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My mountian hikes, when solo, are always on marked trails so other than downed leaves in autumn, am usually not concerned about losing the trail. However, in the Adirondack and Vermont lowlands, I plan on increased bushwacks off trails and roads in pursuit of nature photography subjects. I...

I've long quit using a softshell jacket for winter hikes, preferring my lighter weight more breathable option like whatever tempertures require wool, fleece or puffy insulation and just a featherweight Montane Pertex jacket if windy. WPB Precip carried only. Softshell jacket would take up the...

It's almost time to contemplate ascents where one might keep swapping snowshoes, stabilizers, crampons, or bare boots. I have read that attaching snowshoes on the back of a pack (such as in a shovel pocket) is not as wise as along the sides due to weight distribution outward. In all cases with...

In choosing a GPS, is there a preferred mapping between each for Adirondack topo maps along the trail?

I'm looking for a $200 and under low to mid-range GPS for mainly emergency backtracking when bushwacking flat to elevated terrain in the Adirondacks, for nature photography. I am really not sure I need mapping capability and if so, would want to avoid spending excess extra funds on mapping...

The main application for carrying pants insulated with Primaloft or similar insulation is for overnights-around winter camp and sleeping. Too warm for activity for most. I am curious how many routinely carry such an item on long winter day hikes, for unplanned overnights and emergencies? It...

It's probably a topic as old as down jackets have been around. I was surprised when looking at an Eddie Bauer down jacket recently to see the feather content listed at 20% (not a First Ascent model). Is this a statistic to inquire on any down jacket purchase or are reputable outdoor brands...

First quarter of the trail and hike had a small dusting of snow on the trees and rocks, with a rather muddy and wet but not icy trail. The next quarter had increasing ice on bare rocks in spots and maybe an inch of snow, which prompted me to put on Microspikes. The third quarter of the trail...

With my recent post on mid-layers and comment read there and many other web posts praising this windshirt, got a superb deal today with a 35% off discount on the Marmot Driclime jacket-$40. I did not bother to see if it is the preferred original or newer version, but for that price-did not...

I've always been pleased with the comfort of my baselayer and outer layer selections-it's the mid layers for cold weather hiking that never seem ideal for me. For a cold-weather baselayer, I've always been pleased with the wicking of a lightweight Polartec Power Dry or Power Stretch base.A rain...

Perhaps due to numerous hikes this year or squats with weights at the gym, one knee now has developed a torn meniscus. Only discomfort is with very deep knee bending. Surgery not considered at this point. I hate to miss out on the fall hiking season and the MD indicated that further damage not...

The last 1.2 mile drive in was a bit rough in just two places. The trail was mostly dry, a bit of mud in a few places and wet rocks on the ascent. The Miami River was a nice view along the way. No view from summit itself-have to climb the firetower for a nice 360 degree view. Bicknell's thrush...

I use a filter for multi-day outings but desiring chem backup for day trips if carried water ran out. How does one decide between the two listed in the title? Are there any particular Adirondack parasites (tape worm) or bacteria that these might not be effective on?

The DEC website still lists High Peaks snow at 3,000 feet and above. Those who recently climbed Big Slide, is there some snow or ice on the summit approach still from the Brothers? (strangely-I'm sort of torn between this one with great open views much of the way and the exact opposite, a...

While Steripens, MSR and Katadyn products, and chemicals are all popular for treating water, these are all practical for those who use water bottles vs. hydration bladders. For those who prefer bladders such as Camelbak, does anyone use and can comment on the Camelbak inline filter that filters...

I own the little pocket guide about Adirondack alpine flowering plants and shrubs, but it does not give much insight into the speciific peaks of what grows where. I assume that Marcy, Algonwuin, Wright, and Colden have the majority of the true arctic species but many other peaks have alpine...

I'd love to climb Phelps soon but assume that both the DEC spring trails to avoid (not sure this is one) and the washed-out bridge make it an iffy destination right now. Without someone being there recently, impossible to know what the water level is. If this is not a good one for now, Big...

Dealing with postholes and p-holers The weekend warm temps will surely bring out large crowds to the trails this weekend. Trip reports have indicated many post-holes on the trails and no doubt, there will be many without snowshoes creating new postholes in the soft snow. It seems that there...

BD Contact crampons- threading? Looking at these 10 point crampons by Black Diamond, I've read that they can be used on any hiking boot, not just mountaineering boots. Wondering if this makes sense used on a flexible boot like my Merrell Snowmotion 8s. Or will they be subject to breakage...

There are many web posts with backpack brand reviews, ultralight vs. not, features, materials, etc. I found nothing on backpack types for people with cronic but minor back issues. I am now shopping for a weekend pack ( 2 night max) in the 3,000 to 3,600 range, and own lightweight (but not UL)...