Philip Werner

Philip Werner quit his corporate job in 2010 to become a full-time hiker, guide, and outdoor writer. Since then he's hiked over nine thousand miles, become an adept fly fisherman, XC skier, and written over 3000 backpacking and hiking articles for SectionHiker.com.

Meeting a Fisher

I saw a Fisher (also called a Fisher Cat) on my hike up Mt. Passaconaway a few months ago. She was loping down the trail toward me until she noticed that I was standing still about 25 feet away. We regarded each …

Read More »

Kudos to the Maine Appalachian Trail Club

Bog Bridge in Southern Maine I just wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation to the Maine Appalachian Club (MATC) for the outstanding work they do maintaining the 267 miles of Appalachian Trail under their stewardship. Last month, we had …

Read More »

Why are Stuff Sacks Round?

I am completely serious about this. Why are stuff sacks round instead of block shaped? For example, most of the backpacks I own have one large compartment that is rectangular in shape. Given this, wouldn’t it be more efficient to pack them …

Read More »

Gerber Octane Multi-Tool

Gerber Octane Multi-Tool

The Gerber Octane Multi-Tool features a pair of pliers and a wire cutter, in addition to a partially serrated, full-sized stainless steel locking knife blade, a Phillips-head screwdriver, 2 standard screwdrivers, pry bar, plastic retail packaging opener, and a bottle opener. This …

Read More »

Light My Fire – Fire Steel

Fire Steel

Every backpacker or hiker should carry a fire steel with them in their emergency gear repair kit. This is one emergency preparedness and survival tool that you should never be without. If you’re not familiar with fire steels, they consist of two components …

Read More »

Lenticular Clouds

Stacked pancaked clouds like this, called Lenticular Clouds, are often the harbinger of heavy rain

Every time I go hiking in the close vicinity of Mt Washington, I’m on the look out for lenticular clouds like these near Mt Isolation, near Mt Washington, This set looks like stacked pancakes. They are shown here hovering on the northern side of Mt …

Read More »

Hiking and Meditation

Hiking is meditation, for me at least. It’s one of the main reasons I run off into the mountains and woods whenever I can. I first learned about meditation about 10 years ago when I took some classes and workshops on sitting …

Read More »