Lightweight Backpacking News: Digest No. 12

On March 15, Will Steger will begin a 200-mile, solo winter traverse by canoe-sled along the Minnesota-Ontario border. The founder of the Steger Wilderness Center, a climate change awareness advocacy group, will rely on his experience from previous expeditions to the North Pole and the Antarctica to complete this challenging endeavor. Steger said he was grateful that he could find a route that "would stretch his skills" and hopes his journey will be a source of inspiration to others. He wants to go beyond the physical and mental toll and express "why you would do these things". The rapid onset of Spring forced him to begin his journey early. He hopes he can spend most of his time on the rivers and he'll be wearing a dry suit in case he has to take a swim.