Tag Archives: backpacking

The Sleeping Bag

Posted on by

Mountain Hardware +20 for
under $90 as of 4/3/2013

Of all your new Scout’s backpacking equipment, the sleeping bag will be one of the most important investments. Do your research and shop around online for deals. I suggest the following minimum criteria when looking:

  • Synthetic
  • +20°
  • 3 lbs max total weigh (Not fill weight)

I have found the 20° to be the best all-season rating for Troop 4 base camp outings. I personally own a +20° synthetic bag for base camping.

My preference for backpacking, however, is a goose down 800-fill bag due to its ability to compact down to nearly the size of a Nalgene bottle and it’s weight of 19oz. Down bags come with a higher price tag but they ultimately cost less due to the fact they wear much longer than synthetic.

Exploring The San Gabriels

Posted on by

West Fork area

Every trip seems to have a theme that we remember it by. Sometimes it’s excessive rain. Maybe mosquitoes, unexpected snow, or when solo, a song that won’t leave your head.

I think this trip will be remembered as the “weekend of exploration.” We didn’t blaze new trails or go where no shoe has seen before, rather, we Continue reading →

Avoid The Crowd — Go Stealth

Posted on by
FUJI-Zion-BP-21

One of my “stealth camps”

Fortunately, I live 5 minutes from mountain trails that lead hikers from desert-like chaparral to cool, riparian canyons, streams, rich wildlife and… lots of people. Hey, it’s LA after all

The farther I hike into the hills, the thinner the crowds. Most of the local backpacking camps are about 3 miles in from the trailhead. By Friday night, most camps are full; on Saturdays, finding an actual campsite (picnic table, fire ring and tidy, tent-size dirt lot), is nearly impossible, especially during warmer months.

One way I beat the crowds, tent cities

Continue reading →

How To Make a Freezer Bag Cozy

Posted on by
FreezerBagCozy

Step-by-step video on how to make a cozy

If you are an ultralight backpacker, you probably already know the benefits of freezer bag cooking. For those looking for ways to save weight and simplify your back country meals, you may want to consider freezer bag cooking and making your own freezer bag cozy.

In this video, I show you step-by-step instructions on how to Continue reading →

Mt. Zion Loop Backpack — 11 Miles

Posted on by

May 10-11, 2013

Ten Scouts from Troop 4 pose before completing the Mt. Zion Loop. Click here for all images.

Within minutes after my trailhead briefing, the boys were on their way down the trail. Out of the ten Scouts, the average base weight weighed in at 14 pounds, with some tipping 18 lbs and one a little over 10 lbs. It’s satisfying to watch boys hike unencumbered by heavy packs, practically jogging up the trail. From my experience in lightweight backpacking with Scouts, Continue reading →

Teaching Boys To Fish

Posted on by
daily-photo-la-Grub-master-3

Evan, a Scout, volunteered to be the Grub Master. He did extremely well and should be proud.

One of the more tedious jobs of preparing for a group backpack trip of 16  is meal planning and preparation. It takes a lot of thought, planning and staging to prepare for even a weekend.

Due to time, Amber and I usually do all the work. This time, I asked for a volunteer and one of our scouts raised his hand. Continue reading →