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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Herd path

Should We Stop Bushwhacking the Catskills?

I asked, “How can hikers best use the mountains right now, in terms of bushwhacking? Should we cool it for a while?”

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Santanoni Peak in the distance

Top 6 Hiking Dangers

With some basic knowledge and gear, mountain hiking is rarely dangerous. However, without adequate prep, things can turn ugly quickly. 

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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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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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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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adult human fingertips beside bobcat print in snow

Identify Bobcat vs Coyote Prints in Snow

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?

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two hikers in snowy forest

35 Best Quick Tips for a Safe Winter Hike

These 35 tips for winter hiking will help keep you safe in the harshest conditions

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sunset view from rocky ledge

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.

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thumbnail for YouTube video

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.

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Ashokan Rail Trail wooden bench beside reservoir with mountain views

Hiking Safe 101

Yes, your planned hike is popular and even kids do it regularly — it still might kill you

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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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mountain peaks

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.

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fresh shoes on feet, and sour shoes and socks to the side

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.

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small library of hiking books

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.

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