There are a lot of sales going on right now, but only a few of them are branded as “Labor Day Sales”… either way, enjoy the discounts. Sales Amazon.com, Tent Sale – 25% off popular tents. REI, Labor Day Sale – Ends 9/7 Altrec, Labor Day Getaway Sale – over 40% off Trailblazer, Summer Sale Top Sleeping Bags, Summer Sale Patagonia Web Specials   Pre-order: National...

Bike helmets are goofy looking. Well, at least on most of us. I know that when I strap one to the top of my head, it ends up looking like I got my head stuck in a bowl. Not very flattering. This can be a problem when trying to promote bike riding to the next generation of cyclists. Looking cool can sometimes trump being safe. So the city of New York commissioned a design and branding firm to come up with...

The 22nd Annual Rustic Furniture Fair will take place at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, NY on Saturday, September 5, 2009 from 10am-5pm and Sunday, September 6, 2009 from 10am-4pm. The Adirondack Museum’s Rustic Furniture Fair is recognized as the premier rustic furniture show in the country. More than 50 artisans will showcase their handcrafted furniture, fine art and accessories. The artists...

Are you a genius bear? Are you capable of opening complex containers designed specifically to thwart your efforts? Have you shown signs of primitive culture by passing your knowledge along to others? If so, here is some buckshot for your efforts. Watch out Yellow-Yellow! The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is taking steps to do some “aversion conditioning” with the bears...

The forecast called for rain, rain, and more rain, but we were determined not to let it ruin our weekend backpacking trip. For several months, Dave and I, along with some friends, had been planning to spend a weekend camping near Mount Greylock in Western Massachusetts. At 3,491 feet, it’s the highest peak in Massachusetts, nestled in the middle of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. View Larger Map I first...

It’s hard to believe my favorite hiking season is just around the corner. Cooler temps, fewer crowds, brilliant colors – what’s not to love? In honor of the changing seasons, I’ve compiled a list of ten hikes throughout the northeast with maximum autumn views.   Massachusetts Stony Ledge – An easy 2 mile walk from Rockwell Road in the Mt. Greylock State Reservation. Offers...

Random as it may seem, there was a lot of thought that went into our decision to vacation in Michigan this summer.  When I first got the itch to plan a trip back in May, I had it in my mind that we would check out the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I was in the mood for some good, solid beach time and the Outer Banks are about a 13 hour drive from our home in Boston. (An important fact in light of Dave’s...

Getting close to the inevitable Labor Day Sales, yet only a few are active right now. Still some interesting bargains to be had below. Sales Free Shipping on Prana at REI – Get your stylish and hip Yoga and Climbing wear. “Top Brand” Backpack deals at REI Outlet – Some Gregory, Lowe Alpine, Black Diamond, etc Backpack Sale and Clearance at Moosejaw – Includes a nice deal on the...

The incredible shrinking Croc Earlier this summer I noticed that my trusty pair of Crocs seemed to be shrinking on me. At first they were just a little tight, but within a few weeks they were unwearable. It was as if they had lost a full size or two. I can’t say for sure, but I believe the problem was that I left them out on my deck, exposed to the sun, just long enough to heat them up to the point that...

While packing for this weekend’s hiking trip near Mt. Greylock, in Western Massachusetts, it hit me how pleased I am with most of the major items of gear I own. I’m a serial upgrader when it comes to just about everything (Jess loves this about me… right honey?) But upgrade fever has not hit me in a long time with my hiking gear – in fact, for some of this stuff (such as my Jetboil or...