Recent content by BirchBB

I've read about every one's favorite piece of hiking gear, the piece of gear they've had the longest, where everyone buys their gear, etc... But what piece of hiking gear you purchased ended up being a disappointment? A piece of junk? It would be neat to learn what piece of equipment turned...

I have a pair of the LL Bean Cresta Leather Hikers, not the rough out tan, but the all leather dark brown. I've had them for probably 6-7 years and they are still going strong. They are very comfortable, and required minimal break in. I wear them all summer and also on all my winter hikes, and...

Bought my MSR snowshoes at REI - great customer service! EMS is ok - I think they're regular prices are generally overpriced, clearance items are a good deal. My buddies have been haggled a few times when they tried to return defective merchandise. Most of my hiking stuff is from LL Bean...

You can also rent canoes, kayaks, and row boats right in the campground at a location on Rollins Pond. It looks privately owned but has several boats to choose from.

Great job.....congratulations!!!! It sure is a good feeling! :)

I bought a pair of 3-section non-antishock hiking poles from LL Bean (made by Leki) for $69 about 3-4 years ago and have had no problem. They've been great. I think it's key for the poles to have a carbide tip to ensure a good grab on rocks. I see Target carries 3-section hiking poles made by...

Has anyone been up the Beaver Meadow Falls Trail to Gothics & Armstrong recently? Trail conditions, snow depth, etc...??? We're planning to possibly hike these (and maybe also Upper WJ) this Saturday. Thanks.

Hiking poles have helped relieve some of the stress on my knees on downhills for me.

I just bought a nice pair of anti-fog goggles at Target for 50% off. Reg. $25, on sale for $12.50.

My hiking partners and I usually comment after a long hike that "we just added x number of days to our life expectancy" by completing this hike. Great physical exercise, cleansing of the soul by being outdoors in a wilderness setting, and one of the best get-a-ways from all the stress factors...

I have a pair of low OR gaiters also, and after a hike or two the straps would wear out. But I haven't had any issues for the past 3 years after I replaced the straps with some tie wire I bought at a garage sale for 50 cents.