MontBell U.L. Super Stretch Hugger #2 Sleeping Bag: 25 Degree Down I like the looks of the Montbell Super Stretch bags (check out Backcountry.com’s lineup) which have elastic stitching to provide a roomier night’s sleep. While I haven’t actually slept…
Hiking
Randy Lloyd’s Yosemite hikes
by tom • May 26, 2009 • 1 Comment
Randy’s Waypoints blog recounts his most recent foray to Yosemite at one of the best times to go: in mid-May when the water’s really running. From his Half Dome ascent: Up on top there was still some snow hanging around,…
Therm-a-Rest Lite Seat: Coolest thing I ever lost on the trail
by tom • May 26, 2009 • 0 Comments
A fanny-sized Therm-a-Rest pad called the Lite Seat was my constant companion for my first few years on Bay Area trails. Small, durable, not too expensive (sub $30), a passable backpacking pillow — it was one of my favorite pieces…
Where did you go this weekend?
by tom • May 25, 2009 • 11 Comments
I did six miles from Henry Coe’s Dowdy Ranch visitor center yesterday (post to come this morning). What about the rest of you? This would be a good time for those of you who visit via my rss feed to…
Etiquette for group hikes: how to behave in the presence of other humans
by tom • May 22, 2009 • 3 Comments
Before you take the first step: Take a stand and stick with it. If you contact a group and tell ’em you’re coming, do it. If you change your mind at the last minute, tell the leader so nobody waits…
Massive upgrade of maps page
by tom • May 18, 2009 • 0 Comments
I’ve just added finishing touches to an overhaul of my maps page: it now has thumbnail images and links to every pro-grade map I know of in the San Francisco Bay Area. Here’s the link. This is what I did…
All new: Amazon store for books, maps and stuff
by tom • May 14, 2009 • 4 Comments
While wandering through the Mount Tamalpais Watershed yesterday and finding my way via the capable maps created by guide book writers Don and Kay Martin, I figured I ought to take a few minutes and give some props to Hiking…
Best hiking gear brands: my faves
by tom • May 7, 2009 • 9 Comments
Who do I like? Vasque and Keen for shoes/boots. Gregory Mountain Products for backpacks. REI for backpacking tents. Columbia for pants. Wigwam for socks. MSR for stoves. I’m all about promoting the folks who build cool gear in their garages,…
Hiking staffs and medallions from Redwood City
by tom • May 7, 2009 • 2 Comments
Roy Klebe sells hiking staffs and medallions to affix to them at HikeAmerica.com. I happened upon his site this morning. Here’s the back story. In 1988, Roy Klebe discovered a long standing tradition in Europe of collecting medallions on hiking…