The eastern part of Lassen Volcanic National Park is dotted with lakes, making it easy to find routes of varying lengths that allow for swimming and water views from campsites. This 23-mile, 3-day/4-night loop from Juniper Lake has varied terrain, endless lakes and a network of trails to choose from. With fires raging across the …
Fires one year; huge amounts of snow the next. You never know what Mother Nature is going to throw our way. I’ve never spent as much time immersed in fire data trying to figure out where smoke-free backpacking routes might be as I have the past few years. If the predictions of experts hold true, …
The Therm-a-Rest Down Pillow is a versatile down shell that can be wrapped around an inflatable pillow or clothing to provide a good night’s sleep. The pillow is stuffed with 650 Fill Hydrophobic down and has a cinchable cord that contains the inner padding of the user’s choice. I readily admit that a pillow is …
These are some of my favorite tried-and-true backpacking products for under $100. Some make good stocking stuffers while others are more substantial. Among the collection are items that would make good gifts for birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. Under $50 Sun Sleeves, $10. Good for sun protection but I usually use them in the morning when …
Is it just me or has there been an explosion of healthy snacks in the last couple of years? When I think back to the days when we thought Power Bars were revolutionary, I realize how many wonderful choices we have now. I had the opportunity to test some new products this year and thought …
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite inflatable mattress is a marvel of warmth in a small package. I was still using the very first NeoAir model, which was revolutionary when it came out but only had an R-Value of 2. The NeoAir XLite has an R-Value of 3.2. It doesn’t sound like much but it was noticeably …
I’ve been testing the Sierra Designs Nitro 800 sleeping bag all summer and can report that it’s a very warm bag that is lightweight and comfortable. I love my other bag, the zipperless Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed, but when the temps dip down into the teens and 20s, I prefer the added warmth of a mummy …
I had the opportunity to go backpacking at Point Reyes National Seashore twice this year. Since I only live about an hour away, it’s surprising that I’ve never hiked the trails there. I have wonderful memories of walking along Limantour Beach and having big bonfires in high school but haven’t been out to the coast …
After a restful day hanging out with Casey Cox from Sonora Pass Resupply at the midpoint of our section hike from Tahoe to Yosemite, we were ready to move on to Sonora Pass to Yosemite on the PCT. Please see the previous article, “Tahoe to Sonora Pass,” to learn about the first 76 miles of …
For a lightweight pack, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa feels beefy. The shoulder straps and hip belts are thick and sturdy. You can feel the slim metal frame that provides support when you grasp the top of the pack. A foam pad provides additional structure and support to the back and doubles as a removable sit …