Outdoors Los Angeles

GEAR REVIEW - Bemco® Backpacker's Oven Review

2011-05-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

GEAR REVIEW - BEMCO® BACKPACKER'S OVEN

Overall Rating: ∑ ∑ ∑ ∑ ∑ (out of 5)	Price Paid: $54.90* + 12.00 shipping
Positives: opens up your menu	Purchased from: http://backpackeroven.com/
Negatives: added weight
Weight: 24.6 oz (oven only)	Bottom Line: Recommend

* for deluxe 7inch oven kit with 6" shallow, 6" deep pans, gripper and ditty bag.
I recently had the pleasure of putting this little backpacking oven through its paces on an overnight car camp and then dayhike in Angeles National Forest. I first heard about this little oven from fellow members of the Los Angeles Backpacker's Meetup group of which I am an assistant organizer.

The oven folded up for transport.

The ingenious little folding oven works with most existing stoves** and includes a thermometer, straps and a baking guide. The oven itself is fairly easy to setup, although I would probably make sure you can set it up and break it down at home before bringing it out into the field.Essentially its a metal box that sits atop your stove which heats up a diffuser plate resulting in a warm oven.
** certain canister stoves require a modified Brunton Can Stand in order to use the Backpacker's oven. Also it is not for use with the Jetboil PCS or any other stove that has plastic near the flame source.


Popping its cherry with a chicken enchilada

I first put it through its paces while camping out overnight at the base of a trailhead. I used it to make a delicious and easy to make chicken enchiladas;the recipe was included in the baking guide that comes free with all ovens.

Next I folded it up and popped it into its ditty bag, along with all the ingredients to make a personal pan pizza and set out on the trail to the bridge to nowhere with some hiking buddies. It is small enough that it fit in my daypack along with plenty of space for all the other necessities. We hiked the moderate 5 miles, navigating our way through numerous river crossings.

letting pizza dough rise

When we made it to the famous bridge to nowhere it was time for me to cook while the others went further up the trailhead. I used the baking guide recipe for a personal pan pizza. The only tough part was the dough although I eventually managed to get it into a ball and let it rise slightly while the oven was pre-heating.

As you can see below the results were fairly spectacular. And boy did it taste delicious. The hot steamy pizza was so welcomed on an otherwise cloudy and slightly chilly spring day.

cooking personal pan pizza

As far as I am concerned this little oven is a game changer in the world of trail food. I no longer intend to be limited to meals I can dehydrate or whose principal ingredient is boiled water. Its small enough that you could assign it to one member to carry on a long trip and also for solo weekender trips. Since it uses your existing stove its pretty easy to bring along.

If you're going to purchase the oven I would definitely recommend getting one of the kits which include the gripper as the pans and oven get very hot during use!! Its also helpful to have a bandanna with you to serve as a substitute oven mit.

a delicious personal pan pizza

For the price this little oven is amazing and certainly well worth it. My only regret is not purchasing additional 6" inch pans to be able to make two pizzas at a time or two enchiladas at a time since the shipping was $12.00 and it wouldn't have cost more. I also would like to see a miniature muffin baking pan that would fit this oven. I may have to jury rig one by cutting a larger mini muffin pan down.

Gear Review - Katadyn Base Camp Filter

2011-05-16T09:19:00.001-07:00

GEAR REVIEW - KATADYN BASE CAMP FILTER

Overall Rating: ∑ ∑ ∑ ∑ (out of 5)	Price Paid: $55.96
Positives: Good Filtration, little work	Purchased from: www.campsaver.com
Negatives: a tad bulky
Weight: 13 oz	Bottom Line: Recommend

Used this water filter for a 5 day / 4 night Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking trip in Kings Canyon National Park. It was very nice to let gravity do all the work. Its pretty easy to fill at least it was in a place with flowing streams. It has an opening like the old dry bags of old used for river rafting.

I agree it would be hard in spots with very low or mucky water. In that case you would want another container to first let sediment sink to the bottom.

The flow rate isn't as fast as say the katadyn hiker pro ™ but since you aren't doing any work for it its not that big a deal. My friend had a 96 ounce nalgene cantene that we would fill ( it would take about 20 minutes or so I would say). The filter is the same as used in the hiker pro which is a plus for those who already own the one. I don't see why if you used gloves that you couldn't use one filter for both ( although obviously one at a time).

I kind of wish that this filter had the bottle adapter that the hiker/ hiker pro™ comes with. Sometimes its hard to find flat ground under a tree.

I suppose quickconnect fittings would be nice but not really necessary as by definition almost any time you take this filter out you are stopped for a while and it shouldn't be that big a deal to get your reservoir out. But there is no real reason why one couldn't. I am going to look for a real cheap used hiker / hiker pro just to use the bottle adapter with this base camp filter.

2011 FREE NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE

2011-01-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

FREE NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE DATES 2011

America's best idea (the national parks) just got even better. The National Park Service has announced this years free entrance dates to all National Parks.

Mark your calendar for the following free entrance dates in 2011:

January 15-17 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday weekend)
April 16-24 (National Park Week)
June 21 (First day of summer)
September 24 (Public Lands Day)
November 11-13 (Veterans Day weekend)

GEAR REVIEW - REI Compression Sack - 16 Liters

2010-11-19T10:50:00.001-08:00

GEAR REVIEW - REI 16 Liter Lightweight Compression Sack

This REI 16L Lightweight compression sack compacts your sleeping bag, insulated jacket or other gear to take up a minimum amount of space in your pack.

Big Disappointment :)

Overall Rating: ∑	Price Paid: $22.50
Positives: Lightweight	Retailer purchased from: REI
Negatives: Difficult to Use, Not Durable
Weight: 3.2 ounces	Bottom Line: Don’t Recommend

We at Outdoors Los Angeles have always had good experiences in the past with REI branded products. We are particular fans of their Half Dome tents and MTS thermal underwear. But in this case the lack of quality surprised us. The REI item failed on us during only its second use. We tested it out last weekend and had no problems getting a synthetic sleeping bag into it and well compressed on its first use while packing for a weekend adventure. We were so excited that it let the sleeping bag fit comfortably in our backpack's bottom for a change. All seemed wonderful as the price appeared to offer a tremendous value over the other brands REI carries for compression sacks.

But alas, our initial impressions were shattered when on Sundaym after two nights spent at camp, when we went to re-stuff it the seams tore without much compression at all. We had made efforts to be extremely careful, compressing only about an inch at a time rotating around the four different compression straps. The seams ripped apart in two spots. And although it still technically worked we lost confidence in continuing to use it as we felt the compression segment might fail at any moment especially when trying to compress again.

We were of course extremely grateful for REI's wonderful return policy for its members and promptly returned it. The clerk stated that we probably needed a bigger one. However, we had relied on the packaging that had said that this size was ideal for a synthetic bag and the The North Face cats meow we tested it on should have easily fit the description. Perhaps we needed to go up one size but then I am not sure how much more compressed the bag actually would have been over its stock The North Face stuff sack.

This compression sack just doesn't meet up to the usual high quality standards of REI products.

Los Angeles Outdoor Events Nov 19-21

2010-11-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Outdoors Events and Happenings:

A quick preview of some events and happenings this weekend that LAoutdoorsers might want to be aware of:

Saturday November 20th, 2010

Heal the Bay November Beach Cleanup at Playa Del Rey Join Heal the Bay for its monthly beach cleanup. Meet like minded singles while cleaning up a beach. No preregistration necessary but they ask that if you bring a group of 10 or more that you preregister. See the website.

10:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m.m Free, TOES Beach 6200 Pacific Avenue, Playa del Rey, CA 90293 (map)

Free Archery Class at Cheviot Hills Archery Range in Rancho Park This is a reoccurring event held every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and on the second Sunday of the Month. After taking part in this free class, students shoot for a short period. Then they can shoot for free with free equipment during open shoot times.

11:00a.m. - 1:30p.m. Free, Rancho Park Archery Range , 2459 Motor Ave. Los Angeles, CA, CA 90064 (map)

5th Annual Great Los Angeles Walk from Downtown to Santa Monica
This should be on every Angeleno’s bucket list as it’s one of the best ways to enjoy our city. This year’s Walk returns to Wilshire Boulevard, starting off at Pershing Square downtown and ending in Santa Monica — that’s 15.6 miles. The afterparty will be at Border Grill in Santa Monica. Email greatlawalk [at] mail.com to participate.

10am-6pm. Free. Start point: Pershing Square in Downtown (map).

Inaugural Harvest Beer Fest at the Echoplex in Silver Lake
This boozy charity event will benefit 826LA and feature over 50 West Coast and national beers, unlimited sample pours, food trucks and live music by local bands like Vaud & the Villains and Last Round Down.

12-7pm. $30. Echoplex and the Echo, 1154 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

LA Derby Dolls 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off in Downtown
It’s supposed to rain this weekend and what better way to keep warm than lots and lots of chili? For just $10 you get all the chili you can eat OR if you’re more the competitive type, you can enter your famous chili recipe for judgment for $20. All proceeds go to benefit the LA Derby Dolls travel team. To compete email bongjovi420 [at] gmail.com.

3-6pm. $10-$20. La Cita, 336 S. Hill Street, Downtown (map).

GEAR REVIEW - Camelbak® Hyrdolink™ Filter Adapter Review

2010-11-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

GEAR REVIEW - Camelbak® Hyrdolink™ Filter Adapter

The Camelbak® Hydrolink™ Filter Adapter is a great idea in principle but we have some issues with it.

Essentially the adapter is a kit of three pieces. One attaches to the end of your reservoir line. A second inserts in the output hose of your favorite trail water filtration system, and a third connects valve on the reservoir line to the mouthpiece.

One great feature of the kit is that the quick release valve on the end of the reservoir (item A below) has a valve allowing you to stop the flow of water. This is extremely useful for topping off a partially filed reservoir. The reason is that it solves the one drawback of the Katadyn quickconnect™ fittings which is that the quickconnect™ fittings lack a valve and can thereby get you wet if you accidentally drop the reservoir tube after you have filed it or if you are toping off an already partially filled reservoir.

As previously indicated in the Hiker Pro review, the Katadyn quickconnect™ fittings can get your backpack rather wet if you aren't very careful when filing an already partially filed reservoir or if you drop the reservoir line after filling it. The Camelbak® Hydrolink™ Filter Adapter definitely solves the problem with the Katadyn quickconnect™ fittings but it has a serious problem of its own.

SERIOUS ISSUE ( no 90°drinking ):

But a serious issue we have with the kit is that the part meant to be in the end of the reservoir (part C above) doesn't allow for the 90 degree bend that we have come to love from the camelbak hydrolock. It also renders your existing camelbak® hydrolock™ worthless. (At least if you follow Camelbak's instructions).

OUR WORKAROUND:

We have come up with an excellent workaround for this drawback. Unfortunately, it involves purchasing two of the Camelbak® Hydrolink™ Filter Adapters and using two of the Part E's above. You then have to cut the tubing from your reservoir to the existing mouthpiece and use a second Part E.

Essentially the workaround allows one to disconnect the Camelbak bite valve area from the reservoir and filter directly into the reservoir.

The lack of the ability to return to a 90° drinking angle that we are used to is a definite flaw in the kit. But for 6 dollars we feel the closable valve would be worth it by itself. So buying two kits isn't the end of the world to have spill-free direct reservoir filing while maintaining the 90° drinking angle that so many of us have come to love.

TRAIL REVIEW - Sykes Hot Springs

2010-11-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

TRAIL REVIEW - SYKES HOT SPRINGS

One of the cemented rock pools at Sykes Hot Springs

Overall Rating:∑ ∑ ∑ ∑	Bathrooms: new pit toilets on route and at Sykes Camp
Difficulty: moderate	Best times of Year: Any
Distance: 20 miles roundtrip	Water: plenty of sources along trail and at camp
Dog : Y off leash	Elevation Gain: 2380'
Solitude: not much	Elevation Loss: 1490'
Map: Wilderness Press

Directions: Take the 101 North to San Luis Obispo. Then Take the 1 North towards Big Sur. Turn right at Pheiffer Big Sur State Park also known as Big Sur Station. Park at the trailhead, prepay $5 per night (bring exact change), good until 3:00 p.m. the next day.

Review: This is a very nice albeit busy Pine Ridge trail from Big Sur Station to Sykes Hot Springs located in the Ventana Wilderness Area of the Los Padres National Forest. However, it is pretty far away from Los Angeles. If you are going to do this as a weekend trip you either need to spend Friday and part of Sunday traveling or leave at the butt crack of dawn.

The trail starts out in a shaded forest with a very serious uphill in the first couple of miles. Then it continues going up and down for several miles. We didn't check it out but Ventana Camp is supposed to have an excellent swimming hole, but the camp is located approximately one mile significantly downhill from the main trail. If we had managed to get on the trail earlier I think we could have been convinced to check it out for a refreshing dip after the difficult hill. A halfway point at Terrace Creek camp is an excellent place to stop for lunch. Terrace Creek had a nice new box pit toilet when we were there in October '10. Most of the trail was fairly shaded making this an ideal hot springs hike for hotter weather. Additionally, a lot of people had their dogs they are specifically allowed on this trail because although the trail head starts on State Park land the national forest permits dogs on its trails.

Many people prefer to camp in at Barlow Flat Camp and then dayhike it to the Sykes Hot springs. This can be nice when Sykes camp is crowded like in the summer time and of course ditching the weight of your main pack can really help the last couple of miles float away.

We chose to hike all the way to Sykes camp itself and camped on the other side of the Big Sur River. We could have camped closer to the hot springs themselves as there were many campsites on the same side of the river and closer to the hot springs. However, we were concerned that we might have to deal with late night hot spring enthusiasts.

Sykes camp itself has several places to camp with cement fire pits, however fire restrictions were in effect when we visited so we couldn't have a campfire. In addition you need to obtain a campfire permit from the Los Padres National Forest in order to use a camping stove. There were pretty new wood box pit toilets on both sides of the Big Sur River. They didn't have walls but were situated in places where you had some natural cover.

SYKES HOT SPRINGS:

First Pool

The Natural Hot Springs themselves are around 100 degrees. The springs come out on the side of the river. You have to head upstream on the side of the Big Sur River you were on before arriving at Sykes Camp approximately a quarter of a mile to reach the Hot Springs. We had to wade in at several locations to cross repeatedly so bring sandals for crossings. When higher waters are present it might be impossible to cross at any point without some swimming.

Second Rockpool

There are three fairly well maintained rockpools in which to soak. The first one could comfortably hold one couple at a time. It was cemented river rock with some sandbags and included a nice Valve at the bottom allowing for the pool to be drained.

There was a second slightly larger river rock cemented pool further down. It also had a valve which would allow it to be drained.

The third pool was the largest and located out of sight above the second pool. This one could accomodate about 5-6 people comfortably. However, this large pool did not have any kind of valve so the water could get rather grimy. It wouldn't be that hard to empty it out with a bucket if one were so inclined.

One word of note is that the general policy seems to be that the hot springs are clothing optional. We are not sure whether that is some sort of official policy or rather just a practicality issue that it would be impossible to enforce a nudity ban. So you may encounter some nudity as we did but most people were fairly respectful and not trying to be in your face about it. There was absolutely no pressure to go in the nude.

The return trip was pleasant seemingly a good deal easier then the hike in with less uphill.

Nepenthe Big Sur Restaurant offers spectacular Ocean views

A nice side trip afterward is to go grab lunch at Nepenthe Big Sur which offers spectacular views of the Ocean and cliffs surrounding Big Sur. Its located about 5 to 10 miles south of Big Sur Station on Highway One.

Additional information about the hike to Sykes Hotsprings.

Also it is featured as trip 14 on page 74 of the latest edition of Wilderness Press's great book Backpacking California.

UPDATE LA COUNTY BANS PLASTIC BAGS

2010-11-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

According to the LAtimes blogs the LA County Board of Supervisors voted to ban plastic bags in unincorporated areas of the county.

But we have been using reusable bags at trader joes for years and although the insides of our bags have looked cleaner, we have never experienced any kind of health issues related to it. We at Outdoors Los Angeles are particularly skeptical of these claims.

Apparently the plastic bag ban is sponsored by Heal the Bay and it would only affect unincorporated LA County. A similar measure that would have banned plastic grocery bags in all grocery stores in California died in the State Senate in August.

The LAtimes blog piece alludes to the potential for a legal challenge to the plastic bag ban by industry.

"Last week, the American Chemistry Council, one of the chief opponents of the ban, warned L.A. County leaders that the proposed ordinance and fee on paper bags fall under the voting requirements of Proposition 26. The initiative, which passed this month, reclassifies most regulatory fees on industry as "taxes" requiring a two-thirds vote in government bodies or in public referendums, rather than a simple majority.

County Counsel Andrea Ordin said Tuesday that the 10-cent surcharge on paper bags is not a fee covered by Prop. 26 because the revenue is being kept by the grocers and not directed to a government agency."

UPDATE SIERRA CLUB WTC CLASS

2010-11-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

The registration is now open for the 2011 Wilderness Travel Course offered by the local Sierra Chapter Club.

We previously described the WTC course here.

LA COUNTY VOTES ON PLASTIC BAG ISSUE

2010-11-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

According to LAist the county supervisors are set to vote on whether or not to ban plastic grocery bags. Wehave listened to arguments for and against on the radio. The industry lobbyist and spokespeople claim the reusable bags are dirty and a health hazard.

But we have been using reusable bags at trader joes for years and although the insides of our bags have looked cleaner, we have never experienced any kind of health issues related to it. We at Outdoors Los Angeles are particularly skeptical of these claims.

Apparently the ban is sponsored by Heal the Bay and it would only affect unincorporated LA County. A similar measure that would have banned plastic grocery bags in all grocery stores in California died in the State Senate in August.

FREE NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE November 11

2010-11-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

FREE ENTRANCE TO NATIONAL PARKS THURSDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2010

For those of you not possessing a magical Interagency Pass allowing you unlimited entrance to the National Park System and unlimited parking where Adventure Passes are required, you may be interested in this one. On Veterans Day, Thursday November 11, 2010, entrance will be free to the National Parks.

Entrance in most National Park is usually $20 per vehicle which entitles you to enter and exit for a 7 day period.

The only caveat on the free entrance is we think that you have to exit the same day because National Parks are known to check for receipts on the way out. Definitely check with the park before you plan your visit if you plan on more than a day visit.

Some National Parks that would be doable for an LA Outdoor minded person: Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Channel Islands National Park.

The other National Parks in California are: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Redwood National Park.

The Park System have also announced the dates of Free entrance for 2011.

April 16-24, 2011
(National Park Week)
September 24, 2011
(Public Lands Day)
November 11, 2011
(Veterans Day)

Trail Photography Tips - Autumn Edition

2010-11-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

TRAIL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS - AUTUMN EDITION

Backpacker Magazine posted these tips today for great Fall Photography on the trail.

The three tips stressed are:

Notice the Details
Shoot Vertical
Get Closer

In addition to these great tips we at Outdoors Los Angeles would add the following

Stabilize your shots:

Especially when shooting landscapes or multiple stationary objects at different distances from your camera you want to be able to take a longer exposure required by utilizing a smaller aperture in your camera lens and giving you much greater depth of field. Depth of field is a fancy way of saying "how much stuff at different distances from the camera lense are in focus.

The classic example is a row of trees along a boulevard taken from the point of view of a driver.

There are many ways to stabilize your shots while on the trail. Sometimes you can find a tree stump or a relatively flat rock to rest your camera on. This allows you to shoot at a smaller aperture with a longer exposure while still getting a clear focused image. If the camera moves too much during an exposure you get a blurry image.

A more common method among professional photographers is to utilize a modern tripod. However, most of these are heavy (well at least to lug out into the woods on a long day hike or overnight trip).

But there is a solution for point and shoot digital cameras: a mini-tripod. The Pedco UltraPod Mini Tripod is a great extremely lightweight little tool you can easily take with you as it fits in your pocket.

The Pedco Ultrapod Mini Tripod

The Leki Sierra Antishock SLS Staff

One other method used by avid outdoor photographers is to stand it up on a walking stick or trekking poles. Some walking staffs like the Leki Sierra Antishock SLS Staff have a top that can be removed revealing a Built-in camera mount.

Movie Festival to raise money for State Parks Nov 6-7

2010-11-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

MOVIE FESTIVAL IN SUPPORT OF STATE PARKS

Even though its too early to make a call either way on Proposition 21, its not too early to show your support for the parks by purchasing tickets to this movie festival taking place on the Paramount and 20th Century Fox studios on Saturday November 6 and Sunday November 7.

This mini movie festival will feature films made within our State Parks. The films include MASH (filmed in Malibu Creek State Park), Spartacus ( filmed at Hearst San Simeon State Historic Monument), Planet of the Apes (filmed in Malibu Creek State Park and Point Dume State Park, Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi (filmed at various locations in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park and Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park). The proceeds will benefit the California State Parks Foundation.

It seems hundreds of other films and television series have been filmed at various state parks.

Tickets are onsale now through the website for $10 per film for adults (8$ for kids) or as a three movie package adults $25 ($18 for kids).

Trail Review - Dirt Mulholland Trail

2010-10-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

TRAIL REVIEW - DIRT MULHOLLAND

You can see the single track and fireroad.

Difficulty: easy

Distance:1.5 miles roundtrip

Dog : off leash

Solitude: depends when you go

Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring

Directions: Exit 405 Northbound at Mulholland Blvd., Turn left on Mulholland Blvd heading West. Travel approximately .75 miles past Bel-Air Presbyterian Church until Mullholland slopes downward. There is a dirt area that you need to turn left into. Upon turning left take the fire road until you see a chain link fence surrounding a small building and a yellow trail gate. You can park in front of the chain link fence.

The gate on the fire road at the entrance to this hike.

I don't actually know what the real name of this trail is. It is a part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. I have always referred to it as Dirt Mulholland. It is a fire road that connects the north end of the Mountaingate Gated Community and Country club with Mulholland.

The trail starts out immediately with a pretty steep incline. However you soon are descending onto a ridge type fire road trail that meanders up and down for approximately .75 miles finally slopping downward severly and terminating at a gate separating Mountaingate from the fire road. In addition to the fireroad there is also a single track trail that essentially parallels the fireroad. The fireroad has less ups and downs, but you can go one direction on the fire road and one direction on the single track.

There is almost no shade to speak of so its best early in the morning or on moderate to cool fall, winter and spring days. Its an excellent locale to watch a sunrise.

Dogs are allowed off-leash, however they are supposed to be under your immediate control, always within your sight. As if you had to be told, you are expected to bag and carry your dog's poop out with you.

Mountain biking is permitted on this trail.

view of Palos Verdes and Catalina

Additionally, on a clear days the trail affords great views of the entire Valley as well as potentially the entire westide and even down to the South bay, Palos Verdes and Catalina Island.

Trail Review - Franklin Canyon Ranch Trail

2010-10-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

RANCH TRAIL FRANKLIN CANYON:

Upper Franklin Reservoir October '10

Difficulty: easy

Distance:1.5- 2.0 miles

Dog : must be on leash

Solitude: very little

Directions: Take Sunset Blvd East from 405, turn left at Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. Take left to stay on Beverly Drive. Head straight and Beverly Drive will turn into Franklin Canyon Drive. Enter park at Gates. Drive to junction where Franklin Canyon Drive meets Lake Drive. Park there at the base of the Ranch Trail.

Ranch Trail Trailhead

I finally took my dog to walk at Franklin Canyon, a scenic park above Beverly Hills that is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

The Ranch Trail starts out with a series of steps and a couple of switch backs. You climb about 50 to 100 feet initially and then it levels off. You can walk along the trail smack dab in the middle of the chaparral. The characteristic Sycamores and Oaks make you almost forget that you are basically right in the middle of a major metropolitan area.

The trail soon descends back to the road which leads you to Upper Franklin Reservoir and Heavenly Pond. You can continue in either direction around the cat tail lined reservoir. Its very picturesque. There were a few mallards in Upper Franklin Reservoir but Heavenly Pond had tens of ducks as well as a completely different species of water fowl which I couldn't identify.


Some ducks at Heavenly Pond

One can stroll along various paths around the reservoir lengthening the distance by taking additional laps. Then when one has rounded the reservoir sufficiently return back along the road back to where you parked.

All in all an enjoyable little hike, well shaded, perfect for taking a dog for a walk. Unfortunately as indicated above all dogs must be leashed.

Yes on Proposition 21

2010-10-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Do you live in California? Have you ever been annoyed at how high day use and parking fees are at State Parks & Beaches? Then you need to vote yes on Proposition 21.

We here at Outdoors Los Angeles have already voted yes for Proposition 21. What you need to know about this proposition is that it would allow all Californians with a registered vehicle to access all California State Parks for free. The proposition would add an $18 fee to everyone's vehicle registration.

$18 is a bargain for unlimited access to every California State Park. Currently many of the State Parks Charge as much as $12 for single day parking. That means if you use two of these State Parks a year you come out ahead by $6.

The folks at Yes for State Parks created a $5,000 contest for videos in support of proposition 21.
Below is our favorite user created Yes om 21 video created by Christopher Grant Ward of Folk4Parks.org. LAist actually picked up the Folk4Parks story.

Make up Your own Mind. Below are some resources to help you make an informed decision.

click here to download the Iniative Text.

click here to view the state voter guide for and against arguments

click here to visit the official YES on 21 website
click here to visit a NO on 21 website

Free Mountain Biking Skills Clinic

2010-10-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

To all those who would like to take some actual instruction on basic mountain biking techniques there is a free class that you need to know about. CORBA - the concerned offroad bikers association holds monthly free beginning mountain biking clinics the first saturday of every month at Malibu Creek State Park.

NEXT CLASS Saturday November 6, 2010 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

We here at Outdoors Los Angeles took the class over a year ago and learned quite a lot. That was before we had clip in petals. We just might take the class again with pedals to see if we can avoid falling while going down the stairs this time.

The instruction was top notch and they even provided us with air and lube for our bikes.

Imbibing Outdoors - How to Drink on the Trail

2010-10-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

friend enjoying a cold one while soaking in a hotspring

A Recent Backpacking trip I organized to Sykes Hot Springs got me interested in how to drink in the backcountry. Although we at Outdoors Los Angeles believe in everything in moderation we have been known to get our drink on while on the trail.

Unlike Car Camping, when you're lugging everything you need for the weekend on your back, weight becomes a serious issue. We at Outdoors Los Angeles are also into leaving no trace so the weight and size of the container which has to be carried out have to be taken into consideration.

There are essentially three main types of alcohol we've taken into the backcountry: (1) Beer (2) Wine and (3) straight Spirits.

BEER

The only way we have taken Beer out is plain and simple in aluminum cans. At least the cans crush to a fairly compact and lightweight size when you're done with it. However, due to the fact that you usually don't want to lug more than a couple with you its not always the most efficient way to get your drink on. We have been known to bring a 20oz specialty beer along, especially if a Hot Spring is involved. Although it was lukewarm even after chilling in Big Sur River, this writer enjoyed a Paddington's at Sykes.

WINE

Vendage 500 ml Wine Containers

On the trip to Sykes we learned about a heretofore unknown wine product that's great for backpacking.VENDAGE Wine Cellars now markets Tetra Paks, convenient 500 ml wine packets made from 100% recyclable materials. The Tetra Paks appear to be available in six varietals: Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and White Zinfandel.

Locally I know that they are available at Ralphs and Albertsons Supermarkets and likely other stores. The ones I picked up at Albertsons were normally $3.99 but on sale at $2.99. The Albertsons I visited only appeared to have them in three varietals: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon

One other lightweight option for wine is to fill an empty water bottle with your favorite wine. It is important to fill it right up to the top and not leave any air and its probably best really close to your trip.

SPIRITS

9 oz stainless steel flask - often filled with Baileys

There are three main ways of taking spirits into the backcountry. One popular method for years has been to fill up your favorite stainless steel flask ( like the one pictured above). . Popular favorites are Vodka, Whiskey, or Baileys. What we love about Baileys is it allows you to Irish up a hot chocolate or coffee which we usually have after dinner. Nalgene also makes a BPA free plastic flask.

airplane size 50 ml liquor bottles

A second way to enjoy spirits would be to take airplane sized bottles with you ( see above). Of course a drawback is that they are glass and you will have to tote them back out. Any time you bring glass you have to be careful as when they break the shards are very sharp and can cut you.


The water bottle filed with spirits.

Finally, filing up an empty water bottle works well for spirits. Unlike with wine filling it to the top is not exactly critical as the spirits will not go bad.

So the next time your resting in camp lounging and enjoying a drink, toast one for us!

Check out this months Backpacker Magazine for a trail Sangria Recipe.

Climb Smart 2010

2010-10-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Friends Of Joshua Tree and longtime sponsors Black Diamond, Adventure 16 and other supporting organizations invite everyone to their annual climbfest aptly named Climb Smart 2010 from October 22-24, 2010.

The event invites you to "kick off the climbing season in Joshua Tree right with skills clinics, pro athlete presentations, swag giveaways, costume contests, a new festival format and much more!"

As totally novice climbers we at Outdoors Los Angeles are not sure we would find the event interesting. But we're sure if we were climb enthusiast this event would make us mess our pants from excitement.

CamelBak Cleaning Kit Review

2010-10-15T15:57:00.001-07:00

Well here at Outdoors Los Angeles we like reviewing our gear to let others know the pros and cons of various items. There always seem to be lots of options for the same product function. For Reservoir's there are Camelbak, MSR , and Platypus and countless other less visible brands.

With that in mind here is my review of the Camelbak cleaning Kit

Originally submitted at REI

This kit contains all the cleaning accessories needed to keep a reservoir in optimal condition.

Useful but not essential

By Chris from Los Angeles, CA on 10/15/2010

Pros: Easy to Use
Best Uses: Hydration Packs
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
Was this a gift?: No

The camelbak reservoir cleaning kit comes with four items:

a big brush for inside the reservoir body
a small brush for inside the tube
a yellow two piece reservoir drying rack
2 camelbak cleaning tablets

Its fairly easy to use once you get the hang of it.
I am sure there are many other cheap ways to dry your camelbak reservoir. If the money isn't a big deal this is a nice kit to have. I wish it came with more cleaning tablets but seriously each of my three reservoirs get fully cleaned with a tablet like once a year at most. But with the brushes and the drying rack its fairly easy to clean it out with water and soap and then let it fully dry before putting it away.

As for the drying rack its in two pieces. The first piece holds the tube and allows you to hang the reservoir upside down. The second piece keeps the large hole open so the inside can dry out.

drying rack in use

The drying rack in use.

The second piece of the drying rack holding it open to air out the inside.

Although we soon hope to be able to create our own Youtube product review videos we are not quite at that stage yet. But I did find the following video on Youtube that I agree with for the most part.

I wish my cleaning kit had come with the nifty pouch this guy got. Since its not needed that much in the field its really not a big deal. I just store my cleaning kit in a gallon zip loc bag.

The Adventure Blog: Himalaya Fall 2010: Eric Larsen In Camp 4, Summit ...

2010-10-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

The Adventure Blog: Himalaya Fall 2010: Eric Larsen In Camp 4, Summit ...: "We've got a very brief update this morning on Eric Larsen's progress on Everest. In fact, as of this writing, he hasn't even posted an updat..."

Sierra Club Wilderness Travel Course

2010-10-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered where an LA outdoor newb could learn all those outdoor skills related to hiking and backpacking in a classroom and hands on setting?

Well one place is the annual tradition of the Angeles Chapter's Wilderness Travel Course ( called the WTC course for short). The Los Angeles chapter has been teaching this class for over 40 years.

Its being offered again in 2011. Classes will be held in 4 locations: the San Gabriel Valley, West Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach.

I have many acquaintances who have taken this course. They basically stated that although a lot of the material is not new to anyone with any backpacking experience that a few things were extremely useful. They recommended taking the class despite this.

I am currently considering taking the West LA class. But I am trying to decide if its really worth the money. It appears to be $320 early registration for Sierra Club Members.
However, I was a Boy Scout who already took classes in using a compass and navigating in the wilderness, and wilderness survival etc. I also used to have an EMT license so I am kind of doubtful that I will acquire too many new first aid skills. Additionally, I have felt comfortable enough to organize and host several backpacking trips over the summer and this fall with the Los Angeles Backpacker's Club.

The one part of the class that would be new to me would be the snow camping section. I have never actually snowshoed (to be remedied this year with LABC) or camped in the snow. Unfortunately, I was recently disaapointed to read on the WTC website that

This course does not include instruction in the use of ropes, ice axes, crampons or other climbing aids for rock climbing and snow travel, nor is the use of such aids by students permitted during the course.

I was hoping to learn how to use an ice axe and crampons as I thought this was essential in most snow camping experiences. I mean my only real desire to camp in the snow would be to be able to summit various snowy peaks such as Mt. Whitney in the Winter, or Mt. McKinley, Mt. Shasta, Mt. Rainer etc. I am not that enticed by the idea of camping in the snow just for the hech of it.
And I can certainly learn to snowshoe with my backpacking meetup group as they will have several snowshoe trips throughout the winter.

If I were more of a newbie it would be a no-brainer and I would take the class. As a pretty experienced backpacker and hiker I am still on the fence. If I do take the class I will try and document it here on the Outdoor Los Angeles Blog.

Launch of Blog

2010-10-06T11:16:00.001-07:00

Hello to anyone who may be reading this!

I am launching the Outdoors Los Angeles blog to highlight all things outdoors in Los Angeles. I am an avid backpacker and hiker and will be detailing various trips taken. I will also be reviewing outdoor equipment, products, and books. Eventually I hope to post videos as well when I get around to getting a decent video camera.

First of all I want to give a shout out to my friends at the Los Angeles Backpacker's Club Meetup Group.

You can also see my most recent trip to Sykes HotSprings on the meetup website.

I will also be reviewing outdoor products from REI, Adventure16, and Amazon.com.