Trail Registers for Beginners – Anatomy and Why to Use Them
Most maintained trails have a trail register and possibly a kiosk. In our many years on the trail we have observed back-country travelers faithfully sign-in and out providing valuable information for authorities. We have also seen hikers, hunters, trail-runners, mountain bikers, etc. pass right by them as they don’t exist. First I have to admit, here in New York, our registers ask for a lot of information which I do not give (i.e., address). Yes,…
Dangerous Hiking Blunders You Need To Avoid
Not planning your hike Planning is an essential part of your hiking trip. Not just picking your destination but many other things that happen between the time you leave your home to the time you return. Guidebooks and maps are important parts of your planning process use them. Read more about this here. Unless you live in the area you’re hiking in you’ll most likely need to travel some distance. So planning begins before you hit…
Review: Sawyer Mini Water Filter System
We have been using the Sawyer Mini Water Filter System for almost a year now. Like all our reviews we use the equipment for an extended period of then critique it. Makes no sense to use it for a month and offer an opinion. The Sawyer Mini Water Filter System is an ultralight, ultraportable, and very useful tool. The Mini lives up to its name, weighing in at about 2 oz. this beats other water systems. The Mini…
The Biggest Problem in “Waterborne” illness Comes Down To This Word That Starts With “W”
I bet if you ask 10 people how you prevent “waterborne” illness nine would say treat, filter, and/or boil the water. Guess what, they would be right. However, what if we change the question a bit. How do we prevent backcountry gastrointestinal illness? Now, what do you think? If we look at gastrointestinal diseases contracted in the backcountry, we don’t have good consensus that it’s from the water you drink.  In the journal “Wilderness and Environmental Medicine”, Thomas…
Getting Your Car Ready for the Trailhead
We have the 10 essentials, wilderness first aid, leave-no-trace and many other guidelines that are often talked about when referring to outdoor pursuits. One topic that gets a one line mention in some guidebooks is to have your car in good working order. This cannot be stressed enough in the 4th season A couple of years ago Chris and I were out hiking in the early winter. No snow forecast for the day, just sun, and…