Technique
Top 6 Hiking Dangers
With some basic knowledge and gear, mountain hiking is rarely dangerous. However, without adequate prep, things can turn ugly quickly.
Hiking Safe 101
Yes, your planned hike is popular and even kids do it regularly — it still might kill you
Catskills vs Adirondacks: 9 Differences
For planning, prepping and execution, here are the 9 key differences between hiking the Catskills and Adirondacks high peaks.
Best Bug Spray & Bug Repellent
This three-tiered best bug spray system keeps me (mostly!) bite free in New York’s backcountry every season
Turn Around Every Now & Then
Have you ever turned around on a hike for any reason? Hike safely. Always listen to your gut.
Walk Through Mud
Here are three great reasons to always walk directly down the middle of every trail, and especially through any mud puddles or water you find on the trail.
It’s Official: Adirondacks 23% Harder Than Catskills
I thought it’d be cute to quantify exactly how much more difficult the Adirondacks are over the Catskills. Do we need this information? No. Does this information feel important? Yes.
Black Fly Bites
When to watch for black flies, how best to avoid them, how to repel them, and how to treat their super-itchy bites.
10 Best Post-Hike Hacks
One of my favorite post-hike hacks is to have a clean pair of socks and shoes waiting for me back at the car. It’s so amazing. Here are ten fantastic ways to treat yourself after a big day.
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.
Hike Your Dog Safely in the 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.
Tick Season
Tick season sucks. When to worry, where to look, how to avoid, the best ways to prevent, and how to treat any tick bites you find.
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 Cold is Too Cold to Hike?
January 2021 had some spectacularly cold weather in the Catskills, with wind chills dipping close to -40°F / -40°C at summits. But how cold is too cold? Here are 6 things you need to think about: weather, comfort, safety, frostbite, hypothermia, and gear.