NJ Hiking

One blog that I subscribe to that I would recommend is http://www.njhiking.com/njhiking_trailblog/.
It is a valuable resource along with posts on different hikes throughout New Jersey and beyond! Another great thing about this blog is that they provide a Google map of their location, and a nice picture within each post.  I use it to get ideas of where my next adventure should be and so should you!

Check out this video from one of their hikes!

It can also be found here.

Osprey Pack Review

Having a sufficient amount of water with you for any hike, regardless of the amount of time you'll be spending in the wilderness is important. For day hikes, you may not want to hold onto a water bottle for the duration of the hike, nor carry them in a large, cumbersome backpack. That's why Hannah and I recommended getting a hydration pack for those fun day hikes. Depending on the size of the pack, you can also carry extra things like snacks, sandwiches, a first aid kit, and a small poncho.

Osprey Packs have a a wide range of packs that are designed to suit your needs. They cater to day hikers, thru-hikers, overnight/extended hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners! These high quality packs will sustain abuse and deliver the hydration you need to keep going.

For day hiking, I went with their Syncro 15 because it was suitable for mountain biking, and day hikes and carries just the right amount of stuff. The rugged quality of the hydration bladder was something I was drawn to. There is nothing worse than a flimsy bladder made with low grade plastic.

Next up was the storage. I can get away with carrying a full three liters of water in the bladder, while having enough room for a sandwich, snacks, and a small first aid kit.

 

 Since we do a majority of our hiking in the summer, the back ventilation mesh is unbelievably comfortable.

Finally, the magnetic water hose lock on the chest strap is great! The hose stays in place, but simply pops off when you need it to.