This issue of Desert Companion includes a travel guide to mountain towns — where to stay, eat, and play, and what to see in five high-elevation, low-stress destinations within a day’s drive (or less!) of Las Vegas. Bonus: an adapted excerpt from the forthcoming book Chasing Giants: In Search of the World’s Largest Freshwater Fish.
Gear Me!
1 of
— 20230323_Houdini Jacket Patagonia
Patagonia Houdini Jacket - REI - $109 - The Houdini is the most versatile piece of gear I own and something I bring on all my outdoor adventures. It packs down small, blocks the wind, and retains enough body heat that I don’t need any other outerwear on brisk spring mornings.
Photo / REI
2 of
— 20230323_Hiking Poles
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles - Costco - $80/pair - Costco is a gold mine for high-quality, affordable hiking gear, and the CMT trekking poles are an example of that. I’ve used them for 700-plus miles, and they do exactly what trekking poles need to do … for about half the price of other poles.
Photo / Cascade Mountain Tech
3 of
— 20230323_black diamond running pack
Black Diamond Distance 8 Running Pack - REI - $160 - Although I'm not a trail runner, I’ve found the comfort that comes from running-vest-style straps is unmatched by those of other packs. The eight-liter capacity is the perfect amount size for my three-liter water bladder, extra layer, lunch, and the 10 essentials. I can also fit plenty of snacks in the front strap pockets!
Photo / Black Diamond
4 of
— 20230323_Platypus Hoser
Platypus Hoser - 2-3L Water Bladder - Sportsmans Warehouse - $30 - From my experience with water bladders, simpler is always better, and the Platypus Hoser is as simple as it gets. I’ve used the same one for 10 years and haven’t experienced pinhole leaks, finicky tubes, or part failures. There are many newer models, but the Hoser remains my go-to for its ease-of-use and simplicity.
Photo / Platypus
5 of
— 20230323_Injinji trail socks
Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Socks - REI - $17 - Nobody wants to receive socks as a gift, but if someone gives you Injinji socks, respond with your biggest hug. These funny-looking toe socks help prevent blisters between your toes and the rest of your feet.
Photo / Injinji
6 of
— 20230323_Sun umbrella
Sun Umbrella - Online - Gossamer Gear - $39 - I couldn’t find one at local gear shops, but this item is worth breaking your online shopping moratorium. Lightweight sun umbrellas are essential for my late spring desert hiking. The luxury of portable shade has dramatically improved my enjoyment of desert hiking. It allows me to go out longer and take breaks anywhere under the harsh sun.
Photo / Gossamer Gear
