The focus on outdoors use and specifically the combination of backpacking and canoeing/kayaking make this a difficult recommendation, I think, if you are focused on learning photography instead of just "taking pictures."

For backpacking, I'm not excited about the notion of taking a full-frame DSLR along. Back in the day I carried a film SLR a few times and it wasn't fun and proved cumbersome. The small size of the smallest DSLR may be an option, but I suspect a mirrorless camera would be a better choice -- giving you full control over a scene with a large-ish sensor and aperture that will let you control depth of field.

For canoeing in calm conditions, a Pelican case will keep the camera safe (when closed) and canoes are plenty stable to pull the camera out whenever you like without much fear of water damage. In a kayak, fitting a Pelican case (and keeping it secure) could prove very difficult, depending upon the type/size of your kayak; in other words, water damage could be a much greater concern, even in calm conditions. In rougher conditions, in either a canoe or kayak, you'll need a waterproof shoot-through case or a waterproof camera. However, with a waterproof camera you are giving up significant quality and control compared to the mirrorless or DSLR.

In other words, you've got a difficult decision here, and one camera may not suit your needs adequately.