In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey welcomes explorer and lifelong Sierra adventurer Brian Martz. Known to many as the “Water Guy” in Southern California, Brian brings a unique mix of family tradition, personal exploration, and trail-tested wisdom to the conversation. Brian shares stories of growing up in the Sierra … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine The Sierra Nevada isn’t just a destination—it’s a legacy. Few people embody that truth better than Brian Martz, this week’s guest on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast. Known to thousands of California students as the Water Guy, Brian’s life story runs far deeper than his classroom mascot role. … Read more
Powering Adventure: Off-Grid RV & Overlanding with Dragonfly Energy How do you keep your RV, van, or overland rig powered up in the Sierra Nevada without relying on noisy generators? In this week’s episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Jesse Asay and Tyler Bourns from Dragonfly Energy, the Reno-based team behind Battle … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine When you head into the Sierra Nevada for a weekend of dispersed camping near Mammoth, an overlanding trip down Highway 395, or a snow-filled RV adventure at Blue Lakes, one question always comes up: how do you keep everything powered without the drone of a generator? This week on the Sierra … Read more
Carson City, NV — September 26, 2025 Carson City is preparing to welcome home one of its most inspiring adventurers. Audrey Payne—trail name Glowstick—will return on Friday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trailhead to celebrate the completion of her 1,600-mile Carson City to Canada Quest, a journey that was also … Read more
Families and youth groups love the Sierra Nevada for good reason. In a single weekend you can paddle Tahoe’s clear bays, stroll among giant sequoias, then finish with pizza in Truckee or Bishop while the sun catches the granite. The trick is planning a route and rhythm that fits younger travelers, the region’s big distances, … Read more
Mammoth Lakes, Calif., September 17, 2025 – Over the last couple of weeks, there have been multiple suspicious fires in the Mammoth Lakes area, both on the Inyo National Forest and within the Town of Mammoth Lakes. A multi-agency task force, consisting of investigators from the USDA Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations, and the … Read more
Every fall, a town of 225 swells to 40,000 for one of Nevada’s most unique traditions—the Candy Dance in Genoa. This week on Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey talks with Town Manager Jody Brunz about: The 106-year-old history of the Candy Dance How this small-town event funds Genoa’s survival Why 430+ vendors and thousands … Read more
Every fall, the quiet town of Genoa, Nevada—the oldest settlement in the state—transforms into one of the busiest places in the Sierra. Known for its historic charm, stunning Carson Valley setting, and small-town hospitality, Genoa is also home to one of Nevada’s most beloved festivals: the Candy Dance. In this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast … Read more
Ultralight power meets trail-ready reliability in the Sierra backcountry. A Shift in Stove Strategy I’ve been a longtime fan of integrated pot stove systems like the MSR WindBurner—stable, efficient, and wind-resistant. But heading into our early September backpacking trip from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley, I made a conscious decision: cut pack weight wherever I … Read more
The wild calls out in a voice that some people mistake for silence. Any outdoor enthusiast worth their boots knows, beneath the quiet, adventures bristle with possibility and potential mishap. Gear matters, sure, but it’s not just about what you carry. It’s about how you chart the unknown. Ignoring prep is foolish bravado. A paper … Read more
First Look at Ultralight Innovation, Sun Protection, and Trail-Ready Versatility When Outdoor Research talks about building gear “born in the elements, built on the trail,” they mean it. For Spring 2026, the Seattle-based brand is leaning into its Pacific Northwest roots with a fresh lineup that blends ultralight mountain performance, new takes on sun protection, … Read more
Author, blogger, and wilderness volunteer Paul Wagner (BackpackingSierra.com) returns to the Sierra Rec Now Podcast! Paul and Charlie swap stories of hidden lakes, off-trail challenges, volunteering in Desolation & Emigrant Wilderness, and gear insights from the trail. 👉 Highlights include: Off-trail adventures in the Sierra backcountry Wilderness volunteering & trail etiquette Backpacking routes from Emigrant … Read more
This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we welcome back returning guest Paul Wagner — author, blogger at BackpackingSierra.com , and longtime volunteer for multiple wilderness areas across the Sierra Nevada. Paul joins host Charlie Pankey for a wide-ranging conversation about backpacking adventures, trail stewardship, volunteering in Desolation Wilderness, and hidden gems in the … Read more
For the past five years, I’ve relied on quilts as my primary sleep system, especially when hammock camping in the Sierra Nevada. They give me the freedom to move naturally, regulate heat, and stay cozy in ways a traditional mummy bag never has. So when I came across the Outdoor Vitals StormLoft™ 15° Quilt (Long) … Read more
September is National Preparedness Month—a reminder that while we can’t predict emergencies, we can prepare for them. From wildfires and winter storms in the Sierra to unexpected power outages at home, being prepared with food, water, and essential supplies can make all the difference. This year, Mountain House—the trusted leader in freeze-dried meals for adventurers … Read more
Exploring the Sierra Nevada by road is not just a drive, but a chance to witness nature’s grandeur at every turn. Towering pine forests, crystalline lakes, and snow-capped peaks create scenery that shifts mile by mile. Charming alpine towns add cultural richness to the journey. Each road trip blends adventure, relaxation, and striking beauty, which … Read more
