An evening with a view

This past weekend, I had a chance to spend a night at Henninger Flats with fellow backpackers from a meetup group.  Knowing the possibility of rain on Sunday, I still didn't want to miss this chance hiking up to our home for the evening.


Not being the fittest person in the world, this hike for me was a challenge because of the grade of the terrain.  I was definitely the slowest hiker in the group but this did not discourage me to reach the top.


The start of the trail...

A view of the grade of the trail heading up to Henninger Flats.

Catching up to a group of day hikers and scouts heading up to the same place.

After 2 plus miles, I've made it to the top which it took me a little over an hour...I need to get back into shape.  This was a wake-up call.

Tired and sore but not beaten...this is why I love backpacking, this view was worth it and I quickly forgot about my burning thighs.

My view for the evening...

On a side note, I opted to bring my full tent instead of my tarp because of the threat of rain. Although I missed the rain, I still think I made the right choice...my tarp wasn't seam sealed and if it did rain, I would've have been soaked and I would've been very unhappy.


For those who we're curious about what my tarp setup would have looked like, here are some shots of it deployed at a local park.

 Happy Trails...

Read More...

Off to Henninger for the weekend

I will be doing an overnight at Henninger Flats in Altadena CA this weekend to do more field testing on gear.  I recently purchased a Guide Gear 8x8 tarp (though originally advertised as a 12x12)...not going to get into that debacle.  Anway, about the tarp, I wanted to see if I can be comfortable without a tent and just setup the new tarp.  I may also take my hammock to use with the tarp but we shall see, I have not yet decided since I want to go as light as possible and bring a smaller pack instead of my usual 50L Marmot bag.  


Additionally, I may be closer to deciding on a date on when to tackle the High Sierra Trail from Crescent Meadow to Mt. Whitney...just have to figure out logistics of a shuttle service - more on this soon 


Trip report to come when I get back from this weekends trip!

Read More...

A weekend at West Fork

Had a great time this weekend.  Met up with a few Youtube friends over at West Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains for some gear talk, future trips, and awesome food.


Really kick back weekend with some exploration of the area, some even fished for native trout.  Here are some pictures from the short trip.

Panorama of the campsite next to a stream filled with trout.

My tent - Mountain Hardware Lightpath 2

A couple panorama's of where we were.

Nemo Meta 2 - I gotta get me one of these!

Read More...

Headed to Angeles National Forest.

I will be doing an overnight trip this weekend at ANF and hopefully will be able to show off the gear I will be using.  Here's a pic of all the gear I will be carrying with me...base weight of around 14 pounds without food or water.

The Gear List:

Big 3 Items + 1:

Backpack: Marmot Flex 50

Sleeping Bag: Alpine Design 30 Down Bag

(+1) Thermarest Z-Lite Pad

Shelter: Mountain Hardware Lightpath 2

Cook Kit:

Foster Pot with 3 oz. Stove with backup Alcohol Stove

Water Purification:

Katadyn Hiker - I have lighter options but I want to test this new filter out.

Clothing (Wearables):

REI Sahara Convertible Pants

Active Wear Wicking Short Sleeve Shirt

Under Armor Capilene Long Sleeve Shirt

Polo Wind Breaker

Clothing (Packed):

The North Face Fleece 

Active Wear Long Johns

Sierra Designs Rain Coat

Ditty/Misc. Items:

First Aid Kit

Compass/Map

Emergency Supplies - Fire starter, Mylar blanket, etc.

5x7 Tarp

Head net

Hygiene Items - TP, Wipes, etc.

Headlamp

Trekking Poles

Multi-tool/Knife

Read More...