5-Day Spring Camping Trip in Heavy Rain/Snow w/ Xander 

I don't care what people say about you, Jon. I think you're a great guy!

You freaking Canadians , You never disappoint, Thanks for letting me tag along going through some health issues so, things change. Stay true to yourself your family and friends. I appreciate you being thankful and humble......... More Americans could get a free lesson. Enjoy the great outdoors nothing better.

John, you are my favorite UTube channel! Zander is the best companion. Please give us 5 more years with many videos so we can travel on the lakes and fish with you. It’s the most relaxing therapy available anywhere!! Thank you John!

One of the very few adventurers that is actually enjoying the environment. All others just travel, set up camp eat, sleep and go again. This guy explores the area and takes us along. Thanks!

You do such a beautiful job of making me feel like I’m a friend who you’ve taken along for an adventure. You’re a calm well-spoken storyteller who’s willing to share your skills, knowledge and love of nature. Your chemistry with Xander is truly wonderful and makes me smile. Congratulations on five years. You’re very talented and I hope you can keep going for many more years to come. Cheers! Matt

Ditto to everyone else’s comments about your talent, skill, camaraderie with Xander. Thank you for getting me out of my Living Room and into the wild. I’ve been toying for two years now with the idea of having my own RU-vid channel for people over 50. I have extensive camping experience. I’m a fisherman and a hunter and my passion is motorcycle touring and camping along the way. Being a grandfather now makes it a little more bittersweet the idea of being gone for periods of time but I may yet pull it off. Thanks again. You guys are awesome!

“Rejecting that life I didn’t belong to. And that was the best decision I’ve ever made” - proud of you brother 💪

Great trip guys. John, you said something that resonates in my thoughts. So many things can happen to you, live your dreams while your still able. I’m old now, but still living my dreams as far as my body can take me. Over the winter I had leg surgery and now able to walk without pain. Looking forward (at 74) to hiking the Long Trail in Vermont this spring (132.6 miles). Thank you for inspiring me and for being you. Namaste

Jon... the poet of the modern day outdoors world! Really enjoy your trips!

I love to watch you two together! It's a match made in heaven! Thanks a lot for the good times!

Very cool that you went back to where you started filming. The old footage was fun to see. I also enjoy when you read a bit from your book. But, not on your video but the very end of Xanders where you talk into his camera. Dude that was dark but so hilarious. That type of creativity is something I really enjoy. Have a great year and get married already would ya? Cheers.

Five years already, I've only been here for a few weeks, and I've already seen easily 40+ videos.

YESSSS, love seeing you and Xander together. Your guys' other video is probably my favorite camping video. Woo!

John you are the true poet of the Alaskin Canadian wilderness your cinematography is beautiful and awe inspiring. You give me and all other subscribers a view of nature we otherwise never see. Thank you. Keep it up.

Thanks for taking me with you on your camping trip. I would never be able to camp there without you and Xander. I’m too old and it’s too cold for me. I watched Xander’s video too😊

100k holy smokes. congrats Jon and Erin

You TWO are a classic case of Steve Martin's 'WILD AND CRAZY GUYS' when you get together. Your photography and editing here are remarkable: just to pick out the chipmunk and your willingness to stay with it, even beyond the 'priceless' grooming sequence to record details of its anatomy. I am in the group that is increasingly glad you changed careers!🤩 DON'T SKIP THE FIRESIDE CHAT WITH XANDER after the video is 'CONCLUDED.' Important things are said that are mostly left unsaid in other Bushcraft/Camping videos.

These two together is pure entertainment - love it you guys.

Congrats on your 5 year anniversary and the beginning of your next 5 years with Xander ! He is a trooper also .... that makes 3 of you !

Here , from xanders. You guys are great, finished xander's campings and now caming to you ❤️

I could watch you two all day. Your both awesome. Looking forward to seeing more of you two together.

So fantastic! Great work with the camera, the chipmunk,groundhog.Great dynamic with Xander, however my wife was hoping to see Erin. She’s such a badass! We love your journey and can’t wait to see what’s next. Peace and blessings.

I know it is likely just YT music, but the song that starts around 43:20 (and I think is also in the majority of your vids) just fits perfectly! Love these videos and coming back to them often. Keep em coming Jon!

Greets from Germany. Love your Content

100K let’s go!!!!! Congratulations Jon. Well deserved.

Congrats on 5 years and the 100k subs Jon! Quitting your white collar job to pursue your passion, in and of itself takes guts. But the inspiration you have provided so many people through sharing this endeavour is what is most impressive. Well done and wish you continued success, both professionally and personally.

Not long found your content but what a treat I have had watching it. You have hugely inspired me, I got back in a canoe today for the first time in about 5 years after teaching it for a living. All I can say is thank you. I love your content, keep making videos Jon. 👍🏻 big love from the UK.

"To thine own self be true "...glad you did Jon

Just recently discovered this channel not too long ago, but I must say that I’m loving what I’m seeing so far. I’ve been having your videos play in the background while doing laundry and cooking and find myself getting more done. Your videos reminds me to just stop and smell the roses every now and then, no matter what life throws at you or how busy you get. I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety a good portion of my life, this pandemic doesn’t help, but you learn that it’s the little things in front of you that’ll make a difference and you take one step at a time. I’ve been inspired to go on more walks and hikes lately, even took a small fishing trip. Sorry for rambling. Thank you for posting and taking me on these trips with you. They mean a lot!

Again another fantastic video. I feel like I was actually there. I was a scout, loved camping and hiking. I am 80 years old and can re-live my outdoor life through your videos. That’s so much!

That was great:" Johnny! John!! I need you!!"

I agree with you Jon that fishing for sustenance would be the number 1 survival skill. It's actually quite astounding when watching content like this (and getting out there myself) how little huntable wildlife there actually is. The scarcity and difficulty in actually making a kill makes fishing exponentially easier to get by on.

What a amazing voyage you have experienced John and the next amazement is around the bend, with that may it great you well. Nothing like the bond of treasured friend that started from a common interest as a stroke of the oar across the great lakes. So appreciate your willingness to share through the lense of a camera such awe striking creations view. Exander may you as well continue in your voyages that you generously share through your channel too. I so enjoy the armchair experience. Erin may your bright smile and eagerness too for seeking the great outdoors be Blessed.

Congratulations on 100k!!! We have enjoyed following you over the years Jon (&Erin), we all see the hard work that has led to this moment. Well deserved!🙌 Those bloopers🤣 this was rich! Thanks for taking us along boys.

The chipmunk was my favorite part. Thanks for bringin’ us along.

It has to be very satisfying to see that rocky, sloping campsite and know that, "no problem, I have a hammock". Such a great asset!

Hey John…started watching at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, you and Erin made for great company being cooped up in the city. Your work really makes me happy and helps me re-live my youth “primitive” camping with my family. When you choose to have friends with you in videos you certainly pick entertaining ones. Congratulations and keep up the fantastic job you are doing!

Love the humility and thoughtfulness I see in your vids. It was nice to hear the backstory from 5 years ago. I'm a huge fan. Good luck and high hopes for lots of great trips in the future!

Congrats on 100K you guys! Next, 500K in no time

It is The land before time. I got a taste of the Canadian north East once out on the Georgian islands. Thank you for taking a Hawaiian Surfer boy to an incredible land and waters.

Thank you Jon for taking us on your many canoe trips.I think your choice to go full time was the correct one and will be proven so with time.

Congrats Jon, you do deserve it. I subbed at 3.5 K followers, now 104 K! Thank you for all the content. Xander is a great guy, and his story is inspiring. One day I’ll be honoured to cross paths on the water or the portage 😊

Laughing with friends and loved ones in the wilderness, another great purpose for it all!

Yeah just wanted to say that the videos with you and Xander are the funniest!😅

yep -- great channel! Two very different approaches but these characters compliment each other and produce amazing content with incredible scenery and production value. Can't wait for summer!

My spouse and I have COVID and we've been watching all of yours and Xander's videos non-stop for the past week straight. We're really missing the outdoors right now, so this is a nice escape from the comfort of our home. We're from Thunder Bay but currently live in Edmonton, so hello from the west! :)

So glad you made that decision 5 years ago… for you and for us!! 😊😊😊

Jon, I've been following your channel since early BAO, back when you were that young chap finding time for 90 days in the wilds to catch and release fish. I was inspired by you then and I'm inspired by you now. Not so much the content creation stuff, rather the pure love and adoration you have for the great outdoors and your willingness to sacrifice to preserve it. And what I like the best about your "story" is your bravery; dumping the rat race to share this part of the world with us, your dedicated viewers. Many of us wish we took the road less traveled like you did, swerving left into the wild vs right into the rat race. I hope the platform here still rewards you for the right reasons and we get to enjoy your "story" for years to come; keep telling it, your words are worth listening to!

You two are THE Team. Great dynamics, great personalities; always awesome content

Congrats Jon on being on RU-vid for 5 years. I personally have enjoyed your videos for the past 4 years. I look forward to many more adventures!

Nothing like a little rain 🌧️ 😃

"Arrogant novice." I don't think you have it in you to be arrogant. Another example of your subtle humility shining through.

I watched all you videos Jon. Including the one where it all started. Enjoy your content so much, you are my new netflix 😎 Found you through the videos of xander which i also enjoy a lot and watched them all. You guys live the dream, keep on going buddies 💪 wish you a nice season this spring and summer.

I stumbled across your channel by accident when Googling "Grassy River" just shortly after you had posted that 7 day trip on the Grassy system. That is my favourite area if you don't mind a few motor boats around. Been watching your channel ever since even though the winter camping isn't the biggest thing for me. Congratulations on 5 years and stay safe.

One tip I would give is that whoever owns that axe with the plain wooden handle should paint the end of the handle with about a 6" wide band of red or blaze orange paint. You'd be surprised just how easily that wood color can blend in with a bush background and you could either set it down or it fall off a pack and you'd never see it again. Years of being in the bush both at work and for recreation have taught me that.

I owned a cabin in Northern Manitoba for 30 plus years. Yout fascination with wildlife and remote places is much like my own. I was fortunate to share it with my children. Caribou Moose beaver wolves and even on one special morning a wolverine. Life is good. Thank you for sharing...

Great video Jon and congrats on hitting 100k! We have enjoyed following along and just might need to invest in a bidet 😄 - Alex

Ya dude! You’re thanking us but we should be thanking you. Your content keeps us in the woods when we can’t be there ourselves. Can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me as I’ve been raising my boys and I haven’t had the chance to be out there every weekend like I used to. Thanks Jon!

Thank you for all the laughs at the end of the video! I loved that... 😂😅❤

Thank you Jon! You make amazing content and I can't get enough. Incredibly inspiring and great to see so many places I'll probably never see! Please never stop!

Thank you for sharing amazing experience 🙂👍

You say surreal, I say That seems grueling fighting the freezing rain. I guess my years in the military in such conditions doesn’t allow you to glamorize it. I appreciate your zeal and the connection made with nature is wonderful.

Ahhhhh... the start of the season! Thank You Jon.

Fav duo on the show!!! Love you, guys..

Strong confident men with a sense of adventure. What's not to love?

I found your Videos through Joe Robinet and the trip you did with him a year or 2 or more ago. Glad I did, I enjoy the bushcrafting and camp building stuff, but you offer such a different prospective and pace. It's relaxing, you do good work man and as always the camera work is great

Sue here, I love watching you two together, I love watching the world through your eyes, I would love to do what you do, but I'm not able, so you're so much appreciated stay safe out there,!

Nice to see the ice melted, the colors of nature, and the peaceful views. What a great outing 👍

It's crazy how 1 decision can change the whole course of your life. I'm so glad you made the right choice for you and I'm really glad that you film it all for us to enjoy 😉 😊 ❤

44:00-45-11 is what it’s all about. My first ever RU-vid comment I have ever left, but have watched your show for years. Love it man. Keep the adventure going and thanks for sharing it with us.

Jon, I for one like it when you & Xander share your experience with us .

One of my favorites third time watching so good so entertaining and funny to boot

ya Xander. two of my favorite three Canadians and amazingly great fellas...Thank You, Merci Beaucoup

The dynamic duo 🤙 pumped to watch this one.

Brrrrr but oh so beautiful 😍 And what a gorgeous fish 🎣

恭喜你可以過著自己想要的生活 ,謝謝你拍下美麗的大自然與我們共享 :)

Mate, that was so nice to hear a little history of yourself. I have a movie of all my adventures over the years. It's really important to see how innocent and naive we were. It helps us to not only recapture but to keep some in our lives, and nature helps us to do that, also. We really do have a blessed life. Hope your leg is getting better (March '23).

One of the best camping duos ever, great video 😊

loved the fireside chat with Xander🥰the dry suit is a great idea.

A couple years I've been watching these type of videos and I'm so happy I found your channel, John 😊 I love your wholesomnesss, the experiences and tips that you share. Your style of videos are pretty chill and yet keep me engaged and excited to see what your adventures bring. Thank you! I love your content and I think you do a great job at it. 😊

Got excited when saw the thumbnail. you and Xander are great

You guys are very entertaining.Thanks for sharing your adventure.

Hey Jon I hope you and Erin are good ❤ I look so forward to seeing what adventure you and Erin are on next 😁 That being said......THE LEAFS........ Game one tonight , against Tampa........ Hope you are watching.. And can continue watching,, and not miss a game,,cause they're going all the way....❤💔😣😂🤣🙏

Your videos are amazing thanks for all you do

OM, Zander giving you the finger was great! Did you 2 have as much fun as it looks like? Amazing job you 2 have. John, we are your fans and anticipate the next video and the advance of your story your willing to share, thank you.👍

한국에서 왔어요 ^^큰물고기를 잡았네요^^ 며칠 식량걱정 안해도 될듯합니다 ㅎㅎ

The bromance rekindled. Great video Jon.

Great video! You and Xander crack me up.

Great video. Just being in the woods is a great day, especially with a buddy! Thank-you for the fireside chat and all else such as the portable bidet hahahahahahahahaahahaha! I know this video was a year ago but I still would like to write my appreciation. Have a great day!

Oh what a feeling it is to see a new hour long canoe video from you Sir! Bonus feels for it being with Seniõr Budnick. More please.

John thank you for some awesome content. Loved the random bottle of gin!

You make my winters bearable. I love you and Erin and your friends. Thanks so much for bringing us along on your magical and inspirational trips. Your films are poetry, art and the best of humanity.

John, never commented but admit I have watched a ton of your videos mainly for the escapism of the real world! Your words and thoughts ring true to mine! Keep up the great work....Xander makes a great addition. Cheers to you both.

You are a truly good dude Jon and Xander isn't bad either. I love the buddy trips.

woooooo love seeing new videos up!!!

I first thought the bidet was a container for cooking oil since you got away from Teflon pans. I think you need to add this to your Merch for sure!! Awesome video! Glad to see you out paddling again.

That fish was a beast just saw the reflection part…so cool man. A fan

Glad to get a video 📹. Update I just made it past six months no drugs or alcohol and both my kids moved in full-time.. thank you for your videos so much can't wait to go on my own adventures ✨😊

Thank you. I needed this video, in so many ways. Well done.

You both give me so much of that BBMountain vibes. And it's beautiful.