Ozzie Reif – Journey Through Nature: Crossing the Wilderness Using Hand-Made Gear

Ozzie Reif fell in love with the BWCAW on his first canoe trip at the age of 16. Hailing from Delaware, he has been fortunate enough to call Ely, MN home for the past five years. He has found a passionate and vibrant community in Ely, which also happens to provide a great base for his trips into the Wilderness and Superior National Forest. Ozzie is passionate about creating functional art and has blended his love of the outdoors with his passion for making. He is on the boards of the Ely Folk School and the Ely Northwoods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. When not out canoeing or skiing, he can be found running his small business, Ely Mitten Project.

In today’s age of consumerism, it can be easy to stop by an outdoor store and buy the “latest and greatest” gear.  But for most of human history, people have not had that sort of access.  Ozzie is hiking the Kekekabic and Border Route Trails using gear that he has made using largely non-synthetic materials, in an effort to view the Wilderness through a different lens.  He is leaving his nylon rain jacket and tent, ultralight backpack, and synthetic clothing at home.  In their place, his gear is made from cotton, wool, hemp, leather, and wood.  This presentation will take place mid-hike; at Chik-Wauk, he will be 46 miles into his 110-mile journey.  Come learn about the gear, find out what he’s learned so far, and swap tales from the Wilderness.

This project is supported by an Individual Artist Project Grant (Legacy Fund) – The Individual Artist Project Grant is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

All presentations are family-friendly and free of charge.
Donations are always appreciated. Take your time driving up the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway!

Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center is located 55 miles up the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway (Cook County Highway 12), 1/4 mile off of UT Cty Rd 81 on beautiful Saganaga Lake.