Beyond the Fall is less a traditional book and more a survival encyclopedia designed for those interested in preparedness, self-reliance, and long-term resilience during large-scale disasters. Organized into four major sections—preparation, collapse, adaptation, and rebuilding—it attempts to cover an impressive range of topics that would become relevant during a serious societal disruption.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its breadth. It touches on everything from emergency planning, shelter construction, and resource management to navigation, foraging, healthcare, psychology, gardening, engineering, and even cultural preservation. The layout is clean, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, making it well-suited as a reference guide rather than something intended to be read cover-to-cover in a single sitting.
Critics might argue that much of the information presented can already be found online through websites, YouTube channels, podcasts, forums, and social media. While that’s certainly true, I think that misses the point. In a scenario where power, internet access, or communications infrastructure are compromised, having a physical reference book becomes valuable in its own right. Knowledge stored on a bookshelf doesn’t require batteries, subscriptions, cellular coverage, or a functioning electrical grid.
The book also does a good job of balancing practical skills with broader concepts. It recognizes that surviving a crisis isn’t just about stockpiling supplies—it’s also about understanding weather, terrain, food procurement, sanitation, mental health, community organization, and long-term sustainability. That holistic approach sets it apart from many preparedness books that focus exclusively on gear.
My primary criticism is the near absence of firearms-related content. Given the book’s otherwise comprehensive approach to survival, the lack of discussion regarding firearms for hunting, self-defense, training, maintenance, or safe storage feels like a notable omission. That said, the authors do devote significant attention to trapping techniques and hunting with improvised weapons, so the topic of procuring food and sustaining oneself from the land is not ignored entirely. Readers looking for traditional firearm-based hunting or defensive guidance simply won’t find it here. My suspicion is that this exclusion was intentional to make the book more acceptable to international markets, particularly since it was printed in South Korea and likely intended for global distribution where attitudes and regulations surrounding firearms vary widely.
As someone who spends a significant amount of time teaching outdoor skills, avalanche education, and emergency preparedness in the mountains of New Hampshire, I appreciated the book’s emphasis on practical self-reliance rather than fear-driven sensationalism. The focus remains on developing knowledge, skills, and adaptability—qualities that are valuable during both everyday emergencies and larger-scale disruptions.
Overall, Beyond the Fall serves as a well-organized and visually engaging preparedness reference. Even for readers who already consume survival content online, it offers value as a consolidated, offline knowledge resource that could prove useful when digital information is no longer readily available.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Disclaimer: This book was provided to the author at no cost for purpose of review.
In the fall of 2025, a significant relocation of the historic Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail on the western side of Mount Washington was completed. The new route shifts higher on the slope, south of the river. On March 18th, I had the opportunity to explore this relocation for the first time while guiding a client on a winter ascent of Mount Washington.
We chose to park at the Cog Railway “Hiker Lot” for a slightly faster approach. Because accurate information—especially a reliable GPS track of the new trail—has been difficult to find (aside from a single image I came across in a Reddit thread), I decided to record the route so I could compare the new alignment with the historic one.
After taking the Cog Spur Trail to the junction with the old Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, we encountered the following signage:
The sign states that “…the old route has been obscured.”
In reality, only a few logs had been placed across the old trail in an apparent attempt to discourage use. Given that many hikers today rely on apps like AllTrails—which, as of March 23, 2026, still show the old route—it’s easy to understand why these minimal barriers have not deterred traffic. A quick scan of online hiking forums confirms that many people have continued using the old route since November 2025. This location seems like a logical place for more effective measures, such as a rope closure with clear signage, if the goal is to redirect hikers.
We briefly followed the old trail west. Within a few minutes, we reached the new route, though I noted we were momentarily traveling away from our objective. At the junction, we encountered a second sign directing hikers onto the new trail.
Again, some of the language on this sign deserves scrutiny.
“The new trail is straightforward to follow…”
This may have been true before snowfall obscured the path established by the trail crew. As a Wilderness and Survival Navigation Instructor, I consider myself proficient at following trails—I can usually pick up faint herd paths and have formal tracking experience through Search and Rescue work. Even so, the new trail proved inconsistent.
From its start to Monroe Brook, the route was generally followable thanks to a developing “monorail” typical of White Mountains spring conditions. It was clear where foot traffic had packed down the snow. However, there were no blazes, markers, or other indicators along this stretch. The trail includes several switchbacks, and I noticed multiple spots where others had wandered off-route before correcting course.
A stretch of trail where ground water reminds everyone traction is not optional
At Monroe Brook, I briefly lost the trail. Possibly distracted by conversation, I followed well-established downhill tracks along the brook—likely from backcountry skiers—before realizing something was off. After consulting a CalTopo map I had created the night before, I recognized that we had missed the intended crossing point. Rather than backtrack, I opted to reconnect with the old trail using my saved route.
Just before reaching Gem Pool, I observed the new trail descending the slope to rejoin the historic route.
Image from Reddit post
Route Comparison
Below are estimated statistics comparing the old and new routes. Mileage and elevation data are based on CalTopo measurements and my GPS track to Monroe Brook. The Monroe Brook–to–Gem Pool segment is estimated using a hand-drawn line, though it is likely conservative. Based on a GPS track I found online, that section appears to include an additional descent and ascent before contouring down to Gem Pool, potentially adding another ~5 minutes. Time estimates use the Munter Scale with a rate of 4.
Cog Hiker Lot to Relocation Trail 0.61 miles, +247 ft, ~25 minutes (10 minutes faster)
Cog Hiker Lot to Gem Pool via Old Route 1.46 miles, +817 ft, ~1 hour 10 minutes
Cog Hiker Lot to Gem Pool via New Route 1.8 miles, +983 ft / -142 ft, ~1 hour 30 minutes (20 minutes slower)
USFS Trailhead to Gem Pool via New Route 1.9 miles, +1171 ft / -157 ft, ~1 hour 42 minutes (32 minutes slower than Cog + Old Route)
Opinions
With the numbers established, I’d like to share some personal thoughts.
When I first heard about the relocation in fall 2025, I was surprised. Having guided on Mount Washington for over 20 years, I consider myself well-connected to the local mountain community, yet I hadn’t heard about the project until it was already completed.
I understand the erosion concerns associated with the old route. I also recall when an avalanche (around 2008) destroyed a significant section of the trail, which was later rebuilt.
That said, I loved the original route to Gem Pool. It offered a gentle grade, efficient travel, and immediate immersion in the beauty of the ravine. The proximity to the river, the early views into the upper ravine—it was a special stretch of trail. One of my most memorable hikes here was in July 2013, when my wife and I reached Gem Pool in 40 minutes while I carried my nearly two-year-old son in an Osprey child carrier.
From a backcountry skiing perspective, the relocation raises practical concerns. Monroe Brook is a classic ski line, traditionally finishing with a smooth glide out along the old trail—no need to transition back to skins. The new route is not ski-friendly, and unsurprisingly, skiers this winter have continued using the old trail for exit.
Sentimental and skiing considerations aside, I recognize that action was likely necessary. Still, I would have appreciated an opportunity for public input—whether through a forum or survey—before the change was finalized.
From a hiking standpoint, the new route does pass through attractive open hardwood forest. The inclusion of switchbacks—rare in the White Mountains—is a positive design feature. However, any efficiency gained is offset by additional elevation changes: the trail gains and loses elevation multiple times before reaching Gem Pool, unlike the steady, continuous ascent of the old route.
On descent, the difference is even more noticeable. What was once a smooth, gradual walk out from Gem Pool now includes two climbs of over 100 feet each. Individually, these are minor, but at the end of a long day, they will be felt.
Signage Concerns
My biggest concern is the lack of clear, accurate signage.
In an era where many hikers rely heavily on GPS apps, statements like “GPS apps may be inaccurate” are insufficient. Until digital maps are updated, more proactive measures are needed. Key locations that would benefit from improved signage include:
USFS Trailhead kiosk (possibly present, but I did not verify)
Cog Spur kiosk (no signage observed)
Cog Spur / Old Trail junction (existing sign, but a physical closure would help)
Monroe Brook crossing (temporary flagging, cairns, or a small sign would be highly beneficial)
The Monroe Brook crossing is especially problematic. Ski tracks naturally lead downhill, making it easy for hikers to follow them and miss the turn. This seems like an oversight in trail design.
Additionally, old blazes remain visible on sections of the former route, further contributing to confusion.
Summary
Change is often challenging—especially when it affects a well-known and heavily used trail.
While this relocation may seem minor to some, it has meaningful implications. Guidebooks, hiking apps, and decades of shared knowledge all reference the previous route and its timing. From the USFS trailhead, this change adds roughly 20 minutes for the average hiker. From the Cog Hiker Lot, it adds closer to 30 minutes. Round trip, that’s about an hour added to a hike.
In a region where hikers frequently underestimate travel times, this is not insignificant.
My hope is that this report helps raise awareness within the hiking community. If you found it useful, please consider sharing it.
See you in the mountains,
Northeast Alpine Start
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For this review I asked my friend and colleague Dominic Torro to take this Hyperlite Mountain Gear Crux 40 Backpack and run it through the ringer. Over the last year he has tested it across the Beartooth Mountains (MT), Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, 14,000-15,000 foot peaks in Chile, ice climbing, and winter ski mountaineering!
All thoughts and images are courtesy of Dominic. Enjoy!
Overview
The Hyperlite Crux 40 is a lightweight, winter-specific alpine pack built for ski mountaineering, ice climbing, and technical mountain travel. After extended use across a wide range of environments and conditions, it has proven to be comfortable, durable, and thoughtfully designed—though not without a few notable limitations.
Carry & Fit
The Crux 40 carries extremely well and conforms closely to the natural curvature of the spine. Even with heavier winter loads, the pack remains stable and comfortable over long days in technical terrain. For a 40-liter pack, usable volume is excellent, especially when run without the top lid.
External Features
Mesh Shove-It Pocket
The external mesh pocket is one of the standout features of the pack. It’s ideal for quickly stashing layers, gloves, or other frequently accessed items while on the move.
Ski Carry
The A-frame ski carry system works reliably and has performed well in real-world use. A diagonal ski carry option exists but feels secondary and would benefit from further refinement or inclusion as a standard feature.
Rear Entry
Rear-panel access is useful in winter conditions and allows for quick access to gear without fully unpacking the bag. That said, the opening could be slightly larger to improve usability.
Ice Axe Carry System
The ice axe carry system was designed very well with two clips securing the axe heads and a bungee to secure the handle/shaft.
Top Lid (Brain)
The removable top lid is the weakest element of the pack’s design. When the pack is not fully stuffed, the brain does not remain securely attached—even when the straps are fully cinched. On shorter ski missions, the lid has unclipped and fallen off while skiing. As a result, the pack is most often used without the brain, relying instead on the roll-top closure.
Internal Organization & Avalanche Tools
The internal avalanche-tool pockets function well overall and provide efficient, organized access. However, the shovel pocket can interfere with loading a helmet into the top of the main compartment, reducing flexibility in gear configuration.
Durability & Weather Resistance
Durability aligns with expectations from Hyperlite Mountain Gear. The materials are highly abrasion-resistant and effectively waterproof in most conditions. One limitation is the bottom panel: if the pack is left sitting on snow or wet ground for extended periods, moisture can slowly soak through and affect items packed low in the bag, such as insulated layers.
Additional Design Notes
A hydration-port opening is included at the top of the pack. For a winter-focused design, this feature feels unnecessary and can allow snow intrusion when the pack is used in roll-top mode. Perhaps it is meant for an external radio mic like the ones available on Rocky Talkies. The hip belt pocket sits a little too far back, making it difficult to reach without removing the pack. A more forward placement and increased depth would improve accessibility.
Bottom Line
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Crux 40 Backpack is a capable and well-executed alpine pack with excellent carry comfort, durability, and functional external storage. While the core design is strong, improvements to the top lid security, hip belt pocket placement, avalanche-tool layout, and diagonal ski carry would meaningfully enhance performance. EDITORS NOTE: An optional Diagonal Ski Carry Kit exists but is currently out of stock. It is best suited for users who prefer running the pack without the top lid and want a clean, technical winter platform.
About the Author
Dominic Torro is a backcountry skier and ski mountaineer who grew up in New Hampshire. He has skied across the western United States and internationally, pursuing big-mountain objectives. Dominic is a guide and instructor with Redline Guiding in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, as well as in Vermont and Maine.
Gallery
Disclaimer: A media sample was provided for purpose of review. All opinions are that of the author. Affiliate links above support the content created here. If you make a purchase after visiting one of these links the owner of this website earns a small commission at not addition cost to you. Thank you!
Proper hydration is fundamental to safety and performance in the outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or conducting a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission, fluid balance directly impacts your endurance, decision-making, and recovery.
According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the recommended daily fluid intake is:
Men: approximately 15.5 cups (3.7 liters / 124 ounces)
Women: approximately 11.5 cups (2.7 liters / 92 ounces)
During moderate physical activity—such as hiking—you’ll need an additional 0.5 to 1 liter (16–32 ounces) of water per hour to maintain hydration. For a six-hour hike, that means 3 to 6 liters (100–200 ounces) of water.
For Search and Rescue personnel, physical demands are often greater, especially when carrying a litter or heavy gear. In these situations, water needs can increase even further. However, carrying more than 3 liters is often impractical, so season-specific strategies become essential.
The Sawyer Mini is compact, lightweight, and compatible with most standard threaded 1/4″ water bottles—ideal for both outdoor recreation and Everyday Carry (EDC) setups. This system provides flexibility and ensures I always have access to safe drinking water, even on extended operations.
Fall and Winter Hydration Strategy
Cold-weather hydration presents unique challenges. Even insulated hydration bladders are prone to freezing in the tubing and mouthpiece, which can quickly cut off your water supply. After experiencing this issue firsthand, I now avoid hydration bladders entirely in below-freezing temperatures.
This setup ensures reliable access to water in any conditions and allows for hot meals or morale-boosting drinks, which are invaluable in cold or high-stress environments.
Hydration and Nutritional Supplements
Maintaining hydration isn’t just about water—it’s also about electrolyte balance and nutritional support.
Throughout the year, I carry Tailwind Nutrition hydration supplements to replenish electrolytes and sustain energy. During cold-weather operations, I add Borvo Broth, which provides warmth, electrolytes, and an energy boost when fatigue or chill set in.
Both products have strong scientific backing, but more importantly, they have proven effective in real-world SAR and backcountry conditions.
Best Practices for Outdoor Hydration
To optimize hydration in the field:
Plan ahead. Estimate water needs based on duration, intensity, and temperature.
Adapt seasonally. Choose hydration systems and strategies suited to current conditions.
Use filtration. Carry a compact, reliable water filter for resupply in the field.
Monitor intake. Thirst is a late indicator—drink regularly to maintain performance.
Supplement smartly. Include electrolytes or nutrient-rich drinks to sustain energy and prevent cramps.
Conclusion
Water is life—and in the outdoors, hydration is performance. Whether you’re a recreational hiker or a professional Search and Rescue operator, having a thoughtful, adaptable hydration plan is critical for success and safety.
By tailoring your strategy to the environment and equipping yourself with the right tools, you can stay hydrated, alert, and mission-ready in any conditions.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and I’ll see you in the mountains. — Northeast Alpine Start
Affiliate links above support the content created here. Making a purchase after visiting one of these links earns the author a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Every outdoor adventure gear list includes a first aid kit. However, possessing first aid supplies is far less important than having some level of first aid knowledge. Most search and rescue organizations either require or highly encourage their members to obtain a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification. Those seeking greater confidence in their ability to treat common injuries and illnesses in the backcountry should aim for a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. Advanced SAR teams may also include Wilderness EMTs or AEMTs, along with ER nurses or physicians.
These courses are offered by a few organizations all over the country. If you are located in the Northeastern US I highly recommend taking one of these courses at SOLO in Conway, New Hampshire. Not only does SOLO have some of the best instructors in the outdoor emergency treatment field their campus, classrooms, and “Toad Hall” lodging have a very warm and welcoming vibe.
Image from soloschools.com
Patient care is generally the responsibility of the highest-trained team member present. But everyone starts with little or no training, and progresses from there. Before purchasing or assembling a first aid kit, I strongly recommend obtaining proper training. Not only does training clarify what should be in your kit, but it also prepares you for real emergencies. Fortunately, there are many avenues for affordable or even free first aid training options.
In the outdoor and rescue communities, CPR certification from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association is emphasized. While CPR is often included in WFA or Wilderness First Responder courses, it can also be taken as a standalone course. That said, I believe practicing bleeding control should be prioritized more highly. In outdoor settings—and even during everyday life—the likelihood of encountering a medical emergency requiring effective bleeding management far exceeds the need for CPR skills. Car accidents, workplace incidents, household mishaps, and firearm-related injuries all demand swift, decisive action to improve outcomes.
To that end, I highly recommend completing the free online Stop The Bleed course offered by the American College of Surgeons. It takes less than an hour, and while online-only training lacks hands-on practice, the knowledge gained provides a solid foundation. After completing this program or an equivalent, the next step is to add a quality tourniquet to your everyday carry (EDC). A tourniquet is your best chance at stopping life-threatening bleeding before the patient can reach advanced medical care. Keep one in each vehicle, as car accidents frequently cause injuries requiring tourniquet application. If you work with firearms—whether in law enforcement, hunting, or self-defense—it’s wise to carry a tourniquet on your person at all times.
Be cautious of cheap tourniquets sold on Amazon; I’ve heard too many stories of handles breaking during application. I recommend the CAT Gen 7 Tourniquet by North American Rescue, which I keep in my range bag, vehicles, rescue pack, and emergency sling pack. I also carry the RATS Tourniquet, especially useful for small children, as it reportedly performs better on them.
Once you’ve completed the Stop The Bleed course, explore other free online first aid trainings through a simple Google search. Ideally, you’ll find time to attend in-person Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder courses, which offer invaluable hands-on experience and help you fine-tune your kit. While some prefer to assemble their first aid kits from scratch for cost savings, I recommend starting with a high-quality commercial kit and supplementing it with additional supplies. Two reputable brands I’ve used are Adventure Medical Kits and My Medic.
You can also learn by following some medical related Instagram/YouTube channels. I recommend following North American Rescue and Medical Talks on Instagram. <- Graphic Sensitive Content Warning! Both these account show graphic injuries quite often.
Summary: While a small first aid kit suffices for recreational hikes, SAR team members often respond to injuries or accidents requiring more advanced supplies and skills. As such, your kit should be more comprehensive than a typical hiking first aid kit. I hope this guidance helps you acquire the training and equipment necessary to treat minor injuries effectively and, in critical situations, potentially save a life.**
Support New Hampshire Search and Rescue
Wondering how you can contribute to New Hampshire’s amazing volunteer Search and Rescue community? First, buy an annual Hike Safe Card! If you want to go above and beyond consider making a donation to the NH Outdoor Council. This organization helps efficiently dispersing donations to the multiple volunteer search and rescue teams in the state of New Hampshire. If you would like to donate specifically to teams I am currently a member of you can find their donation pages here:
While not currently a member I am proud of the decade+ I spent serving on the Mountain Rescue Service Team and their donation page can be found here.
Comments? Questions?
Let me know below! Ask me about anything related to first aid kits or training or my suggestions.
See you in the mountains,
Northeast Alpine Start
Disclaimer: The author is not a doctor and this post is not intended to provide medical advice. The opinions above come from the author’s experience as a Wilderness First Responder and Search & Rescue Team member. Seek proper instruction from qualified trainers. Affiliate links above support the content created here. If you make a purchase after visiting one of these links the author earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Every gear list for recreational hiking includes “flashlight or headlamp”. For practicality in outdoor recreation you need hands-free illumination to perform simple tasks. These tasks include tying your boot laces or lighting a gas stove. For this reason, a headlamp is a better choice than a handheld flashlight. It is suitable for the outdoor adventurer and volunteer or professional search and rescue team member.
Things to look for in a quality mid-to-high end headlamp;
Long lasting battery life– Many search and rescue missions start close to sunset. They often don’t conclude until close to sunrise. Rescuers spend a lot of time hiking in the dark. Look for a headlamp that has at least 20-40 hours of “burn time” on lower settings.
Bright!– The woods at night under an overcast sky are dark. You will want a headlamp that has at least 500 lumens.
Durable/Water Resistent- You should look for time trusted brand names and a minimum of IPX-4 rating for water resistance.
Image from hypergear.com
My current SAR purpose headlamp is the Petzl IKO Core. This headlamp has 500 lumens with solid 100 meter throw. It comes with a rechargeable battery that provides 80 hours of burn time on the lowest setting. The pouch that comes with it doubles as a “lantern” bag when inside a tent. This is a very cool feature during planned or unplanned bivies. I hope to upgrade this to the Petzl Nao RL Headlamp. It has three times the lumens (1500). It also offers 160 meters of range!
A military saying that stayed with me is “One is none, two is one”. Inside my first aid kit, I carry a spare headlamp. It is useful if someone forgets their headlamp. It is also helpful if the batteries of your main headlamp die. The Petzl Bindi is an excellent choice as a backup headlamp.
Photo credit to Corey David Photography, an active SAR team member.
Tips for Headlamp Use
Regardless of what model you select there are some best practices to be aware of.
If you are using a rechargeable headlamp like I am make sure you keep it fully charged. I typically check my battery level at the beginning of the winter season and again at the beginning of spring. Basically I use the “equinox’s” as reminders to check batteries.
If you are using removable batteries, AA or AAA, I highly recommend lithium batteries. It is worth the added cost over alkaline batteries. First, they last much longer both with shelf life and during use. Exact numbers are hard to provide. However, in use, I feel lithium batteries last 3-4 times longer than their alkaline counterparts. This alone justifies their added expense to me. An additional benefit, especially for cold weather use, is lithium batteries greatly out perform alkaline batteries in sub-zero temperatures.
As darkness approaches have your headlamp accessible or on your head, but do not turn it on yet. Let your eyes adjust to the failing light. Keep the headlamp off until you reach a level of darkness were light is truly needed for safe footing. If traveling when dawn approaches be aware of when you no longer need headlamp illumination. It can be easy to forget to turn your headlamp off as day breaks.
Use the lowest possible setting for 95% of your use. When you are traveling up a trail miles to the patient you do not need to light up the entire forest. Use the lowest setting possible to still see your footing and let your eyes adjust to the darkness.
Be cautious not to blind your teammates. Keep your headlamp angled down to your footing. Shield the light when you look towards others.
Summary
SAR Team Member Alexander Roberts- Photo credit to Corey David Photography, an active SAR team member.
A quality headlamp is a suggestion for recreational hiking and a real necessity for search and rescue work. I have a few other mid-range headlamps around the house and stashed in vehicle glove boxes. They include the Petzl Actik Headlamp and the super affordable Petzl Tikkina Headlamp. This ensures everyone in my family has a headlamp during a power-outage. In the growing list of things I carry, a quality headlamp is a must. It easily earns a spot in the top three of my rescue backpack essentials.
What headlamp do you carry?
Ever found yourself wishing for more illumination while outdoors?
See you in the mountains,
Northeast Alpine Start
Support New Hampshire Search and Rescue
Wondering how you can contribute to New Hampshire’s amazing volunteer Search and Rescue community? First, buy an annual Hike Safe Card! If you want to go above and beyond consider making a donation to the NH Outdoor Council. This organization helps efficiently dispersing donations to the multiple volunteer search and rescue teams in the state of New Hampshire. If you would like to donate specifically to teams I am currently a member of you can find their donation pages here:
While not currently a member I am proud of the decade+ I spent serving on the Mountain Rescue Service Team and their donation page can be found here.
Affiliate links above support the content created here. Making a purchase after visiting one of these links earns the author a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
In my last post I shared my opinions on why carrying a physical mirrored compass while hiking is still relevant. Physical compasses are important in both outdoor recreation and professional SAR despite modern smartphone technology. In this post will show my preference for digital mapping over physical maps.
There are some disclaimers and caveats to get out of the way here. Relying on only a cell phone app with no foundation of true navigational skills with traditional map & compass is really a gamble. At some point your cell phone battery will die. It will be too cold for your cell phone to function. You’ll drop your phone in a raging current or deep powder snow and have to go without. I’ll say it one more time…
DO NOT rely on smartphone navigation as your ONLY source of navigation.
But can it be your primary source of navigation? Heck yeah! It’s been 10 years since I wrote this article, Should you use a Smartphone for Wilderness Navigation? in which I make a strong case for the use of smartphone apps for navigation.
Ten years later I still stand behind my arguments in this opinion piece. Even better smartphone batteries have made large advancements in how much juice they can store. Digital displays have improved in resolution, brightness, and color. When I first wrote that piece I was using the iPhone 6 model! Today my iPhone 13 Pro is my main digital navigation tool with some apps I will get into below.
I still do not own a stand alone GPS unit. However, they still have a place in the outdoor recreation and rescue industry. They have a few advantages of smartphone GPS apps for navigation.
Much more durable. Quality handheld GPS units are typically waterproof to at least 30 feet. They can withstand significant impacts that would destroy a smartphone.
Much longer battery life. Most models can run full tracking for over 150 hours without being recharged.
The best models can double as a two-way satellite communication device. This point is less important if your smartphone has satellite communication ability as well.
I would invest in a standalone GPS device if I often embarked on extended trips (a week or longer). This device would serve as a backup communication device in remote parts of the world. After looking at the current market of these devices, I would lean toward the Garmin GPSMap67i. It is a well-reviewed high-end choice in the field of GPS navigation devices with satellite communication feature.
You can rely on your smartphone for navigation like I do. You can find success if you follow a few key tenets. Here are my 8 commandments.
Thou shalt use a proper mapping navigation app (NOT AllTrails).
Thou shall pre-download maps and topographical data while connected to a WIFI or Data network. Do this before leaving civilization.
Thou shall start the hike with a smartphone charged to 100% when you leave the trail head
Thou shall close all unneeded apps. Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth manually. Turn on Airplane Mode. Turn down screen brightness to the lowest usable level.
Thou shall keep your smartphone warm.
Thou shall carry battery backup on extended trips.
Thou shall use Bluetooth headphones if one must listen to music
Thou shall still be capable of navigating should thou smartphone unexpectedly stop working
For more than ten years I’ve been using CalTopo.com on my laptop to create custom maps for both recreational hiking, guiding, and search and rescue missions. I then download the created geospatial PDF’s into the free Avenza app for off-grid use in the field. CalTopo does have an excellent app that you can use. However, I still find it more efficient to create the detailed maps I want on a laptop or desktop platform. It is easier than doing it on a smartphone app.
Geospatial PDF created on CalTopo.com of a fictional Search & Rescue Mission
One of the coolest newer features of the CalTopo software is the ability for SAR teams to enable live tracking. Any group who purchases a “Teams” account can do this for everyone on the team. This feature can allow team members and rescue commanders to see real time locations of members of the search team. Members must be connected to the network by either cellular data. Alternatively, they can link a GPS device like the Garmin inReach Mini 2. This is a powerful tool that rescue commanders can use to track dozens of search teams over large geographic areas!
Image from CalTopo.com
Other apps worth looking at are MilGPS, Gaia GPS, PeakFinder, and Theodolite. I will do a more detailed breakdown of these apps in a future post.
MilGPS app
MilGPS app
Smartphone apps are complex. They could be using a lot of power in the background. The safe bet is just to close all apps you are not using. I pretty much only have Avenza/CalTopo, Strava, and the Camera app occasionally running during my trips.
Peak Finder app
While Airplane mode should turn off WiFi and Bluetooth, these can both be turned back on while in Airplane mode. I think it is best to turn them both off individually. This way, if you come out of Airplane mode to make an emergency call, you don’t accidentally leave WiFi on. You don’t accidentally leave Bluetooth running. This also applies to an “I’m running late” call when you don’t need those connections.
Screen brightness probably has a smaller effect on battery life but every bit can help.
Cold can drain cell phone batteries even if the phone is powered down. Do not carry your smartphone in the top pocket of your backpack in cold conditions. I prefer a hip pocket or chest pocket for winter conditions.
If I’m expected to be out for more than 48 hours, I will pack a backup charger. I prefer options like the Anker Portable 325 PowerBank. There are dozens of other options out there but I would look for store at least 20000mAh of juice!
If you need to listen to music or podcasts while hiking, Bluetooth headphones are a great choice. They will save your phone a lot of battery. This is especially true compared to using the smartphone’s external speakers. The same applies if you’re sleeping in a tent during windy conditions or in a crowded, snoring bunkhouse.
Having a backup paper map is easy insurance against a smartphone failure. I will be honest and say I do not always carry a paper back up with me. I justify this by being very diligent with conserving my battery life. I keep my phone warm in cold environments. I also keep it secure in either a zippered pocket. In a more vertical environment, I tether it to my body with a retractable lanyard.
If you have access to a quality color printer you can print very detailed custom maps directly from CalTopo. If I have the time, I often send the Geospatial PDF’s I’ve created to the local UPS Store. Sometimes, I send them to Staples for laminated color copies. For a SAR mission that is likely short, I rarely carry a detailed paper map. These missions usually conclude in less than 24 hours. I will have the regional AMC White Mountain National Forest Maps for the area I will be in. This way, I can perform resection from any vantage points along my route. I will do this if my digital tools are failing.
Get Skilled
There are some great, and not so great, books on navigation you can learn from. A couple of my favorites:
If you would like to work with me directly, I have a custom 8-hour Wilderness Navigation Course. This course covers everything from Survival/Improvised Navigation to creating detailed “White-Out” navigation plans. It also includes using modern smartphone apps. It’s a couple hours of morning classroom followed by real life field practice of all skills. Reach out if you’d like to learn more!
Summary
This topic is slightly controversial. Almost any hiking authority will urge you to carry a paper map at all times. I’m not arguing against that. From a search and rescue team member’s experience, I think back on the dozens of missions I’ve been involved in. I struggle to recall pulling out my paper map at any point during a search. I always have very detailed pre-downloaded topographic data in a smartphone. I carefully conserve power and keep a backup. This combination has always gotten me to my next checkpoint. I continue practicing following a compass bearing through thick woods to a target. I do this because I want that skill to stay sharp and support the existing technology I’ve decided to embrace. I hope sharing this mindset with you encourages you to evaluate your own capabilities.
Support New Hampshire Search and Rescue
Wondering how you can contribute to New Hampshire’s amazing volunteer Search and Rescue community? First, buy an annual Hike Safe Card! If you want to go above and beyond consider making a donation to the NH Outdoor Council. This organization helps efficiently dispersing donations to the multiple volunteer search and rescue teams in the state of New Hampshire. If you would like to donate specifically to teams I am currently a member of you can find their donation pages here:
While not currently a member I am proud of the decade+ I spent serving on the Mountain Rescue Service Team and their donation page can be found here.
Comments? Questions?
Let me know below! Ask me about anything related to digital navigation, maps, or my suggestions. Let me know what your favorite mapping app is! Do you feel competent with digital mapping navigation?
See you in the mountains,
Northeast Alpine Start
Affiliate links above support the content created here. If you make a purchase after visiting on of these links the author earns a small commission on no additional cost to you. Thank you!
With over twenty years of service on multiple Search and Rescue teams in the White Mountains of New Hampshire I’ve had plenty of time to dial in what I carry on missions. My rescue pack is different from my typical guiding pack in a couple ways.
First, I carry more tools for off trail navigation than what I pack for guiding trade routes that I have traveled hundreds of times.
Second, I carry the gear I need to comfortably spend a night out in the woods if need be. In this series I’m going to break down every item in my pack and go into detail about each item, its purpose, and make brand and model recommendations for each piece.
Part 1- Physical Mirrored Compass
Despite my affinity for digital GPS navigation I do still carry a quality liquid filled magnetic compass. My requirements for a compass are accuracy, durability, and dependability. For over two decades I’ve relied on the Suunto MC-2 G Mirrored Compass.
This compass checks all my boxes.
Accurate?
The manufacturer claimed accuracy is to 2 degrees and the resolution is also 2 degrees. With the sighting mirror and dual elevation sight-notches I can take very precise bearings in the field. The full length compass when opened supports accurate single point and dual point resection. In practice I’ve covered a few miles of off trail travel, both dense forest areas and barren alpine zones, and found my objective every time with this compass.
Durable?
In twenty years I’ve never broken on of these compasses. They are rugged. I’ve only replaced it once when it went missing during one of the avalanche courses I was teaching. I’m pretty sure a student accidentally took it home after a field session. Speaking of avalanche safety this compass has a built in clinometer which measures slope angle.
Not only is this ability crucial for avalanche safety but it’s helpful with navigation as well. If you’re trying to determine if a nearby peak is higher or lower than your current location a clinometer can accurately answer that for you.
(The back arrow above indicates a 35 degree slope along the top or bottom edge of the clear base plate)
Dependable?
One of the biggest reasons I still carry a physical mirrored compass is because of how often I work in cold weather conditions. Smartphones are very susceptible to the kind of temperature I both recreate in, and serve in when on a SAR mission. Even keeping my iPhone warm in an inner chest pocket I have seen the screen stop working in mere seconds when exposed to below freezing temperatures. I have used my mirrored compass during above tree-line searches in sub-zero temperatures. Suunto claims the liquid used will not freeze until -30° C / -22° F.
For occasional recreational use this compass may be a bit more than you need. For light recreational use I recommend my students purchase a model like the Suunto A-10 NH Compass or better if their budget can afford it.
The Suunto M-3 NH Compass is a good mid-range choice. For professional level use for someone who plans to spend a fair amount of time traveling off the beaten paths I highly recommend the added accuracy of a mirrored compass.
I’ve always found success with Suunto compasses but I have a friend and colleague who teaches Wilderness Survival and Wilderness First Responder Courses and he is a big fan of Brunton, so with his trusted endorsement I am including that brand as well below with some general comments on each high end model.
Suunto MC-2 G Mirrored Compass – If you travel internationally this is the model to get as the patented global needle will work anywhere in the world.
Suunto MC-2 NH Mirrored Compass – If your adventures are contained to the Northern Hemisphere this is the model for you. Took me a hot minute to figure out that “NH” didn’t stand for my beloved state of New Hampshire, but for “Northern Hemisphere”. The needle is designed to float freely anywhere north of the Equator.
Brunton Truarc15 Luminescent Compass– My colleague, who probably spends more time then most traveling through the woods in the dark, is a fan of this compass. It certainly looks to me to be a very solid choice for a professional level compass.
Summary
While this series will likely cover the rest of the “ten essentials” soon I purposely started with the compass before the map. If I had to pick between navigating with only a compass or a map, I would choose a compass. While my improvised/survival navigation skills are quite sharp, a compass lets me follow a very specific bearing into trail-less wilderness in darkness or fog for a few miles, and return back my starting point often within a few dozen feet. This type of competent navigation is only gained through dedicated practice in the field and would be impossible with just a map and no compass.
Get Skilled
If terms like “declination” and “resection” are not familiar to you I would highly suggest seeking out a quality course in Wilderness Navigation. There are many options from free clinics offered by hiking clubs to high level courses. I actually developed my own 8 hour course after not finding a course anywhere that offered the type of classroom/field session lessons I think are effective. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to book a Wilderness Navigation Course with me! I also have a small selection of YouTube videos covering some compass topics you can check out here!
Support New Hampshire Search and Rescue
Wondering how you can contribute to New Hampshire’s amazing volunteer Search and Rescue community? First, buy an annual Hike Safe Card! If you want to go above and beyond consider making a donation to the NH Outdoor Council. This organization helps efficiently dispersing donations to the multiple volunteer search and rescue teams in the state of New Hampshire. If you would like to donate specifically to teams I am currently a member of you can find their donation pages here:
While not currently a member I am proud of the decade+ I spent serving on the Mountain Rescue Service Team and their donation page can be found here.
Comments? Questions?
Let me know below! Ask me about anything related to compasses or my suggestions. Let me know what your favorite compass model is! Do you feel competent with compass navigation? Have you practiced recently?
See you in the mountains,
Northeast Alpine Start
Affiliate links above support the content created here. Making a purchase after visiting one of these links earns the author a small commission at no additional cost to the reader. Thank you!
The last few months I have been testing an ultralight meal replacement product called “RecPak“. I’ll be honest and start by saying I am not a big “protein shake” guy. My all time favorite food to carry on my mountain adventures has always been some pie from the Flatbread Company. I understand there is a place for function over flavor. Weight savings are valued over texture. Performance is prioritized over the aesthetics of leftover pizza.
That place is filled by RecPak, a veteran owned small company that a former Marine (Semper Fi brother!), Reed, started when he couldn’t find a meal replacement solution that fit his needs. I like supporting our Veterans, American made products, and a company that belongs to 1% For The Planet. The company also joins me in supporting the Conservation Alliance, The Access Fund, and the American Alpine Club. So when a media sample was sent to me to review I was willing to set aside my personal indifference around “protein shakes” and give RecPak a fair try.
I received ten each of the Chocolate and Vanilla Chai flavors. Since I work with a mountain guide service that has guides adventuring all over North America and beyond I distributed some of the media samples to my colleagues to get their feedback as well.
Taste
I am not a true expert in meal replacement or protein shakes. I can’t speak much on the flavor of either the chocolate or the vanilla chai. My palate would place both of these flavors in the “fine” category. They taste like most other protein shakes I’ve tried. I don’t think people really fuss much over the flavor of such a practical item, do they? The other testers agreed the flavor is on par with similar products they have tried.
Texture
This, for me, is more important than flavor when it comes to nutritional supplemental shakes. I have tried some brands whose solubility was just not up to the task of being drinkable. RecPak however, with one important caveat, has great solubility. After adding some cool water to my first RecPak, a chocolate flavored pouch, I took my first sip. I was greeted with some peanut butter like paste. Cap back on, a minute of very vigorous shaking, then another sip. Better, but still not where I wanted it to be. I check the instructions on the back a little closer.
“For best consistency, let settle for a few minutes after shaking”
I stuffed the pouch back in the top of my pack and covered another 1/4 mile above tree-line before stopping at a nice view of the Southern Presidential’s and took my third sip. Now the mix had fully dissolved into a smooth consistency that was pleasant to drink. I drank about a third of the pouch and put it back in my pack before continuing up to the summit of Mount Pierce.
Nutrition
I am not a nutritionist. Many of my readers probably have more education on performance nutrition than I do. After a sunrise summit of Mount Chocurua, I read the ingredients to my hiking companion.
He is a nutritionally educated personal trainer. He nodded his head at each ingredient. He was impressed. Nothing was added that would reduce the value of the mix. He noted the 42 grams of protein is especially welcome considering the requirements of weight training.
Performance
Designed specifically to replace calories depleted during endurance sports RecPak hits the mark. Seven hundred properly balanced calories in a package that weighs just over 6 ounces (175 grams) is impressive. I definitely felt re-fueled after consuming just half of a package.
RecPak for Preppers & Thru-Hikers
I’ve recently started shifting my mindset to adapt a bit more of what is often referred to as a “Prepper” mindset. I’m not digging any bunkers in the backyard but I have adopted the practice of having a “Get Home” bag packed in my car as I travel pretty far from home in very rural areas almost daily. It’s comforting to know I have everything in my car that I would need to travel by foot for 2-3 days if I ever needed to. For that reason two of these RecPak’s now live in my Get-Home-Bag. A huge bonus is these bags are reusable and compatible with the Sawyer Mini Filter which is also in my Get-Home-Bag. Extra treated water storage is great for everything from SHTF type events, vehicle breakdowns, or long distance Thru-Hiking.
Expect a post soon detailing the contents of my Get-Home-Bag
Summary
RecPak has caused me to return to the meal replacement/protein shake space after a pretty long hiatus. I won’t rave about the flavor of any protein shake anytime soon. However, the convenience of quick healthy calorie replacement is impressive. I found the serving size to be a little large. One of the other testers agreed. It felt can feel over-sized when you are still moving quickly on your adventure. His exact words were “I can’t consume 700 calories at once”. In cooler temps after mixing you have a couple days to finish consuming the drink. This timing works for me. On my hikes, I would start a pouch around lunch time. I would finish it at the end of the day. I appreciated how small the packaging was after finishing for easy packing out.
If you are a mountain athlete who has tried to cut back on pack weight but still have what you need to complete the mission take a look at RecPak. In my opinion it is a solid product made by a company with great ethics and global responsibility that I can align with. I will continue to carry one on my hiking and climbing adventures while two will live in my Get-Home-Bag. Once I start to get low in supply I’ll be placing an order for the new Coffee flavor that 150mg of caffeine!
Readers! Have you tried RecPak yet? Are you into “meal replacement” or protein shakes? Nothing beats left over Flatbread pizza but that’s not always practical! Share your thoughts, comments, questions below!
See you in the mountains,
Northeast Alpine Start
Disclaimer: Media samples were sent to the author for purpose of review. Affiliate links above support the content created here. Making a purchase after using one of these links earns the author a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
During the Summer/Fall of 2023 I partnered with Horton Center to improve the climbing opportunities for their campers at Chapel Rock, Pine Mountain, located in Gorham, New Hampshire. I documented this in great detail in this post.
The exact model of rope missing, this is the one still there to access the rightmost climbs
Unfortunately, one of the fixed static ropes I installed has gone missing. The camp purchased it, and I installed it to protect the staff while setting up the two leftmost climbs.
I’ve now donated one of my own static ropes and re-installed it so the staff can continue to set up these two climbs which they have spent many hours scrubbing to make more climbable.
I’ve suggested to camp management this may have been a mis-informed act of “Leave No Trace” with someone removing the fixed rope. It’s possible someone with old school ethics does not believe a fixed rope is needed here (it is definite 4th class terrain). There could be other reasons I am not thinking of for why someone may have taken it.
The bottom line is this was private property purchased by a non-profit camp that provides accessible camp adventures and was taken from private property. That’s theft. At this point we want to believe this was not a malicious act. We would like whoever is responsible for removing the rope to return it anonymously with no questions asked. If this reaches the party responsible for removing the rope we are suggesting any of these options to return the rope:
Leave it at the gate on the camp road a couple hundred yards from Dolly Copp Road.
Leave it at International Mountain Equipment with “Northeast Alpine Start” on it
Mail it to the camp with no return address to PO Box J, Pinkham B Road, Gorham, NH 03581.
We truly are not interested in pursuing any legal action and would just like the costly rope back, especially now that an exact replacement costs 40% more due to tarrifs.
At this time the camp isn’t planning to close access during the non-camp season months, but if there is a second removal of camp property from camp property I don’t think anyone would expect the camp to still allow the public to climb on its property. Access is a privilege at this location, not a right.
I really hope this rope is returned, and if it isn’t returned, this is the last time someone takes something from this camp and causes the public to lose access to such a cool venue.
