Gear Review: Seek Outside Divide 4500 Ultralight External Frame Backpack

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear |

After their first big trip, it seems that many backpackers put some thought and energy into reducing their pack weight. My first couple of overnight trips were miserable, a direct result of carrying too much weight. After keeping track of the gear I carried on several hikes versus what gear was actually used, I was able to reduce pack weight by simply leaving unused items at home. The … Read More

Devil’s Chair via South Fork/Big Rock Creek

posted in: Trail/Hike Information, Trip Report |

The area surrounding Devil’s Chair is known for it’s unique geology. Looking across the canyon (called the Devil’s Punchbowl) you can see how the San Andreas fault has changed the landscape. The area is very interesting and I wished I had spent more time exploring there before moving. With my cross-country move in March, I’ve fallen way behind on editing photos and … Read More

First Look: Hi-Tec V Lite Flash Force Low I Trail Shoe

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear |

Why Buy? In early March I was contacted by Hi-Tec to see if I was interested in testing anything from their hiking line. Coincidentally, I was looking for a pair of low top hiker/trail runners to use in conjunction with a set of sole-stiffening insoles. Over the last several years, I’ve tried to transition from my heavy backpacking boots to trail runners … Read More

Photos: Bridge to Nowhere (San Gabriel Mountains, Azusa CA)

posted in: backpacking & mountaineering, Photos, Trip Report |

Bridge to Nowhere had been on radar for a couple of years, but with the CA drought, we always decided to hike other areas. Luckily only a couple of weeks before I left CA, we had a nice day with some recent rainfall. I decided it was finally time to head out there. It’s a great hike for beginners. If you’re just … Read More

Transitioning From Heavy Backpacking Boots to Trail Runners, Part I

posted in: Gear Reviews |

Why? As with any sport or activity, hiking has it’s adages that you’ll hear over and over once you’re spending time with participants of that activity. As a hiker, two things that you’re likely to hear are “cotton kills” and “1 pound on your feet equals 5 pounds on your back.” While “cotton kills” immediately made sense to me, I didn’t … Read More

Testing Cold Weather Gear in April… Part 3

posted in: Gear Reviews, Winter Hiking |

Since moving back to NH, I’ve put more thought into deciding what gear I’d carry if I were backpacking in cold & rainy weather.  Tonight it is cold (26° predicted, 22° with windchill), so I’m planning to spend the night outside. Here is some of the gear that I’ll be using/testing tonight and that appears in the video below. TarpTent – Rainbow … Read More

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