talk about that not-so-fresh feeling you get a few days into a backpacking trip. You know the one—where your scent could probably ward off wildlife better than any bear bell. We've all experienced it: you're having the time of your life embracing the great...
Backpacking and mountaineering are like distant cousins in the outdoor family tree—similar roots but oh-so-different family gatherings. One has you strolling through the woods, admiring the birds and the bees, while the other has you scaling icy ridges, where the...
Ever felt like your hiking boots are conspiring against you, plotting a blister uprising with every step you take on a backpacking trip? You're not alone. We've all been there, trudging along the trail, daydreaming about kicking off those treacherous boots and going...
Ah, the trusty backpack—carrier of camp gear, food, snacks, and, unfortunately, that unmistakable funk that seems to have taken up permanent residence between the fibres. Washing it seems like a chore, and let's be honest, who has the time for that between the million...
Ever tried lifting a backpack that feels as heavy as bricks? You know, that moment when you hoist it onto your shoulders and your knees give in, like you're auditioning for a comedy about backpacking gone wrong. We've all been there, thinking we might need to munch on...
Ever noticed your favourite hiking boots feeling a tad snug after a trail-blazing weekend? Or perhaps your legs seem to have developed a life of their own, bulging with new muscles that weren't there before. I t's the classic hiker's conundrum: you set out to conquer...
Imagine yourself deep in the backcountry, surrounded by the scent of pine, your pack snug, and the promise of a campfire-cooked meal just ahead. You're in the zone, rocking that wilderness vibe—until you come across Mother Nature's pop quiz: the dreaded water...
Are you dreading the thought of packing your backpack for an upcoming backpacking trip? Packing for a longer journey can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time going on one. You may be wondering what essentials to bring and how to fit it all in, without...
Are you gearing up for an epic backpacking adventure but finding it tough to pick the perfect tool? Well, fret not! Choosing between an axe, hatchet, or saw can be a real challenge for many backpackers, as each has its own unique advantages and limitations. We'll...
Backpacking is an incredible adventure that rewards you with unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors. It's your chance to escape the chaos of everyday life and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Why backpacking is worth it Here's why you...
You may not realize it, but it's easy to become dehydrated in colder weather than you might think. The cold, dry air actually causes you to lose water through the process of respiration. This is why it's so important to drink enough water when you go winter camping....
There are a lot of advantages to taking food winter camping. For instance, the outdoors is a natural refrigerator or freezer! Winter is also a time to chow down on hearty, warming foods that give you energy. Some tips for selecting and packing food for winter camping:...
A couple of winters ago, Ross started raving about anoraks. I, on the other hand, had no idea what he was talking about. He didn't own one after all, but he was deep into researching how to stay warm in extreme cold—and somewhere along the line, he stumbled across...
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you can't use just any old camping mattress or sleeping pad in cold weather, If you're planning a winter camping trip, you're going to need a mattress or pad with an R-value of at least 4, preferably 5. R-value is a measure of...
I can tell you from experience: There's nothing quite like doing your business in -30°C (-22°F) temperatures with the wind chill. Backcountry camping in the winter is wonderful, but the cold certainly makes routine tasks and personal hygiene a challenge. Pooping is...
Winter is a beautiful season, but you should never underestimate how dangerous it can be. Many of the risks associated with three-season camping also apply to winter camping, however the risks are higher because of the cold weather. Before you set out on a winter...
The challenging part about trying to go ultralight with winter camping is that winter gear is typically heavier and bulkier so that it can withstand the elements. We learned this the hard way after investing in a 30-pound canvas hot tent along with a 30-pound stove to...
Backcountry travel in the winter can be challenging—especially when there's a ton of snow. But snow opens up the possibility of pulling your gear rather than carrying it on your back. We've traveled in the winter with backpacks, sleds, and pulks, and we've found that...
We've always stuck to air mattresses and sleeping pads when it comes to camping—even in extreme cold weather. With an R-value of more than 6, that's plenty enough insulation to keep us warm alongside our -30°C/-22°F sleeping bags. It wasn't until we went on a guided...
Tarp camping isn't for everyone, but then again, neither is winter camping. Both have their pros and cons, and those who choose to combine them are typically the ones who are the most adventurous and resilient in the outdoors. If you've ever thought about trying to...
Winter camping can be a thrilling experience, but it requires proper planning and the right choice of shelter. Two popular options for camping shelters are tents and tarps. Tents are the more traditional choice, often providing a dome-shaped shelter with a rain fly,...
The arrival of winter doesn't necessarily mean that camping season is over—it just means you'll need more specialized gear for the cold. While many campers enjoy using a four-season tent or a hot tent with a wood burning stove during the winter months, others choose...
If you're someone who enjoys winter camping, it can go a long way to bring a portable gas-powered heater. These heaters typically run on propane or natural gas and come in different designs, including radiant heaters and convection heaters. Radiant heaters emit heat...
We went winter camping with 31 dogs for 10 days. No, really! We did. They were Alaskan husky sled dogs, to be more specific. Over the course of our expedition, we quickly learned that the dogs always came first. We had to: Hook them up to our sleds Constantly untangle...
Nothing is more important than being prepared the first time you go winter camping. Of course, there are some things you just can't foresee happening until you've done it. We've been there! There were definitely lessons learned after our first winter camping trip....
If you live in Ontario (like we do), count yourself lucky. The province is home to an astonishing 340 provincial parks, featuring some of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada. If you've ever visited or camped any of those parks, then you know what we're talking...
It's estimated that we lose around 7 to 10% of our body heat through our head. Wearing a hat is usually a pretty good idea when you're going winter camping, but that's not all you can do to retain as much body heat as possible. When temperatures are extremely cold and...
Staying warm and managing your body temperature is arguably the number one most important thing you need to be aware of when winter camping. There are so many factors at play—including personal factors like your genes/metabolism/fitness level, outdoor temperature,...
I'm pretty sure we own at least 8 to 10 camp stoves—all of which are different styles and of varying quality. When it comes to winter camping, a stove is a must not only for cooking your food, but also potentially for keeping you warm. If you're backpacking, you're...
Packing for a winter camping trip is a lot different than packing for a summer or three-season trip. The gear is more specialized for winter temperatures and weather conditions, making it heavier and bulkier. You also just tend to need a lot more stuff to stay warm...
It can get downright cold at night in the middle of winter. If winter camping is something you'd like to try this season, you better be prepared with the right gear and clothing—not just during the day, but at night too. A warm camper is a happy camper, after all!...
Thinking about venturing outside this winter and maybe making a trip out of it? Winter camping is indeed a unique experience, but you better have the right gear for the cold weather! Download this winter camping checklist as a printable PDF ...
When I first started camping in cold weather, I had no idea just how important it was to properly layer my clothes. I thought I could simply take what I had out of my closet, throw on a big parka, and call it a day. Boy was I wrong! Since then, I've spent years...
Camping is a great family activity that all ages can enjoy, and if you have kids, you've probably thought about what they could use to support their adventurous, outdoorsy spirit. There are all sorts of incredible toys, gadgets, books, and games designed to get kids...
One of the most amazing ways to experience nature is by winter camping. That's right—camping...in a tent...in winter! We've been winter campers for more than three years now, camping in extreme cold temperatures as low as -40°F/-40°C and in locations as remote as the...