Technique

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.

Best Camera Settings for Photographing Sunsets & Sunrises (40+ Tips)
Dawn and dusk: there’s no better time of day to shoot landscapes than when the sun is low on the horizon. Here’s everything you need to know to plan, prepare, and pull off the perfect sunrise photo shoot.

Identify Bobcat vs Coyote Tracks: Key Differences Explained
One of the most exciting things to discover on a winter hike is a set of bobcat or coyote tracks in the snow — but which is which?

35 Best Tips for a Safe Winter Hike
These 35 tips for winter hiking will help keep you safe in the harshest conditions

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

How Windy is Too Windy To Hike?
I moved my hike from a windy Friday to a less windy (but much colder) Saturday. 80% of my online followers agreed with me. Here’s why.

It’s a Great Idea to Turn Around When…
Have you ever turned around on a hike for any reason? Hike safely. Always listen to your gut.

Winter Gear Checklist
Download this helpful PDF with explanatory notes and a handy winter day-hike gear checklist.

How to Plot Your Hiking Route with GaiaGPS
Watch as I plot a trailed route in the Catskills using GaiaGPS on my phone — after which, I plot a bushwhack route up Sleeping Lion and Halcott Mountain.

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.

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.

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.