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.
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
A Saturday Escape Down 395 It’s been a long month here at Sierra Rec Magazine, but as the weekend arrived and we wrapped up the Spring issue, that familiar urge to get outside and see something new took over. After all the editing, reviewing, and planning, it was time to fill our own cup with … Read more
Redefine Lightweight Warmth for Spring 2025 By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine If your spring and summer adventures are calling you into high alpine terrain—or simply far from the beaten path—you’re going to want to travel lighter and sleep warmer. And this season, Mountain Equipment, the long-respected British brand born from the passion of … 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
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine There’s a reason backpackers sometimes refer to late June in the Sierra as “Mosquito Season.” There’s a special kind of serenity that comes with standing lakeside in the alpine hush—places like May Lake in Yosemite, Grass Lake in Desolation Wilderness, or Long Lake in the Hoover. But if you’ve … Read more
No More disgusting Camping Knots or Gear Tie Down Failures Hey Sierra Rec crew! I just got back from the OMA show in Denver, and let me tell you, I’m still buzzing from the experience. One of the highlights? I had the absolute privilege of meeting the mastermind behind Nite Ize—yep, the owner and designer … Read more
For outdoor enthusiasts who love to venture beyond traditional campgrounds, finding the perfect balance between rugged adventure and a good night’s sleep is often the biggest challenge. This summer, Sierra Rec Magazine is excited to partner with Exped, a leader in innovative sleep systems, to put their newest camping gear to the ultimate test in … 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
Rooted in Sierra adventure culture, Mountain Hardwear has built its reputation on high-performance outdoor apparel engineered for some of the harshest environments. Their Spring 2025 collection showcases a commitment to sun protection, endurance-focused gear, and athlete-driven innovation, making it an exciting release for Sierra explorers gearing up for long days under the sun and on … Read more
For nearly a century, Danner has been crafting high-performance boots built for the toughest conditions, from the deep forests of the Pacific Northwest to high alpine trails across the Sierra. Their Spring 2025 lineup pushes the boundaries of breathable hiking footwear, work boot innovation, and functional outdoor apparel, making it one of their most exciting … Read more
Outdoor footwear giant Teva is back with a fresh lineup for Spring-Summer 2025, packed with trail, water, and camp-ready designs to inspire more outdoor adventures. With a focus on performance, sustainability, and comfort, Teva’s latest collection is designed to keep up with every step, from rugged backcountry hikes to lakeside lounging. We were able to … 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
If you’ve ever hiked deep into the Sierra backcountry, paddled across an alpine lake, or just spent a weekend camping under the towering Jeffrey pines, you know that comfort isn’t always guaranteed. Enter Crazy Creek, the pioneers of portable outdoor seating, who just launched two new products designed to bring next-level relaxation to the wild: … Read more
A Special Offer Get $1,300 Off by mentioning this article The Puckipuppy GoldenR dual motor electric bike is redefining cycling adventures with unmatched power, durability, and versatility. As a top choice for cyclists and enthusiasts, this innovative dual motor ebike delivers exceptional performance for both urban commutes and off-road challenges. With a limited-time $1,300 discount, … Read more
For weekend escapes to the Sierra Nevada—from the rugged landscapes of the Eastern Sierra to the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe—durable travel gear isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. As someone who’s spent countless weekends safeguarding precious cameras, drones, laptops, and other essential equipment on adventure trips, I was eager to see how Pelican … Read more
Innovo GTX LO is Lightweight, Rugged, and Ready for Spring Trails When it comes to finding the right hiking shoe for spring adventures, waterproofing, durability, and comfort are always top priorities. At OMA 2025, I had the chance to check out LOWA’s latest lineup, including the new Innovo GTX LO, and it immediately caught my … Read more
First Look: La Sportiva Expands Ski Boot Lineup with the Kilo XTR & Sender for Fall 2025 La Sportiva, a brand long recognized for its high-performance mountain gear, just unveiled two new ski boots set to hit the market in Fall 2025: the Kilo XTR and the Sender. These boots are designed for backcountry skiers … Read more
Well, folks, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my dreams of free soloing El Capitan have officially been crushed—by my own grip strength. Royal Robbins had a fun little “hang challenge” at their booth, where you test how long you can hold onto the Finger grips on a large wooden cross … 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
Plan your next overlanding trip with an essential supply guide. From navigation to camping gear, pack the tools you need for a safe and thrilling adventure.
Lift Foils Unveils New LIFT5 and LIFTX February 4, 2025 – Lift Foils, the global leader in eFoil and surf foil technology, is making waves in the Sierra Nevada with the launch of its most advanced products yet: the LIFT5 and LIFTX eFoils. These next-generation models are designed to revolutionize the foiling experience, blending cutting-edge … Read more
New style brings unparalleled visual clarity and performance from sea to summit Bellevue, WA – February 4, 2025 – Ombraz, the award-winning pioneer behind armless sunglasses, announces the launch of their Limited Edition Leggero with Polarized Blue Mirror Optics. Driven by customer feedback and the growing popularity of armless sunglasses for water and alpine adventures, … Read more
Lessons Form the Trail – A Tale by James Mckew With the legs of a pack mule and the brain of an ant, I marched boldly into the wild Sierra. I had convinced myself that a trip into the backcountry to photograph “nature” was a good idea. I was at the time, an aspiring photographer: … Read more
Elevate Your Outdoor Adventures: AllTrails’ New Off-Trail Alerts and Apple Watch Updates – A Perfect Gift for Tech-Savvy Trailblazers The holiday season is here, and if you’re looking for the ultimate gift for the adventurer in your life, AllTrails has just the thing. Their recent updates to the AllTrails Apple Watch app make outdoor exploration … Read more
Explore the Sierra Like Never Before: AllTrails’ Offline National Park Guides – The Perfect Holiday Gift The Sierra Nevada is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world—Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, and even the rugged beauty of Death Valley. Each offers unique experiences and miles of trails to explore. … Read more
Elevate Your Ride: Cardiff’s 2024 Lineup As someone who spends a lot of time talking with snowboarders and splitboarders who love carving up the Sierra backcountry and hitting the mountain resorts, I’m always on the lookout for brands that resonate with the needs of serious riders. When I got the chance to meet with the … Read more
When it comes to hitting the backcountry bowls or cutting fresh lines through deep tree runs, having the right pair of skis can make all the difference. And for this winter season, one ski has stolen the spotlight for powder lovers across the Sierra Nevada: the Rossignol Sender Free 110 Skis 2025. Freshly recognized by … Read more
Exploring the Sierra Nevada is a magical experience for families, with countless trails, shimmering lakes, and sweeping mountain views waiting to be discovered. But whether you’re setting out for a sunny day hike near Lake Tahoe, an overnight camping adventure in Yosemite, or an impromptu picnic by a mountain stream, one thing is certain: staying … Read more
October 29, 2024 – Introducing AirNEST: The Ultimate Inflatable Shelter for Family-Friendly Camping Adventures in the Sierra Nevada When it comes to camping in the Sierra Nevada, simplicity and comfort can make all the difference—especially when exploring with family. Enter the AirNEST, a brand-new rapid-inflation shelter designed to make camping easier and more enjoyable for … 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
For anyone who loves outdoor adventure, Ombraz sunglasses are already known for their armless, screw-free design that eliminates the frustrations of slipping frames and broken sidearms. This holiday season, Ombraz is stepping up their game with the Limited-Edition Leggero featuring Blue Mirrored Zeiss Optics, making them the perfect gift for adventurers, especially those who spend … Read more
As temperatures in the Sierra drop, staying warm and comfortable becomes essential for outdoor exploration. I was probably the last in my social group to finally gravitate to the winter puffer for my recreation outings and overall general jacket comfort here in the Eastern Sierra. That being said, i now enjoy a variety of Puffer … Read more
Bourbon, Bonfires & Browned Butter Bourbon Cookies Let me tell you something about fall camping in the Sierra: it’s not just a seasonal tradition—it’s a downright ritual for those in the know. The air’s a little crisper, the nights are longer, and the crowds? Well, they’ve mostly packed up and gone home. What’s left is … Read more
Timing is everything in life. In the world of e-bikes the news this week that Tahoe National Forest and the Tahoe basin is opening up over 100 miles of trails for Class 1 e-bikes, giving riders even more ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake Tahoe region. With new trail networks like the … 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
Gear Review: – NEMO’s Endless Promise® Down Sleeping Bag Collection—A Green Choice for Sierra Nevada Backpackers , selecting the right gear means more than just comfort—it’s about being responsible stewards of the land they love. NEMO’s Endless Promise® Down Sleeping Bag Collection, recently honored with the Green GOOD DESIGN® Award, offers not only exceptional performance … 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
Intelligent, patented 3-in-1 design ensures maximum comfort wherever your adventures take you. SEATTLE (August 8, 2024)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – HEST, the brand known for its premium, portable outdoor and travel sleep solutions, is excited to announce its latest product launch: the innovative Pro Travel Pillow. Officially patented and designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers, this intelligently-designed … Read more
Camping is more than a tent and a good sleeping bag. We’re discussing several must-have accessories for camping that will take the experience to the next level.