The Green Hiker

With the end of winter, it’s time to get your outdoor gear ready for spring and summer hiking and camping. Here are two packing lists:

• Ryan “FixedByDocs” 5 day 4 night pack list for spring-summer through hikes. Part 1.

• Part 2 of 2.

For another point of view, here’s Chris Molloy’s hiking and camping Gear List

Now Go Outdoors!

Obviously, with all our family outdoor activity, there’s been little time to update this blog in a consistent manner.

But with summer behind and cool, colorful Fall ahead, our plans are set for reinvigorating this journal.

Each month we’ll embark on a virtual hike along a different trail. Maps, photos and highlights. And, of course, our slant remains greener footprints.

You can expect more hiking gear reviews, safe hiking tips, and environmental news affecting outdoor hiking, backpacking and camping venues.

Now Go Outdoors!

Every hiker has a favorite quick get-away trail. Usually very local–and very nearby–the trail provides a hiking fix when time and/or other resources are limited.

Urban, suburban or rural hiking trails that are near home or workplace add a bit of outdoor escape to the day’s stale coop.

One of my favorite trails runs through the Albany Pine Bush in upstate New York. With its unique environment and easy access, the Pine Bush offers a refreshing outdoor splash in a very urban area.

• The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission

• The Albany Pine Bush Trails

• Amazon.com: Natural History of the Albany Pine Bush A Field Guide and Trail Map

So …. what are your favorite local hiking trails. Let us know. Include:

• How you get there (walk, bike, or auto)

• How often

• Just how far away is that “local” hiking trail

• Whether you’re solo ….  or do you share the trail and time with family or friends

• What, if anything, you pack

• How spontaneous are your local hikes

Now Go Outdoors!

The Big Agnes Salt Creek Recycled Tent earned Backpacker Magazine “Editors’ Choice 2009 Green Award”. This 2-person, three-season tent uses 100% recycled materials (including the reflective guy lines and plastic clips). Without any toxic dyes, this green tent is a somewhat shocking white.

The Salt Creek is not just some eco-friendly experiment or “paean to green”. You’ll want to pack this tent from windy Spring through chilling Fall. The Big Agnes is a 3-season camping workhorse. From the Backpacker Magazine’s review :

“Wind and rain whipped the Salt Creek on trips from high-alpine Colorado to the peaks of northern Wales, and everywhere the green construction proved both durable and weatherproof”.

Specs:

• Packed weight 6 lb 12 oz
• Floor area 36 sq ft
• Head height 38 in
• Single side door with vestibule
• Recycled zippers
• 2 mesh floor pockets
• Hub/pole design makes set up easy
• More specs and features
  

Click here for more info on this great Big Agnes Recycled Tent!

Now Go Outdoors!

Mountains Plus has a great  tent deal:  the Sierra Designs Sirius 3-person tent for $99. The only problem is that they can’t seem to keep this tent in stock.

With a pack weight of just over five pounds, this Sirius tent is ideal for your overnight hikes. It’s easy to set up and maintains its integrity in the windiest conditions. You may have to back order it though. Lots of  folks are taking advantage of this great tent offer.

Now Go Outdoors!

Are you a dedicated green hiker or backpacker looking for additional eco-friendly info and insights?

One place to start is Backpacker Magazine’s Green Guide. This compilation places a link list under three categories:  Featured Stories, Nature, and Gear.

So … here comes Super Poison Ivy? (Under the “Nature” category.)

Now Go Outdoors!