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Yeah, people who are passionate about wilderness ethics probably don't spend a lot of time geeking out and posting on the internets. (Though they probably should.)

The best straightforward hike in the Groton area is Spruce Mountain, in Plainfield, VT. (Although, it actually isn't part of Groton State Forest proper, but the adjacent LR Jones State Forest.) It's maybe a 2.5 mile trail up to the summit with a firetower and an excellent view. Highly...

Hey, If you're staying in south Jersey, the Pine Barrens offer some really interesting hiking options (as perhaps you already know). I believe there are places to backpack along the Batona Trail in Wharton State Forest. I think the Pine Barrens are a pretty awesome place but I know the flat...

If you aren't already familiar with these sites, you should check out: Tele tips forum and (drink a beer or something before diving into this one) Teton Gravity Research Forums These folks are mostly seeking out turns, and they'll rarely disclose precisely where the reports are from, but...

He sounds like someone who didn't interact with nature much on a daily basis. Also, what's a cony?

I don't really have my science brain in full gear yet this morning, but wouldn't something sealed well enough to trap a a noble gas have to be impervious to water molecules?

Farmer, did you get a shell? If so, what did you choose?

Doug, did you use the fleece pants in your "what-if"? I've always assumed that warm pants without side zippers would be useless in a leg injury situation, but I'm curious if your experience supported that idea in practice.

I think Red Ledge is probably still the best bet if you just want something cheap, mostly functional, and somewhat durable. And at the Red Ledge price, you don't have to care if you rip them again. Also, not to hijack the thread, but have you considered how you would layer up your lower body...

I'm not sure that there would have been detailed skidder maps, because the technology wouldn't have allowed for an accurate map anyway. Nowadays it is easy to walk the roads with a GPS, and make a useful map. Prior to that technology, the map wouldn't have been useful to anyone. If you weren't...

That sure looks like a vernal pool to me. Or rather, ecologically it sure looks like it functions most like a vernal pool -- no fish, periods without water, probably supports characteristic "vernal pool" species, etc. Nature doesn't create water bodies in discrete categories. Scientists...

You had to walk farther in order to go walking? Absolutely ridiculous!! :D At a certain point I guess one has to ask if the game is peakbagging or peakbagging and off-roading.

Personally, I am happy that we have a Forest Service that is even willing to consider the concept of "wilderness character". Considering that peakbaggers and other hikers are a small fraction of the USFS constituency (i.e. all of the USA), recreationalists might want to reflect that at present...

Based on everything you have said, I think the vehicle you are looking for is the Honda Odyssey.

Lincoln Gap road was closed when I drove through Warren last week.

FWIW, I snagged a nice Mountain Hardwear Compressor jacket on sale mid-winter last year, at a great price. The thing stuffs pretty well for synthetic. I wouldn't bushwhack with it as my outer layer, but it seems rugged enough. You probably won't find one of any brand cheap now, but later in the...

I've started carrying both the primaloft and the big down coat for this very reason. I carry few mid-layers (often only one) and a light softshell, and just "layer up" if I get cold. Which mostly happens only while I am stopped. In a pinch I can wear the primaloft for hiking. And usually (for...

I think what you are looking for is more of a scrambling shoe than a rock climbing shoe. Sometimes these are called "approach shoes". I'm not familiar with the options currently available, but I'm sure others will chime in. In general, I think you'd want softer shoes with more flex for slabs...

I don't understand all the anti-love that DSettahr got. While I certainly understand that some (apparently many) people have Reynaud's, I thought his advice was spot-on for anyone with normal circulation, and a good reminder that -- for anyone -- winter warmth begins with calories and hydration.

Northeast Vermont is about at peak right now. Get out there...