Jarrod Blundy
Founder/Guide at Onward Mountain Guides
Adirondacks, NYPlay hard and be smart.
I play outside and help others to do the same!
Discipline: Guiding
Specialty: Hiking, Camping, Skiing, Paddling, Climbing
Adirondack 46er (2025) Eagle Scout (2012) & Vigil Honor (2011) Dislikes peanut butter (always)
Jarrod Blundy's Expert Gear Recommendations
Winter Hiking Kit
What I bring as a guide into the High Peaks of the Adirondacks.
- Exped Men's Lightning 45 Pack by Exped — Lightweight, comfortable, great airflow, and roll-top closure to keep the snow out. Paired with the Exped Flash Pack Pocket for quick external storage.
- Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad by Therm-a-Rest — 3/4-length pad that's perfect for keeping your butt dry while eating lunch, and a literal lifer-saver in an unexpected overnight situation.
- La Sportiva G-Summit Mountaineering Boots by La Sportiva — Technically, I wear the G5 Evo boots, but you can't get them anymore. These are what I'm eyeing up next, and think they make the best upgrade from the Evos. I won't go back from BOA, and they climb and hike super well. I've done many 12+ hour days in them.
- BLUE ICE Harfang Crampons by BLUE ICE — Incredibly compact and lightweight, these don't make me regret packing them even if they don't get used.
- Hillsound Trail Crampons by Hillsound — Easy on/off, good traction for firm and sporadically icy trail conditions.
- Smartwool Men's Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks by Smartwool — I love a thick-cushioned sock — I get fewer blisters with them. Always have a backup pair in my pack.
- Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker by Adventure Medical Kits — Good size, quality, and organization.
- MSR Men's Lightning Explore Snowshoes Green by MSR — Lightest weight, most traction, easy on/off binding, and simple heel riser. The Revo Explore would be a good second option that's a little cheaper and more durable.