YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!
June 5, 2019
A properly equipped family canoe. EVERYONE is wearing a life jacket! Hardly a year goes by when there isn’t a
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PLAYING IT SAFE!
July 27, 2023
Steel River, Ontario. Wrapped Mad River Explorer Kevlar canoe.Yes! It survived the wrap and was later repaired to functional (not
DAMAGE CONTROL
May 16, 2025
My Bell Yellowstone Solo Canoe. It has been EVERYWHERE! When I was much younger, I made an annual trip down
REVIEW: RADLIGHT: HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIGHTER
April 4, 2025
By Cliff Jacobson Here’s an interesting new product. RADLIGHT is a “take off” on the old Zippo lighter, but it’s
MURDER AT WEDDING CAKE FALLS
January 25, 2025
Third and final pitch of Wedding Cake Falls* Just west of Armstrong, Ontario, in the rocky shield country of Canada,
WHAT’S WRONG WITH GASOLINE TRAIL STOVES?
September 28, 2017
My favorite trail stove is the long defunct Optimus 111B. Known for its power, simplicity and reliability, the B still
THREE GREAT WOOD BURNING TRAIL STOVES
September 28, 2017
Littlbug Stove TREK STOV Most of today’s self-propelled campers rely on liquid-fueled (propane, butane, gasoline, alcohol) stoves for all their
A SMART NORTHWOODS SURVIVAL KIT
October 26, 2017
My first job after college was as a forester for the Bureau of Land Management in Coos Bay, Oregon. One
THE DEVIL’S GRIN–A RIVETING TRUE STORY BY AUTHOR/PHOTOGRAPHER, TONI HARTING
October 9, 2017
Book Review: “The Devil’s Grin,” by Toni Harting by Cliff Jacobson Paddlers who are familiar with Toni Harting’s earlier books,
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE
January 21, 2020
North Knife River, Manitoba: the water is very high and shore-line eddies are washed out. It is 45 degrees and
REVIEW: EXPED TORRENT PACK
November 1, 2017
Sometimes a product comes along that’s done “just right.” The new Exped 30/40/50 series Torrent dry packs are one of
REVIEW: NORTHSTAR PHOENIX CANOE
April 14, 2021
Cliff (L), Larry Rice (R). Both Phoenix canoes. Yellowstone River. CCS spray covers. Bear Paulson, Phoenix canoe Cliff, Phoenix canoe.
YOU SAVED US! OR, HOW NOT TO STAY LOST!
October 31, 2017
This is from Caitlin Looney, a wilderness therapist in Colorado. Caitlin was guiding a group of teenagers and turned a
TOP TEN CAMPING ITEMS
November 25, 2017
Newcomers to camping are often put off by the all the things they “think they need” to have a good
HOW TO SHARPEN A KNIFE
November 6, 2017
Quick! You’re going on a wilderness trip. What tool do you value most? If you said “a good sharp knife”,
REVIEW: BEST SOCKS IN THE WORLD!
November 12, 2017
If you haven’t tried FITS socks, you’re missing something special. I’ve been wearing them (exclusively) since I discovered them three
REVIEW: A SYNTHETIC BASE-LAYER THAT WORKS!
December 31, 2017
At the outset, I should make it perfectly clear that I’m a “wool” man, and it would take an act
COMPASS OR GPS?
December 7, 2016
At the outset I should make it clear that I love my GPS. I bring it on every canoe trip.
COFFEE TALK WITH CLIFF JACOBSON
December 11, 2017
By Bull Moose Patrol Cliff Jacobson has been a great mentor to me for years. I first saw Cliff speak
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CAMPING?
February 12, 2018
Camping out has changed considerably since the good old days of pine bough beds, bonfires and fresh-cut trail shelters. Camps
REVIEW: GRANSFORS MINI BELT HATCHET
May 23, 2025
Gransfors Axes: Top to Bottom: Small Forest Ax, Wildlife Hatchet, Mini Belt Hatchet Lennart Petterson making a Mini Belt Hatchet
FRESH FOOD TRICKS
January 23, 2018
I like to eat well on canoe trips. Pre-packaged, freeze-dried meals, like the ones you buy at camping shops don’t
COMMON SENSE
January 27, 2020
Everyone who canoes the Boundary Waters knows that the maximum group size is nine people and four watercraft. The rule
ARE BIG KNIVES BEST FOR BUSH CAMPING?
March 31, 2018
Above Knives: (Top/left to right): Grohmann #1 flat-ground carbon steel “Camper,” Gerber Shorty, Victorinox large Swiss Army Knife, Forschner #40614,
REVIEW: Chota HYRB-800 Rubber-Soled Boots
March 28, 2018
The subject of canoeing footwear has been largely beat to death by canoeing writers, including me. There’s no agreement as
KNOWING WHEN IT’S TIME TO QUIT
January 18, 2018
Stuff happens as we age, and it’s not all good. Darrell Foss, 75, one of my closest friends, has Alzheimer’s
DRYING HAMBURGER AND BEANS
May 19, 2018
Hamburger and beans form the basis of dozens of outdoors meals. Examples include spaghetti, lasagna, beef and been burritos and
CANOEING INTO OLD AGE
May 30, 2018
Above: San Juan River, Utah: Cliff Jacobson, Bell Yellowstone solo canoe Tumplines are magical, more so when going uphill as
CANOEING AMONG DANGEROUS BEARS
August 22, 2018
Mention guns and canoe trips in the same breath and some folks are apt to go ballistic. Still, if you’re
OLD IDEAS DIE HARD–REALLY HARD!
July 31, 2018
IF IT RAINS HARD ENOUGH AND LONG ENOUGH, WATER WILL GET INTO YOUR TENT! FLOODED TENT: NOTE HOW THE INTERIOR
REVIEW: WEATHERWOOL®ANORAK
August 1, 2018
Above: The WeatherWool anorak: It’s at home in the woods or at a fine restaurant!Photo credit: Jeffrey Fiterman Check this
SELECTIVE ENVIRONMENTALISM
May 3, 2018
Above: Kopka River, Ontario Adirondacks, New York At the outset, I should make it clear that I am an environmentalist.
BOBBY
September 21, 2018
Above: Point Lake, Nunavut, Canada. Start of our trip down the Hood River Muskox! Cliff Jacobson and Sue Harings. Hood
TEN TOP CAMPING ITEMS!
October 10, 2018
Newcomers to camping are often put off by the all the things they “think they need” to have a good
A MIRROR INTO THE PAST
February 4, 2019
Above: Cliff, age 39 Cliff, age 39 In October,1980 I took my family on a canoe trip into the Boundary
WESTERN WATER
December 9, 2018
Eastern and midwestern waterways are generally clear and inviting. Not so in the far west. Desert rivers like the Colorado,
FEAR AND CONFIDENCE
January 6, 2019
Bob O’Hara: One of North America’s most experienced Arctic paddlers Since 1969, Bob O’Hara has spent every summer canoeing in
MONTANA MADNESS
March 18, 2019
Above: Larry Rice (L), Cliff Jacobson (R). Northstar Phoenix canoes (IXP layup) Some of the “smaller” waves on the Yellowstone
LESSONS FROM CANOEING THE ARCTIC
April 12, 2019
ABOVE: INUKSHUK Wilberforce Falls, Hood River, Nunavut, Canada My first Arctic canoe trip was on the Hood River, Nunavut (formerly,
NEW BOOK: JUSTIN CODY’S RACE TO SURVIVAL!
July 2, 2019
Wilderness users are an aging group. The U.S. Forest Service recently reported that the average age of those who go
A PROPERLY EQUIPPED FAMILY CANOE. EVERYONE IS WEARING A LIFE JACKET!
May 23, 2025
A properly equipped family canoe. EVERYONE is wearing a life jacket! Hardly a year goes by when there isn’t a
TWENTY TIPS FOR CANOEING THE BOUNDARY WATERS
June 23, 2019
Much as I love canoeing wild, fast rivers, I can’t escape the lure of the Boundary Waters. And every year,
SOME NOT-SO-POSITIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR NATIONAL PARKS
August 30, 2019
You are REQUIRED to hang your food in Yellowstone NP. Note that the bear-hanging pole is directly over a prime
SOME ADVICE FOR TRIP LEADERS
July 4, 2019
A bright summer morning on any river. A crowd of canoers prepare for a downstream float. It’s 9:30 a.m. and
WHAT? A NEW SURVIVOR SHOW!
August 2, 2019
I recently got a call from a casting director in California. She was casting for a new TV show, similar
MY FIRST BOUNDARY WATERS TRIP
November 16, 2019
Cliff: above center: Note LLBean boots Note leather boots. I learned fast that rubber is better! Above: Cliff canoeing Above:
THE BEAR TRUTH!
September 24, 2019
#1. Bear climbs tree, chews through rope #2 Bears climb trees. Really! Readers who are familiar with my books know
HOW TO PICK A GOOD CAMPING KNIFE
February 23, 2020
Top to bottom: Idaho Knife Works, “Cliff” knife, Grohmann #1 Camper, Spyderco Military knife (this one is left-handed). The Cliff
THE TRUTH ABOUT MAGAZINE/WEB PRODUCT REVIEWS
November 28, 2019
Snake River, Yukon, Canada Kopka River, Ontario Point Lake, Nunavut, Canada I am often asked this question: “We’re planning a
ONE SHOE FITS ALL IN THE BOUNDARY WATERS!
November 16, 2019
I recently returned from my annual fall solo canoe trip into the Boundary Waters. My experience began at the Tofte
IT’S IN THE GENES!
February 2, 2021
Mariscal Canyon, Rio Grande River, Texas Rio Grande River (“The Great Unknown”) I was born in Chicago and spent the
HUDSON BAY BREAD–YOU’RE GONNA LOVE IT!
March 26, 2020
Hudson Bay Bread is really a moist, high-energy granola bar.Each piece contains about a million calories! Now that the Corona
REVIEW: WEATHERWOOL NECK-GAITER AND NRS OSO PFD
March 13, 2020
Weatherwool’s new Neck-Gaiter is among a handful of outdoor products I’ve reviewed that are done “just right”. Knit in America
CANOEING MISTAKES THAT CAN KILL YOU!
July 30, 2020
NOT SCOUTING A FAMILIAR RAPID Round the bend you see the dancing horsetails of a familiar rapid. Pangs of conscience
HOW TO DIE ON A CANOE TRIP!
June 10, 2020
Ask folks what they fear most about canoeing a wild river where help is an airplane ride away and you’ll
GOOD COP, BAD COPS, GREAT LAWYER!
July 2, 2020
An abbreviated version of this article was originally published in the 2010 Canoe & Kayak Magazine’s Dealer-marketing Guide (long gone).
THIS MESSAGE WILL MAKE YOU SMILE
August 20, 2020
Dear Cliff: I hope you will forgive the length of this email, but I must write to tell you what
JUSTIN CODY: CAN WE HEAR YOU NOW?
December 1, 2023
Yes, we can, Justin! Thanks to the recording talent of Saige Spinney – a professional voice-over artist – your story,
KAYAK OR CANOE–WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?
October 24, 2019
Kayaks now outnumber canoes on almost every waterway. Why are they so popular? Some years ago, I guided a group
DO YOU REALLY KNOW HOW TO USE A MAP AND COMPASS?
September 16, 2024
In the 1980s, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources became concerned about the large number of deer hunters who became
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ON A CAMPING TRIP IS ??
September 30, 2023
Kopka River, Ontario. Cliff prepares steam fried pizza – 10 min. prep/2 min. cook Quick! Name the most important thing
FIRE MAKING – LEARN HOW TO MAKE A ONE-MATCH CAMPFIRE!
October 14, 2024
I recently returned from a trip in the Boundary Waters, and as usual, it was a good time. But one
DON’T WORRY DOC, WE’LL MAKE IT! The story of Jim McAvoy–a daredevil Canadian bush pilot who carved history with his wings.
August 7, 2024
Updated: Aug 22, 2024 By Eric Watt: From my book, Campsite Memories. This true, heartwarming story will make you smile. Forward:
AT LAST: A GREAT NEW CANOEING MAGAZINE!
July 14, 2024
I recently chatted with Joe Friedrichs, the author of Her Island. It’s the story of Janice Matichuk, Quetico’s longest serving
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CANOEING?
June 30, 2024
Steel River, Ontario When I was a Boy Scout in the 1950s, my greatest thrill was summer camp and the
GOING NORTH – WHAT YOU CAN – AND CAN’T – LEARN FROM CANOEING THE BOUNDARY WATERS
May 27, 2024
Yes! The fishing (and everything else!) is AWESOME in Northern Canada. North Knife River, Manitoba You’ve made many successful
SECURITY: To Tie or Not to Tie!
April 17, 2024
Renee and Ken Sebranek on a wild Wisconsin river. Reneee is totally blind! Their heart-warming story is in my book,
KAYAK OR CANOE–WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?
March 16, 2024
Kayaks now outnumber canoes on almost every waterway. Why are they so popular? Some years ago, I guided a group
TU ON THE RIO GRANDE
January 30, 2024
This guest blog, by, Tony Heck, is a great read. It’s long, but worth your time. About Tony: Tony is
CRISIS ON THE RIO GRANDE
January 29, 2024
Cr. Chris Baker Photography (With addendum that tells the fate of the two paddlers and the wrapped red kayak) Some
YOU SAVED US!
December 30, 2023
This is from Caitlin Looney, a wilderness therapist in Colorado. Caitlin was guiding a group of teenagers and turned a
JUSTIN CODY’S RACE TO SURVIVAL!
December 1, 2023
This month, I’m breaking with “blog tradition” to share with you Chapter One of my teen book, Justin Cody’s Race
MAPS FOR THE BWCA
November 2, 2023
Three map companies have long serviced the BWCA – Fisher (www.fishermaps.com), McKenzie (bwcamaps.com) and Voyageur (voyageurmaps.com). National Geographic is the
THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON ON A CANOE TRIP is… !!!
September 30, 2023
Bad stuff sometimes happens on canoe trips — and it’s not always on the river! Location: about 20 miles southeast
THE NINE OUT OF TEN RULE!
September 2, 2023
Doug Green, Colorado River, Grand Canyon Round the bend you see the dancing horsetails of the rapid. As is the
REVIEW: GANESHA WOOD BURNING TRAIL STOVE
July 30, 2023
Ganesha stove. 700 ml pot on lower level. Top holds larger pots of any size. Note clean burn- barely any
MIRACLE BOATS
May 27, 2023
Dragging! This was a daily occurrence. These boats are TOUGH! When Alv Elvestad, owner of Pakboats (pakboats.com) invited me to
A SPEEDY DEMISE
April 25, 2023
Kopka River, Ontario. One of the prettiest rivers in the tree line. SCENARIO You and three friends are planning to
PITFALLS OF FOLLOWING LOCAL ADVICE
March 19, 2023
North Knife River, Manitoba. A narrow slot on river left (right of the canoe) allows safe passage. *SCENARIO Grand Rapids
I’M AFRAID I MIGHT DIE ON THIS CANOE TRIP!
February 22, 2023
Rio Lacnja River, Chiapas, Mexico. 16-foot SOAR inflatable canoe. Yes, they capsized! Cr. Larry Rice Dear Fearful: Rest easy; the
*WHAT! ME PADDLE?
January 25, 2023
Charter boat pick-up, mouth of North Knife River, Manitoba Most Canadian Indians and Inuits who live in northern communities have
RIG A BOMB-PROOF CAMP!
January 15, 2023
Canoe camp in the Werneke mountains, along the Snake River, Yukon, Canada Some years ago, after a dangerous storm with
ARE YOU RAPIDS-SMART?
December 15, 2022
Alumacraft 17′, “wrapped.” Hells Gate, Kettle River, MN. This canoe is being salvaged so it won’t pose a danger (obstacle!)
CANOEING MYTHS
October 29, 2022
Kopka River, Ontario. I was once asked what prompted me to start writing about canoeing and camping. “Myths,” I replied.
DEFINING “EXPERTISE”
September 30, 2022
Drying off after a heavy rain. Heat from the fire reflects into the twin tarps and dries wet clothes. Smoke
THE LEGEND OF WHITE OTTER CASTLE
September 1, 2022
The Castle: White Otter Lake, Ontario My friend, Chic Sheridan and I discovered “White Otter Castle” by accident in 1984
SEALED WITH A MISS*
July 29, 2022
The Seal River is located northeast of Tadoule Lake, in a remote corner of northern Manitoba. It is one of
AN HEROIC RESCUE: WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
July 1, 2022
The following life-threatening experience took place on the Turtle River in northern Ontario.* The Turtle is not a particularly difficult
HOW TO GET A GOOD DEAL ON A GOOD USED CANOE
April 24, 2022
Have you priced new canoes lately? Top-end composite models begin around $2,500 and, depending on lay-up and trim, top out
GRAY HAIRS!
March 25, 2022
Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Frost River Some years ago, I presented a program for the Minnesota Canoe Association. About 150
TWELVE ESSENTIALS FOR WILDERNESS CANOEING
March 8, 2022
Old Town Tripper canoe. Hood River, Nunavut, Canada Canoeing wilderness rivers in northern Canada and Alaska is the same as
BEST KNIFE (KNIVES!) FOR THE BUSH!
February 14, 2022
From my just released new book: Camping’s Top Secrets, 5th Edition —————————————- My 90-minute video, THE FORGOTTEN SKILLS details the
ACCIDENTS!
February 4, 2022
Broken trailer tongue–near LaRonge, Saskatchewan. Destroyed my wood-trimmed Old Town Tripper canoe. My dad was a quality control engineer. A
CANOES AND WILLIWAWS!
January 9, 2022
Noatak River, Alaska: Seconds before the williwaw. The canoeing literature universally recommends that landed canoes be turned belly up when
WHAT TO FEAR ON A WILDERNESS CANOE TRIP
January 6, 2022
Muskox: Hood River, Nunavut, Canada. Yes, these guys can be dangerous! In 1974, I made my first big river trip
A CHIPEWYAN THANK YOU
December 11, 2021
Nice brook trout! Saturday is “turnaround” day at many fishing lodges in northern Canada. Eager to take advantage of the
DIVERSITY CAN SAVE THE DAY!
November 14, 2021
FreeStyle canoeing is like ballet on the water. Wood-canvas canoe by Tom Mackenzie. Some years ago, I had the privilege
BRIGHT COLORS SAVE LIVES!
October 25, 2021
Green River, Utah Blending with nature is part of what wilderness canoeing is all about—and for many paddlers, this means
COLOR CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!
October 11, 2021
Mouth of the North Knife River, Hudson Bay. Green River, Utah Blending with nature is part of what wilderness camping
BIRTH OF A LEGEND: The Story of the Old Town Tripper Canoe!
October 4, 2021
Despite newer designs, the Tripper excels as well in tough rapids. Some canoes are blistering fast but don’t turn worth
TURBO SKY HORSE
September 3, 2021
DeHaviland Twin Otter on floats With a payload of 3,000 pounds, full instrumentation and extended range capability, the deHaviland Twin
NINE ADVENTUROUS–BUT NOT DEATH-DEFYING CANOE TRIPS!
August 7, 2021
Rio Grande River, Texas/Mexico border. Scenes like this are commonplace along the RioG.That’s my canoe in the foreground. When someone
CLIFF ROAST–A SPECIAL 90 MINUTE RADIO/VIDEO-STREAMING PROGRAM HONORING Cliff Jacobson
July 23, 2021
I was recently honored (“roasted”) on The July 21, 2021 CAMPING SHOW (W4CY Internet radio) hosted by CW Goetz. I
DON’T NEED NO STINKIN’ TRIP GUIDE!
July 4, 2021
I turned 80 in September. No matter, I continue to think—and largely feel—like I’m 29…well, maybe 39. The heart attack
TOUGHEST LOOP IN THE BWCA
June 12, 2021
Final portage on the Frost River that leads into Little Saganaga Lake. Correction: not a portage; it’s a rock-jumble that
IS CANOEING BETTER NOW THAN IN THE 1980’S?
May 15, 2021
Cliff: Boundary Waters Canoe Area, 1980. 17′ Grumman aluminum canoe. A recent article in an on-line magazine listed seven reasons
CARBON-FIBER PADDLE CARE
April 26, 2021
Cliff: RioGrande River, Texas. Bell Wildfire carbon/Kevlar solo canoe and Zaveral carbon straight-shaft paddle. Once you’ve used a carbon-fiber paddle,
WHY BENT PADDLES ARE BEST FOR CRUISING CANOES
April 10, 2021
FreeStyle expert Jim Mandle, Buffalo River, Arkansas. Bell Wildfire solo canoe; Zaveral 12-degree carbon-fiber paddle. I resisted bent-shaft paddles long
MARCH MADNESS/STUPIDITY ON THE BUFFALO RIVER!
March 15, 2021
Typical late March scenery along the Buffalo River The national wild and scenic Buffalo River in Arkansas is one of
DUMB AND DANGEROUS THINGS… PART 2
February 20, 2021
Grizzly. Camp along the Fond du Lac River, Saskatchewan. 13. NOT FOLLOWING THE TRIP LEADER’S EQUIPMENT LIST.Good trip leaders provide
TWENTY-FOUR DUMB AND/OR DANGEROUS THINGS THAT CAMPERS AND PADDLERS DO!
January 27, 2021
Boundary Waters Canoe Area. These canoes were on land but not tied up. A big wind blew them into the
FOURTEEN SILLY CAMPING THINGS
December 31, 2020
Survival Bracelet! Compass, cord, light, kitchen sink!Photo credit: Furkan Sahin One of the joys of being a writer is that
COULD YOUR CANOE SURVIVE THESE RAPIDS?
December 6, 2020
Steel River, Ontario. Mad River Explorer (Kevlar) canoe Kettle River, MN. Alumacraft aluminum canoe My first remote country canoe trip
A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE!
November 9, 2020
Boundary Waters Canoe Area, 1972 BWCA 1972 Many years ago, I outfitted and guided three wealthy Chicago men–the least affluent
MY SON IS TRYING TO KILL ME!
September 4, 2020
Upper Wedding-Cake Falls Land of the Lost West of Lake Nipigon, in the rocky shield country of Ontario, there flows