Northeast Wild

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  Hiking & Paddling: The 10-Plus Essentials The list of “10 Essentials” has been a fixture in hiking circles for close to a hundred years and its time-tested formula can also be applied to paddling. My own observations in the field and the weekly ranger reports make me believe that many folks do not adhere to these suggestions or are just unaware of them.  I have 50 years of regular experience in outdoor recreation, much of it in the Adirondacks, and in all 4 seasons. I enjoy both hiking and paddling and sometimes combine both activities in the same day. Guided by the list of essentials as seen on the NYSDEC website and keeping in mind that autumn brings us shorter days and lower temperatures, I will discuss each item on this list as it applies to day trips and add some of my thoughts and opinions.   Navigation – Nothing beats the good old map and compass – no batteries needed. The 7.5-minute series of USGS maps have the most detail and are available for the whol...