Jetboil is listening to it’s critics, and is expanding its line to offer several new stoves that will fill out niches left open in its current lineup.
The first new stove line is the SOL-AL and the SOL-TI which are going after those lightweight backpackers who have refused to carry the 14 oz of Flash, [...]

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Lightweight efficient insulation is a key to any adventure in the California backcountry.  Whether it is the unpredictable weather in the Anza-Borrego Desert, or or the chilly evenings in the Sierra Nevadas, it is essential to have a way to keep warm.  Jackets do not come more efficient than the Patagonia [...]

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I am pleased to welcome Veronica Giancola as a contributor to Outside San Diego.  Veronica is a seasoned hiker and backpacker with years of practical experience under her belt.  Please enjoy her first test report on the REI Venus 70 backpack.
I love my new pack! I have been backpacking for many years. I thought tender [...]

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Clean water is arguably the most essential element to a safe comfortable backpacking trip.  In many places in Southern California packing in all the water required for the duration of a trip is the only option available.  Water weighs in at approximately 8 pounds a gallon.  and you need at least [...]

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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 [...]

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I have had the opportunity to use the Merrell Outbound hiking boots through the fall and the early winter.  I have put some miles on these boots, and they have served me well.  Boots are one of those tricky things whose performance is dependent an individuals foot in relation to the fit .  A pair [...]

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I have finally had the opportunity to put a few miles on the new Kona Zing Deluxe that arrived at my doorstep a couple of weeks ago.  The concept of of riding a bicycle as an adult is a fairly new concept for me.  I have not ridden a traditional road bike since my days [...]

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Several months ago I introduced the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 tent here at Outside San Diego.  You can read that report here The Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 is a lightweight freestanding, double walled tent.  The tent is designed for 3-season use, and the inner wall is primarily mesh,  with a small perimeter  [...]

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Storing the camera gear that I seem to tote all over has long been a dilemma.  I have used a number of different configurations of storage to keep my camera gear while never being very satisfied with the results.  Camera bags always seem to be either are too little too big, uncomfortable to carry, or [...]

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A headlamp is a headlamp; or so you think.   A headlamp is one of those ubiquitous pieces of gear that is often ignored.  I have ran the gamut of headlamps, from the $5.00 Target specials to the super bright LED that would make a coal miner proud. Recently I have had the opportunity to test [...]

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