littlegrunts.com

Desolation Wilderness: Pyramid Peak May 2014

by Paulina Dao May 19, 2014

written by Paulina Dao

Hike: Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon
Where: Desolation Wilderness
Trailhead: Highway 50 between Twin Bridges and Strawberry
Level: Strenuous
Duration: 7 hours
Length: 6 miles
Gear: Icebreaker Women’s Everyday LS Crewe, Outdoor Research Women’s Helium Hybrid Jacket, REI Sahara Roll-Up Pants – Women’s, MSR Lightning Ascent Women’s Snowshoes 25″, Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe, Arc’teryx Bird Head Toque Beanie, Outdoor Research Longhouse Gloves, Camelbak Aventura Pack, Sierra Designs Tov Down Jacket (not needed), Black Diamond Ultra Distance Trekking Poles – Pair, and Ahnu Sugarpine Waterproof Boot
Cost of Parking: Free off of Highway 50

The boyfriend and I set off this past weekend to conquer Pyramid Peak again, this time in more wintry conditions. Not really sure what to expect, we equipped ourselves with snowshoes and an ice axe. In a worst case scenario, we’d need them. In a best case scenario, we could practice some mountaineering skills and get a good workout in with the additional weight.

May 19, 2014 1 comment

Gear

Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen SPF 34 and Face Stick SPF 30

by Paulina Dao May 14, 2014

written by Paulina Dao

I’m kind of a skincare junkie and am always looking for new products to try out during my skincare routine. Sunscreen is one of those things that I wear religiously every single day.

Beyond Coastal sent me a few of their products to test out. Born out of love for sun and the outdoors, their suncare line is natural and free of harmful chemicals like parabens and more. They are also cruelty free!

Active Sunscreen SPF 34

The Active Sunscreen is a cream-based sunscreen. It contains aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin C and E to help moisturize and protect. I suffer from ridiculously sensitive and dry skin, so any bits of moisture from any source really help keep my skin flake-free all day.

This is non-greasy, and it applies very smoothly. I’ve noticed that many sunscreens don’t play well with other facial products; they don’t rub in, or rubbing action removes previously applied products. This layers over like a dream, making sure you get the sun protection you need.

The only con for the Active Sunscreen is it has a slightly funny smell. I’m not quite sure what it is, but it’s a little odd. The Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 doesn’t have an odor, so it is specific to just this Active Sunscreen.

This is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This applies to sweating too! A 1 oz container will run you $5.99, 2.5 oz is $9.99, 4 oz is $14.99, and 16 oz sets you back $44.99.

Active Face Stick SPF 30

If you’re one of those people who don’t like touching greasy things, the Active Face Stick is for you. With a touchless applicator, all you need to do is give the stick a click and swipe where needed. This applies clear so you don’t have to worry about white streaks all over your face.

I found this to be a little too greasy for my liking if I rubbed the stick all over my face. However, that is the trade-off for not needing to fully rub the sunscreen in. The plus side of the thick barrier means your skin is less prone to harm from windy, cold, and icy conditions, and those are conditions you probably wouldn’t want to remove gloves for sunscreen. Another con? If your face is dirty, you’ve managed to successfully contaminate the stick. It’s all about trade offs.

This is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and also contains aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin C and E, as well as coconut oil, beeswax, and yerba mate. The Face Stick retails for $6.99.

All in all, Beyond Coastal is a great line if you’re looking for a responsible company that provides natural, not-harmful sunscreen.

Buy through the Beyond Coastal website here.

This was sent to me for review.

May 14, 2014 1 comment

Adventures Hiking

Desolation Wilderness: Bayview Trail and Cascade Falls

by Paulina Dao May 12, 2014

written by Paulina Dao

Hike: Bayview Trail and Cascade Falls
Where: Desolation Wilderness
Trailhead: Bayview Trailhead
Level: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Length: 4.9 miles
Gear: Icebreaker Oasis Crewe long-sleeve, Camelbak Aventura Pack, Arcteryx Women’s Alpha SL Hybrid Jacket, Triple Aught Design Artemis Hoodie, REI Sahara Convertible Pants, Black Diamond Ultra Distance Trekking Poles, and Ahnu Sugarpine Waterproof Boot
Cost of Parking: Free

Headed up to South Lake Tahoe this past weekend to spend some much needed time in the mountains. First stop was up the Bayview trail. Originally intended to head to Fontanillis and Dick’s Lake but got a late start. With snow up on the ridge of the Bayview trail and dark clouds rolling in over Eagle Lake combined with unpreparedness for that weather, we decided to head back down and over to Cascade Falls instead. Snapped a few photos looking out into Desolation Wilderness and down into Eagle Lake. The beauty of the Sierras never fails to blow me away. I’ll come back for you, Fontanillis, yes, I will.

May 12, 2014 0 comments

Gear

Toren Apparel Fundamental Shell

by Paulina Dao May 7, 2014

written by Paulina Dao

Toren Apparel is a pretty neat technical-meets-street startup for adventure clothing. Their online-only presence sets them apart from other brands, allowing them to focus on providing high quality, outdoor apparel at affordable price points.

They offered to send me their new Fundamental Shell to test out, and I couldn’t say no.

The Fundamental Shell is basically combination of the Arc’teryx Alpha SL hardshell and the Outdoor Research Valhalla softshell in terms of form and function. Made of Toray 3-layer mini ripstop polyester with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, it has the waterproof protection of a hardshell, and the movability, breathability, and swishiness of a softshell.

The sizing runs fairly large. As a 5 feet tall, 100ish pound person, the XS shell is very roomy. I highly recommend sizing down.

This jacket is all about the little details that make it street-wearable and trail friendly. First and foremost, the pit zips! The jacket has pit zips, but they are covered in little flaps of fabric to conceal the zipper. This prevents the zipper teeth from scraping the fabric and pilling it, while concealing the technical details. The zipper pulls are fairly small, and are difficult to grasp. Keep this in mind if you’re considering this jacket for alpine activities.

The jacket has two standard hip pockets, situated above a pack hip belt or harness for easy access to items. The Fundamental Shell also has a left-hand sleeve pocket, though it is well concealed in the seam of the sleeve. One inner left chest pocket allows for easy access to your smartphone without needing to remove it from your pocket. The idea is cool, but I am not sure about the implementation. I’m not too inclined to open up my jacket in inclement weather and have a little waterproof bag case for my phone.

The hood is roomy and helmet-compatible with three cinches to make it fully adjustable.

All in all, this is a solid first piece for the Toren Apparel line. If you’re looking for something that’s technical and street wearable, this is for you. If you’ve already got a softshell and a hardshell and you love both, this is something you can pass on. If you’re a hoarder who likes all the latest and greatest, you’ll probably want it.

Pre-order the Fundamental Shell now for $195. The jacket is set to arrive in Fall 2014.

May 7, 2014 3 comments

Gear

Ahnu Sugarpine Waterproof Boot Review

by Paulina Dao April 28, 2014

written by Paulina Dao

I’m a big fan of my Ahnu Montara boots. Just when I thought the company couldn’t release anything better than those, they came out with the Sugarpine line consisting of a waterproof boot, waterproof shoe, and air-mesh trail runners.

I’ve been spending the last couple of weeks testing the Sugarpine Waterproof Boot. Let me tell ya, they are awesome and versatile. These are the best lightweight, waterproof boots for a not-so-steep price.

April 28, 2014 6 comments