Big Sur- Pine Ridge Trail- Sykes Hot Springs Trip - Day 3

After spending the night lounging in the hot springs, I slept deeply that night. I did wake up in the middle of the night, cold again as I readjusted my bag. Once again my feet had hit the tent, the condensation soaking the toe box. I brushed off the condensation, fluffed up the down, and shimmied back upwards.

Big Sur- Pine Ridge Trail- Sykes Hot Springs Trip - Day 2

There's something awesome about waking up next to a river. There's something awful as well.

Big Sur- Pine Ridge Trail- Sykes Hot Springs Trip - Day 1

Growing up near Big Sur, I had heard a lot about Sykes Hot Springs- the crowds, the trash, the hippies. Someone suggested I should try it anyways; that I might be pleasantly surprised. Up until this point, I had been eagerly waiting for the roads to open in Yosemite, anticipating the season's beginning. Sykes was a chance to change destiny, to begin the season early. So,...why not? 

GEAR REVIEW: Osprey Exos 58 Backpack

Disclaimer- I will never review an item I have not personally used on a trip.

OSPREY EXOS 58 BACKPACK

After constant trimming to shed weight, it became inevitable I’d have to switch from my bombproof Atmos 65. The pack was stout, it fit everything well. I didn’t want to leave it, but it was time to say goodbye.

There was a reason for my infidelity, though. The Exos 58 was offering the same suspension and comfort, with near equal capacity, all for over a pound lighter. How could I resist such temptation?

GEAR REVIEW: Big Agnes Mystic SL 15 Sleeping Bag and Q-core SL Sleeping Pad

Disclaimer- I will never review an item I have not personally used on a trip.

BIG AGNES MYSTIC SL 15 SLEEPING BAG

& BIG AGNES Q-CORE SL SLEEPING PAD

After backpacking Yosemite with the Big Agnes Mystic SL 15 and Q-core SL together, I have fixed feelings. The comfort is amazing, but the system is heavy for what it should be.