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
Right-On-Trek Coconut Chicken Curry A Delightful Bite for Backpacking
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...
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...
A Winter Gear Bag Update: C2 Extreme Tights A New Required Element For Winter Adventures
Sierra Rec Magazine Publisher Discovers "New Favorite" In Adventure Gear Layer Product Review: C2 Extreme Tights Don't put away your winter gear just yet, in the Sierra. As the forecast for this week is calling for up to another 4 feet of snow in early April. But...
Screamin Energy ~ Just The Pick Me Up; I Needed On My Sierra Snowshoe Adventure
After Miles of Snowshoeing, A Quick Screamin Energy" Max Hit" Was In Order March 28, 2017 - Typically speaking I am an over packer. I always head to the trail with too many supplies for the day and more than enough layers. Which makes this product review unique for...
Product Review: FrostPak Coolpak From Seattle Sports Delivers in the Heat
Exclusive Sierra REC Magazine Product Review - Sept 28, 2016 - Ok who loves coming back from a long day hike to a cold beer or bottle of water? I know I do, so when given the opportunity to review the Seattle Sports Cool Pak, one of the products from its FrostPak™...
Gear Review Relief Bed – Changing lives around the world one great nights sleep at a time!
Revolutionary new sleep pad not only great for backcountry camping but is set to change lives around the world May 2016, Gear Review by Sierra REC Staff - Ok remember back to that first camping trip when mom and dad rolled out the egg crate mattress...
Gear Review: XShot Sport GoPro Pole
XShot Sport Delivers Sleek and Strong Extended Pole for GoPro and Phone Gear Review Sierra REC - The power of the action shot has transformed the media we consume and the expectations in which our devices work for us in capturing that one great image that will be...
New Fuel 100 Electro Bites Baked Treat A Unique Alternative for Endurance Training
Gear Review Sierra Rec, December 2015 - Are you part of that elite athlete crowd that looks at a 50-mile run and says let's do it? Or Maybe your part of that "training to be elite" cycling group that is set to take on the Death Ride in High Sierra or just loves to...
