Client Reviews

Thanks to Ed, my first overnight backpacking trip was a fun and safe experience. Ed led us through two days of hiking and a restful night of sleeping o the trail, providing excellent meals, snacks, and guidance. He was equipped with all the necessary tools so we could enjoy hot, home-cooked meals (chicken stew, oatmeal, and coffee), yummy, healthy snacks, and delicious, sweet fruits. I look forward to backpacking with Ed again, and highly recommend him as a hiking/backpacking guide!

Ed was my guide to climb Hunter Mountain's Becker Hollow trail. The trail is quite challenging. Ed knew of the trail and helped ensure our success. He was incredibly prepared for the climb and in advance work. He had the best mix of Catskill's knowledge, climbing savvy, and understanding of nature to make a strenuous effort accomplishable and enjoyable. I must add that I have climbed numerous fire towers in the Catskills and Adirondacks, but I am 65 years old. A guide was a valuable contribution to the climb.

Ed guided our family of 4 thru Devils Quarry, a rocky and hilly climb that led to an area with beautiful man-made stone formations. Ed was very professional and knowledgeable about the area, and came equipped with tools/safety protocol plus a mini stove for coffee and hot chocolate. Our 6 and 9 year old boys enjoyed chattering with Ed during the 3 hour hike! We would absolutely recommend Ed as a guide for any hiking/backpacking trip!

My husband and I were hiking down Overlook Mtn. when Trish (see next review) and Ed were came down behind us. We're retired, and while fit, not that fit. My husband was in a lot of pain, knees buckling, legs shaking, feeling faint. I knew I couldn't hold him up and had no idea how much further we had to go.
I called out to Ed - he's tall, very fit, and, it turned out, also a well-prepared first responder. Ed and Trish stopped; Ed was careful to assess the situation. We ended up walking, very, very slowly and carefully down the rest of the mountain. Once Ed took charge, I had no worries about my husband (and forgot about my own aching muscles). We would hire Ed in a heartbeat.

I decided that for my 40th birthday I wanted to go hiking in the Catskills. I always wanted to go but never went. As a Hiking beginner I decided to hire a guide. I was nervous about going with someone I never met before. As we live in the same area he agreed to meet with me before hand to talk about the trip. He planned everything out to ensure that I was able to do the things I really wanted to do. We hit some wet weather and he was able to change the schedule around so we could still hike. He even helped me find a hotel. In addition to all of this I learned a lot about hiking. I look forward to learning a lot more!

Ed is the best guide ever!! I have hiked many Adirondack peaks over the past 61 years and never needed or used a guide. However, for this trip I felt it was a necessity because of my age. I could not have chosen a better guide! My daughter, a friend and I, with our guide, Ed, backpacked into Skylight Brook at the base of Mt. Allen, climbed Allen with all its slides and red slime algae, and backpacked the 8 miles back out. Ed was a terrific guide and actually carried my pack, along with his own 50 pound pack when I had some difficulty the last half mile going in and again that same stretch ( uphill) on the way out! He was there every step I took climbing Allen, testing each wet section for slickness, offering a knee to stand on (!) as well as a strong hand grip over places where I felt unsteady. Although I was ready to quit and turn back 3 times before the summit, Ed and my daughter kept me going so that I was able to excitedly, at age 77, reach the summit of Allen on a gloriously beautiful day! It was a difficult trip back to camp because I slipped on the red slime and fell. (No major injuries but lost confidence and steadiness). The rest of the hike was long and in the dark with headlamps! We arrived at camp a little before 9:00 pm. Then Ed worked his magic with an awesome, hot, delicious stew. Ed is the Mountain Guide Gourmet, and his backpacking meals are made with fresh, healthy foods. They and his home- dehydrated trail snacks were fantastic! Ed was kind and patient. He adjusted his pace to mine and was always aware of what I needed. He was calm, confident and caring. He showed concern for our comfort. He had a good sense of humor and fun stories! I enjoyed the luxury of being well taken care of! Ed, you are the best! Thanks for helping make my Allen Adventure a peak experience!

After 3 challenging backpacks with Ed, I feel very confident planning a backpack of my own. Being uncertain of the gear, prep, cooking, water -all of it-in the beginning was why I booked trips with Ed What I didn't expect was to learn about the flora and fauna, a bit of history, and how to REALLY cook in the backcountry! This guy can cook! If you are looking to try out backpacking, this is the way to do it. It will build your confidence and skills. I've done the Sewards, Santanonis, and an EPIC trip covering Cliff, Redfield, Skylight, Marcy and Gray...what a trip. I am a better and more confident hiker. Thank you, Ed!

This summer I learned the basics of backpacking in the Adirondack's under Ed's guidance - what a wonderful way to hike the long and hard 4000' footer mountains! I did 4 trips with him from the Catskill beginner overnighter to 3 ADK high peak trips which included Mount Allen, The Santanoni Range and the "big 5" peaks of Marcy, Skylight, Gray, Cliff and Redfield.

I am an avid hiker but was a total newbie in terms of backpacking, and had to borrow most of the overnight gear from Ed initially. This taught me about what kind of gear I wanted to invest in, which I eventually did, (mostly ultralight). We had lots of discussion and I learned how to do everything including choose gear, distribute the weight in my pack, set up a tent, choose a safe and legal campsite, prepare and store food to protect from bears etc. Ed loves to cook up a good meal in the woods, and you will always have some fresh elements like vegetables from his garden, as well as delicious hot meals including his signature stew. It was nice not to have to think and plan while enjoying these backpack trips, as Ed is an expert guide who does all that for you.  I'm ready to go out on my own now, but what a great experience learning the ropes with Ed. Many, many thanks!

I had a great time with Ed from Eastern Outdoor Experiences. I am very happy I chose him to guide my first Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness Backpacking Trip. (June 2019)

Thanks Ed!! Your passion for the great outdoors along with your expertise and guidance made my first (newbie) snowshoe hike a fantastic experience that brought me great joy. I learned so much too. Looking forward to the next outdoor adventure!