David Burnford
Health and Hygiene in the Backcountry
David’s interest in outdoor adventure started at a young age, with the guidance and support of an active family and Scouts Canada. Hiking, skiing, paddling, climbing and cycling all provided a portal to the natural world, and quickly became central to his lifestyle. Every night spent outside was a win.

David’s interest in outdoor adventure started at a young age, with the guidance and support of an active family and Scouts Canada. Hiking, skiing, paddling, climbing and cycling all provided a portal to the natural world, and quickly became central to his lifestyle. Every night spent outside was a win. For several periods over the past two decades, while traveling and working seasonal jobs, David gave-up living in a conventional home in favour of tents, sheds, bush camps, truck cabs and barns.
Now settled back into city life, David uses his bike to explore the woods and maintain a connection with nature. Along the way, he picked-up many useful habits and tricks to stay clean and healthy with minimal amenities such as water, electricity, or reliable access to supplies. He’s also learned how to manage his chronic skin and gut sensitivities, as well as nagging aches and pains, allowing for longer bikepacking trips in remote areas.
Fun Facts
- Purchased in 2001, David’s first ‘apartment’ was a red and white, 1972 Bowler trailer that looked like a fishing bob.
- David’s first taste of bikepacking was a 3-day trip through the Eastern Townships in 2005.
- In 2007, David started delivering vegetables to downtown Ottawa from his greenbelt farm using a Trek hybrid bicycle modified with a BionX e-assist kit, Extracycle rear-wheel extension, and aluminium trailer.
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