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And if you want a hike idea in that region (no idea if this gives you good odds for moose, but at least you're in the right vicinity) you could try Monadnock in Lemington, VT. Haven't hiked it myself but heard it is worth a trip.

The Northeast Kingdom and especially the Island Pond area is going to be your best bet. If you're determined to see one while hiking, head off in any direction from there onto the public lands (like the Conte National Wildlife Refuge) and walk some of the old logging roads. But really you can...

If the pack fits you and is comfortable and is close to the right size, that's good enough in my book! It's easy to find a cheap small pack if you want to have some options. In any case, 30L doesn't seem too big to me for a 15 mile hike (as opposed to a trail run).

Can someone remind me... if I buy a fishing license each year then I'm covered. Correct?

It isn't convenient to the White Mountains, but Outdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington, VT probably has one of the best selections of both new and used backcountry ski gear in northern New England. Once you know what you want, it might be worth checking some smaller shops, even ones that don't...

If you're planning to use skis on mostly flat ground, then NNN-BC will work very well, and be efficient. But for most things sloped and ungroomed, I think you'd probably prefer the stability and power transfer that comes from a 3-pin binding like the Voile Mountaineer or the Rottefella Super...

You could also look into Shoestring Gully or Landslide Gully on Mount Webster. Both are 1-day ice/snow routes that are shorter to approach and somewhat more protected from weather than Huntington Ravine,while still having an "alpine" feel.

Actually, you don't need my comments, you just need this photo, which should say it all: http://www.mountainproject.com/v/107932256

I haven't climbed Great Gully before, but based on my early season experiences in other gullies in the Whites and the beta I've seen, I'd expect this to be a full-on alpine adventure in December. So I respectfully disagree with Sierra and Doug Paul that it is useful to draw distinctions between...

I have a similar pair of double-knee 65% poly/35% cotton Dickies loose fitting work pants (not the standard "janitor" pants) that I sometimes use hiking. They're great, and at like $25 hard to beat.

Thicker softshell pants might do the trick, though they will be hot compared to lightweight synthetic pants. Get ones without a membrane or lining or anything fancy like that. An alternative for some days would be to wear cheap, rugged cotton pants. Though I'm sure we'll hear contrary opinions...

Note that this activity would have negative impacts on Bicknell's Thrush habitat, which is inconsistent with the forest plan. Solution? Apparently they will just amend the forest plan to exempt this particular clearing.

I sometimes carry two headlamps because the 2nd headlamp is the most convenient way to carry a second set of batteries. It weighs almost nothing anyway. But that is mostly in winter and when I expect a very long day outside. Most of the time its one headlamp and done -- I check the batteries...

Because of some reading I've done lately, I've been thinking more about what goes into structured "training" for outdoor activities. One thing that seems clear is that, in order to do hard work, you need a base of a large amount of low-intensity work. For hiking, I suspect this means that if...

But to be fair, most brand-name outdoor gear comes with a high-end price regardless of quality.

I have two Mammut packs (Spindrift and Trion) that I bought about four years ago. They were terrific when I got them and they've been holding up great despite much use. I'll be sad when I finally have to retire them.

Since you appreciate the role of variability and the importance of long-term directional trends, you should check out this peer-reviewed scientific article about trends in climate indicators in one New England state...

This might be of interest: http://www.nrri.umn.edu/moose/information/wintertick.html

There are so many variables that I think you may just have to experiment with different shoes and brands until you get one you like. It is also probably is dependent on your footwork and your comfort zone, and of course the rock you're on. Some rock is grippy when wet and some is slippery...

Camels Hump is a good choice. Be prepared for full-on mud season conditions to get to the winter trailheads. The trails themselves should be deep spring snow. A great loop is to take the Monroe Trail to the summit, traverse south on the Long Trail, and descend on the Dean Trail back to the...