No intention to knock on Canada, but whatever you want there, you can get in the United States.. I never knew how beautiful this country is until I did a cross country road trip from NYC to California. Simply amazing.

One thing that Canada does have, if you like winter, lost in survival mode.... Canada is great for that!! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Intentional hiking/camping? 2 weeks.. Survival? 1 night summer, not bad, I wasn't alone which makes it better! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

For intentional extended trips, I think the one thing I relied on heavily is probably the water filter. I personally believe purification tabs are onlyused in dire emergencies.