12 hard truths about off-grid living that no one warns you about

#7  EXTREME WEATHER

Off-grid living inherently increases exposure to the elements, necessitating rigorous preparation. Building robust, weather-resistant shelters, preparing for extreme temperature fluctuations, and devising comprehensive emergency plans for severe weather events or wildfires are all critical elements in fostering safety and resilience.

#8  SUSTAINABLE BALANCE

Achieving a delicate balance in the use of natural resources—such as firewood and water—is paramount. This approach emphasizes the importance of preserving the local ecosystem while responsibly utilizing its resources, reflecting a philosophy of living in harmony with nature rather than exploiting it.

#9  CLOSED-LOOP LIVING

We strive to ensure that every output from one process becomes an input for another, mimicking the efficiency of natural ecosystems. This circular use of resources reflects a self-sustaining, waste-free philosophy, an approach that might also be called “zero-waste living” or “upcycling.” A good example is when we mill pine beetle wood. The waste product is sawdust, which gets added to our garden soil as an amendment for structure, aeration and drainage. We also use the sawdust for our outhouses and composting, as well as for insulating the ice house.

#10  MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Accessing immediate medical care can be challenging in remote locations. We’ve taken first-aid courses and collected extensive medical records to deal with injuries and illnesses, but sometimes emergencies demand an evacuation plan. Aron once fell off a roof, for example, shattering his leg in six places. We are 400 kilometres from the nearest hospital, but getting him in for emergency surgery wasn’t the only challenge. There was also four months of healing to do, putting the weight of survival on my shoulders. A debilitating injury to one partner can knock you both out of the off-grid life.

#11  ISOLATION FACTOR

While solitude can be peaceful, it can also lead to loneliness and mental health struggles over time. Not having a nearby support network can be emotionally taxing—if you let it. You can have all the knowledge in the world about skills to live remotely off the grid, but most people don’t consider the mental conditioning you need, especially during the long, lonely and dark seven-month winter. For the first year, we lived entirely disconnected from the outside world. While the experience brought an overwhelming sense of freedom and peace, there was always a lingering curiosity about what was unfolding elsewhere. Now, years later, having Internet access via Starlink allows us to keep in touch with friends and family, as well as book fishing guests and place orders for supplies when Aron makes our quarterly supply run.

#12  EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

Off-grid systems such as water pumps, solar panels and septic tanks require regular maintenance. Still, things can unexpectedly breakdown, leaving you without essential resources. When that happens, knowing how to troubleshoot and repair fundamental things such as a leaky water pipe or a misbehaving solar inverter can save you time, money and stress. The ability to think creatively and improvise solutions using materials at hand can also go a long way in preventing more significant problems.

OFF-GRID COUPLE

Along with operating their remote fishing resort—aptly named Furthermost Outpost—Aron and Jennifer Toland offer courses on wilderness and off-grid self-reliance. And this fall, they launched a new podcast, also called Furthermost Outpost, exploring every facet of off-grid living. Geared toward anglers, hunters, survivalists, nature lovers, homesteaders and more, the podcast is now available on Spotify and other major streaming platforms. Jennifer also writes a blog about the couple’s wilderness experiences (see www.offgridlife.blog). Not that sharing the ups and downs of the remote lifestyle is anything new to the couple. In 2023, they appeared in eight episodes of the 12th season of the History channel’s Mountain Men.