SierraDescents | 2008
September 19, 2008
What Lies Beneath
One of the things I didn't mention about my recent Pacific Crest Trail hike was that I froze my butt off at night. At first, I was convinced the problem was the sleeping bag I'd (more)
September 15, 2008
MSR Hyperflow
With its various parts and configurations, MSR's Hyperflow Microfilter weighs between roughly 7.6 and 9.9 ounces total. Go with the higher number—leaving parts at home (such as (more)
September 14, 2008
PCT: Onion Valley to Cottonwood Pass
Horseshoe Meadow, California — I take one last look inside my car, checking to be sure nothing will appeal to the bears, and then I lock the doors. It feels kind of spooky as (more)
September 5, 2008
God, I Love the Smell of HDPE in the Morning…
Among the more esoteric search topics that bring visitors to SierraDescents is the question of the scent of HDPE water bottles. Do HDPE water bottles really smell bad, people (more)
September 4, 2008
Jetboil PCS
Rarely does gear prove to be such a complete home run as Jetboil's Personal Cooking System (PCS) canister stove. The only conceivable knock on the Jetboil is its (more)
August 7, 2008
Dept. of Propaganda: BPA Facts.org
Perhaps by now you've heard the radio spot on KFI AM 640: A concerned female voice warns consumers: 'Soon, many common everyday products could disappear from grocery store (more)
August 5, 2008
LA Climber Among K2 Survivors
On August 1, 2008, Hermosa Beach climber Nicholas Rice awoke after a freezing night at Camp IV and made his way to just below the "Bottleneck". Rice, 23, was attempting to climb (more)
July 29, 2008
North Peak…Skiing…July?
I was browsing the message boards at thebackcountry.net when I happened to see a new "North Peak" post. I clicked on it, thinking someone had posted a climbing trip report (North (more)
July 19, 2008
The Wall-e Review
I envy those who went to see Wall-e without knowing anything in advance about the film. By now, word has spread about Disney/Pixar's new animated picture. You've probably heard (more)
July 18, 2008
Vasque Breeze GTX
At two pounds, nine ounces per pair, the Vasque Breeze GTX qualifies as a light hiking boot—but don't think that means they're not durable. This is the boot I used to hike and (more)
