BACKCOUNTRY WINTER ADVENTURES ARE MEMORABLE
Something special and rare now a days is fishing a lake for a few days with just you and your crew. It’s sure nice to have thequiet days back in the bush listening to nothing but natural nature. One thing that’s important to always due prior to these trips is to make a list of supplies and safety tools to ensure a memorable trip. I’m going to give you all a list of a few things I like to bring. I’m known to bring everything but the kitchen sink on these trips but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Always research your lakes and trails when doing these trips to make sure you got everything you need. First off is manpower! I have done these trips with myself and another person but I suggest three or more. There are many situations that the extra guys come in handy. Often you get stuck going back on cut lines that haven’t been travelled / deep snow/ flood ice and dealing with deadfall along the way. Having the extra bodies will save a ton of energy working together as a unit. Not only are the extra bodies important but also having the extra machines: skidoos/ side by sides/ quads in case of breakdowns.
BRING THE TOOLS FOR THE JOB
With equipment it’s always important to have the proper tools to change belts/chains/ filters. A simple tool case can save you hours so do your research and make sure you have two of everything. Not trying to scare you back to town but I’ve been to a few of these breakdowns and having tools or spare belts or
both have saved us several times. I think every person should have some type of shovel on each machine just in case you get split up. One year I had a friend take a wrong trail back and got stuck before he realized he was on the wrong trail. It had been snowing so hard that we went to find him and thought he was lost on the lake behind us. The importance of going slow together as a unit is pivotal because often there is no cell service and in places walkie talkies don’t work. Before departure it’s good to have chats and a gameplan with your crew helps.
MAKING SURE YOU ARE SAFE
Safety gear is by far the most important on the list. The first aid kit you supply for this trip must have enough gear to support the amount of people in your party. We usually bring two bigger first aid kits in case one gets lost or damaged. I stick to having two of all the important things on these trips because stuff gets broken / damaged /lost a lot easier than a day trip to local lake. Safety gear is way more than a first aid kit.
We all wear floatation suits and inflatable life jackets at all times travelling to and from spots. If the ice is on the thin side, we continue to wear that gear during the day. Before trying a trip like this our rule is a foot or better. Nobody’s going to be there to help you besides your crew so put yourselves in a
scenario that you can enjoy without worry. Rope comes in handy for so many different situations especially on these trips. Once again, each machine should have 50 feet of solid rope for towing/winching. Chainsaw is a must to clean trail.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
If you have access to a Garmin Inreach satellite phone for your trip this is extremely important, especially if you’re a long way from cell service / town. Starlink is another option.
Sleeping quarters are something that needs to be safe as well. We often use a wall tent with a stove and stay out on the ice. Staying out on the ice makes for less travel but always make sure the wind isn’t going to be blowing too hard and damage your setup. Whether you’re in a wall tent /ice fishing tent/
propane heat / wood heat/ always pack a carbon monoxide monitor. I always have one in my ice tent as well as anywhere I’m sleeping. Doing little things like this will make the trip much more enjoyable and a lot safer!
