As the green tendrils of spring begin creeping their way through the backcountry in and around San Diego,  I thought now would be a good time to highlight some of the fantastic winter gear we at Outside San Diego have been testing.

Osprey Manta 25 Daypack

The Osprey Manta 25 Daypack is one of the most thoughtfully designed daypacks I have come across.  Osprey has really taken the hydration pack concept to the next level by adding a frame sheet into the bladder itself, providing integrated support for the heaviest element in the pack:  Water.  The details, such as a magnetic bite valve clip, and a lined sunglasses pocket help to really bling out this fantastic pack.

Polarmax TransDry Cotton Shirt

The Polarmax TransDry Cotton shirt has seen me through some very soggy winter backpacking trips unscathed, and proving the mantra “Cotton Kills” is not true if you are wearing the most technical cotton on the market.  The TransDry shirt brings the comfort of cotton, with the  moisture controlling abilities of synthetics.  I am really looking forward to Polarmax adding summer weight TransDry clothing to the line up, so I can wear cotton all year long. Transdry Cotton Shirts will be available soon, so stay tuned to where you can get your hands on one.

GoLite Adrenaline 0 Sleeping Bag

This last weekend, I had the opportunity to try out the GoLite Adenaline 0 degree sleeping bag on a chilly snowshoe backpack  (more on the trip later this week).  The temperatures dropped to the mid teens, and I was as toasty as ever wrapped in this fluffy cocoon of down filled goodness.  This 800+ fill power 4-season down bag just breaks the three pound mark, and is incredibly comfortable.  I am looking forward to a few more trips burrowing into the warmth of this bag before the weather warms up too much to use it.

Sierra Designs Vapor Softshell

The New Sierra Designs Vapor Softshell Jacket has reinforced my belief that a quality  softshell is a fantastic all around piece for Southern California Backpacking.  Pair it with a superlight insulation sweater such as the Patagonia Nanopuff ( stay tuned for a full review of both the Vapor and the Nanopuff in the months to come) and you have everything you need for all your Southern California Three Season backpacking.  I was a little worried about the durability of the fused seams and the lightweight material, but a weekend of bushwhacking through pine forests eased any anxiety about the durability of the Vapor Softshell

Beyond Coastal Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of those often overlooked, but important components of being outdoors.  I have had the opportunity to use Beyond Coastal’s offering through this winter and into the spring, and I am happy with the primary result;  no sunburn.  I have used both the Active SPF 30 Sunscreen, and the Natural SPF 30 Sunscreen, and they both work very well.  The Active formula is a little less thick than the Natural Formula, and spreads easier, but the Natural is made from a natural formula that is easier on the skin,  and has become the go-to bottle of sun protection when I am headed out the door.

Leki Corklite Aergon Trekking Poles

I have used the Leki Corklite Aergon Trekking Poles for two weekend backpacks thus far, and I am super impressed with the new speed-lock system.  These poles work great, and are much easier to extend and maintain than the old system with the internal locking system.  The handles are comfortable and the poles have proven to be durable, handling the abuse I has shelled out without a whimper.