Click Image for Full Video! On my last California backpacking trip before moving out of state for 15 years, I saw Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness for the first time. I was 1,500' above the valley, and Aloha was like a magnificent series of gems set in granite. Little did I know that it would … Continue reading Desolation Wilderness: Bucket List Hike to Lake Aloha
Click Image for Full Video I've been a huge fan of Altra Lone Peaks for a while now, so when the new Altra Lone Peak 4.5's came out, I couldn't wait to check them out. The changes from the Lone Peak 4.0's are numerous and mostly subtle, but a few have really changed the shoe … Continue reading New Altra Lone Peak 4.5 vs. Lone Peak 4.0
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VIDEO! Shopping for hikers or backpackers is often difficult because their gear is so specialized. Unless you are told precisely what to get, you stand a good chance of making a mistake. Here I go over some gift ideas that most any hiker or backpacker will like - but more importantly … Continue reading Christmas Gift Guide 2020: Shopping for Hikers and Backpackers
Click Image for Full Video! Hiking Yosemite with the Fall colors is amazing! Hiking Yosemite in the Winter snow is amazing! Hiking both in one day is . . . AMAZING! This trip connected Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point to the Panorama Trail to the John Muir Trail above Nevada Falls to Happy Isles … Continue reading Incredible Yosemite Loop Hike During First Snow!
Winter hiking clothing is all about layers! You want lightweight, you want breathable, you want waterproof. Here I review what I am hiking in the winter of 2020-2021. FULL VIDEO HERE!
Cleo's Bath is a fantastic side trip off of the Pinecrest Lake loop trail. While the lake loop is relatively straightforward, the trail to Cleo's Bath is easy to lose. To make things more interesting, rather than take the already-challenging final trail segment, I decided to go off trail and climb up the Stanislaus River … Continue reading The Dangerous Path to Cleo’s Bath
While it is possible to go overboard on stuff sacks, with modern materials they barely add weight to your kit and can be very helpful for organizational efficiency. Here I review several lightweight backpacking stuff sacks, food / bear bags from cheapos to top-notch cottage industry UL bags. FULL VIDEO HERE!
Cooking on the trail - it's never been easier! Here I go through my cooking gear comparing my past and present systems including the MSR Whisperlite, BRS-3000 stove, MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot, Toaks titanium pot, Sea-to-Summit vs. Toaks long-handled spoons, Light My Fire Spork, GSI Infinity Mug, and more! FULL VIDEO HERE!
Keeping hydrated while hiking can be a huge challenge - but it is one that must be faced. Here I review my hydration system for when I am on the trail. FULL VIDEO HERE!
Mt. Dana is the northernmost summit in the Sierra Nevada which is over 13,000 feet. At an elevation of 13,057', Dana is the second highest mountain in Yosemite (after Mount Lyell which is only about 55' higher and generally requires an overnight to reach). Having never climbed higher than 10,845 (Mt. Hoffman), I was excited … Continue reading My First 13er! Mt. Dana, Yosemite
