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This is the time of year when Yosemite Valley’s world-famous waterfalls are roaring with spring snowmelt. Experience it vicariously through this video of dayhiking to Upper Yosemite Falls and on the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Read my story about this trip, including a gallery of photos and tips on how to plan this adventure.
Gear Review Update: Ribz Front Pack
Ribz Front Pack
Pack
Ribz Front Pack
$60, 12.5 oz. (small)
Sizes: Small (fits waists 26-36 inches), regular (fits waists 32-46 inches)
ribzwear.com
The Ribz Front Pack won me over when I first started hiking with it more than a year ago because it keeps my DSLR, a second lens, and assorted smaller items in a readily accessible place: right in front of me. So it has replaced a bulky camera chest pack I had worn for years because it’s comfortable and holds more while being less obtrusive. I’ve carried the Front Pack on virtually every backpacking trip since. Now the newly updated version sports subtle but laudable design changes that actually improve upon a piece of gear that I considered nearly perfect before. Continue reading →
June 11, 2013
Ask Me: Advice on Backpacking in Grand Teton National Park
Michael,
Do you think Paintbrush Divide would be passable in late June… around June 23rd? Would snow equipment like crampons or ice axes be required?
Vince (submitted as a comment on the story at thebigoutside.com/american-classic-the-teton-crest-trail)
Vince,
I would expect snow at Paintbrush Divide into early July, unless there’s an unusually low snowpack and warm temps right before your trip. It may still be passable, depending on how firmly frozen the snow is and whether there’s a cornice at the pass. Continue reading →
Gear Review: Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
Lightweight Boots
Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
$170, 2 lbs. (men’s US 9/Euro 43)
Sizes: US men’s 8-12, 13, 14, women’s 6-11
zamberlanusa.com
Having hiked and backpacked all over America and the world, I’m convinced few places test a pair of boots—especially lightweight boots—like New Hampshire’s White Mountains. So to put these new mid-cuts through the ringer, I wore them on a recent 25-mile, overnight hut trip from Crawford Notch to Franconia Notch in the Whites—including one of the most rugged sections of the Appalachian Trail. And the Crosser Plus impressed me as highly supportive and tough for its weight. Continue reading →
Featured Photo Gallery: Dayhiking the Columbia Gorge
If you’re a fan of waterfalls and wildflowers, you can hardly find a better place for seeing both than dayhiking the Columbia River Gorge. Check out the gallery of photos (below) from Dog Mountain, Oneonta Gorge and Triple Falls, and the Eagle Creek Trail. Then read my story, which includes a video and tips on pulling off this trip yourself or with your family.