Stuart Howe on Backpacking with His Twin Daughters across Canadian National Parks

Backpacker Radio

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Stuart Howe. Stu is an avid backpacker of remote and rugged Canadian treks, the proprietor of a Youtube Channel dedicated to documenting the backpacking trips he’s done with his identical twin daughters, and the nicest guy you’ve ever met!

We learn all about how his entry into backpacking was spearheaded by his girls, the best trails he’s done across Canada and the US, how he likely encountered an aggressively grizzly bear that later tragically killed a couple and their dog, and his organization, which aims to expand safe access into the Canadian backcountry.

We wrap the show with news of a missing thru-hiker on the PCT, the best outdoor temperature, the triple crown of worst TV characters, and how Chaunce's random act of kindness is giving her internet street cred.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Sambob: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at sambob.biz.

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Interview with Stuart Howe

• Howe's the Hike Website
• Howe's the Hike Youtube
• The Canadian Backcountry Trails Preservation Society

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:20 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Keep an eye out for the Trek’s fall editorial internship and use code “gingerstuff” for 15% off the Trek’s new merch!

00:04:30 - Introducing Stuart

00:05:00 - What is the Royal Canadian Geographical Society College of Fellows?

00:07:25 - Tell us about your wedding planning business

00:12:28 - In what ways is planning a good wedding like planning a good backpacking trip?

00:13:11 - At what age did you start backpacking with your daughters?

00:16:42 - What’s your background in the outdoors?

00:17:42 - How did you figure out the girls’ gear on initial trips?

00:20:13 - Were there less glamorous portions of backpacking with teenagers?

00:22:34 - Do your daughters get along better compared to their peers?

00:23:34 - What family dynamics set them up for success before you started backpacking?

00:25:20 - Were you reluctant or excited to start a Youtube channel?

00:26:35 - How involved were the girls in the Youtube video production?

00:27:40 - How much work was it to keep them interested in backpacking?

00:29:09 - Did you intervene in disagreements?

00:30:05 - What was it like to teach two young girls to poop in the woods?

00:31:20 - What ‘oh shit’ moments did you encounter?

00:32:50 - Do you prepare more for trips with your kids than solo trips?

00:34:05 - Have you had any scary animal encounters?

00:39:00 - Discussion about bear spray

00:47:37 - The rest of Stu’s bear story

00:51:00 - Discussion about dogs and bears

00:55:40 - How do you handle food at camp when hiking through grizzly country?

00:57:20 - Are you more afraid to return to the area where you encountered the grizzly?

00:58:10 - The conclusion to the grizzly bear story

01:01:00 - Tell us about the Fundy Circuit

01:02:30 - How different are the Fundy Circuit and the Fundy Footpath?

01:03:30 - What is the Molar Loop like?

01:04:15 - How difficult is it to get permits for backpacking in Banff and Jasper?

01:06:40 - Is the backcountry less crowded than the frontcountry?

01:11:30 - How do you compare solo backpacking to trips with your kids?

01:13:45 - Did your wife miss going on the backpacking trips?

01:16:45 - Tell us about the South Boundary Trail in Jasper

01:18:40 - What trail would you recommend for someone with their kids in Banff or Jasper?

01:20:13 - How did you teach them about dangerous things without creating fear?

01:23:00 - What are the biggest differences in backpacking in the US versus Canada?

01:24:15 - What are the biggest resupply differences?

01:25:34 - Did you have your daughters navigate while hiking?

01:26:20 - Tell us about the Rocky Mountain Loadout

01:27:30 - What’s the Ancient Wall area like?

01:28:18 - Tell us about the West Coast trail

01:31:42 - Did you see any mountain lions?

01:32:41 - Why not the Sunshine Coast Trail?

01:34:00 - Tell us about the Canadian Backcountry Trails Preservation Society?

01:38:40 - How can people get involved if they’re interested?

01:39:58 - Kumo Question: What is the one celebrity you’d be most starstruck to meet?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: PCT Hiker Missing for Over 2 Months, Authorities Begin Search by Ariella Nardizzi

QOTD: What is the best outdoor temperature?

Triple Crown of the worst TV characters

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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