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