Hot food. Hot drinks. Hot coffee. Yum. To enjoy any of these in the backcountry, you’re going to need a stove, of which there are three fundamental types: canister, alcohol, and liquid fuel. Which one…
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AMC’s First Youth Climate Summit
On April 10th, more than 120 high school students from across northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine gathered at the Highland Center for the Appalachian Mountain Club’s inaugural Youth Climate Summit. The event included a...
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After a day of rain-soaked hiking or water-logged paddling, few things are as satisfying as a set of dry clothes and a cozy sleeping bag. And few things are as unpleasant—and potentially dangerous—as soaking wet…
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The price of goose down has soared over the past few years, a trend clearly evident in the world of sleeping bags and puffy jackets. And, while exact numbers are hard to come by, I’ve…
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A quinzee is a giant pile of snow that you then hollow out to create a shelter—essentially it’s a build-it-yourself snow cave. Knowing how to construct one is a useful winter survival skill, a fun…
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It’s that time again. Ticks are back, ready to creepy-crawly their way to a blood meal from your succulent flesh. If you’re like me, however, you probably prefer to keep your blood to yourself —…
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Most disposable hand warmers provide several hours of quality heat, but what if you only need warmth for a limited time? Don’t waste perfectly good heat by throwing out a hand warmer after only a…
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Winter camping has long enticed me into the frosty backcountry. The landscape is beautiful, a world at rest beneath a glittering blanket of snow. Plus, two major hassles of summer—crowds and blood-sucking insects—are nowhere to…
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Ah, winter: Season of outdoor thrills and potentially butt-crunching spills. When snow and ice create dangerous conditions underfoot—from city sidewalks to rugged mountain trails—adding a winter traction system to your footwear will provide the grip…
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I spent my morning walking the dog and serving as an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet for my local mosquito population. It got me thinking about the little buzzers and prompted several crucial questions in my head….
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