PATRONITE – IT’S US AND YOU! Your support changes a lot! Why? Because in our travel business we value independence and freedom; without rigid vertical hierarchies, without entities deciding and setting their own conditions. This independence is provided by loyal observers, namely you. In full of faith we call this a “WIN-WIN” situation, where two winning parties take part. WE, who can travel as we wish and share with you everything that appears on our trapper’s path, and YOU, who can benefit from all the knowledge, tips and curiosities in the area of our expedition. But most of all – YOU can participate in it too! That is why we decide to use Patronite… but not only because of that. Keep in mind that in travel videos you usually see only breathtaking views and happy people. Few people realize, however, the hardships of life of a passionate creator-vagabondist; a traveler without a permanent address, sometimes hungry, without family and friends at his side, and without normal relationships. Yes: not everyone can live like this, but we want to show you that you can take advantage of these moments and live life to the fullest – despite temporary crises! We will show you this reality without coloration, in the belief that this reality will defend itself. Patronite is also an agreement between us and you, that – with a necessary dose of security and stability – we will be able to continue to create films for you, to describe you our adventures and to spread the idea of simple and true life; in nature, in permanent connection with the source. The idea of living beyond the reach of civilization’s pressure of whims, sneakily pretending to be needs. We are incredibly grateful for the trust you have placed in us – it is thanks to your support that we can continue to do what we love and believe in, while at the same time giving others space for self-realization, and showing you a different, wonderful world…

This was a place where we could share our knowledge and write about our craft and present our products as well as sell them in a company store. During this time, I led a team of about twenty people while also doing video productions for Leśne Rzemiosło, reader’s digest and doing training sessions and even organising numerous expeditions and nationwide gatherings promoting traditional camping. My project was at the time a very big Polish prototype through which all broad knowledge would pass, from nature to ethnography, traditional craft, both short term and long term adventures, on horseback and finishing them by canoe trip and building log cabins. As the old trappers and forest people once touched the brevity of time, so did Leśne Rzemiosło with its reach, consistently transforming the project into a classical archaic work. Leśne Rzemiosło became a time machine of it’s own of the days of yorn in which the forest people could spend time in nature. Romantic, although often severe and demanding; teaching humility to the nature around them. Like a time-machine in which most of the equipment and clothing was made by hand, today, most of the equipment I use during my expeditions – as before – has its source in my workshop and is made entirely by me. Whatever you can read or find here, however, has its roots in the tarnished pages of history.

My name is Thomas Paterski. I was born in Eastern Europe and I am of Polish roots, but I have the spirit of the far north. I studied Inland Fishing Methods. I am the originator and CEO of the Leśne Rzemiosło project, revealing the secrets of forest camping and the history related to the fur trade. Since high school, I have been a scout leader and a survival instructor at the same time. In addition to fishing and being a trapper, I also deal with hunting, leathercraft and carpentry. I have the necessary experience and knowledge of building log cabins that I have gained from observations and my own experience; I am also no stranger to working with sledge dogs and horses. Because of my love for being a traveler and unwillingness to live in the so-called civilized world, I lived on the northern route, living like the trappers of the old days, along with Nanook and Wydra. I devoted myself entirely to distant journeys into uninhabited areas of the taiga, thus exploring the practice of everyday life in the wilderness as a traveller, trapper, guide and forest camping instructor.

Wydra – or the Otter – is a boat for two people, hand-crafted with a love and passion for traditional canoes. It is made almost entirely of Canadian cedar, and its hand-woven raffia benches make travelling incredibly comfortable. According to the Native American Indians, Otter is a cheerful and carefree rogue. From an early age, it is difficult to look after him or keep him in check, as he will always find a way to get out of the control of his guardian. This is because he wants everything done his way, looking to correct and change everything; it must be admitted, however, that his observations are usually accurate. He is active, eager to play, has no problems with making new contacts and immediately gains the sympathy of his companions. On the other hand, Wydra‘s cheeky nature is not always well received – especially when he gives his passengers an unexpected dip in icy water. In the past, boats of this type made a huge contribution to the exploration and conquest of Canada’s wilderness by European trappers; because they made it easier to navigate the area rich in rivers and lakes. Every day, Wydra helps me and Nanook travel through the wilderness, as did his ancestors during the fur trade.