Backpacking Through Yosemite: How the Crazy Creek Chair Changed the Game

guy sitting in Crazy Creek hex chair reading map

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

Cooking in the Wild: The MSR Windburner’s Versatility and Efficiency

Guy by lake using MSR Windburner

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

Items To Pack in Your Adventure Travel First Aid Kit

Two people are holding hands and jumping into the air after reaching the top of a climb. They are wearing backpacks.

When you’re gearing up for an adventure in the Sierra Nevada, there’s one crucial thing you shouldn’t overlook—a well-prepared first aid kit. Whether you’re hiking through rugged mountains or exploring remote beaches, having the right medical supplies on hand can make all the difference. Let’s break down the essential items you need to pack for … Read more

Essential Upgrade: Prioritizing First-Aid on the Trail

first aid kit my medic

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

Sun, Sweat & Style: Adventures with the Astroman Air Hoodie

Women in snow. wearing pink OR Astroman Sunhoodie

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

Protecting Your Eyes on the Bright Granite of the Sierra

Ombraz summer sunglasses

The Sierra Nevada, with its towering granite peaks and crystal-clear lakes, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and anglers alike flock to the Sierra to experience its breathtaking beauty. But the beauty of the Sierra comes with a hidden danger: the sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays. Reflected off the bright granite … Read more

SCARPA 2024 Footwear: Unveiling New Adaptable Sole & Search-and-Rescue Tech

Female Backpacker

Discover SCARPA’s Latest Innovations in Trail Footwear, Leveraging 85 Years of Expertise Standing out in a category like hiking and mountain footwear where there’s clearly so much great product available means not just using the best materials, but looking at new technologies and complementary ways to combine them. The goal is to create something that’s … Read more

MSR Launches ParadigmTM Bindings on Explore Series snowshoes for Fall 2024

MSR Snowshoes

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 … Read more

New BAJIO Sunglasses cut through the Glare of Sierra Granite

Bajio sunglasses on Log by mountain lake

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

Osprey Packs Celebrates 50 Years of Adventure with Special Edition Pack Launch

osprey backpacker mountains

Own a piece of history with the new limited-release Arcane™ Large Day and Hikelike 26 packs CORTEZ, Colo. – October, 2023 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – For 50 years, Osprey Packs has been a leader in creating top-quality, high-performance innovative carry solutions for extensive outdoor activities, travel and everyday carry. The brand will mark its golden anniversary in 2024 by dropping … Read more

Osprey Packs Unveils Dynamic Performance and Sustainable Design in 2024 Technical Line

osprey packs

Pro-grade functionality, inclusive sizing and prestigious certified bluesign® Product designations honor a 50-year legacy in cutting-edge pack design CORTEZ, Colo./OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ –For 50 years, Osprey Pa cks has been a leader in creating top-quality, high-performance innovative carry solutions for extensive outdoor activities, including backpacking, hiking, biking and running. The brand will mark its golden anniversary in 2024 by … Read more

AllTrails+ Unveils New National Parks Guides

all trail app on phone ladies hand

AllTrails Unveils New Updates Now offering 200 National Park Guides Gear – August 30, 2023 – AllTrails, the definitive digital trail app, announced a portfolio of new product features, adding new ways to inspire people to get outside, and making it easier than ever to explore the outdoors. With its more than 400,000 trails around … Read more

The First Integrated Hiking & Nature App Ready for Summer

Poster of Naturalist app

With super detailed maps, local plants and animals, and tools to start building your own atlas of nature, the new Natural Atlas is a great way to reconnect with nature this summer. PORTLAND, OR – May 31, 2023 – Natural Atlas , a pioneer in online topo maps since 2015, last summer launch of its … Read more

Ombraz Sunglasses Plants 1 Million Trees

tree grove ocean

This Earth Day, Ombraz Sunglasses, the Armless Sunglass vanguard , passed a major milestone. In its mission to deliver a net positive impact for the planet, Ombraz, along with its tree planting partner, Eden Reforestation Projects, planted its one-millionth tree. Since launching on Indiegogo in 2018, the brand promised to plant 20 mangrove trees per … Read more

Duck Camp Launches Women’s Outdoor Apparel Collection

Women fishing closeup real and shirt

Duck Camp, the Austin, Texas-based apparel brand rooted in the hunting and fishing community, is pleased to announce the launch of its new women’s apparel collection . Focused on comfort, fit and a timeless aesthetic for outdoor pursuits, Duck Camp’s women’s Spring collection launches today and will be followed by more technical hunting products in Fall … Read more

Shed a Pound On Your Next Pack Trip

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

Rise Protein Bars Launches New Chocolate Hazelnut Flavor

The leader in highest quality protein bars continues to advance flavor profiles for hikers Gear Introductions – July 27, 2022 – The first Rise Bar was very simple in nature. It consisted of almonds, honey and whey. That’s right — only three ingredients. the core success of Rise Bars has always been great tasting, minimal … Read more

Right-On-Trek Coconut Chicken Curry A Delightful Bite for Backpacking

Hero image right on trek

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

Arcade Belt Co. Announces Shift to REPREVE® Recycled Polyester

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 … Read more

Ombraz Adds Two New Styles to its Collection of Armless Sunglasses

Ombraz summer sunglasses

Bellevue, WA – June 15, 2022/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Ombraz Sunglasses , the armless sunglass vanguard, are back at it again with two new styles: the Teton and the Viale. After two years of dialing in design subtleties to enhance comfort and functionality, Ombraz is doubling down on their quest to buck the sidearm trend. Stylish, ultra-comfortable, and … Read more

Bear Vault Introduces New Backpacking Sizes

Introducing the all-new BV475-Trek & BV425-Sprint Sierra Rec Magazine – Gear – June 13, 2022 – Bear Vault this month launched a new series of backpacking canisters to fit any trip. I for one am excited for the new options as most my trips at the two night variety and my current large canister is … Read more

Osprey Introduces Two New Premium Packs in the Lightweight Backpacking Category

Atmos/Aura AG LT and Exos/Eja Pro feature advanced recycled fabrics and streamlined feature sets in addition to industry-leading technology that delivers lightweight, ventilated comfort mile after mile. Cortez, Colo. – June 8, 2022 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Osprey , a Helen of Troy brand and a leader in creating top-quality, high-performance, innovative carry solutions, is dropping weight to … Read more

Gear Review: ThinkTank Retrospective 75 Travel Bag

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

Sawyer Products Launches Personal Water Filtration Bottle

The Industry Leader in Water Filtration Delivers its Most Portable, Convenient Solution To-Date SAFETY HARBOR, FL – April 21, 2022/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Sawyer , the leader in technologically advanced outdoor solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water & injuries–everything from topical insect repellents to the top-of-the-line water filters, officially launches the Sawyer Bottle Water Filtration System. Now available … Read more

Inspired By Dog and Human Connections Outdoors

Ruffwear Launches New 2022 Spring Collection BEND, OR (April 11, 2022) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Ruffwear , the leading manufacturer of performance dog gear built to inspire dog and human connections outdoors, is excited to launch two new collections for Spring 2022. The Camp & Hike and Backpacking Collections offer gear that provides durability for camp life and … Read more

Performance Gear For the Backcountry

Outdoor Vitals’ Spring/Summer 2022 Line Highlights the Brand’s Commitment to Designing Performance Gear for the Backcountry CEDAR CITY, Utah (April 07, 2022)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Outdoor Vitals, the Utah-based performance outdoor apparel and gear brand, today announced its new product releases for Spring/Summer 2022. Outdoor Vitals is a direct-to-consumer company selling sleep systems, apparel, packs, and more, … Read more

Earth-Friendly Gear for Outdoor Enthusiasts

(StatePoint) – March 26, 2022 – Gear- Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Read labels carefully while you shop for gear. While they’ve been around for decades, more consumers are becoming aware of a toxic class of chemicals called perfluorinated chemicals, often referred to as PFAS or PFCs. Because PFCs are good at resisting oil, stains, … Read more

The Future of Osprey Backpacks is Here

Thru hikers, Guides and Gear Nerds Rejoice As The New Osprey UNLTD Backpack Series Launches As The Crown Jewel in Backpacks Sierra Rec Magazine – Gear Intro – March 2022 – Long known for its quality and standards in the backpack community. The future of Osprey backpacks is here. After nearly 50 years of innovations, Osprey … Read more

Epic Water Filters

The End to Water Bottle Pollution Epic Water Filters was founded by Ash Heather in April 2015. Having just moved to the US from Asia and witnessing first hand plastic bottle pollution on the beaches and in the rivers that got him thinking — there had to be a solution to this environmental time bomb. … Read more

Aventon Launches Foldable Sinch Step-Through Electric Bike

Aventon Stich Foldable EBike Road Shot

Step-through and step up your ride Sierra Rec Magazine – February 18, 2022 – Foldable, portable, storable, powerful, comfortable, and always ready for the next adventure, Aventon’s Sinch Step-Through electric bike is the epitome of versatility meeting ruggedness. Its compact foldable design will fit in a closet and under a desk, meaning it’s almost infinitely … Read more