Off Roading

5 Essential ATV Upgrades for Riding in Muddy Conditions

Stock machines struggle when the trails get sloppy. See which modifications turn your quad into a mud-dominating beast before your next trip.

By Casey Cartwright

Gear Guides & Industry News

Incredible Advantages of Having a Pet Seat Cover

Protect your car with pet seat covers! Enjoy adventures with your furry friend while maintaining your vehicle's condition, comfort, and value.

By Casey Cartwright

Hiking/Backpacking

Training for the Sierra After 40: The Shift That Keeps You Out There Longer

By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine A funny thing happens somewhere in your late 30s and early 40s: you realize you don’t just want a strong season — you want strong decades. The Sierra has a way of making that lesson crystal clear. It’s not the uphill that gets most of us. It’s the long [...]

By Charlie Pankey

Hiking/Backpacking

THE SIERRA YEAR STARTS IN WINTER

Plan by region, plan backwards, and build a summer you don’t waste January and February are when my Sierra year actually begins. Not because summer is close—it isn’t. Not because the snow is gone—it’s not. But because this is the quiet season when the maps come out, the imagination wakes up, and the right kind [...]

By Charlie Pankey

Hiking/Backpacking

BEFORE THE TRAILHEAD

How Great Sierra Seasons Begin I used to hear the phrase “conquering the Sierra” a lot.Ten or twelve years ago, it felt like the right language. Bold. Ambitious. A way to measure progress by distance, elevation, and the number of new places stacked into a single season. I chased it hard. New lakes every weekend. [...]

By Charlie Pankey

Camping

Truck Camping Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

As truck camping grows in popularity, the number of newcomers is slowly increasing. So here are some helpful tips that many people wish they had known sooner.

By Casey Cartwright

Camping

Protecting Camping Gear From Moisture and Pests

Moisture and pests can quietly and quickly ruin camping gear. Discover smart storage habits that keep tents, bags, and packs clean, dry, and trip-ready.

By Casey Cartwright

Destinations

Popular Motorcycle Routes in the Sierra Nevada

Experience the best motorcycle routes in the Sierra Nevada. From alpine passes to sweeping highways, these rides combine adventure with incredible scenery.

By Casey Cartwright

Backcountry Skiing

Trans-Sierra ski trek: “The Mountains Let Us Through”

Setting out under heavy packs, we knew the day ahead would test our strength. Sixteen miles separated us from the ski hut in Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows. Starting at dawn, we hiked an hour to reach the snowline around 8,500 feet. From here, we expected difficult trailbreaking to last the rest of the day. But to [...]

By Matt Johanson

Lifestyle

What To Know Before Building a Cabin in the Sierra

Planning a Sierra cabin? From snow loads to permits, learn what you need to consider before building your dream alpine retreat in this guide.

By Casey Cartwright