u/chefwilbrod

Trip started from Big Salmon Lake parking lot. Easy to get too and no office check-in required.

Day 1:
Took a non-direct route from parking lot to Big Clear 13b. The route took me 14km past Birch lake, through Lynch lake and Little Clear lake, and finally up Black Lake into the Big Clear lake area. Took me about 4.5 hours with a couple snack breaks and a lunch. There was decent water availability for water filtration. This section of the park is very well marked and the trail is beginner friendly.

Day 2:
Left from Big Clear lake and went 10km down the east side of the park. Entered the Slide Lake loop which was considerably more rugged terrain than the first day. After another 4.5 hour trek I arrived at North Buck lake, campsite 1a.

Day 3:
From North Buck, I continued south on Slide Lake loop, passed through Doe lake and continued north until reconnecting with my car at Big Salmon parking lot. The section from north buck to Doe lake can be quite the slog, especially after getting rain the night before. Trails are considerably less groomed compared to the norther part of the park

Both campsites were great. Decent swimming and I lucked out both nights as my neighbours never showed. Bugs at big clear were perfectly manageable, north buck I got attacked.

I didn’t encounter any ticks…that I know of.

Title.

Wondering if I’ve had a backcountry campsite booked at a park for a few weeks and want to just change the site, is there a fee?

Wondering what kind of webbing management strategies people use to keep the long webbing from the top/mesh pocket buckle out of the way. When I fully tighten the top strap I have 2 pieces of webbing around 12” long just flapping around.

Ive been tucking them into the mesh pocket but thinking of cutting them and tying a stopper knot to prevent the buckle from coming off.

I’m 27 and have the following investments:

TFSA = $93,000
36% DFA International equity
28% DFA U.S Equity
25% DFA Canadian Equity
11% High Interest Savings

Cash Account = $12,500
100% Canadian Equity

RRSP = $13,000
Manulife LifePath Index Fund 2026

I contribute $200 a week to my TFSA (Now into cash account as TFSA is maxed) and contribute $80/week to my RRSP which is matched by the company, so $160/week deposited

My main question - how is this set up? Should I diversify? Should I look into more targeted investments like XEQT? Maybe pick some higher risk/reward stocks and allocate a small percentage there?

My concern is I have good savings but might be leaving money on the table with weaker investments. Any input/advice is appreciated

I’m 27 and have the following investments:

**TFSA = $93,000**
36% International equity
28% U.S Equity
25% Canadian Equity
11% High Interest Savings

**OPEN Account = $12,500**
100% Canadian Equity

**RRSP = $13,000**
Manulife LifePath Index Fund 2026

I contribute $200 a week to my TFSA (Open account if maxed) and contribute $150 to my RRSP which is matched by the company.

My main question - how is this set up? Should I diversify? Should I look into more targeted investments like XEQT?

My concern is I have good savings but might be leaving money on the table with weaker investments. Any input/advice is appreciated

Recently camped at Balsam Lake Eco-Sites and wanted to provide a trip report. The 6 eco-sites are walk-in only and various distances from the parking lot, but all within a 5 min walk. The sites themselves are very private. E4 was my site and I didn’t hear or see anybody the entire time. You definitely get the backcountry feel but with your vehicle/other amenities close by if needed.

Each site has a tent pad, fire pit and picnic table. The tent pads are a bit small and didn’t fit my 3 person, so I ended up pitching my tent on the ground away from the pad. There are also food lockers, garbage bins and a water tap in the area.

The trails in the park are well maintained but were quite mucky after some rainy days. Definitely check for ticks after hitting the trail. Mosquitoes were pretty bad in some sections of the park too.

All-in-all a great experience for anyone trying Backcountry style camping without wanting to jump into a longer distance hike

Today is a good day. PSA that the KAKWA 55 is back in-stock for Canada warehouse. Not sure if email notifications are working because I never received one.

Just snagged the M torso S/M belt and I’m already waiting for the post man. Cheers Dan.

EDIT: Notification came in minutes after posting

I’ve had my eye on the Kakwa 55 for quite a while now and am patiently awaiting the June restock. One question I continue to ponder is if the Kakwa is fit for someone who isn’t truly Ultralight and is more of a weekend warrior when it comes to backpacking trips.

For reference, I typically do 1-3 night backcountry camping trips in Ontario. I don’t take minimizing my base weight too seriously. Usually 21-25lbs with shoulder season being closer to 25-28lbs. With that being said it’s not unreasonable for my total pack weight to push mid-30lbs.

For the sake of conversation, I’ve looked into various Osprey and Gregory packs in the 55L neighbourhood. I love the features they come with but I still keep coming back to the Kakwa. Supporting Canadian is of some importance to me and I do love the customer service and communication I’ve seen coming from Dan and the Durston crew.

TL;DR - looking to hear about experiences using the Kakwa 55 as a more traditional backcountry camping backpack.