Product/Service Reviews – The Outdoors Guy

April 3, 2023April 3, 2023

Exciting Hunting/Fishing Website – Hook & Bullet.com

I invite all avid anglers and hunters out there to a website I manage called, Hook and Bullet. The site focuses on getting folks outdoors – to help plan your next adventure: where to go, when to go, what to pursue and what gear to bring.

We host the largest database of North American bodies of water, where you can find the best places to fish and hunt. We’ve already received over 250,000 fishing reports and have close to a million pages of content focused on fishing and hunting.

I am pleased to feature new Outdoors Guy insight and content regularly, on almost every aspect of hunting, fishing, camping, outdoor survival, and conservation including stories near and dear to my heart. Hope to see you there!!

Please visit: http://www.hookandbullet.com/

December 22, 2017December 22, 2017

2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition Review(With Photos)

Toyota’s ultra luxurious Tundra 1794 Edition pickup truck, I road-tested this fall, made for one classy deer hunting season indeed. The new 1794 is Toyota’s entry into a small but elite class of western-style pickups, along the likes of Ford’s King Ranch, and pays homage to the Texas ranch founded in the year 1794, where the Tundra plant is now situated.

This classy and rugged pickup features a chrome-surround grille with bright silver insert, a chrome and silver bumper, 1794 Edition badging, moonroof, and a powerful 5.7L iForce V8 engine producing 381 hp. The Tundra 1794 is a beautiful and burly beast to drive and as smooth and firm a ride as any I’ve seen; considering its mammoth 5600-pound size.

The Tundra garners highest marks for reliability and resale, which are both huge in my books. Long-term maintenance and repair costs combined with high residual value make this truck a sound investment and perfect option for anyone wishing to keep their vehicle a decade or more.

The last Toyota truck I owned was 16 years old when I sold it with still lots of life left. Thanks so much to Tina Allison of Toyota Canada for the opportunity of road-testing this great vehicle.

For more info on the Tundra 1794 Edition: https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/tundra/features-benefits

November 23, 2017November 24, 2017

HUGE Outdoors Guy Christmas Cookbook Sale!!

Ok Folks, for the first time ever I am offering my entire Cookbook Library ON SALE in time for Christmas – $10 per book ($15 for hardcover) (Plus $8 shipping, $15 shipping for 2 or more)

Choose from the many cool titles I have written over the past 8 years. Each cookbook features 100+ tasty recipes, useful tips and personal stories from the great outdoors, published by Canada’s authority on cooking; Company’s Coming.

These Cookbooks will make great stocking stuffers and I’ll personally sign each and every one! (Please note that the Canadian Fishing Cooking and Outdoor Cookbook are nearly sold-out.)

Drop me an email at: [email protected] or by phone (613) 601-7471

Happy cooking and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Campfire Cooking

Everything cooked over a campfire and eaten in the outdoors always tastes better it seems. But when faced with the challenge of cooking something other than hot dogs or hamburgers, many of us seem stymied. In this handy guide to campfire cooking, you will find lots of easy-to-prepare recipes as well as tips and tricks to make the planning and executing of interesting meals and snacks made over a campfire not only easy but fun.

Canadian Fishing Cookbook

Canada’s lakes, rivers and oceans are blessed with an abundance of wild fish, from salmon to trout to mackerel to sunnies and much, much more. After a relaxing day of fishing, there’s nothing better than frying up your fresh catch right there on the spot. Canadian Fishing Cookbook offers up to 150 of the greatest wild fish recipes out there.

Canadian Berry Cookbook

150 delicious recipes all featuring Canadian berries at their finest

Canadian Wild Game Cookbook

From the field to the table, the author presents 150 delicious recipes all featuring Canadian wild game at their finest

The Essential Guys’ Cookbook

A great gift for any guy! Essential recipes that celebrate the wonderful enthusiasm men have for cooking their special cuisine: – Classic recipes that taste like Mama used to make – Date night dinners: three secrets to win their hearts – Quick fixes – Late-night snacks – Game day cooking – Desserts to wow

The Canadian Outdoor Cookbook

Food simply tastes better when you’re outdoors. Canadian Outdoor Cookbook helps you take your outdoor meals from ho-hum to fantastic! With 150 recipes for brunches, lunches, dinners and campfire snacks, the possibilities are practically endless for your next adventure in the wilderness. Make-ahead tips throughout also simplify your preparations so you can get part of the work done from your kitchen before you leave. The whole family will love cooking with Canadian Outdoor Cookbook.

August 9, 2017September 5, 2017

Summer fun in the Great Outdoors

Regardless of what adventure you embark upon this summer your time spent fishing, hunting, riding or RV’ing in the great outdoors is the ultimate reward.

In my opinion summer is meant to be enjoyed leisurely, with my family and friends in an outdoor setting. Camping, cottaging, and of course fishing, are a few of the things I enjoy. One day, I could be casting for northern pike and bass with my Mrs. Outdoors Guy at the trailer in Cobden or putting up trail cameras, and the next I might be scouting the deer woods or doing work on the hunt camp. Holiday season is all about getting back to basics and enjoying things that really matter.

One of my highlights each summer is our family trip to the New Hampshire seacoast. Even though the Live Free or Die State boasts a modest 22-kilometre coastline, what a stretch it is to behold. We stay in Rye beach and travel south beyond the Massachusetts border in less than 10 minutes, while being able to head north the Kittery, Maine in about 15 minutes. Our day of fishing with my pal Capt. Brad Cook of the Atlantic Queen is the pinnacle. Touring the Isle of Shoals in Brad’s 24-metre Supercruiser catching mackerel hand over fist, while watching harbour seals dodge the lobster pots, is totally entertaining. If you’ve never visited New England, do yourself a favour and book a day aboard the Atlantic Queen II. Rye is home to such celebs as Liv Tyler, daughter of rocker Steven Tyler, and Tyler McLaughlin of Wicked Tuna fame, along with the best tasting soft-shelled lobster you’ve ever eaten. For more info on fishing with the Atlantic Queen II: http://www.atlanticqueenfishing.com/

Ford F-150 King Ranch

The 2017 Ford F-150 King Ranch I road-tested earlier this month, made an already great adventure up the Valley better and certainly more rugged. The new F-150 King Ranch trim comes equipped with country-style western leather accents and lots of upgrades and boasts a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine with six-speed automatic transmission. Such features as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) and cross-traffic alert make the new F-150 more sophisticated than its predecessors, yet the overall ‘Ford truck appeal’ remains good and strong. I did enjoy the standard ‘Reverse sensing system’ which came in handy for parking in tight spots or manoeuvring around rocks and tree branches on backwoods roads; almost like Big Brother was watching from all corners. The new King Ranch trim is custom-made for towing with standard electric brake controller and large split towing mirrors installed. Though I did not haul anything on this outing, as an RV’er I can appreciate the well-appointed towing features. Thanks to Melissa Wood of National Public Relations and Ford Canada for the opportunity of trying out this truly great truck. For more on the 2017 Ford F-150 King Ranch: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2017/models/king-ranch/

Bear awareness this summer

Each summer cottagers, campers and municipalities are urged to do their part to avoid nuisance bears. Black bears are attracted to any food source, and in areas where berries and other natural forage is not available, bear’s will eat whatever they can get including pet food, compost and even garbage. They will also return to food sources they remember from last year so be mindful when spending time in bear country. Bear encounters are very rare, but they do occur so be sure to keep your wits about you this summer.

If you have a nuisance animal around your property, report it immediately to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Pembroke at 613-732-3661.

Next time!

Be sure to check out the next Outdoors Column as we discuss the upcoming hunting season just around the corner, folks!

August 31, 2015September 5, 2017

Toyota 4Runner & Marineland, great summer fun!

This summer was chock full of great family outdoor travel and adventure, from beginning to end!

The Morrison clan isn’t only into the hunting, fishing and conservation. Outdoor travel and adventure also play a big part during the warmer months.

This summer with the Canadian dollar sagging we chose not to cross into the States for vacation and, instead, enjoyed quality family time a short drive from the Nation’s Capital. The first leg of our journey brought us to Niagara Falls which, believe it or not, was a first for all of us.

For me, the highlight of Niagara Falls lay several miles from the Falls and hustle and bustle of Clifton Hill. It was our day spent at Marineland Canada!

Special thanks to Ann Marie Rondinelli for facilitating a wonderful day at Marineland. We enjoyed everything this famous family destination had to offer from Friendship Cove, to feeding the resident bear population, to the ultimate interactive experience with the Arctic beluga whales.

Certainly the most popular marine mammal at Marineland, belugas’ are very special creatures indeed!

The magnificent orca or killer whale also attracts a crowd at Marineland.

We were also fortunate to be offered an informative Beluga Whale Encounter by Marineland’s head trainer, Alex who did a terrific job at explaining what makes these belugas so special.

Thanks to this up-close-and-personal training session my wife, daughters and I were given a glimpse into the largest collection of beluga whales in the world, and trust me, these creatures are indeed pampered! The facilities were large, immaculately kept and run like a tight ship.

All the marine and land mammals were handled with great care and passion, and staff members all had big smiles on their faces.

But Arctic Cove isn’t the only area of interest at Marineland.

If you’re into big rides, (which I am not) the Sky Screamer is a Niagara favorite; offering one of the best views of the horseshoe falls, if you’re brave enough to give it a shot of course(which I was not). After spending time feeding the exotic deer and black bears, we were entertained at the dolphin and walrus show held at King Waldorf stadium.

The entire day was a hoot from beginning to end! Do yourself a favour this summer or next, check out Marineland in Niagara Falls. It truly is fun for all ages. For more information: http://www.marineland.ca/

Shortly after arriving home from Niagara Falls, I jumped straight into some serious road-testing with the 2015 Toyota 4Runner Limited – an SUV which has long held the title of ‘dream vehicle’ for hunters & fishermen(myself included) so it only made sense that I try one out, considering I had yet to step foot inside one of these classic SUV’s.

So much has changed with the 4Runner since its inception in 1984 while at the same time so much has not changed.

The new 4Runner now have 4 doors (5 if you include hatch) while the first generation 4Runner’s only had 2 doors, something difficult to fathom in today’s day and age but they were utilitarian then, and remain very much so today.

The 2015 model comes with a lot more class and style than its predecessor.

The 2015 4Runner is a sharp looking SUV to say the least, with an aggressive and rugged appearance overall. This year marks the 5th Generation of the almost legendary machine. Sure, there are others in its class, but none boast such a long-standing reputation among avid sportsmen than this vehicle does.

The Toyota 4Runner triumphs as THE go-to truck-based SUV for off-roading enthusiasts and, I believe, designers at Toyota continue to embraced this fact.

Having already road-tested the 2015 Highlander this spring, one might tend to make an (unfair) comparison between Toyota’s popular crossover utility and this 4Runner SUV. Upon first glance the Highlander may seem to have the edge, when really its an apples to oranges comparison between a vehicle with unibody construction versus one with traditional ‘body on frame’ construction like the 4Runner.

Die-hard off-roaders will go with the truck based 4Runner SUV every time and there’s good reason for that. This vehicle’s proven track-record heading off-the-beaten-path is legendary, with great ground clearance and standard skid plates for example. For those not in ‘the know’ CUV’s aren’t really intended for off-road use even though they’re offered with AWD capability.

For the 2015 model year, Toyota has stayed the course with the ‘go-to’ 4.0 litre V6 engine which has performed well in this SUV and kicks-out out a solid 270 horses. This engine may not have quite the ‘get-up-and-go’ on the highway of the Highlander’s 3.5 litre, but is still more than peppy enough and geared well for towing.

The Limited trim I tested boasts lots of great amenities including full leather seating, backup camera, Sirius satellite radio, generous drink holders and fully adjustable electric seat controls.

When it comes to layout and gauge cluster I found everything to be nicely appointed with large, easy to access dials and controls.

This side view of the 2015 4Runner Limited I tested, shows an aggressive and sporty look with a set of nothing to sneeze-at 20-inch (245 60R20) tires!

All in all, the 2015 Toyota 4Runner turned out to be a worthy summer vacation companion and a real head-turner as well. I only wish I had taken this beast more off-road, into the back-40 or perhaps to hunt camp. The new 4Runner remains a reliable and worthy adversary for any outdoor enthusiast and really, it felt just the way I had dreamed-about for all these years. For more information, http://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/4runner/overview

I hope your summer was as enjoyable as mine was!

The Outdoors Guy

June 12, 2015September 5, 2017

2015 Toyota Highlander takes on Temiscaming

My two weeks this spring testing-out the 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE included a wild and woolly jaunt through the Northwestern Quebec forests, on a 5-day trout fishing excursion to Temiscaming.

The 2014 year was a pivotal re-design benchmark for Toyota’s star Crossover Utility, marking the Highlander’s 3rd generation entry with noticeable changes and improvements over previous generations. I was the proud owner of a first generation Highlander (2005 model) but found few seminaries to this modern 2015 offering.

Upon first glance, the new Highlander doesn’t appear a lot different than its Gen 2 predecessor until you analyze the subtleties.

The XLE model, I had the opportunity of piloting for spell, came equipped with such upgrades and creature comforts as a sunroof, all-leather upholstery, upgraded driver display, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, roof rails, retractable second-row sunshades, large 8-inch central touchscreen, navigation system and a voice amplification or Driver Easy Speak system, for communicating with passengers in the back.

Of all add-ons included in the XLE package, the sizable driver display, large touchscreen and solid comfortable leather seating was most appreciated. As far as the Driver Easy Speak goes, I can see it being useful for parents with younger children however I personally had no need for it. On the other-hand, I really enjoyed the SeriusXM Satellite radio.

I found the seating on this new Highlander to be roomier, more snug and form-fitting with improved lumbar support than its predecessors, making a 7 hour road trip into God’s Country seem like a walk in the park.

My first driving impression, from a performance standpoint, was very positive and there’s good reason for that. The Highlander I tested came equipped with a smooth running 6 speed automatic with a 3.5-liter V6, rated at 270 hp with 248 lb-ft of torque. It had plenty of get-up-and-go.

Safety-wise, the 2015 Toyota Highlander boasts a 5-Star Safety Rating based on Government crash tests, and it comes standard with rear-view camera, anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat-cushion airbag as well as side curtain airbags.

The ride quality of the new Highlander is most impressive; firm and solid with smaller bumps being soaked up in the vehicle’s ample suspension. Hauling a full load of fishing and camping gear was no challenge for this beast, as the vehicle handled no differently with a full compliment of anglers and tackle.

Developers at Toyota have evidently borrowed a page from the Lexus design manual when it comes to quietness and interior noise. The Highlander is extremely quiet with a recorded sound level of a scant 69 dBA at 110 km per hour.

The overall size of the new Highlander was impressive too, compared to my old Gen 1 model, at 191.1 inches in length and wheelbase of 109.8-inches, the 2015 model has stretched by three inches over the prior version.

The XLE Model I tested came with third row seating with room for 8 passenger. The smaller 3rd row is geared more towards smaller passengers.

The Highlander’s braking and traction control system was put to the test early-on, when a surprise wash-out at the foot of a blind hill, forced me to brake hard and swerve to one-side in order to avoid and tremendous pothole. The vehicle held its ground perfectly with no sliding or loss of control. I was relieved.

Designers at Toyota installed a clever built-in shelf on the dash of 2015 Highlander’s interior, which became the perfect catch-all for my cell phone, two way radios, sunglasses, fishing lures and even a small flashlight – a convenient touch, which came in handy on such an adventurous trip, where gadgets tend to run amok. The new shelf takes over where the center console storage and glove box leave off.

The gauge cluster I also found to be straight forward and clean.

As my father, brother-in-law’s and I meandered our way through rustic backwoods trails, over hill and dale, I couldn’t help but feel I was behind the wheel of Toyota’s classic 4 Runner; however, the Highlander’s smooth and quiet ‘unibody ride’ reminded me I was not in a ladder-frame truck-based SUV.

Certainly not touted as a hard-core ‘off-road’ vehicle by any means, the new Highlander still had more than enough ground clearance and sure-footed AWD traction, which made short work of some less than hospitable northern logging roads.

Fuel consumption with this vehicle hovered, on average, between 11.5- 12.5 liters per 100 km’s, which I found good but not what I would describe as fuel sipping by any means. It still ranks near top of the pack in fuel economy compared to others in this class, and greatly improved over its first two generations. The Highlander hybrid actually took top honors this year as most fuel efficient SUV/CUV for 2015.

After having reviewed several SUV’s and CUV’s in this size class over the years, I can honestly say the 2015 Highlander is as comfortable and convenient a ride as any I’ve had the pleasure of driving.

Anyone looking for a roomy 7-8 passenger Crossover with more sporty appeal and utility than your old minivan; combined with some pretty decent ‘off the beaten’ capability to boot, this is the vehicle for you. From front to back and from side to side, the 2015 Highlander exudes class, comfort and above all utility.

I’m not sure the Highlander enabled me to catch more fish, but it certainly made getting to our camping spot a more enjoyable experience.

For more information on the 2015 Toyota Highlander:

http://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/highlander/overview

December 29, 2014September 5, 2017

Living the great outdoor Truck experience!

Ahhh, the pointedly perfect pickup truck, where would we outdoor aficionados be without thee?

Not living the Great Outdoor experience to its fullest, that’s for sure!

So many incredible hunting, fishing and camping trips would never have been possible without the trusty, and now ubiquitous, pickup truck.

I recall with fondness my early day as an impressionable youth, perched proudly inside my Dad’s bright yellow 1975 Chevy 3/4 quarter ton, or later-on flaked-out in the back between sleeping bags, grabbing a catnap on a long road trip into the Canadian north woods.(It had a camper top btw)

For me (& most other sportsmen) excitement and adventure were always part and parcel of the old reliable pickup truck, and little has changed.

I’ve been travelling in trucks since the early 70’s as a passenger and then, by the late-80’s, I finally purchased one of my own – a slightly rusted but totally rad two-tone Ford Ranger – a mediocre ride at best but to me it was like a country boy Cadillac!

Since that time, I’ve owned several other trucks, a couple more Fords and now a Toyota. As a traditional fish & wildlife conservation writer; recently expanded into more mainstream recreational activities like camping, outdoor travel and adventure, I’ve had the pleasure and opportunity of road-testing several new truck models in recent years.

Each truck manufacturer seems to have its own schtick or selling point, if you will, so how ever to choose the one that’s right for you?

Ford instills their legendary reputation and a new Ecoboost engine, Toyota brings quality, reliability & residual value, Dodge Ram boasts the hardest working trucks in America and General Motors delivers a solid one-two punch of Vortec power plants and Allison transmissions.

Although I have experience with Ford, Chrysler and Toyota; having owned products from each of these manufactures over the years, the last time I actually drove a Chevy pickup was some 25 years ago. Being a proponent of fair competition and a lover of trucks in general, I educated myself, went online to do some research and as it turns out, Chevrolet still makes a darn good heavy duty pickup!

Chevrolet’s new 2015 Silverado 2500HD, for example, is what I would describe as a substantially updated version of my Dad’s 1975 Chevy 3/4 ton. With a max towing capacity of 17,900 pounds, combined with an Allison transmission and several Vortec engines to choose from, this certainly isn’t the same vehicle I rode in three decades ago.

As an avid camper and fifth wheel owner, I can see the new 2500HD being as well-suited an RV hauler as it would be for any hunting and fishing trip.

http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/vehicles/chevrolet/silverado-hd-2500/overview

Call me a redneck at heart, but what would we outdoor adventurists do without our beloved pickup trucks, regardless of the manufacturer?

Travel and adventure in the Great Outdoors would seem rather bland and colourless would it not?

Vive le Pickup truck!!

Outdoorsguy

November 27, 2014September 5, 2017

2015 Toyota Tacoma tackles the Laurentians!

(2015 Tacoma 4X4 Limited Edition – test vehicle – BEFORE heading off-road into the mountains)

Fresh air, clean water and nature’s wondrous beauty all at your doorstep in Quebec’s Majestic Laurentian Mountains.

I consider myself fortunate to be a country boy; fortunate to have an upbringing which brought me deep into God’s country and back, on more outdoor adventures than you can shake a stick at.

Hunting, fishing and exploring nature were always a huge part of my life and pursuing wily mountain whitetail deer was at the top of that list!

This fall, thanks to Toyota Canada, I had the pleasure of taking the 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Limited edition double cab on two separate trips, off the beaten path high into the fabled Laurentian mountains of Quebec.

The 2015 Tacoma, as I discovered, is not unlike the Tacoma of days-gone-by, nor is it remarkably different from the 2000 Tacoma 4X4 sitting in my own driveway at home. (I am already a Tacoma owner)

Ok, so there are a few subtle differences between the 2015 and my 15 year old (yet still solid as a rock) pick-up truck. First off, the overall footprint has changed considerably compared to days of old, and this full double cab version I tested offers more than ample room in this small but scrappy Mid-size truck category.

The already slim mid-size truck market grew even narrower when the Big 3 all but pulled-out. Tacoma sales now account for nearly 70% of this market competing mostly with Nissan, GM’s re-entry with the Colorado & Canyon, and to some extent the Honda Ridgeline; although with the Ridgeline’s unibody construction I would place it more in the crossover category. Tacoma’s have maintained a traditonal pick-up truck ladder frame construction.

But that certainly doesn’t mean Toyota should rest on their laurels and a reputation of producing perhaps the best small truck ever made.

Or does it?

So what has Toyota offered the mid-sized truck buyer for 2015?

Despite a few changes such as regular cab being discontinued, and the introduction of Toyota’s popular(albeit somewhat pricey) TRD Off-road package, this solid pick-up has remained pretty much status quo in recent years.

In my opinion, there was really little that needed changing. The Tacoma remains one of the most sought-after used vehicles on the market with an unprecedented residual value. (I was shocked by market value of my 2000 Tacoma)

The 2015 Tacoma 4X4, I tested, came equipped with the 4.0 litre V6 which kicked-out a more than ample 236 horses and 266 ft-lb of torque.

With a towing capacity of 6500 pounds and a 1500 pound payload, this truck is about the most conveniently-sized pickup you can ask for, and an ideal choice for an hunting trip into the historic hills of southern Quebec.

This truck is not the big powerhouse and workhorse of a full-sized Tundra, but by virtue of its more modest proportions serves as a nice compromise when maneuvering into parking spaces in town.

My deer hunting excursion was certainly off on the right foot once the truck was packed and loaded on a 5-day adventure to my family hunt camp near Mont Tremblant, followed closely by another voyage to Kenauk Nature in Montebello, an hour or so away.

While on the road, I found time to enjoy the entertainment options the new Tacoma had to offer which included an awesome Entune™ Premium JBL Audio system with Navigation and satellite radio!

The interior layout and comfort level was something to behold. Bright and roomy and I actually felt a bit guilty for getting the truck dirty.

The Limited Edition model boasts a lot of great amenities including full grain leather, Sirius satellite radio, backup camera, a generous number of drink holders and comfortable SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front sport seats with 4-way adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar adjustment support. (My lower back didnt complain)

Controls were upfront and clean and as far as seating and storage space, the Tacoma came with a folding rear bench seat that tucks neatly away against the back wall.

The Limited Edition also boasts such standard features such as these 18-in. chrome-clad alloy beauties, with P265/60R18 tires, chrome grille surround and rear bumper, color-keyed front bumper and overfenders, chrome fog light housing, chrome door handles, chrome power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators.

You might say chrome is running amok in this truck, and I had no complaints about that.

Another feature of the 2015 Tacoma I enjoyed was the convenient 110V outlet located along the back wall of truck bed near the tailboard. A smart idea for plugging-in an extension light while working around outside.

Once we arrived at our lakeside paradise in Montebello, the Tacoma fit right into the surroundings with its rugged outdoor appeal. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of style and class when you’re roughing it in the wilderness.

Kenauk’s Chalet Hidden was our home for the second half of the deer season.

The mood certainly was melancholy as we checked-out of our hunting retreat for another year!

All in all, the 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Limited turned out to be a more than worthy hunting companion and a head-turner to boot! The truck performed flawlessly, got decent gas mileage and held up like a charm to the punishment of many hours on some tough mountain roads!

The new Tacoma was a huge part of this year’s hunting season and from I’ve seen, would be perfectly suited for any hunting or fishing trip you can think of. (And I can think of a lot)

After having tested and reviewed several trucks over the years, by different manufacturers, in my opinion the new Tacoma is the pick of the litter!

The Outdoors Guy

For more information on trout fishing in La Belle Province, please contact Tourism Quebec: 1 (888) 883-8801 or online at: www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca

September 6, 2014September 5, 2017

2014 Toyota Tundra Adirondack adventure

My two weeks spent this summer with the 2014 Toyota Tundra 4 X 4 – TRD off-road package included an outdoor jaunt through New York’s incredible Adirondack mountains on a 5-day camping excursion to Lake George.

After having reviewed several pick-ups in this size class, I can honestly say the new Tundra is about as comfortable a truck I have ever had the pleasure of driving. From front to back and from side to side, the new Tundra exudes class, comfort and luxury.

As a pivotal ‘re-design year’ for Toyota’s entry into the full-size truck market, inspected the truck for changes and improvements over previous models. Upon first glance, the redesigned Tundra doesn’t appear a lot different than its predecessors; until you analyze the subtleties.

Among the changes in the 2014 model include an all-new gauge cluster and center stack, which have been reconfigured and are quite sporty-looking indeed. The interior layout is also greatly improved over previous designs. My father owns a 2012 Tundra and perched inside is a bit more bland feel than the new, more convenient layout of the 2014 model.

More cup holders, slots for holding gadgets and an expanded center console make for the perfect cockpit for any outdoorsman. I found the seats on this new truck to be more snug and form-fitting with improved lumbar support.

My first impression with the new Tundra 4 X 4 TRD was the power and torque, and there’s good reason for that. Every Tundra comes equipped with a standard 4.6 litre V8, or the man-sized iForce 5.7L V8, as the one I tested, which produces a formidable 381 horsepower with 401 pounds torque. I am told there is also a ‘supercharged’ version available with a whopping 504 horsepower which sounds to me like an exercise in excess.

The iForce 5.7 L V8, in my opinion produces more than enough power and torque than most truck owners would ever require.

The ride quality of the new Tundra is very nice; firm and solid with smaller bumps soaked up like a sponge in the vehicle’s ample suspension. Hauling my small tent trailer was no challenge for this beast, and there was scant little drop in fuel economy with my 1200 pound pop-up in tow, which was a long stretch from the truck’s 10,400 pound towing capacity.

Engineers at Toyota put some effort into the suspension for this redesign year with changes to the springs and the TRD package; which included high-performance Bilstein shocks. Evidently meant for hauling much heavier loads than mine, the TRD package also offers several great options that cater more to towing & off-road enthusiasts.

As I motored up Lake George New York’s famous Prospect Mountain, the Tundra made short work of the ascent like an eager mountain goat! Several look-outs along the way offered a great vantage point over the Adirondack’s scenic lake known as the ‘100 mile view’.

The TRD package includes not only high-end Bilsteins, but other off-road necessities like skid plates, off-road-tuned suspension and back-up camera. The TRD upgrade will set you back around $6000, but is worth every penny to those who spend more time in God’s country than the urban jungle. The back-up camera, which I initially thought to be extraneous actually proved quite handy when hooking or unhooking the trailer; like having eyes in the back of your head.

Fuel consumption with the truck hovered, on average, between 15 – 16.5 liters per 100 km’s which is not what I would describe as fuel sipping, however in-line with other full-size pick-ups in its class. Interesting observation was how fuel-economy actually improved while driving in the US, and dropped-off slightly running on Canadian fuel.

No explanation for this just an interesting observation.

For those who aren’t used to a full-size half ton pick-up truck, the 2014 Tundra does carry a Sasquatch-sized footprint and requires extra caution when parking and maneuvering into tighter spaces. The new front grill profile and stance is actually closer in size and appearance to 3/4 ton trucks like Ford’s F-250.

As far as a camping vehicle goes this new truck fit-in quite nicely, although I see it to be even better suited to a big-game hunting trip in the mountains.

In the end, the 2014 Toyota Tundra TRD provided a great family camping and travelling experience. Anyone looking for top-of-the-line luxury in a full-size pick-up combined with some of the best off-road capability on the market, this is the vehicle for you.

For those who do not plan on hauling a 24-foot cabin cruiser; however, I would opt for the standard 4.6 L V8 and benefit from improved fuel economy.

For more information on the Toyota Tundra: http://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/language#/toyota/en/vehicles/tundra/overview

September 5, 2013September 5, 2017

Ford Flex’ able New England vacation

A great note of thanks to Maxine Patenaude of Thornley Fallis Communications for putting me behind the wheel of another fab 4-wheeled product.

My 10-day romance with the 2013 Ford Flex SEL included a jaunt to New England, on a 7-day family vacation to Rye Beach, New Hampshire.

I can say, having spent considerable time with this vehicle, the Flex is the possibly the most efficient family hauler I’ve had the pleasure of driving. From front to back and from side to side, the new Ford Flex is the ultimately distinctive; offering comfort and unique styling.

I was a tad apprehensive that the Flex would be a ride I could enjoy, with its long boxy stance and a silhouette more reminiscent of an old-school gangster car than a modern Crossover Utility Vehicle.

The look and feel grew on me, I must say.

My first impression of the Ford Flex, after getting past its long rectangular footprint was a feeling of modern style and effortless driving. This beast is both extremely comfortable and roomy for all seven passengers. Even my wife’s 7-passenger van offers limited leg room to the back passengers, while this one does not.

The interior space, fit and finish were just great and I found the windows offered excellent visibility from all around. Passenger and cargo space was more than adequate too with 4 adults and two 5-foot-something teens on-board.

Ford’s fancy Sync and MyFord Touch system is displayed in a groovy 8″ LCD screen, and as fun to play with as new toy, once you get used to it. Having tested a few of these newer models now, I’ve become fairly adept at the touch screen technology. My wife and I also had great enjoyment with the built-in Sirius Satellite radio.

“70’s on 7 please!”

The Flex also features a neat ‘flip and tumble’ feature to gain access to back row seating. With a touch of the button, second seats are cleverly folded out of the way to allow entry for back row passengers. I made of point of spending time in the back seat and was amazed at how spacious and comfortable it was.

The SEL model I tested comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that pushes out 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque, which I found to be more than adequate even with a full family load. If more power is to your liking, the higher trim model comes with a whopping 365 horsepower EcoBoost turbo($3000 upgrade).

With the SEL’s combined full economy hovering at around 20 mpg, I’ll stick with the standard power plant and, although I didn’t haul anything this time, the solid 4500 pound towing capacity would have made short work of our camper trailer.

Although not a full-fledged off-road vehicle, the Flex’s AWD traction was quite apparent; giving this beefy ride superior traction on the I89, or cruising up and down the curvy Seacoast Highway from Hampton Beach, New Hampshire to Kittery, Maine.

One of the more interesting redesign features of the new Flex is the front grill which, turned out to be a real head turner. I had several people comment on it during our beach house vacation. Young people in particular seem to appreciate the retro styling.

For those who aren’t used to a larger vehicle, the Flex does carry with it Michael Jordan shoe-sized footprint, and requires extra caution when parking and maneuvering into tighter spaces.

In the end, the 2013 Ford Flex SEL provided great family fun and was a joy to drive on a long trip. Anyone looking for top-of-the-line style and comfort and a radical change to your drab old minivan, this is the vehicle for you.

Outdoorsguy