Real-world gear reviews from Sierra Rec Magazine. Our team personally tests hiking, camping, and outdoor gear in the Sierra Nevada to bring you honest insights, pros and cons, and performance results in extreme conditions. Discover the best gear for your next adventure, backed by real experience.
Finally, a gear-hauling suitcase that does it all—and still looks like it belongs on an adventure. By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine I’ve never been a luggage guy. For years, I’ve just crammed everything into a big gym-style duffel, slapped on a baggage tag, and hoped for the best. My wife has tried to … Read more
Built like a tank. Sized for your lunch. Perfect for every solo Sierra adventure. By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Not every piece of gear has to be technical to earn a permanent spot in your summer kit. On a recent weekend fishing trip to Crowley Lake for Fishmas, I brought along the Pelican … Read more
From cold canyon nights to cozy riverside rest—this sleep system is a game-changer for spring adventures. By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine When you start planning spring adventures in the Sierra, you quickly learn that overnight temps don’t care how warm it feels at lunchtime. For my recent overnight rafting trip on the East … Read more
From power outages to paddle-in campsites—this modular power system lit up my Sierra nights. By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine At the OMA event in Denver this spring, the lights went out—literally. Our last day of meetings was hit by a multi-hour power outage, and while the room dimmed, Nestout’s booth lit up. Their … Read more
Minimalist carry meets real-world river durability in this multi-use sling pack. Whether you’re heading into whitewater, prepping for paddleboard season, or looking for a sleek alternative to the classic daypack, the Pelican Aegis SX3 Padded Sling delivers rugged utility with a refined, outdoor-savvy look. On a recent 21-mile overnight rafting trip down the East Carson … Read more
A Reliable Trail Partner for Spring Conditions in the Sierra If you’re looking for a boot that can handle rocky terrain, melting snow, and the unpredictable conditions of a Sierra spring, the Lowa Innovo GTX Lo just might be your new go-to. After logging over 50 miles of varied terrain—from Carson Valley to Convict Lake … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine You know that mid-afternoon desk moment when your energy crashes and your mind starts wandering to the mountains? Yeah, that happened to me today—post-Spring magazine launch, mid-dual-drum brain fog—and I remembered I had a little something new to try sitting right here on my desk. Canyon Crack Trail Butter. … Read more
Royal Robbins Declares War on Mosquito Infested Adventures One of the best parts of running Sierra Rec Magazine is getting the opportunity to test out new gear, especially when it comes from brands that truly understand adventure. This spring, I had the chance to check out the latest collection from Royal Robbins, a Yosemite-inspired clothing … Read more
The Recovery I Wish I Had in the Sierra Backcountry At 55 years old, I’m starting to accept that recovery takes longer after my bigger hiking trips. Last summer, I logged 40 miles in Yosemite’s backcountry, pushing my legs through granite passes, river crossings, and elevation gains that had my quads burning. I felt strong—until … Read more
Field Testing Gear born for Sierra Adventures. Exploring the 2024 Royal Robbins Spring Line: First Impressions from the Trail One of the many transitions I have made in the past several years in my personal outdoor wardrobe is ditching the blue jeans and cotton for comfortable and durable wear that was made for being in … Read more
When you’re out on the trail, the right snack can make all the difference. Over my years of hiking he Sierra I have gone through a variety of changes as it comes to trail snacks. From basic nut mixes, to dried fruit, to trail bars, I find one of the things that I wont put … Read more
100% Merino Wool Hoodie The Perfect Winter Companion for Sierra Nevada Adventures Gear Review:- Sierra Rec Magazine- October 2024 – Winter in the Sierra Nevada demands performance clothing that can handle the cold, fluctuating weather, and the demands of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. The new Rockcraft Wool Hoodie from Royal Robbins, made … Read more
Four days, forty miles, and countless moments of awe—our backcountry trek through Yosemite National Park was one for the books. We explored the high country, weaving our way from Boothe Lake to Bernice Lake, with day trips to Washburn and Merced Lakes. Along the way, we crossed the breathtaking Vogelsang Pass, camped under the stars, … Read more
MSR Windburner A Versatile Companion for Backcountry Adventures Gear Reviews 2024 – The summer of 2024 offered a golden opportunity to experiment with new gear and backpacking practices. Our group decided to ditch the processed, sodium-laden meals for more home-cooked fare, using backpacking stoves to prepare our meals. This shift also gave us a chance … Read more
Celebrating Milestones: The 25th Anniversary of the Desert Pucker Camp Shirt Imagine Yosemite Valley in the 1960s. Camp 4 is buzzing with a vibrant community of climbers. Among them are two young and brilliant climbing maven, Royal Robbins, already a legendary climber pushing the boundaries of the sport, and Liz Burkner, a newcomer with wanderlust … Read more
For me, the backpacking season of 2024 started in June. June Backpacking is about wildflowers, seasonal rivers/waterfalls, new gear choices and mosquitos. So we packed our bags and headed out to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to get our feet wet, legs burning, and test our new gear choices for 2024 in the Sierra. … Read more
A Product Review From Sierra Rec Magazine Staff on the GoSun Chillito Cooler Let’s face it, packing for a camping trip can be a delicate balancing act. You want to bring enough food and drinks to last, but you also don’t want to be weighed down by a bulky cooler filled with ice. This past … Read more
Hey Sierra Rec readers! It’s that time again – time to celebrate a decade of exploring the incredible Sierra Nevada! To kick off our 10th-anniversary we are going to do a summer gear update series. Starting with this issue I’m focusing on a crucial but often overlooked piece of kit: the first-aid kit. Let’s be … Read more
Spring had sprung in the Sierra Nevada, and I was excited. This year, I was determined to add a new dimension to my outdoor adventures – exploring the crystal-clear lakes on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). The board arrived in March, and I envisioned myself gliding effortlessly across the water, soaking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine – Gear Reviews 2024 – The recent trip to Sierra Buttes with my wife was a perfect encapsulation of spring in the mountains. Crisp mornings gave way to warm afternoons with just a hint of snow-drenched breeze, with snow lingering in some areas while wildflowers peeked through in others. Our days were … Read more
The Scarpa Moraine Mid WP boot is a compelling option for Sierra Nevada explorers who value safety and comfort on the trails. This recently released boot from Scarpa, a brand traditionally known for its ski mountaineering footwear, boasts a well-constructed design, impressive features, and a unique safety technology that could be lifesaving. We discovered these … Read more
As the sun climbs higher in the sky and the days lengthen, it’s time to shed those heavy layers and trade them in for sun protection that keeps you comfortable. Here at Sierra Rec, I am always on the lookout for gear that performs well on the trail, and we recently got our hands on … Read more
New bindings offer efficient, comfortable, and durable performance paired with an easy-to-use design and repairability. Seattle, Wash. (February 20, 2024) – Today, Mountain Safety Research (MSR) announces the launch of new ParadigmTM bindings on their Explore Series snowshoes, as well as new colorways, available Fall of 2024. The Explore Series snowshoes are designed for intermediate to advanced-level snowshoers exploring … Read more
Exploring the Clarity: A Comprehensive Review of BAJIO Sunglasses for Outdoor Enthusiasts Gear – November 19, 2023 – As a passionate hiker in the Sierra, the necessity of a reliable pair of sunglasses cannot be overstated. In the harsh glare of the Sierra Granite, protecting your eyes becomes paramount. I have now spent nearly 10 … Read more
Greetings, Sierra Rec Magazine readers! As the snow blankets the Sierra and the holiday spirit fills the air, we’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive opportunity to gear up for your winter adventures while making a positive impact. BearVault, our trusted affiliate partner, is hosting an extraordinary holiday sale, and we’re excited to share the … Read more
OSPREY BACKPACKS STRIPPING ANOTHER POUND OFF LIGHTWEIGHT PACKS Sierra REc Magazine – Gear – 2023- That is always the goal, correct? How little weight can I carry into the wilderness and still stay comfortable sleeping in the wilderness and traveling safely? Well, as you prep for the 2023 backpacking season, Osprey has made it easier … Read more
The Next Generation Prepared Backpacking Food Company RightOnTrek Provides Maximum Taste in Curry Dish Sierra Rec Magazine – Gear Review – I am a pretty simple backpacker. I like ease, convenience and not a lot of extra fluff. So when I was introduced to Rightontrek backpacking meals all I really wanted to know, is does … Read more
Changing For Good: Brand’s Performance Stretch Belts Keeps Focus on Comfort, Durability, and Functionality for Freedom of Motion – While Reducing Environmental Footprint OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. – July 19, 2022 – Arcade (https://arcadebelts.com), founded on the belief that belts should function better for freedom of motion, be designed to last longer, and be more comfortable, … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine Gear Review – 2022 – Hey guys, Charlie, Sierra Rec Magazine. Today we get the luxury here on a beautiful sunny afternoon to bring you a new product that I am trying out by Think Tank. If you don’t know who Think Tank is, they’ve been around for a while. They do … Read more
New bindings offer simplicity, comfort and performance in MSR’s snowshoe series designed for recreationalists to use on flat trails and rolling hills. Seattle, Wash. (January 25, 2022) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Mountain Safety Research (MSR) will be launching new, comfortable and easy to use bindings for Fall 2022 with the introduction of their Paraglide bindings on their Trail Series … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine Publisher Discovers “New Favorite” In Adventure Gear Layer Product Review: C2 Extreme Tights Don’t put away your winter gear just yet, in the Sierra. As the forecast for this week is calling for up to another 4 feet of snow in early April. But maybe better advice would be to check out this … Read more
After Miles of Snowshoeing, A Quick Screamin Energy” Max Hit” Was In Order March 28, 2017 – Typically speaking I am an over packer. I always head to the trail with too many supplies for the day and more than enough layers. Which makes this product review unique for me, as today’s snowshoeing adventure was doomed … Read more
Exclusive Sierra REC Magazine Product Review – Sept 28, 2016 – Ok who loves coming back from a long day hike to a cold beer or bottle of water? I know I do, so when given the opportunity to review the Seattle Sports Cool Pak, one of the products from its FrostPak™ Soft Cooler Line, I … Read more
Revolutionary new sleep pad not only great for backcountry camping but is set to change lives around the world May 2016, Gear Review by Sierra REC Staff – Ok remember back to that first camping trip when mom and dad rolled out the egg crate mattress pad in the tent and you thought your world of camping … Read more
XShot Sport Delivers Sleek and Strong Extended Pole for GoPro and Phone Gear Review Sierra REC – The power of the action shot has transformed the media we consume and the expectations in which our devices work for us in capturing that one great image that will be shared or liked by all. So when I … Read more
Gear Review Sierra Rec, December 2015 – Are you part of that elite athlete crowd that looks at a 50-mile run and says let’s do it? Or Maybe your part of that “training to be elite” cycling group that is set to take on the Death Ride in High Sierra or just loves to feel … Read more
