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
In "My Gear" part 3, I go over my sleep system: the UGQ Bandit quilt, the Nemo Tensor sleep pad, and the Trekology Aluft pillow. FULL VIDEO HERE!
The "Big 3" are big/heavy/expensive items in a backpacker's kit - namely, the backpack, shelter, and sleep system. In this - the second of my "My Gear" series - I will go over shelter considerations and give short reviews of my main tents: the deluxe Mountain Hardware Light Wedge 3 and the budget-friendly 3F UL … Continue reading My “Big 3” (Part 2): Shelter
NEW SERIES! For the first three parts of my new MY GEAR series, I am looking at the "Big 3" - namely, the backpack, shelter, and sleep system. I go over backpack feature considerations and offer short reviews of my backpacks. FULL VIDEO HERE!
Along Hwy 120 heading into Yosemite National park there are a series of tunnels, one of which has a side tunnel within. This "tunnel tunnel" goes right to the edge of the cliff above the Merced River. It is a fun, short hike that you can see here!
I just wanted to say that Esee's No-Questions-Asked-Warranty is LEGIT! I broke my Izula II doing something stupid when I made my review video, mailed it in on the 3rd, and got a replacement on the 8th. Quality customer service still exists! If you're looking for a good strap/neck knife, this little baby is amazing: … Continue reading Esee’s Warranty is Legit!
Backcountry Pilgrim 