Author: Matt Heid
It runs for more than 130 miles through some of the most remote backcountry in the Northeast, tracing a journey through the heart of Adirondacks as it travels from the village of Northville to the town of Lake Placid. It’s also nearly a century old, completed way back in 1924. Indeed, it was the first project […]
Temperatures are set to plummet later this week in the Northeast, with lows in the single digits or even below zero across much of the region. All that bitter air doesn’t mean that you have to stay inside—it just means that you need to dress appropriately to stay comfortable (and safe) in winter’s icy embrace. […]
This summer I introduced my two boys, age 4 and 6, to the fun and excitement of backpacking. After several long and squiggly nights over the course of two trips, here is one of the most important things I learned. Based on my highly unscientific sample size of two, it’s clear that young sleepers move […]
If you’re out camping or backpacking in this shoulder season, you need to prepare for some cold nights. If you’re pushing a summer-weight sleeping bag into the fall, here are 10 ways to sleep warmer each night. 1. Fully close your sleeping bag and use the hood Duh. Zip your bag all the way […]
The best defense against tick-borne disease is a good offense. Here’s how to avoid ticks in the first place. 1. Treat Your Shoes and Clothes with Permethrin Ticks die quickly when they come into contact with this powerful toxin. You can apply it yourself with over-the-counter sprays and washin treatments (be sure to closely follow application […]
Tent footprints are cut to precisely match a tent’s floor dimensions. When placed underneath the tent, they provide protection from abrasion, moisture, and general wear-and-tear and are generally recommended when a few extra ounces aren’t a big deal. (It’s a different story when you are counting ounces, however. More on this below.) Nearly every gear […]
At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest mountain in Massachusetts. It is also a delightful destination if you’re looking for a short overnight backpacking adventure. There are several options for camping on Mount Greylock. Five backcountry shelters dot the flanks of the mountain, two of which are on the mountain’s western slopes. There’s […]
If you’ve ever squatted awkwardly by a stream with a pump-operated water filter in hand, you know the drill: wayward hose, wobbly bottle, muscle-clenching workout. Maybe it’s time to try one of the other water-treatment methods that have proliferated in recent years. But first, you have to know your enemies. The biggest risk in the […]
In the event of a backcountry emergency—such as a debilitating injury, unexpected night out, or severe weather event—a simple lightweight tarp can provide crucial protection from the elements, if you know how to use it. Covering the Basics Tarps come in a variety of dimensions. An 8-by-10 foot tarp can provide full coverage for up […]
Got a bike? What about the right tires for your ride? Understanding the basics of tire sizing, tread selection, and a few other common features will help you choose wisely when it comes time to shop for replacement tires. Measure Twice Bike tire dimensions are indicated by two numbers, such as 26 x 2.0 or […]
Spoiler alert. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes does not give you the power to skim magically across the surface of the snow like you’re walking on frozen water. Snowshoes just reduce how deep you sink, a feature known (somewhat misleadingly) as “flotation.” The exact equation for how much you sink—er, float—depends on three basic […]
Cold fingers are no fun. So I avoid them by wearing the right pair of winter gloves for the conditions at hand (ha). Over the years, I’ve accumulated quite an array of winter hand wear, which I detail below. But before we get there, it’s important to keep in mind that proper fit is one […]
Are you prepared to handle a survival situation in the backcountry? You may think so. You probably even carry some basic survival gear. It’s likely, however, that you are also packing some significant misconceptions about what a survival scenario actually looks like. THE DEADLY DISCONNECT Here’s the fundamental thing to understand: Survival situations typically occur […]
The black bear population is exploding in New England, particularly in Vermont and Massachusetts. As a recent article in the Boston Globe recounts, the number of bears in Vermont has doubled over the past two decades, to an estimated 6,000. In Massachusetts, the population is nine times larger today than 30 years ago (an estimated […]
Hot food. Hot drinks. Hot coffee. Yum. To enjoy any of these in the backcountry, you’re going to need a stove, of which there are three fundamental types: canister, alcohol, and liquid fuel. Which one is right for you? Your backpacking style and needs will help you decide. CANISTER STOVES A solid choice for most […]
After a day of rain-soaked hiking or water-logged paddling, few things are as satisfying as a set of dry clothes and a cozy sleeping bag. And few things are as unpleasant—and potentially dangerous—as soaking wet gear. To avoid the latter, solutions range from the simple and inexpensive to the high-tech and fancy. Here is a […]
It’s that time again. Ticks are back, ready to creepy-crawly their way to a blood meal from your succulent flesh. If you’re like me, however, you probably prefer to keep your blood to yourself — and to avoid potential exposure to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. And there’s one sure-fire way to kill any […]
The price of goose down has soared over the past few years, a trend clearly evident in the world of sleeping bags and puffy jackets. And, while exact numbers are hard to come by, I’ve noticed that many gear manufacturers have begun to use duck down instead of goose down in some of their sleeping […]
There’s only one meaningful difference between a trekking pole and a snowshoe pole—and it costs as little as $7 to upgrade your summer poles for snow-tromping fun. The key item you need? A snow basket that prevents your poles from piercing deeply (and uselessly) into the snowpack. Most trekking poles come with a small basket […]
Studded bike tires provide remarkable traction on snow and ice but don’t fully replicate the regular all-rubber grip you experience on dry asphalt. Think of riding with studs as the biking equivalent of walking on sand-covered ice. You can walk or bike as you normally would, but any abrupt or sharp turn can cause you […]