This article was originally published in the 2017 edition of AMC’s Mountain Skills Manual. Whether you’re heading out for one night, a week, or an entire thru-hike, choosing the right backpack is essential to…
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Snowshoeing 101: Tips and Tricks for Beginners
Snowshoeing is a fun way to get outside during the winter—it makes traveling in deep snow easier, opening the door to year-round hikes and walks. Snowshoeing is almost as easy as walking, but even so these…
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Shoulder Season: Be Prepared and Have Fun on Your Late-Fall Hike
October and November can be a beautiful time to hike in the mountains of northern New England—especially with all the brilliant fall colors—but hiking at this time of year can also present some challenges for…
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Avoid These Common Beginner Hiking Mistakes
We’ve all been there. Every hiker, whether they’ve summited all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4000 footers or even completed the Appalachian Trail, starts out as a beginner. As you work your way up from pond…
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How to Avoid Needing a Winter Rescue in the Backcountry
The winter months are a busy time for search and rescue (SAR) personnel in the Northeast. The region’s famously unpredictable and brutal winter weather leads to many misadventures that require professional rescues—but the vast majority…
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Winter Wildlife Photography: Tips from an AMC Photo Contest Winner
Viewing animals in their wild, natural habitat is one of the most thrilling aspects of hiking and outdoor adventure travel. Coming away with photos that expertly capture these moments, whether using a smartphone or…
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How to Plan a Winter Hike
Winter hiking is ideal for those who crave the peaceful, restorative qualities of being outdoors. The crowds of tourists that flock to popular trailheads in the summer and fall—along with the occasional swarms of…
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Winter Hiking Essential Gear List
Hiking in the winter demands more. More preparedness and more planning. More outdoor experience and ability, and—perhaps most easily overlooked—more time. The cold months require better decision-making and a more cautious mindset. The same trail…
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How to Prevent and Treat Common Winter Ailments
Being outdoors in the winter—especially in the backcountry—presents a different and more complex set of safety challenges. Extreme cold and wind can render a person immobile—or worse—within minutes, complicating any additional injuries one has sustained….
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