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My 70-200mm Nikon zoom has an image stabilization feature, and it works. Worth the extra cost? For me, probably. For you, I don't really know. I leave the VR (Nikon's version of IS) engaged in a "normal" mode when using a monopod. Results are very satisfactory. I always recommend B&H...

My experience with specialized “hiking” socks (Smartwool type) is limited because I haven’t found them to offer substantial advantage over my old standby, a traditional ragg wool boot sock over a lightweight (wool is best) liner sock. The specialized socks always have seemed overly expensive...

Actually, you must discipline yourself to shut off your mental photo editor, and to actually see what is in the entire camera viewfinder. (It is important, of course, that the viewfinder image bear some close resemblance to the captured image, in terms of scope. This is one reason why higher...

Perhaps so. I bore with "foot issues" exacerbated by ill-fitting footwear for many years, before getting a pair of custom Limmers. Boots fit perfectly; foot issues went bye-bye; smiling tootsies all the way; happy hiker. My solution worked for me. Yours is for you. G.

Yes. Number 3. My error. You may consider that code the height of hypocrisy. That doesn't at all mean it fails to convey first rate advice. G.

There always will be goofuses who haven't yet got the message about alpine environment and its fragility -- scree wall violators. I think signage would help. The brush is ugly and careless looking, which invites abuse. G.

Looking at the photo I have to agree that is one ugly piece of business. The wall isn't too offensive, to my eye. But the brush gives the scene a trash heap look, which isn't good and seems counterproductive. G.

Having been around a while, I’ve seen before and after in respect to what the summit vegetation preservation-restoration effort has accomplished in many locations. I am pleased by the result. Yeah, some of the “guidance” structures, etc., seem a little too-too and even intrusive at times. But...

Careful! The old rule, "compose in the camera," applied to the extent possible still applies in the digital age. Just shoot more frames at different (optical) zoom settings. Digital image memory is cheap and compact. BTW, in the Jungfrau series I like #4 best. Great shot, and very dramatic...

For more years than I can remember my hiking first aid kit has included: + Bandaids of assorted sizes. + Gauze pads of assorted sizes, up to at least 4” x 4”. + Small roll of gauze bandage material. + Small roll of surgical bandage tape. + Small supply of moleskin for blisters. + Small...

This thread has turned into quite a discussion, and I’ve enjoyed it. Having raised the issue of the old group hiking rule, “start, stay and finish together” I’ll add a comment on the application of it, and maybe rules in general. First, though, let’s look at the Hiker Responsibility Code, as...

The concept of "team" transcends the narrow thinking of competitive sports. It means joining together in common effort to achieve common goals. In hiking, the primary team goal proprerly is to get everyone home together. But that has not been the question here. The question has been the...

This actually did happen to an acquaintance of mine in the spring of 2009, on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. My acquaintance, who happens to be legally blind is a very experienced hiker -- even goes on extended solo trips. In this case he arranged what I could best describe as a...

Sorry, but no, I will not "give you a break" on this issue. I have never argued against taking responsibility for one's own well-being, or substituting reliance on the care and supervision of companions for personal responsibility. I do, however, believe, and have clearly stated my belief...

Did I suggest active intervention in this (or any other) case? That is not at all what I am getting at. My own living will includes a specific DNR order. I continue to find fault with the behavior of those companions who left this fellow sitting beside the trail. (They left a nice surprise...

Are "weak" hikers automatically "unfit," or do they just have fewer or lesser physical gifts? When you ask your weak-unfit hikers to turn around, do you provide them a strong-fit escort back to the trailhead and assured safety, or simply dismiss them to fend for themselves? By the way, in...

I've thought about that. Certainly the outcome might not have changed. That is reality. But where lies the humanity -- basic moral decency -- in leaving a companion alongside the trail, not out of necessity but of choice, possibly to die alone as did this poor chap? G.

When they become part of a group, strong hikers take on an ethical obligation to support the weaker members of their party. That may mean adjusting their pace to accommodate their companions' needs. While I don't believe that weaker hikers should deliberately inflict themselves on the...

I am going to be harshly judgmental about this. This is a prime example of why parties never should leave members -- and particularly single members -- behind, unattended. Never. Start together, stay together, finish together. Period. It is called working as a team. G.

Where is the Bisquit Brook leanto located? G.