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

When it comes to shelters there seem to be an unlimited number of options out there, yet the tasks they are designed to handle are the same. To protect the backpacker from elements such as: wind, water and precipitation. They can also be a safe haven from the bugs. In this post I will go over different shelter systems available, considerations to be made when choosing, and the advantages and disadvantages of each shelter. The materials from which a shelter is designed can gre

This is the first of a two part series on cooking systems. In this segment I'll discuss different heat sources (fire, stoves), fuel and ignition for each. There are many different cooking systems out there. Each one with it's own purpose. Some factors to consider when choosing your cooking system should be your trip location, group size, food choices and goals for the trip. All of these cooking systems have advantages and disadvantages. Though I prefer lightweight cooking sys

Despite how we may feel while out exerting ourselves during the winter, staying properly hydrated is just as important as in the summer months. Believe it or not, dehydration is a common occurrence on the trail during colder days. Water treatment not only helps us combat this, but it also helps keep our packs lighter. What kind of weight savings are we talking about to help keep things light? To quickly break it down, 1 liter (or one Nalgene) of water weighs 2lbs 2oz. Add in

Winter got off to a late start here in New England for 2015-2016, but nature's unpredictability is one of the traits we truly get to enjoy in the northeast. For me, that trait adds to the adventure. It forces you to be in the present moment, enhances thinking, develops your skills and makes you more humble than before. But winter can also be just as intimidating for some and is not for everyone. Temperatures drop, day light gets shorter, winds can be brutal (as I write this,