Earlier this year Sierra Designs put out a new line of sleeping bags that could become a new standard in the outdoor industry. The Cloud takes characteristics from their popular Backcountry Bed series, blending it with hints of top bag and quilt designs. This zipperless mummy bag features premium 800-fill power water resistant DriDown and comes in three flavors, 20F (1 lb 13 oz, $299) and 35F (1 lb 7 oz, $279) for men, and 20F for women (1 lb 12 oz, $299). The shell fabric fo

This video is a combination of two trips. The first is a quick 6 mile rainy training hike on part of the LKD Loop where I was eager to test out a trail running vest pack I picked up, the Patagonia Nine Trails 15L. Near the end of this trip I show how the gear held up in non-stop rain. The second half of this video takes place on a 39.3 mile backpacking loop (named the LKD Loop) that I created and am offering to the public for National Trails Day 2018. My goal for the hike was

The much anticipated Osprey Levity is not a pack for everyone, but for those it is, it could be a game changer. The pack comes in a 60 liter and 45 liter version, both weighing under 2 lbs. It is the lightest framed AND ventilated pack to date from Osprey. Blending lightweight fabrics and attention to design, the Levity is sure to peak the interest of the outdoor community and ultralight backpacker's this year. I've been eyeing this pack since it was shown at Outdoor Retailer

My next section hike of the 230 mile Bay Circuit Trail picked up where I had left off at the end of Old Town Hill on Newman Rd. in Newbury, MA. With the warmer than usual winter weather, I couldn't help but get out and add up some more mileage on this trail. I picked up where I had left off on a late January morning. After leaving Old Town Hill and heading a short way down a residential road, the trail took me through a little bit of history. The trail passed by the Lower Gre

I recently came across the 230 mile Bay Circuit Trail after noticing maps for the trail and was instantly intrigued. The prospect of a long distance hiking path I wasn't familiar with, yet that was also within a 3 hour drive from home was irresistible. So began the purchase of the maps (pictured below), research and getting out there. The Bay Circuit Trail is known as the Emerald Necklace of eastern Massachusetts. Beginning on the shore of Plum Island in Newburyport, the trai

Grass Mountain is a peak located in southwestern Vermont in the town of North Bennington. The mountain is a part of the New England's 50 Finest list and involves a trail-less hike to the top. With good map and compass skills and terrain reading, this hike can be a fairly easy bushwack. The route I took, began near the end of Shatsbury Hollow Rd after traveling down a network of well-maintained old country gravel roads. I parked on Shatsbury Hollow Rd, where it appears to fork

When I'm out backpacking, whether I'm solo or with a group, I like to follow a well-defined routine when I arrive at camp. By creating and following one, I am able to enjoy extra time on the trail and not worry about forgetting tasks or gear at my site. Having extra time on the trail allows me to cover more ground, ensure that I am not racing the daylight to make camp before dark and adds to my experience of the trip overall. Accidentally leaving behind gear at my site can ha

A good sleeping bag will only get you so far. In addition to a bag, I share tips and methods I use for sleeping warm and comfortably during winter backpacking trips in the video above. #winterbackpacking #backpacking #backpackinggear #wintercamping #backpackingskills #travel

The Patagonia Ascensionist may have been designed with alpine in mind, but I have found it to be a great lightweight 3-season backpacking alternative for carrying gear. What intrigued me with this pack was its sheer simplicity. No frills, no fuss. This may not be a preference for other backpackers, but I find it to be a suitable option for my needs. Below, I'll share a look at this pack and a few adaptations I made to make it an excellent pack for many of my solo 3-season tri

Packing the Ten Essentials for any trip is a good habit to have. Even if you are going for a simple day hike, kayaking in a nearby lake or snowshoeing in the rolling hills. This list can provide you with items that can help address accidents and emergencies, and also get you through an unexpected night or more out. In the video above, I'll break down the Ten Essentials with you and how each item helps. I'll also share a few other items I like to add to the list and carry with

With the opportunity to bag four peaks within a few hours, it was hard to pass this up during a recent trip to Acadia National Park. Not only were my girlfriend and I rewarded with incredible views from each of the four peaks, but we also enjoyed solitude along this lightly trafficked section of the park. We had read about this trip while having breakfast back at our camp during a classic crisp, windy fall New England morning. The loop was one described in the AMC's Discover

The video above shares a look at three lightweight water filters suitable for many outdoor adventures as well as seeing each in use on the trail. #backpacking #travel #backpackinggear #watertreatment #adventure

Packing a backpack properly has many benefits that can help your trip more fun and enjoyable. In the video above, I break down the science of packing a backpack and show how I like to pack my pack from start to finish. This is a method I have used for years and it has always been proven effective. #backpacking #adventure #travel #backpackingskills #howtovideos

Packs should always be picked last before each trip. To do so beforehand would be like moving a couch into a room without measuring the space first. Once you've determined the proper gear for your trip and have picked the pack suitable for the task, follow these methods below to get a proper fit* and boost comfort. 1. Loosen all of the straps on your pack. These will include: load lifters, shoulder straps, sternum strap, hipbelt and compression straps. 2. Load your pack up wi

Whether you're logging in miles on a multi-day backpacking adventure or enjoying a day hike with the family, staying healthy and safe on the trail is always an important factor of any trip. So this year with reports of tick numbers on the rise, especially for those hiking in the northeast, consider taking the precautions listed below to help significantly decrease the risk of tick-borne illnesses. By following these tips, you will be one step ahead and able to enjoy your trip

Picture yourself at the beginning of a trailhead. The beginning of a trail that takes you across high mountain ridges, by endless scenic views and through neighboring towns. A trail that connects you on a deeper level to the outdoors, to a new community and to the world. Long distance hiking has been on the minds of many for years now. In fact, it was on the mind of Benton Mackaye atop Stratton Mountain in the 1921. Benton is responsible for conceiving what we now know as one

As a professional guide, one of the questions I get asked often is, "What's inside your pack?" or "What do you bring for a weekend trip Mat?" Over the years, the type of gear has remained very similar. However as many companies create lighter durable options or a new product I think would be pretty sweet to have on the trail, I have found myself doing a little bit of upgrading. As a backpacker I am no ultralight by any means. I do find that a lighter load in my pack makes for

Last week my girlfriend and I had the opportunity to explore and enjoy one of our beautiful National Parks, Acadia, in celebration of this year's National Park Service Centennial. Our National Parks never cease to amaze me and we are all incredibly fortunate to have so many amazing places to explore in this country. Below you will read a little bit about our trip in the park as well as some of my favorite spots where we explored or grabbed a bite to eat. So without further ad

Hiking can provide some incredible and memorable experiences. It can also connect you with a community, the land and provides us with many health/well being benefits. It may not seem like it, but Connecticut has a lot of beautiful, unique places to explore. The state is also home to two nationally designated long distance trails in the U.S., the legendary Appalachian Trail and the New England Trail. With so many options around the entire state or right in our backyards, there