In a few weeks I’m going to be hosting an “Intro to Backpacking” Seminar at Harriman State Park. I’m hosting this event via the Meetup Group “Hudson Valley Hikers.” Meetup events tend to get a lot of RSVP’s, but also a lot of No-Shows. In order to vet people out before giving them a spot at the seminar, I’ve asked them to email me questions about backpacking. Some of them are pretty good and I’ll be sharing the answers via a series of posts called “Ask CampingJay.” This post will discuss Backpacking Mistakes. Continue reading Backpacking Mistakes
Category Archives: Community
Appalachian Trail Section Hiking with HVH: Video
Appalachian Trail Section Hiking
2016 was a year of discovery and adventure as I renewed my goal of Appalachian Trail Section Hiking. During this epic year I hiked more than 500 miles of the Appalachian Trail, climbed some of the North East’s most famous mountains, and explored unique and interested places. Most of all, it was a year of building new friendships which I hope will last a lifetime. To show my appreciation for all those who helped make my 2016 Section Hiking Campaign great, I put together this video: 2016 Appalachian Trail Section Hiking with HVH.
Hudson Valley Hikers
Over the last two years I have had the pleasure of hiking and hosting with Hudson Valley Hikers. Among my friends at HVH are some of the kindest, most helpful, ambitious, knowledgeable and exciting people I have ever met. Powered by HVH, I climbed dozens of the Northeasts toughest mountains, hiked more than 500 miles of the Appalachian trail, tubed down raging rivers, drank beer I’d never heard of, and been introduced to thoughts and ideas that are totally new to me. This is the story about how a group of hikers has changed my life and how it might change yours. Continue reading Hudson Valley Hikers
HVH Intro to Backpacking Gear List
This weekend I ran the third session of my very popular Introduction to Backpacking seminar. My goal with this event was to expose newcomers to some of the equipment that’s available out there and give them some buying advice. I like to help people avoid purchasing equipment before they get a chance to see it in real life. I saw a lot of busy note taking going on this weekend, so I decided to help out with a list of gear we looked at.
MSR Customer Service
Last week I wrote a quick introduction to the MSR Lightning Explore Snow Shoes. I liked most aspects of the snow shoes, but I had problems bindings. The single strap over my toes was extremely tight and created a pinch point. By the end of a 3 mile hike, two of my toes were actually bleeding. Continue reading MSR Customer Service
Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Shopping
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
CampingJay T-Shirts for Troop 114
When I first started writing this blog, my friends all wanted CampingJay T-Shirts. I told them that if I got 100 Facebook likes and 50+readers per day, I would get shirts designed. Now I have reached those goals and worked with Tee Spring to design shirts, which you can purchase for $20.00. Continue reading CampingJay T-Shirts for Troop 114
Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Footwear
A Message to Parents about Outdoor Clothing for Scouts
For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop. I’ve given several lectures and gear talks, 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: Footwear
CampingJay Survey & Luminaid Giveaway
Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Materials
A Message to Parents about Outdoor Clothing for Scouts
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: Materials