Anthony's Audio Journal

LISTEN

Blankets, Bags & Bed Rolls

In this episode I talk a little about sleeping bags, quilts, wool blankets and other ways to stay warm on your overnight back country adventure. I also give you some of my top tips  to boost the rating in your sleeping bag.

LINKS:

• R.E.I. – How to Chose a Sleeping Bag
• Backcountry.Com – How to read the sleeping bag ratings
• Down Quilts – Enlightened Equipment
• Wilderness Outfitters – Wool Blankets
• Dave Cantebury – Sleeping Gear JMHO

LISTEN

Final approach to Lake Arrowhead

In this final chapter of our Big Bear Adventure we pack up camp at the Holcomb Creek Crossing Camp and head north on the P.C.T. toward Deep Creek. Along the way we run into an wise old hiker who gives us some warnings about a rattlesnake, cross the Deep Creek Bridge and meet a pair of hikers as we head towards our final destination at San Bernardino County Fire Station 92 in Lake Arrowhead.

Trip Photos

Trip Video on YouTube

LINKS:

• Lake Arrowhead Hiking
• Big Bear City – wikipedia

LISTEN

Vintage Pack and Bedroll along the PCT

In this second part of our adventure in Big Bear we pack up at Little Bear Springs Trail camp and continue North on the Pacific Crest Trail toward Holcomb Creek Crossing Camp.

Along the way we hike through dry desert like conditions, meet a jeep caravan and finally get relief after finding water at Holcomb Creek.

Trip Video

Trip Photos

LINKS:

• Holcomb Creek 4X4 Trail Youtube Video
• San Bernardino National Forest

LISTEN

Start of the Cougar Crest Trail

In part one of our adventure in Big Bear we begin our trip at the Big Bear Discovery Center and hike up the Cougar Crest Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail before heading northbound toward our first nights destination at the Little Bear Springs Trail Camp

Trip Video – Big Bear Day One

Trip Photos – Big Bear to Lake Arrowhead

LINKS:

• Big Bear Recreational Activities
• Pacific Crest Trail Assoc

LISTEN

Cypress Trees along Icehouse Canyon

In this episode Gerry, Jacob, Dave and I take a hike up along Icehouse Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California to visit one of Los Angeles’s highest peak.

Trip Video: Ontario Peak along Icehouse Canyon

Trip Photos: Slideshow on Photobucket

LINKS:

• Ontario Peak on Modern Hiker
• Backpacker Magazine 
• Nobody Hike in L.A. 

LISTEN

In this episode I go on an adventure to find the perfect outdoor hat. In my many years of wearing a hat I’ve discovered there are many different types of hats or head coverings to chose from before heading out on an hike. From the dry outback of Australia comes the Akubra Snowy River and from the equatorial jungles of Brazil comes the Real Deal Tarp Hat. Also included is the Stormy Kromer from the upper peninsula of Michigan and the Ushanka from Russia.

LINKS:

• Real Deal Brazil Tarp Hat
• Akubra – Snowy River Hat
• David Morgan – Hat Dealer
• Stormy Kromer
• Buff USA Headwear
• O.R. Research – Seattle Sombrero Hats

Videos

• Jeff Daniels takes an RV to Stormy Kromer Factory
• Story about an Akubra hat
• Stormy Kromer Testimonial

LISTEN

In this episode I talk about the many ways to carry water on a day hike or backpack trip. From the Old Bota Bags to the Canteens and all the way to the modern day Nalgene Bottle. I also talk about the old Sierra Cup, the Kuksa and the Kupilska.

LINKS:

• History of the Military Canteen
• Kupilka – Modern Version of the Kuksa
• Adahy – Fine carved Kuksa’s and spoons
• Camelback – Water bottles & Reservoirs
• Platypus – Watert bottles & Bags.
• Canteen Shop – Canteen & Cook Kits

LISTEN

In this episode I discuss the many different types of backpacking stoves on the market and their uses. From the quiet and subtle alcohol stove to the rip roaring white gas stove there are many ways to heat up your tea, cook your meal or just melt snow. 

LINKS:

• Adventures in Stoving – Great blog on stoves 
• Jason Klass – Matching your stove to your pot
• Jason Klass – How to chose an alcohol stove Pt. 2
• Jason Klass – DIY alcohol stoves
• SHUG – Mini atomic, Trangia and Brasslite test
• Nomadic Stove Company – Makers of the New Bushbuddy
• Mountain Safety Research – XGX, Pocket Rocket and Whisperlight
• Primus – Omni fuel and other stoves

LISTEN

Grfors Bruks Small Forest Axe, Mora #2 Knife and Mora Hook Knife

In this episode I talk about what edged tool I use in the wilderness from my little Victorniox Classic to the faithful Mora No.2, to the Granfors Bruks Small Forest Axe and the Tramontina Machete.

LINKS:

• An Axe to Grind – U.S.Forest Service
• Knives JMHO – From Wilderness Outfitters
• Mel Gibson’s The Patriot Tomahawk Scene
• Sharpen Up – How to sharpen your edged tools
• Machete Modifications for the bush
• Types of Machetes
• Ragweed Forge – Tomahawks, Puuko knives and others
• Victorinox Swisstool RS Review
• Fort Turner Tomahaawk – Top Quality

LISTEN

In this episode I talk about what’s in my  fire kit and common ways to light a fire in the back country. 

LINKS:

• Bowdrill – Wilderness Outfitters
• Hand Drill – Pathfinder School
• Andy Tran – Hand Drill Step by Step
• Making Char Cloth – Wilderness Outfitters
• Flint & Steel – Wilderness Outfitters