Explore the best outdoor gear for hiking, camping, and adventure in the Sierra Nevada. From hands-on field-tested reviews to expert gear guides and the latest industry news, Sierra Rec Magazine helps you find the right equipment for your next trip. Stay informed with in-depth reviews, product comparisons, and new gear releases.
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
Looking for open spaces, fewer crowds, and a chance to truly disconnect this Labor Day? The Sierra Nevada holds more than 17,000 miles of free, legal, dispersed camping opportunities — and thanks to new tools from OnX Off-Road, finding your next hidden campsite just got a whole lot easier. Discovering the Sierra’s Wild Side In … Read more
A Delicious and Hearty Trail Dinner from Backpackers Pantry After years of taste-testing freeze-dried meals in the backcountry, I think I may have found the gold standard: Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai with Chicken. Simply put—it was the bomb. This meal hit all the right notes after a long day of backpacking in the Emigrant Wilderness. … Read more
The Sierra Nevada boasts some of the most spectacular trails in the US. It attracts hikers from around the world with its rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse landscapes. For women hikers, these trails can be both empowering and rewarding, but they also require thoughtful preparation to ensure safety and enjoyment. From unpredictable weather to … Read more
First Impressions When I set out this summer with the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L, my goal was simple: cut weight without sacrificing comfort. After logging over 70 miles of High Sierra trails, including a multi-day Yosemite trip to McCabe Lake and another 35+ hot miles in the Emigrant Wilderness (half of them off-trail), I’ve had … Read more
Coffee in the backcountry is more than a comfort—it’s a ritual. For years, I’ve carried a French press into the wilderness, chasing that perfect cup despite the hassle of cleanup and extra gear. But on my recent backpacking trip into the Emigrant Wilderness, I found something that just might replace it: Coulee Coffee’s EcoPour pod … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast | August 19, 2025| Episode 44 When it comes to outdoor adventures, sometimes it’s the gear that defines the experience. This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey sat down with Stuart Rudolph, co-founder of Travoca, to talk about how one brand is changing the way we think … Read more
Socks, Soles & Sierra Miles: Why Your Feet Deserve Better on the Trail by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Feature Writer From the dusty granite switchbacks of Sonora Pass to the cool, shaded creek beds below Castle Peak, your socks are the last line of defense between comfort and misery in the Sierra. We’ve … Read more
When you’re putting in the miles on a High Sierra trail, scrambling over granite ridges, or just kicking back by the lake at dusk, the last thing you want to think about is your feet. That’s where Merino wool steps in. Known for its unmatched comfort and performance, Merino wool socks have become a trusted … Read more
Socks are a dime a dozen, and every foot has its preferred fit and feel. But every now and then, you slip on a pair that feels near perfect—not just for lounging at home, but for those long days exploring Sierra trails. For me, that’s been the Farm to Feet Greensboro Light Cushion 1/4 Crew. … Read more
If you’ve hiked the Sierra on a warm summer day, you know how quickly your feet can overheat, leading to discomfort and fatigue. One sock we’ve recently put to the test on Sierra trails is the Paka Trail 3/4 Crew Sock, made with alpaca fiber for breathable, lightweight comfort. Founded in Peru, Paka’s mission goes … Read more
Durable, breathable, and ready for whatever your summer throws at you. When the Sierra sun starts blazing, your gear choices matter. Whether you’re exploring granite ridgelines, chasing alpine lakes, or relaxing at the trailhead brewery, you want clothes that move with you—and work as hard as you do. That’s where KÜHL’s Summer Collection comes in. … Read more
Capture the wild, win new gear, and celebrate the artistry of adventure July 27, 2025 – Sierra Rec Magazine – Hiking boots meet camera lenses this summer as Oboz Footwear and Flickr team up to launch a new global photo contest and immersive outdoor event to honor World Photography Day on August 19. For Sierra … Read more
Performance-Driven Sunwear Without the Weak Links By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff If you’ve spent any real time in the alpine, desert crags, or backcountry trails, you already know: traditional sunglasses are kind of a joke. Hinges break, sidearms snap, and if you’re sweating out a skin track or hanging halfway up a granite face, they’re … Read more
Field-Tested by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Overview Handcrafted Italian quality meets Sierra trail grit in the Zamberlan Devero Mid GTX, a Spring 2025 release that promises performance, sustainability, and long-haul comfort in a lightweight mid-height hiker. We tested these boots over four rugged days and nearly 30 miles of granite slab, dusty singletrack, … Read more
When it comes to hiking in the Sierra, comfortable, moisture-wicking socks can make or break your day. One brand we’ve used regularly on day hikes and Sierra wanderings is Minus33, a New Hampshire-based company with deep roots in wool craftsmanship and mountain-tested gear. While we use a variety of socks depending on the trail, weather, … Read more
Field Notes by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec MagazineTested during our Highland Lakes boondocking trip, June 2025 A Complete Sleep System for the Sierra This summer, we’re field-testing a full comfort-oriented sleep system from EXPED—a brand known for its rugged build quality and no-compromise camping gear. On our first outing to Highland Lakes, I put … Read more
(Family Features) Summer is the season of sun-kissed memories – backyard barbecues, sandy beaches, bike rides and late-night stargazing. However, the warmer months bring unique safety challenges that can catch active families off guard if they’re not prepared. From sunburns to scraped knees and dehydration to bug bites, summer’s surprises don’t have to slow you … Read more
Words & Photos by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Sponsored by Mountain House, EXPED, and Nestout Summer is finally here, and with it comes our favorite way to explore the Sierra: boondocking adventures that get us closer to trailheads, earlier on the trail, and deeper into the wild. This past weekend, we kicked off … Read more
An ultralight, trail-tested solution for simple, safe hydration in the Sierra. As someone who’s tested just about every popular backpacking water filter out there—from pump systems to the Sawyer Squeeze and Platypus QuickDraw—I can honestly say the LifeStraw Peak Series Solo impressed me for what it is: a minimalist’s dream for weight savings and ease … Read more
Small Footprint, Big Comfort: A Go-To Chair for Sierra Lake Days, Trail Breaks & Backyard Lounging In the Sierra, comfort and portability don’t always mix. That’s why the CLIQ Classic Chair stood out immediately in my car camping and lake day gear testing this spring. Designed to fold up to the size of a water … Read more
Your New Favorite Base Layer for Sierra Adventures When it comes to Merino wool base layers, I’ve had my fair share of frustrations—especially as someone with a larger frame. Too tight in the shoulders, too short in the torso, or scratchy after a long day on the trail. But the IBEX Goat Tee? It may … Read more
At Sierra Rec Magazine, we’re always on the lookout for brands that match the spirit of the Sierra — rugged, authentic, and built for adventure. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new affiliate partnership with KÜHL Clothing, a brand known for blending performance and style like no other. As temperatures rise and the trails, … Read more
AllTrails Peak Membership Launches June 11 Sierra Rec Magazine is excited to announce the arrival of AllTrails Peak, a new premium membership tier launching June 11 from the world’s most trusted outdoor trail platform. For Sierra Nevada adventurers, this means a new level of control and insight—both while planning your trip and once you’re on … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine Escape the crowds and experience one of the Eastern Sierra’s most rewarding early-season alpine hikes. Hiding just off Highway 108, Leavitt Lake is a rugged, high-elevation gem near the summit of Sonora Pass that offers solitude, snowmelt waterfalls, and glacier-fed beauty just as the Sierra awakens in late spring. … Read more
Helly Hansen’s Shine Solen Half-Zip proves its versatility in both high Sierra hikes and multi-day rafting trips. By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine In the high-elevation Sierra, sun exposure isn’t a summer nuisance—it’s a full-season challenge. And when you throw in wind, snowmelt, and rapidly changing spring weather, you need layers that can do … Read more
Built for granite scrambles and brewery patios—your spring-to-fall Sierra trail pant has arrived. Field Tested: Danner Boulder Ridge Pants In the past couple of years, I’ve moved almost exclusively to technical pants for the outdoors. With so many trail-to-town options on the market, it takes something special to stand out. The Danner Boulder Ridge Pants … Read more
At Sierra Rec Magazine, we believe in putting gear to the test—and when it earns our trust, we stick with it. For the past five years, Gregory backpacks have been our go-to on countless Sierra adventures, from multi-day treks in Yosemite to family hikes in Desolation Wilderness. So we’re thrilled to announce a brand-new affiliate … Read more
Stay safe outdoors with durable, versatile military surplus gear. Perfect for Sierra adventures, these survival essentials can handle any condition.
A sleek trail-to-town hiker that balances breathability, grip, and all-day comfort—with a few caveats for bigger adventurers. Testing a trail shoe for the Sierra is never just about hitting the high-elevation switchbacks. It’s about how that shoe performs across dusty desert paths, granite scrambles, riverside ambles, and yes—even how it looks when you walk into … Read more
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
By Charlie Pankey, Senior Gear Writer – Sierra Rec Magazine Since 1928, La Sportiva has approached gear not just with passion—but with what they call a Mountain Mentality. It’s a mindset shaped by the peaks themselves. It’s not just about making technical gear. It’s about honoring the experience of being in the mountains—devoted to every … 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
Launching May 1st, 2025, Paka introduces the Ultralight Coolplus® Crew — a high-performance summer layer that blends natural alpaca fiber with cutting-edge Coolplus® yarn technology for the most breathable, moisture-managing knitwear Paka has released to date. Built for life on the move, the Ultralight Coolplus® Crew is designed for those of us who shift from … Read more
Escapod TOPO2 MTB: The Ultimate Off-Road Basecamp for Sierra Adventures Imagine this: You’ve spent the day tearing through technical singletrack in the Crystal Basin, weaving between towering pines and granite slabs, pushing your bike to its limits on rugged, high-altitude trails. As you roll back to camp, the sun dips behind the mountains, your legs … 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
The great outdoors draws tourists with its promise of adventure, challenge, and connection with nature. Whether you’re hiking through rugged trails, camping under a starlit sky, or tackling a survival scenario, being prepared is key. Two essential tools that elevate your outdoor readiness are handmade custom knives and paracord beads. These items combine functionality, durability, … Read more