LET THERE BE LIGHT

ILLUMINATION....................FLASHLIGHTS

If I know anything about Flashlights it's this........
They can be heavy for their output.

The wilderness traveler has to consider what his/her needs might be before carrying what could very well be too much light. Usually searching a back pack or readying your bedroll is about the most you will ever really NEED a light for.
Of course if you are the type that feels compelled to swing your searchlight beam into the forest whenever you hear a twig snap, you may need super candle power. These are usually the same group that needs to look under the bed before going to sleep.

I find that a good LED lamp (standard incandescent bulbs are as obsolete as oil lamps) or two will serve you under nearly all conditions if thought out ahead of time. What's to think about? Lets look.


Hikers, Hunters, Campers and the like all have one thing in common.
They Move! A headlamp is indispensable. This Energizer Multi LED is the ticket. It sports two focused SPOT lights, two separate FLOOD light LEDs and two RED LEDs for saving night vision.
The out put is impressive, the head adjustable to point down for varied terrain and the band is comfy. Uses common AAA batteries.
Illumination range about ten yards.........not bad $20.00


For a sporty hand held focus adjustable beam in a small package with high out put (a full WATT) I like the Dorcy Mini, powered with three AAA batteries like the Energizer headlamp, it is easy to feed and sips power. The one WATT out put throws it's beam 100 ft...................believe it!
Price $10.00


My "Every Day Carry" light is a GERBER Infinity single LED lamp. It uses a single AA battery and lasts about..............forever.
The out put is more then fair and will keep you on the trail or get you out of a sudden "Dark" situation. It's built like a Tiger tank and has a pocket/hat brim clip. $25.00............gotta love it.

As a service light I carry a larger sized DORCY (one WATT) It's beam cannot be focused but it is concentrated to throw light about 125 ft. WOW! That's about what a standard four cell Mag Light will do but without the added weight.
Oh I still carry a Mag Light in the car for sleazebags and trail dogs but believe me I don't carry it around with me.
AAA batteries sip power and it has a pocket/belt clip.
$25.00

If you haven't guessed I don't care much for rechargeable power cells. I like standard sized AAA or AA batteries that can be purchased anywhere and are easy to monitor. Rechargeable cells just die.............BANG! your light has a heart attack and you're in the dark. I hate surprises. If that happens, it's nice to be able to cannibalize batteries from another light.

Remember, when you're in the dark and you are the only one with a light.....you make the rules

SAFE TRAVELS
RJ

THE COMPASS

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST
(But you could be without a Compass)

The wilderness traveler needs at least two (2) good Compasses.
A really good plotting Compass to do map work and shoot azimuths with and a quality back up.

The Silva Ranger is a top of the line navigational instrument.I have used one for years. My first was crushed under a VW Rabbit and destroyed, my fault. Hang em around your neck or put em into a strong secure case when not in use.

I keep this one on my belt in an Military issue first aid dressing pouch.
This is a SUUNTO wrist Compass. Not just another wrist compass, it has a sighting window and sites built into the body of the housing enabling you to shoot an azimuth with a quick glance.

A quick reference Compass or Combination thermometer is a handy addition to your Pack strap.

This inexpensive instrument has a wind chill graph on the reverse side so you can have something to read as you freeze to death.

Safe Travels
RJ

CUTTING TOOLS

KNIVES

Only a fool would venture into the bush without a good knife. truer words were never spoken. The knife from it's earliest beginnings, probably an accidental flaking of sharp flint type stone at the foot of early man, the "knife" was second only to the hammer in uses for making man's life easier.

Today we have no shortage of portable cutting tools well suited to the outdoor adventurer. As most outdoors men, I have a small selection of knives and cutting tools. Axes, Machete, Saws are very useful types of cutting tools that work with very specific movements. They do what they do better then most other tools but are very specialized, therefore I will cover them on another page.

For now lets look at Pocket and Belt Knives.

Know up front that I hold no special place in my cold heart for any particular manufacturer. Any knife I choose must stand on it's own merits of design and craftsmanship.

I used to teach a principle I called Pocket , Pack and Paw. It was simply a way for you to prioritize the importance of your kit based on how you carried it.

Items in your hand (Paw) could be dropped or left behind, Hikers do separate themselves from their Packs at times so I saw this as another opportunity to loose gear. The Pocket always seemed the place to keep those items we hold most dear.

The POCKET KNIFE will be the most used and therefore relied upon.
Choose it wisely.

This is my "Every Day Carry" knife "
The M16-10KZ folder by CRKT
Columbia River Knife and Tool

It's just an amazing little knife. Fast opening, lite, double locks, A half razor half serrated Tanto design that's very user friendly. I am never without this knife! It conforms to all laws and statutes regarding length and type so I can carry it anywhere. For Cutting, Slicing and Piercing it's hard to beat for it's price (less then $40) and feels great in the hand. It slits things open like Luke Skywalker.


For slightly bigger jobs, I carry a KERSHAW locking folder.
Price without holster $40.00

The leather rig was specially made for me and allows the knife to
be opened with one hand. It can be worn on both weak or dominate sides and is handsome (although the pic is poor)




The GERBER 4" PROFILE. A well though out gift from my Son.
A nice light Survival knife. Titanium coated for durability.
(although the sheath is lacking) I added Para cord.
$25.00





The BUCK VANGUARD Zipper. My Deer Knife. The name says it all. It's like having Velcro on the animals underside. Ouch!
Price 50.00





The GERBER Multi Tool.
It's all here, from fixing fishing tackle to carburetor adjustments!
Great for producing snare sets.
Price about $40.00




The T.D.I. Tactical Defence Institute Knife by KA-BAR

This specialized "fast draw" fixed blade was designed as a Police
Officer's last defence against a perpetrator at close quarters or if he/she is in a weapons retention situation. The T.D.I. draws very fast and from almost any belt position it is carried in. I carry this in uniform all day long and don't even feel it riding under my duty belt.

The rather odd looking angle of the handle is the secret to the fast draw, it's much like a handgun and the curve gives great mechanical advantage when cutting.
Price around $45.00

Last of the list is the COLD STEEL BUSHMAN Survival Knife. Wow, did the boys at CS hit it outta the park with this one. It's a stamped piece of what CS calls carbon V and takes/holds an edge like nobodies business. I like to test my sharpening skills by shaving a small patch on my arm, if it shaves, It's good enough for me. This thing was amazing! I could shave a six inch patch down my arm without pulling a bit. Just a hiss as the hair fell to the floor..........Damn!
Whats more it holds it too. The handle of the Bushman is nothing more then a rolled continuation of the same sheet of High carbon steel the blade is made of making it super strong!

It could be configured as a spear (for stabbing not throwing) or with a longer handle for harvesting fruit high over head. I have stuffed the hollow handle full of splintered fat wood in a plastic bag and wound it with jute cord for snares or fire making, it also insulates the handle which can be cold in winter months.
You really could do it all with this knife, Shelter, Food or making other tools. It's the real thing! Price.........Less then $25.00

Take that Rambo!

Safe Travels
RJ

PACKS AND BAGS

WILLFUL BEASTS OF BURDEN
THAT'S WHAT HIKERS ARE

What makes the whole affair tolerable is the Pack. They come in many sizes, shapes and styles.
I've used them all from military LBE (Load Bering Equipment AKA ill designed back breakers) to high tech alpine climbing rucks.

The A.L.I.C.E. pack was my first serious backpack.
All purpose, Lite weight,Individual,Carrying, Equipment.
Who thinks these names up anyway?
ALICE how sweet.........why not BOB the back pack?

It left me feeling beat up, tired and sore. It rolled on my back like an over sized beach ball with straps. No sense of balance or "feel" for the load (which shifted like a listing ship) It had little adjustments and cut off circulation. The only good thing I can say about them was.....................
Well okay, I can't think of anything right now but I'm sure they were good-alright-hmm Green
They sucked!

Packs should be chosen against their intended use and like Golf clubs, a selection should be available to the Common Outdoors Person to suit the job.

The most "common" pack for weekend use is of course the DAY PACK.
Every school kid carries a Day pack these days. Choose wisely, look for good suspension and stitching, Padded shoulder straps and stay away from anything with "Barnie" printed on it.


The Panel back Day pack is handy for semi light loads.The panel may give if over stuffed so keep your load proportioned.
It's a "DAY PACK"

The "TOP LOADER" is tough but one must dig for stuff, they are MUCH stronger and better suited for multi day trips. This pack can access the main load compartment from top OR bottom.

The "Fanny Pack" (should always be worn up front not rear)
is the lightest of the carrying systems. Just enough for a camera or survival kit and when used as you see here in conjunction with other systems like a binocular harness and a Hydration pack, you are light and fast moving.

Sam sports 30 Lbs plus of kit for a weekend trip but his pack's superior design allows him to "ware" the load rather then carry it. It is stable and comfy. I carried about 45 Lbs on this trip but the load was no great burden at all.

Don't feel sorry for him and don't think he's not enjoying every minute of it, he's having a blast!

Safe Travels

RJ

BUSHCRAFT

BUSH CRAFT
One can only consider ones self part of the environment if he need not go back to the car for a Snickers!
As we move through the environment we are ever aware of the life that surrounds us. Plants and Roots as well as Fungi and Grasses are abundant most times of the year for a snack or as sustenance. That's all well and good but as I noted earlier Charley reminds us most taste like Crap.
MEAT! That's what I need. It's safer, tastier and not as easily confused with a poisonous mushroom. A Rabbit always looks like a Rabbit, so does a Squirrel and Raccoon. They are easy to find and identify. The three major ways of collecting "game" are hunting, trapping or road kill (carrion) seeing how I'm no crow, I'll skip the last method.
The Porcupine is a sacred animal to the wilderness traveler. The Gods in their wisdom have given us this tasty (but Quilly) morsel of forest fare. The "Lost Man's Supper" often refers to our prickly friend. Easily stalked due to their poor eye sight and equally easy to kill with a simple sharp rap on the old noggin. The trick comes with learning how to skin the spike infested little buggers.
Cutting along the rear legs and vent (anus) you need only pull the tail bone out of the skin and use it as a "handle" to pull the hide off like a sweater. Cut off legs, head and field dress the critter. Boil-roast-fry-bake heck almost any way you prepare em tastes pretty good to me (Bring Tabasco)

Hunting will be covered on other pages within this blog later but for now lets touch on trapping. I'm not in the habit of carrying "Leg hold" or "Conibear" traps on my adventures into the bush but I always have a knife and some cord/wire in my kit. Useful for a load of things from fixing a backpack, boot or belt to setting up snares as a way to collect dinner.

One of the first snares I ever made was the cross anchor "Twitch up" snare. It kills most of the time and has supplied many a meal over the years. Placed in Rabbit runs or baited to attract Raccoon it seldom fails. It's not the easiest snare to produce and I think that's why I respect it so much, once mastered all others are a walk in the woods (no pun intended) it's still the snare I teach most often.

One of Sam's first Twitch up snares.


I like to add a tin can and pebbles wired to the top of my snare tree, this acts like an alarm when the snare goes off. I recall a night on the Boreas river in the Adirondacks when I had to spring from my hammock at the sound of the alarm to dispatch a Coon caught in a Twitch up not far from our trash site. I knew he would come for a sniff and a taste so I set the rig with a few pulls of burnt chicken meat.

Tuesday night we had Chicken, Wednesday we all ate Raccoon...............yum!
Friday it was Fish.



No Rabbit today but he'll get it.



Remember snaring of game for other then "SURVIVAL" is illegal and unnecessarily wasteful.
Keep in mind that in the wilderness you can eat some animals and be eaten by others!
Welcome to the food chain!


Safe Travels
RJ

Not Really Brown Bagging It, But Close

FOREST FAST FOOD FOR FUMBLIN FOOLS

We always work the menu into our trips. Food is an important factor of the adventure. I once made a chocolate Souffle with powdered eggs and Cocoa mix while on a trip in the Hudson Gorge. It was great, it was flat in shape and flavor but after ten days it was great!

Charley Cataldo my old Mentor once told me "you can eat almost anything that grows in the forest" some are rich in nutrition some merely filling, others may be poisonous, most just taste like crap!

As I've posted before I love the liquid gas stove. No other stove gives as much in all weather conditions or at any altitude. All you really need is just a way to boil water. Today a variety of foods are available in bags that need only hot water to be transformed into gourmet meals.

Sam enjoys some very good Alfredo noodles.

While I partake of some spicy Gumbo.

Of course you can do this kind of cooking on any efficient camp fire but the stove is just so fast and clean it relegates the fire to that of ambiance. Pack out your trash, this kind of foil bag will not burn.

We now use a vacuum bag sealing machine to "custom mix" our own favorite combinations. Soups, Stews, Rice combos even Powdered Eggs........not that bad really (bring Tabasco)

Safe Travels

RJ

Out Of The Way Places

Not all conference rooms are stuffy places full of stuffy people that are full of themselves!

I like to draw upon the energy around me. Some times I just feel more civilized in a primitive environment. I can be myself without feeling I have to impress anyone (no stage=no show) Out of the way places and good friends bring out the best in me and others.

Here Bill and I enjoy a gourmet meal of apples and spring water. The walk was invigorating, the snack fulfilling, the company first rate and the views spectacular.

This area is just a few miles from my home but due to it's topography men have found little use for it other then run off for a near by dam. The occasional Bald Eagle may go rushing by but that's a delightful distraction, its a pretty out of the way place where one can enjoy what the outdoors has to offer.

I think some of the most effective communicating I ever do with my fellow man is along a river, across a campfire or under a tree.

Safe Travels

RJ

Tents and Bivi Shelters

Tents and Bivi Shelters.

I hate em!

I love to sleep in them but I hate to carry them. Most trail campers feel this way. If you camp near your car then a twenty pound six man base camp tent with full vestibule and canopy isn't bad, when you carry everything you own over Mother Earth herself you need something else indeed.

Hikers want the smallest shelter they can possibly carry thus the resent popularity of tarp/hammock arrangements. More on that later.

When I was teaching wilderness skills I spent allot of time in the Hudson river gorge area of the great Adirondack mountains, very rough terrain. The ground there was so rocky it was just not friendly to "ground" shelters. The Tarp/Hammock combination was the only way to go and if you do it right it just can't be beat for three season camping. But for ground shelter in my beloved Catskills it is almost always a Tent or Bivi. I camp with my son allot so the two man Bivi is better then fine, it's perfect. It might be a bit too close for non family types but for Father and Son or Husband and Wife it's the way to go.

As always I've looked into the features of some of the best big name manufactured shelters to see just what they are advertising as top shelf, then I take a look at discount catalogs and cross match features in the price ranges more suited to my lifestyle. Where once I carried a 6.5 Lbs dome tent I now haul a three pound (3Lbs) you heard me right Bivi that I purchased from Sportsman's guide. I reinforced the seems (I do this with all my shelters) and up graded the suspension lines and voila! the boy and I have done three trips with this rig and love it. It's about the size of a loaf of Wonder bread all packed up and is suited for three season trips.

Price you ask?

How about less the $50. Compared to the big name brands asking $300, call the cops cause it's a steal. Now here's the hook, if you look very closely at the big name brand shelters (most equipment period) you will see very small print at the end of their description, after the logo, after the size, color, special features and of course the price, you'll see these words..............."imported" yup that's right and guess what folks? so does mine. I guess mine is no better or worse then theirs. Hey if it quacks like a duck...................

If you feel you must pay top dollar for the same half micron of nylon the other guys make, please send your money to me. I'll see you get what you pay for and I'll still have cash to burn on whiskey and sharp cheese.

Now expedition equipment is a different duck. We know its stronger and made to a different standard so lets not compare apples to artichokes, but for the casual or weekend camper you need not take out a loan for good gear.

Safe Travels

RJ

Sam and I starting out for a snowy trip up Mt. Slide

Check in time:
Always let someone know your intentions and route plan. That starts at home and is marked at the trail head as well. Local Rangers and or Ranger's assistants will check these sign in stations once or twice each day to see that those who are expected return on time. If travelers are over due a search may be organized.




On the summit of Mt. Slide the Hudson valley to the North and East.

WALKING STICKS / POLES

WALKING STICKS

TREKKING POLES

Walking sticks are like old friends, someone you can lean on when the going gets tough. I have used all types and of course this blog would always recommend making one instead of buying one but lets look at the facts.

The stick my son is holding is one of four I made from a single sapling. The small tree was damaged and was sure to be rotten on the forest floor if left untouched, so I touched it. It yielded two adult and two smaller walking sticks. The damaged section of the sapling was cut out and the bark partially stripped off to help dry it but still allowing it to keep some natural gripping surface and character. The tops or thick end of the sticks were cut on a slight angle to give it a semi sharp edge for both fending off trail dogs and to give the stick that rough rustic look. I like to cut walking sticks long enough to come to my shoulder or so. Some may think this too long but the first fumble that has you landing chin first on your stick will wise you up...but fast! The added length helps with stream crossings and boulder jumping as well.

As a family, we are in the habit of naming our walking sticks (old friends as they are) giving your stick a name ensures it wont be left behind at some trail side rest stop or watering hole. You just don't do things like that to your friends.....WILSON! I have a rafter full of retired old friends that I now use as loaners for guest hikers, it saves us from having to cut new sticks. Always treat your walking stick with respect, they are not for swinging at underbrush or using as ball bats to send stones out over the valley, and especially they are not for sword play. I put rubber bumpers on the bottoms of my walking sticks for three really good reasons, it protects the bottom from splitting with use, it improves their grip on smooth/slippery surfaces and it keeps em quite. I hate that tap tap sound in my head all weekend.

If you must move up to a "Trekking pole" you are indeed on a slippery slope. These things come in so many colors and styles it can drive you nuts.

I've seen poles that have price tags that would make your head spin, $80, $100, $150 dollars and for what? Lets look at this a bit closer. What we basically have here is an aluminium pole either one piece or in sections, with a comfortable grip and a toughened contact point such as hard rubber at it's base. Most of these are removable to expose a metal (usually carbide) bit that can dig into the ground/rock/ice without dulling too quickly. A simple leash completes the package to keep you from dropping the thing as you maneuver over broken terrain.

Some have snow baskets like ski Poles (ski poles make nice walking sticks, x-country is best) to retard the pole penetration into snow pack. Some have twist locking section while others have clamping parts. I've even seen one that sported an ice axe head for self arrest..........as if. They all have the same use, balance and traction! That's it!

Really that's it.

If you want to claim they give you better radio reception or make good tent supports .....go for it. I guess they might. They might do a load of things they were never really designed to do but so will the tire iron in the trunk of my car, lets not over think one of the no brainer tools you could buy (make) all the extras like "shock absorbers and Compasses are Kool but truly unnecessary..........balance and traction, that's it.

My telescopic poles cost about $25 a pair and are great for moving over snow/ice and do a nice job at that price. So they came from a no name company sold in my local MART store not Switzerland or England. They sport no big adventure internationally recognised name. Its about function people not a fashion show.

Unless you are in a survival situation, you should never super load your collapsible trekking poles. They are not meant for that, remember balance and traction. If you need more then that from a walking stick either cut a bigger one or go back for the tire iron.

Safe Travels
RJ

Drinks on the go........

WATER / HYDRATION PACKS

A short day hike is always more enjoyable when properly dressed and equipped. A comfortable hat and stout boots help keep your top and bottom ready for the trail. A small pack with rudimentary safety items like a flash light and whistle and a means of starting a fire are a must, as is water.

Water for a short trip is best carried. There are some great portable filters on the market that can make the most questionable water potable but bringing water from the safety of your kitchen tap is by far the easiest and most affordable. The canteen has been a standard issue item for all travelers for eons. Roman soldiers carried crocks of water that would stay cool through capillary action. Bedouin tribes have used goat skins as water vessels, and Viking Norsemen used both not to be out done. Canteens have been made of wood, metal and plastic but until recently they were almost always carried on shoulder or hip. It worked but was not always conducive to the rigors of the day.

Sam filters water with a Katadyn Microfilter

Modern man had a simple and effective solution, "hydration packs". Really just a new age version of the fore mentioned containers. Companies like PLATYPUS and CAMELBACK produce sophisticated hydration systems well suited for any outdoor activity and in a choice of colors and styles to keep you hanging cool and trendy with the over dressed wanna bes.

The systems I use are equally tough and versatile (and good looking) at a fraction of the price.

A trip to your local MART store's sporting goods section will reveal a number of hydration packs-bags-bladders that are equally well thought out but for a fraction of the price. You will of course have to get over the fact that the fancy name brand is missing but hell, when I'm thirsty I'll drink from a muddy puddle if I must (and I have).

# 1 Son and me sippin from hydration tubes.

Look for these features in any hydration system regardless of price:

1) The water carrier itself should be generously sized.

2) The filling end should have a wide opening to accommodate easy and fast filling, cleaning and addition of ice cubes.

3) The drinking valve should be positive closing and not leak. Bite style valves will leak if you bite so hard as to eat them. Be gentile with these soft cushy ends and they will give you years of service.

4) Hoses should be removable for cleaning.

5) The bag should be made of material that can withstand extremes of heat and cold.

Now to the carrier pack:

1) It should be made of Strong material but be soft and comfortable where it contacts the body.

2) It should fit, don't laugh I've seen many bags that were made for children only, TRY IT ON!

3) extra pockets are a plus, make sure anything you put in these pockets wont puncture the bags integrity.

4) Never...Never...Never use your hydration system to carry such sticky mixtures as Kool-Aid or Ice Tea mix. The sugar is very hard to clean from these bags/tubes. WATER ONLY!

I must have five or six different styles and sizes of hydration packs One for anything I have in mind to do, from hiking, camping to fly fishing or just tooling around on my motorcycle. I have no reason to go thirsty or broke. Compare systems in person, ask sale persons about the differences between styles and TRY THEM ON. You'll find a hydration pack that suits your needs and your pocket book.

Safe Travels

RJ

Some Winter Shelter Shots

The Wife and I in the Snow Shelter

We dug this snow shelter for practice one year, having slept in a similar shelter once before in the Adirondacks I can attest to their value as protection from the elements but they are labor intensive. Don't work up a sweat while making a snow shelter.

Bright colored Frisbees make good shovels for making snow shelters, they pack flat and can double as a plate at dinner time. You might even want to throw it around if you get stir crazy.

Safe Travels

RJ

Winter Hiking Weekend

The new year is almost here and the home fires are burning bright and warm but I'm looking forward to a short brisk hike into the Catskills. I just can't sit still for too long and the weather is with me. I was hoping Slide Mountain would have a bit of the white stuff but I don't think I'll find much.

Nevertheless, up I'll go.


The usual kit will be slung on my back to help me enjoy the day and be comfy and safe. I am a collector of liquid gas stoves and have dozens to choose from. Today I was digging deep on a shelf in my shed looking for a stove to take along with me for a fast meal and a hot brew. The Coleman Multi fuel was calling my name as always. This stove although old tech has NEVER let me down, I have two: one made in Canada and the other a product of the the good old USA, both keepers. One of my SVEA 123 brass jet engines was sitting there looking pretty so just as a bit of nostalgia I grabbed it for the trip. I love and marvel at the SVEA stoves, anything you have to set on fire before it will work has to be tough. I also took down one of my longer ice axes just in case.

I once spent a very cold December night on Mt Slide's South side in a hail storm. I woke about four in the morning so cold and shaking to death, I was afraid I would not die and end the suffering but I got through it. I plan to never repeat that night. The wind was so bad and the ice was coming into my simple shelter hastily hung the night before. I forced myself to move and squatted over a stove just long enough to warm my hands and dig into my guide pack for an extra layer and some wool fingerless gloves.

The morning came slowly and I woke to a crusted crunchy world of ice blue and bright white. The tarp above me was hanging heavy with ice and the parachute line that it was tied to was being tested to it's limit. Again the stove saved me as I melted ice and two soup cubes in a metal cup for my breakfast. Within thirty minutes I was chipped out and packed for the slow careful trip back to the car. The mountain views were wonderful as usual and today the glassing of ice that covered the closely grouped summit tress was particularly beautiful. I had no crampons so I took my time cutting side steps into the crust as I worked my way down.



All in all a rather uncomfortable night and a poor meal for the energy I expelled getting up to the top and spending a sub zero night in a storm and hardly enough calories to fill my body with energy for the trip down but as usual a trip I was glad I made.

Surprise storms can happen at any altitude and at any time of the year. Many hikers and campers have had a wonderful weekend shot due to weather and poor planning. Some basic kit should always be on your hiking list even if you have no plans to stay the night.

Mountains make their own weather and I'd rather be burdened with a few pounds of kit for peace of mind just in case. Many of us are already carrying stuff for the trip like cameras or binoculars or perhaps if you are hunting, a rifle or bow. Why not add just a few extras.

This blog was built for the common weekender that might not have the equipment that the hard core hiker-camper might have. So I'd like to explore the options available to stock up on gear on the cheap. Sporting goods stores and big "Mart" stores can supply you with (almost) everything you need for a safe and exciting outdoor experience without spending the big bucks for the big name equipment full time users might select. Should you find that you need to step up to a name brand piece of kit after using simple starter gear, I hope this blog will point you in the right direction.

My December hike up Mt. Slide will include the SVEA 123 white gas stove for about $100 but may be found on Ebay for less then half the price. The Coleman Multi fuel is about $65 but again look at Ebay. REI has a selection of ice axes to suit the classic one axe walking/hiking style the Catskill mountains might require. Mine was a French made 80CM self arrest axe I have used for years. I bought it as a starter axe at EMS in New Hampshire for about $65 twenty years ago. No technical climbs are on Slide but ice does cover the exposed summit, rocky sections of the trails and run off areas, falls can happen. Snow shoes are an asset, Sportsman's Guide as well as Cabelas have great shoe selections for a very reasonable price........as always check Ebay for kit that needs a new home.



Safe travels
RJ MOSCA