Gear
Mountain Hiking Gear
Modern hiking gear is a fantastic mix of old and new — compasses & GPS devices, knives & smartphones, wool socks & space blankets. A backpack full of cool hiking gear is one of my favorite things about mountain hiking.
Free Zoom Virtual Backgrounds: Catskills Summits
Please enjoy this collection of Free Zoom Virtual Backgrounds. This set contains 16 images of Catskills summits.
Winter Hiking Gear: Microspikes
Microspikes have, effectively, opened up the world of winter hiking
Catskills vs Adirondacks: 9 Differences
For planning, prepping and execution, here are the 9 key differences between hiking the Catskills and Adirondacks high peaks.
KÜHL Hiking Shorts (Review)
We thought it would be fun to test some high-end hiking shorts. Would they live up to their own hype?
Best Hiking Books for Hikers
These are the best hiking books I’ve found to date. Many were instrumental in getting me started, and giving me the confidence to hike the wilderness solo.
Best Bug Spray & Bug Repellent
This three-tiered best bug spray system keeps me (mostly!) bite free in New York’s backcountry every season
Hiking & Camping Gear List
There’s so much to read and learn about hiking gear. Here’s a basic list of the things you’ll use most often on your day hikes and campouts.
Snowshoe Basics
The number of snowshoe options is overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for, and where to get your first pair.
Storage Bins for Hiking Gear
I sorted my growing jumble of hiking gear as a fun weekend project. With all my regular hike gear in a single box, I don’t have to worry I’m overlooking or forgetting anything. I spend less time preparing — which means more time doing.
How to Buy a Hiking Headlamp
For hikers and campers, headlamps are essential pieces of gear. Whether you’re hiking out at dusk after a long day, or hiking in, in the pitch dark for a glorious summit sunrise, a headlamp will keep you on track and safe.
Upgrade: More Backpack, More Fun
I switched my backpack from a 34 liter model that’s great for day hikes to a 65 liter model that’s more suited to overnights. I’m really happy with the upgrade.
Winter Hiking Gear: Survive & Thrive in the Cold
Winter hiking in the Catskills is spectacular. Make sure you have the best winter hiking gear and know how to use it.
Winter Gear: Neck Gaiter / Buff
Sometimes small tweaks yield big benefits, and that’s exactly what wearing a neck gaiter does.
Backpack Basics
Your backpack is a fundamental and very personal choice. There are lots of excellent brands to choose from. Here’s the skinny.
Basic Mountain Hiking Gear
While hiking gear can change from trail to trail, and from season to season, the following items will serve you well on every hike. They are a fleshing out of The Ten Essentials (the absolute bare minimum you should pack for every hike). This hiking gear list focuses on day-hiking.
