hiking head lamps

Hiking Gear

Often I share my preference in hiking and backing gear and once again I feel obligated  to share this gear .

 head lamp made by Ledlenser  , I love this lamp as it has a rheostat allowing you to adjust the brightness of the lamp . a few weeks ago I called ledlenser to order a new one as my lamp was suffering severe wear and tear as I use it on trail several times a week and also use it on several back packing adventures a year . In conversation with a customer service agent at Ledlenser I shared mt story of a damaged head lamp and  I was told of a warranty of 5 years . I explained I had the lamp for over three years and no receipt of purchase , she directed me to send the unit in for repair , I did so and the company mailed me a new up dated version that had many more practical features than my old one . I not only find this new lamp superior to my old lamp I am also very impressed with their warranty and service !

 

This lamp is awesome

 



Cerro Alto weather

Cerro Alto 

Heat Advisory on Cerro Alto

I hike Cerro Alto daily , and for the last three days

we have had a heat wave . It's that time of the year .

4:30 pm in the shade was 85 and 100 degrees on the 

exposed last mile of the summit .

Dogs need water ! Sierra weighs 76 lbs. 

She drinks 30 oz. of water on the hike of Cerro

in this heat .

I have seen many dogs yearly get sick in the heat .

Dog heat stroke is ugly , vomiting , diarrhea , 

and even death !

I have seen one dog die .

Please carry enough water for the dog .

Another tip --- dogs new to this enviroment and with thin pads will suffer 

damage to their feet fast so please check their pads often .

Hiking Tip

Today's Hiking Tip 

Weather is warming up on Cerro Alto 9-11-14

Daily I meet first time Cerro Alto hikers who tell me they were not aware 

Of how difficult or the distance involved making the summit .

Thus many of these hikers fail to reach the summit .

The distance via the canyon trail ( trail  at the far end of the park lot ) is 3 miles .

The elevation gain is 1700 ft .

Carry plenty of water !
In warm weather I carry a liter , and when it's hot
I CARRY SIXTY OUNCES .
My dog weighs 72 lbs
And in hot weather she carries thirty ounces
For herself .

The trail can be hot and the summit cold , carry a jacket .

When backpacking , 

I use a Big Agnas Seedhouse SL tent

The product is great and the customer service

Is outstanding !
This a 3 season tent( two person)  , but I have been in strong wind and rain and even snow storms several times
The tent performed well . The tent weighs approximately 2.5 lbs.


Tip #3
Since the start of deer season ( 1st week of August ) I have seen many deer and mountain lion tracks on the main trails of Cerro Alto . Water up high has dried up and wildlife seeking water low neer camp ground , so keep small children close to adults .