- Stephan Kesting
- December 3, 2025
Five Reasons to Put a Spray Deck on Your Canoe
Spray decks are fitted covers made of waterproof cloth that stretch across the deck of your canoe to to prevent accidents and ensure safer and
- Stephan Kesting
- May 7, 2024
What’s Better Against an Aggressive Bear, Bear Spray or a Gun?
I was working as a guide in the Yukon the summer some French tourists went hiking in Kluane National Park, saw a grizzly bear, and
- Stephan Kesting
- March 6, 2024
Why Lighting a Fire with Gasoline Usually Doesn’t Work (nd How to Do It Safely)
Lighting a fire with gasoline or other flammable liquids like kerosene or white gas can be incredibly dangerous since the explosive fumes extend out well
- Stephan Kesting
- February 8, 2024
Does Expired Bear Spray Still Work?
A few years ago I pulled off the highway onto a deserted logging road and pulled out an old container of bear spray. I wanted
- Stephan Kesting
- February 5, 2023
The Open Canoe Roll
Rolling practice… It’s been 20 years since I last rolled a small whitewater canoe equipped with a saddle, thigh straps, and airbags, so I headed
- Stephan Kesting
- February 3, 2023
Raingear for Canoe Expeditions
In this video I chatted with Canadian explorer Adam about rain and cold weather gear for expedition canoeing… Adam normally goes super minimalist, but hypothermia
- Stephan Kesting
- January 8, 2023
Intuitive Navigation, Or Why You Shouldn’t Rely On Your GPS in the Wilderness
I recently spoke with explorer and author Adam Shoalts about the role intuitive navigation plays in the wilderness. Here’s the video of that conversation, and
- Stephan Kesting
- September 27, 2022
Your Number One Tip to Stay Safe in the Outdoors
Adam Shoalts is an accomplished Canadian explorer with many big expeditions under his belt. He’s been a guest on my podcast (The Strenuous Life Podcast)
- Stephan Kesting
- May 27, 2022
Type 1, 2 and 3 Fun
Type 1, 2 and 3 Fun Not all fun is created equal. Sometimes the word ‘fun’ really does mean that something is fun, and sometimes
- Stephan Kesting
- February 7, 2022
How to Get Started in Canoeing, Featuring Mikaela Ferguson
Getting started in something new is always daunting, and this especially true if you’re talking about canoeing, paddling, and other watersports. There is steep learning