SierraDescents | 2013
October 6, 2013
Sea-Level Acclimatization Strategies
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Californians overwhelmingly live at sea level, placing us at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to climbing mountains. The best and safest and most obvious way to acclimatize (more)
September 28, 2013
Backcountry Cooking: Chicken w/Broccoli
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To me, the ideal backcountry meal is not only tasty but also reasonably healthy, super-easy to prepare, easy to clean up afterward, and doesn't leave you with a lot of waste that (more)
September 26, 2013
Canyon With Kids, Reprised
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We made it out! I don't think I've ever been as anxious about a backpacking trip as this one, but when my brother invited me to join him on a 2-night trip with his family to (more)
September 24, 2013
Elevation
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Fall at last is here, and with it we have the newest Powderwhore film, "Elevation", in which brothers Noah and Jonah Howell continue their quirky but heartfelt mission to spread (more)
September 20, 2013
Sunset at Plateau Point
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From camp I looked at the sky and it didn't look too promising. My feet were sore, my back was sore. We'd already been out to Plateau Point that morning. I was happy to just (more)
September 6, 2013
The Well-Cooked Andy
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First of all, I apologize. I knew writing about our record-cool first two weeks of August was just asking for trouble, and I did it anyway, and of course mere days later Los (more)
August 29, 2013
Look Pivot
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Where Alpine equipment is concerned, I generally believe nearly all modern bindings are safe and effective. That said, there is still variation in performance and durability. (more)
August 19, 2013
A Very Cool August
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I do like to check in on the weather now and then for the archives, and 2103 has been an unusually cool August for us here in the Los Angeles basin. I can't find any hard sources (more)
August 16, 2013
House of Pain
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Olancha Peak has long commanded my attention. First of the Southern Sierra's big mountains, Olancha can be thought of as the range's regional ambassador. Drive Highway 395 north (more)
August 13, 2013
La Sportiva Xplorer Mid
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La Sportiva's lightweight Xplorer Mid is not at all the shoe I was expecting. In terms of weight, stiffness, and structure, the Xplorer is almost an anti-boot. The Xplorer Mid is (more)