The SLAB Ultra is a maximum feature trail shoe by Salomon that is built to take on any trail and any distance. The SLAB Ultra is built on a stable platform with an 8mm drop, and provides two layers of underfoot protection with Profeel Film and a TPU insert. I have put close to 250 miles on this shoe and will share my thoughts in this review.Â
I just returned home from a successful hike of the Camino Portuguese with my wife and 2-year old son. Beginning in Porto, we hiked nearly 150-miles until we reached our final destination, the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Here are my 15 favorite photo moments from the Camino Portuguese!Â
alewa’s Ultra Train 2 is a trail shoe specifically designed for speed hiking, fastpacking, and high alpine mountain training. The low-profile upper has a precise fit with a durable and protective outer shell. The protective 8mm drop midsole and aggressive Michelin compound outsole are carryovers from the original Ultra Train, which will be welcome news to those that enjoyed the original. I’ve been wear testing the Salewa’s Ultra Train 2 since they were released a few months ago, and will share my experience in this review.Â
Channel Islands National Park is made up of five islands just off of the California Coast. In this guide, I’ll provide all of the information you need to explore Santa Cruz Island, the largest island in Channel Islands National Park.
The week before Memorial Day sees outdoor gear companies offer massive discounts on some of the best name-brand gear that they stock. If you’re looking to add some new gear to your summer kit, now is the time!
The Adidas Terrex Swift R2 is a burly, rugged, and sturdy trail shoe that’s made to tackle long hikes and backpacking trips. The Swift R2 is built on a stable 10mm drop platform with a sturdy board lasted midsole. The aggressive full coverage outsole uses a super sticky Continental rubber compound for a sure footed stride on wet and dry trails.
The 1808ft summit of El Montañon is the highest point on the east side of Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. The hike to El Montañon Peak starts out at Scorpion Ranch and gains more than 2,000ft of elevation over 4 miles to the summit. In this guide for El Montañon, I’ll provide gpx files, maps, photos, and a hike description.
The Lycan is a brand new mountain running trail shoe from La Sportiva. The Lycan is nimble and light, combining a highly responsive midsole with a sticky and low profile outsole. I’ve been using the Lycan as a light hiker and as my go-to trail running shoe since their release, and will share my thoughts in this review.
If you’re a hiker visiting Santa Cruz Island, this hike to Smuggler’s Cove has to be on your itinerary. This 8.2 mile hike gains a modest 1500ft of elevation gain, but provides some incredible ocean views in the process. Most hikers reach Smuggler’s Cove via an out-and-back route on Smuggler’s Rd, but in this guide I’ll provide directions for a more scenic loop route through Scorpion Canyon.
This loop hike from Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point takes place on Santa Cruz Island, the largest of eight islands making up Channel Islands National Park. Santa Cruz is also the largest island in California at 96.5 square miles. Starting at the Scorpion Anchorage Visitor Center, hikers will scale an ocean bluff with majestic views of the California mainland. From there, the trail follows the coastline before returning to Scorpion Anchorage via the Scorpion Ranch Campground.Â