Trail Tested Stories of the Sierra

Real Stories from the Sierra

Welcome to Trail Tested—your go-to destination for real-world hiking and backpacking experiences across the Sierra Nevada. This page brings together all our firsthand adventure stories, written after boots hit the dirt and gear is put to the test. From family day hikes and waterfall treks to multi-day backcountry loops, each post offers practical tips, scenic highlights, and honest gear insights from the trail. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just love reliving the adventure, this is where the Sierra Rec community shares what it truly feels like out there.

Trail Tested Stories

Cathedral Lakes Backpacking Guide: Upper vs Lower Lake Experience

Cathedral Lakes Trail Guide: Yosemite’s High Sierra Icon Cathedral Lakes is one of those hikes that almost everyone does in Yosemite High country—and almost everyone experiences differently. This is the hike that I recommend to friends that want to experience Yosemite, but might not want a full back country commitment. This was my first hike…
Winter Wanderings: Hiking the Sierra Canyon Trail in Genoa

As snowstorms swirled across the Sierra Nevada and the Lake Tahoe Basin last Saturday, I felt the familiar pull to lace up my boots and hit the trail. Staying close to home in the Carson Valley, my longtime hiking buddy, Tom, and I decided to explore the Sierra Canyon section of the Genoa Trail System.…
Celebrating the New Sawtooth Loop Trail in Truckee

Truckee Ca. – Last night, the Truckee Trails Association, alongside the Tahoe National Forest, held a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the Sawtooth Loop Trail in the Sawtooth Day Use Recreational Area. This trail is a winding single-track loop through a mix of high desert and Jeffrey Pine Forest. It gains…
Still Hiking in Sierra City

A day trip to Sierra City and the Wild Plum Loop trail experience December in the Sierra. As soon as you say it, you assume this article would be about incredible snow and winter recreation. However, over the past 10 years, there have been plenty of years where December has had plenty of dirt hiking…
New Carson Valley Appaloosa Trail adds 1.1 miles of Tree-lined Mountain Fun

The Carson Valley is my home base, but it is surprising how few times I have hiked one of its oldest trail segments in town, the Fay Luther trail network. That may speak more about the variety of excellent trails we have to choose from , but it could be that I am always so…
Experience the Alta Trail in Sequoia National Park

A Day Hike Experience in the Giant forest of Sequoia including the Largest Trees in the Park Sequoia National Park: Our first visit to Sequoia National Park was anything but ordinary. In the early summer of 2023, the Park only had one entry point from the Kings Canyon gates north of the Park, and the weather…
Sixty Eight Miles and Growing Trail Network in the Carson Valley

The Carson Valley Trail Association Announced the Completion of the New James Lee Park loop Minden Nevada – May 3, 2023 – This past week the Carson Valley Trail association had their annual members showcase meeting where they highlight the work completed in the past year, discuss the issues they currently face and provide a…
The Views from Koip Pass Ansel Adams Wilderness

Sierra Rec Magazine – August 29, 2022 – A couple of weeks ago, my friends and I embarked on a hiking adventure in the breathtaking Mono Pass regions. Little did we know that this journey would lead us to encounter the talented regional photographer, Michael Weindel, returning from his exploration of the magnificent Koip Pass.…
A Weekend of Discovery in The Blue Lakes Basin

I have hiked around the Blues Lakes region in Alpine County northwest of Raymond peak for a good part of 10 years. I love to spend the day or evening at Twin or Tamarack lake, which are seldom visited, versus the camping and use areas of Blue lakes. But until this last weekend, I had…

Field Tested Gear

Trail-Tested – The Sun Hoodie That Does It All

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…
Field Tested: Danner Boulder Ridge Pants

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…
Trusted on the Trail: Our New Affiliate Partnership with Gregory Packs

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…
Field Tested: Danner N45 Hiking Shoe

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…
Field Tested: Pelican Aegis 32″ Rolling Hybrid Duffel

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…
Field Tested: Pelican 8QT Personal Cooler

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…
Field Test: Exped MegaSleep Duo (20°F side) + Mega Pillow

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…
Field Tested: Nestout 5000mAh Power Bank + LAMP-1 Lantern Attachment

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…
Field Tested: Pelican Aegis SX3 Padded Sling

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…