Click for Video How do we keep our food safe from bears (and bears safe from our food)? In the first of this two-part series, I look at one of the most popular backcountry methods: hanging bear bags.
Click Image for Video As a long-time fan of Foxelli trekking poles and other outdoor gear, I was very excited to get my hands on (and feet in) their new hiking boots! After a few good hikes in them, I am ready to report my experience. Enjoy!
Click for Video! What is the history of today's backpacks? How did they evolve into the high tech packs we carry today? Here I do a quick walk-thru of the high points of backpack design history.
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!
Backcountry Pilgrim 