Harriman State Park Christmas Campout

 

The sun setting over Harriman State Park.

On Christmas Day, my friend called me and asked if I wanted to go camping. Of course I did!  Christmas was on Thursday, so we planned on a quick one-night outing to Harriman State Park for Friday evening. I had recently been to the Fingerboard Shelter and thought it would be nice to head back. I packed up my gear that night, and we were on the road shortly after noon the next day. Continue reading Harriman State Park Christmas Campout

MSR Lightning Explore Snow Shoes: Introduction

MSR Lightning Explore Snow Shoes

I recently purchased a pair of MSR Lightning Explore Snow Shoes.  I have been thinking of purchasing snow shoes for several years now.  Until a few weeks ago, I had never gotten further than staring at them on the wall in Campmor.  Each time, I ultimately decide that it wasn’t worth the money for the limited amount of snow we get in New Jersey. This year I finally took the plunge. Let’s take a look at these together. Continue reading MSR Lightning Explore Snow Shoes: Introduction

Sample Day Hike Plan

Trail map showing campsites, pit stops, supply points, and possible bailouts for each day of a hike.

Whenever venturing out into the wilderness, I have a plan.  My plan details the “who, what, where, why, when, and how” of my trip.  I always leave my plan with a responsible friend at home, with instructions on what to do if I don’t return. Putting together a trekking plan is an important part of any trip into the wilderness, no matter the length.

Continue reading Sample Day Hike Plan

I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 4

The best part of sleeping under a tarp is the view when you wake up in the morning. In the first installment of this series, I discussed the events that led me to ditch my tent in favor of sleeping under a backpacking tarp.  In Part 2 I talked about buying that first tarp, what it was like to sleep under it, and some of the advantages it had over a tent.  In the most recent chapter, I explained my rationale for making my own tarp, and some of the considerations that went into its design.  Continue reading I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 4

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Shopping

A happy camper with a bag full of goodies from Campmor.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Shopping

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Accessories

Here I am adding a pair of micro-spikes to my boots.   As you can see, I'm already wearing my gaiters.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Accessories

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Layers

CampingMeg stops to adjust her layering system after warming while climbing this hill.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Layers

I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 3

I made my own backpacking tarp, and this is it.

In the first installment of this series, I discussed the events that led me to ditch my tent in favor of sleeping under a backpacking tarp.  In Part 2 I talked about buying that first tarp, what it was like to sleep under it, and some of the advantages it had over a tent.  Now its time to talk about how and why I made my custom backpacking tarp. Continue reading I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 3