Category: Outdoor Resources
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 […]
My 16-year-old daughter takes pride in pitching her tent in the dark faster than her dad and I can get ours set up (Hey, ours is much larger!), but she didn’t come by that skill overnight. It took time and practice, which she’s gained over years of camping trips. While her outdoors abilities seem second […]
Hikers in the Northeast rarely plan to ford a stream deeper than their boot-tops, but bridges wash out, and spring runoff or a recent storm can swell a normally mellow brook into a treacherous torrent. Moving water is a risky challenge, but with the right technique, you’ll keep yourself upright and dry on your next […]
Can you dig it? Photo: Chewonki Semester School; Flickr A quinzee is a giant pile of snow that you then hollow out to create a shelter—essentially it’s a build-it-yourself snow cave. Knowing how to construct one is a useful winter survival skill, a fun activity to do with kids, and a potential use for the […]
Winter camping has long enticed me into the frosty backcountry. The landscape is beautiful, a world at rest beneath a glittering blanket of snow. Plus, two major hassles of summer—crowds and blood-sucking insects—are nowhere to be found. But for me, the greatest reward of winter camping transcends these things. It’s the deep satisfaction of taking […]
Wind speed and wind direction have significant implications for paddling safety and enjoyment—and it doesn’t take much to affect the paddling experience. A light breeze (4 to 7 miles per hour) is sufficient to alter the movement of most kayaks; paddlers will need to compensate to keep moving in a straight line. A gentle wind (8 […]
Leading kids through the woods requires more than a map and compass. You also need enthusiasm and creativity to keep things fun for young hikers, whether they’re preschoolers who tire easily or older children who claim they’re bored. Try these strategies to keep kids interested when out on the trail. ACTIVE PLAY Walk This Way: […]
It’s always good to know where you are. If you’re hiking on trails, here are the techniques I use to keep track of where I am at all times. Have the best trail map available Locate, purchase, and carry the most detailed, up-to-date, and accurate trail map for the area you’re visiting. Whenever possible, spend […]
Shake out your tents: It’s time for the 10th annual Great American Backyard Campout. On June 28, thousands of people will be pitching tents in yards and parks across the country as part of this nationwide family camping adventure. Whether you camp with a community group, head to your backyard, or hike to a remote […]
Don’t sweat. You may have heard this basic adage of winter adventure, which in my experience is all but impossible to achieve. But there are some simple things you can do to minimize the amount you sweat, which is still a very worthwhile goal. Why not sweat? It’s simple. If you sweat, your base layer […]
Don’t overlayer. You generate substantial body heat even in the coldest and windiest conditions, especially if you’re powering up a mountainside. Leash your mittens or gloves to your wrists to prevent strong winds from blasting away these critical items. Secure loose straps on the outside of your pack or clothing to prevent them from flapping wildly in the […]
When my dog Bravo sees me carrying hiking boots or a daypack, he races to the door. As soon as it swings wide enough, he squeezes through and plants himself behind the car, quivering with anticipation. As the tailgate drops, he leaps gleefully inside. Once in the car, Bravo rides unobtrusively, no matter the distance, […]
Are you trying to get your kids outdoors and active in the winter? Here are a dozen fun ideas to keep them moving and connect them with the natural world, recommended by AMC experts. All these activities can be done in the backyard or around the neighborhood. 1. Make snow angels and snowmen. If snow […]
Identifying bird songs can be both beguiling and bewildering. Hundreds of species breed in the Northeast, so how can a listener possibly differentiate between their many songs? It takes practice and a good ear, but almost anyone can learn to distinguish the vocalizations of our common songsters. And with this ability comes an enhanced enjoyment […]
Removing a hook from a fish can be a traumatic experience for both the fish and the one who hooked it, but there’s good news for fly fishing enthusiasts who want to learn catch and release: It’s easy. Plus, proper catch-and-release techniques—required by law in some waters—allow anglers to practice their sport in areas with […]
There’s something satisfying about the J stroke. The subtle nature of it, how just a small turn of your wrist can provide gentle course correction and keep the boat pointed in the right direction. It’s efficient too, and that can help ensure long, enjoyable days on the water. The J, and four other strokes outlined […]
As an avid skate skier, I have been closely following the imminent arrival of winter, snow, and miles of beautifully groomed cross-country ski trails. Here are a few of the online resources I use to keep tabs on cross-country, or Nordic, ski centers across the region. Cross Country Ski Areas Association National organization that provides […]
When you’re hiking, the opposite bank of a stream is usually just a few steps away — but not always. Without logs or steppingstones available, and especially in colder weather, stream crossings become a challenge. According to Bryan McFarland, former outdoor adventure guide and webmaster/scout for the Connecticut Explorer’s Guide, an online outdoor adventure resource, […]
When I’m out on a long backcountry adventure, I aim to consume around 3,000 calories per day. This means that if my food averages 100 calories per ounce, I’m toting roughly 2 pounds (30 ounces) of food per day. If I’m out on a two-week backpacking trip with no options for resupply, that quickly adds […]