Outside San Diego

As a blog dedicated to the wonders of San Diego, Southern California I think it is important to also recognize the companies who are creating quality services and gear in the Southern California area.  Keeping it local is growing so much more important as energy prices soar.  Reply to this thread and let me know […]

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I was browsing the web, and I came across an interesting video with Wayne Gregory (founder of Gregory Backpack) on Pack fitting. He talks about fitting a Gregory pack, but I think the information applies to all packs.  Pack fitting is somewhat a mystery to a lot of people,  but so important.
Check […]

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Tom Mangan’s blog Two-Heel Drive alerted me to an interesting post in regards to the Spot Satellite Messenger at Backpacker magazine. Read it here. There is a lot of buzz regarding this device, and rightfully so, as it is shaping up to be a revolutionary product. Whether is is a lifesaver, or […]

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This is quick update about my activities on BackPackGearTest.org
I have submitted a couple of different test reports in the last week.
The first is a field report for the Big Agnes Three Wire Bivy  The resting for this bivy is going well, and it is performing fantastically.  I went into testing wondering how I would like […]

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I just finished an Initial Report at Backpackgeartest.org of the new Big Agnes Three Wire Bivy.  This is a fantastic bivy shelter,  with a pole structure over the hear area to provide a little room.   I will be using this as my primary solo shelter for the next four months,  and look forward to spending […]

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I have written another gear review for backpackgeartest.org. This one is about my Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 sleeping bag, that has been a constant companion for the last year and a half. It is a great bag, read about it here:
Phantom 15
I used my REI dividend this weekend on a new […]

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I was doing a backpack packing demo last night for our “Wilderness Basics” class,   and I realized I have an affinity for carrying plastic bags as part of my weekend gear in the field.  I have pared down my weekend kit pretty well (under 20 lbs),  but as I was unpacking my stuff in front […]

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I have just finished a second “owner review” for a gear test site called backpackgeartest.org, and interesting gear testing community with a pretty comprehensive database of gear reviews of outdoor equipment.  The two “Owner Reviews” I have completed now qualify me to apply to test gear from various manufacturers.  I am very curious how this […]

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Arguably the best resource out their for hiking San Diego is a book called Afoot and Afield in San Diego County. Jerry Shaad, the author of this fine publication has put together a fairly comprehensive list of the best hikes in San Diego County. I carry it with me in my car […]

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