map / compass

The 10 Essentials: What to Pack for Every Hike

The 10 Essentials is a list of items you should carry on every trip into the backcountry.

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Best Layers for Hikers in GaiaGPS

4 Best Layers for Hikers in GaiaGPS

These are the four layers I use when planning a hike and navigating with GaiaGPS.

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four of the best hiking boot brands in 2021

Best Hiking Boots & Brands

If you’re looking for a new pair of hiking boots, this list of hiking boot brands and models will get you started with great recommendations.

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snowy view from the summit of wittenberg

Essential Winter Hiking Gear Checklist

Grab this essential winter hiking gear checklist and stay safer on the hills this winter.

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frozen trees on the summit of Wittenberg / winter hiking essentials

Winter Hiking Essentials

Winter hiking essentials — crucial gear and intel to hike safely this winter.

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catskills fall foliage 2022

AllTrails App Safety Issues

Look, the AllTrails app is fine. I use AllTrails. My friends use AllTrails. We all use AllTrails. BUT…

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kuhl hiking pants

KÜHL Hiking Pants (Review)

KÜHL kindly sent me two pairs of winter hiking pants to review. They‘re so good.

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hiker considering the length of his hose, hmm

How to Shorten Your Reservoir Hose

This is a great 2-minute project. Shorten your reservoir hose and enjoy every future hike that little bit more.

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wet dog in front of waterfall

Hike Your Dog Safely in the Summer Heat

From springtime on, heat indices can regularly blow past safe limits for our canine companions. Here’s how to keep your pooch cool and safe on the trail this season.

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screenshot of best hiking iphone apps

12 Best Hiking Apps

The best hiking apps broken into four categories: navigation/planning, field identification, photography, and fun.

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orange and gray tent in campsite in woods

Camping in the Catskills: a Beginner’s Guide to Backcountry Campouts

Camping in the Catskills? This comprehensive list of resources, regulations and gear tips will help get you ready for your first Catskills campout.

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sunrise

Best Camera Settings for Photographing Sunsets & Sunrises (40+ Tips)

Plan, prepare and shoot the perfect sunrise or sunset photo. Here’s everything you need to know.

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knoll and mountain from indian head

Free Zoom Virtual Backgrounds: Catskills Summits

Please enjoy this collection of Free Zoom Virtual Backgrounds. This set contains 16 images of Catskills summits.

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upturned trail crampons showing spikes

Winter Hiking Gear: Microspikes

Microspikes have, effectively, opened up the world of winter hiking

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pink sit pad on lumpy rock

Hiking Sit Pads

When your legs need a rest, there’s no need to punish your butt

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catskills vs Adirondacks hiking header graphic

Catskills vs Adirondacks: 9 Differences

For planning, prepping and execution, here are the 9 key differences between hiking the Catskills and Adirondacks high peaks.

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Hello, I’m Sean

I write independent hiking content to help hikers like you find amazing hikes in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Gunks, Hudson Highlands, Taconics and beyond.

On social media, I’m @TotalCatskills. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

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