(Part 2) Best products from r/socalhiking

Afoot and Afield: Inland Empire is a great book that covers the area around you.

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The Joshua Tree National Park Association has hikes every year as a part of it's Desert Institute program

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Desert Trails Hiking Club

For "in the field" identification, nothing beats actual written field guides. I really like the National Audubon guides. They have a general CA field guide that covers the most common species, or they have more comprehensive guides for specific animal kingdoms.

So, youre saying that the black diamond contact crampons are more appropriate considering the angle of the climb. Makes sense, i've only used crampons for glacier wall climbing -- those obviously necessitate the horizontal spike.

As for the boots, I was hoping to get away with my current hiking boots + gaiters. Sounds like you had a bad experience with your current boots, can i ask what kind of boots you wore? Were they waterproof? Have you considered winter overshoes?

https://www.amazon.com/Neos-Voyager-Winter-Overshoes-Black/dp/B002YEKEJ2

Not exactly what you're asking for- but if you end up somewhere with restrictions, look into this propane fire pit. Obviously a real fire is better, but mine has saved many camping trips as these fire restrictions become more and more common. $60 on Amazon with prime shipping.


Camp Chef Propane Outdoor Portable Campfire https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000L4HSH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9534xbGCNYS18

This isn't very useful as I've never been but I'm planning to try to summit in July. Never been up that high so not sure how the altitude will feel. I'm going to be exploring the Bristlecone pines so I figured we'd head over and try. Plan to camp at the gate to help acclimatize and try to summit the next morning.

There are more details on summitpost
http://www.summitpost.org/white-mountain-peak/150221

and in Zdon's desert summits book
http://www.amazon.com/Desert-Summits-Climbing-California-Southern/dp/1893343022

As a U.S. Marine...I actually enjoy these. And they're the real deal.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005I5ML0O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1466132874&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=mre+meals+military&dpPl=1&dpID=51vaDcbYo0L&ref=plSrch

I bought the following crampons which is somewhat similar to yours (see below link). Short answer to ur question is "No". Your crampons lack front kicking power which is what you need. I found out the hard way. You need something with front spikes to dig into the mountain or slope. I would recommend a brand like Diamond backs or Pretzel. Again you need front teeth, also you need ice climbing-- not hiking boots. There will be parts where your digging into the mountain to climb up. Also you need trekking poles and an ice axe.

One additional note, I would consider bringing along ice shoes. Baldy turns into a mountain of slush where some parts your climbing, and some parts your trying to not sink into the mountain.

https://www.amazon.com/Docooler-Crampons-Altitude-Slip-resistant-Crampon/dp/B00GQROYIA/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1486599797&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=crampons+do+cooler

you're welcome. If you want to pick up more I always suggest people read either of these books before dropping serious cash, they're both quick reads with funny drawings so an easy to digest format. You don't need either if you're just doing day hikes, but if you get into the bigger equipment and want to do overnights I recommend em.

Don't do what I did and buy an 85L pack that weighs 8-9lb by itself, ugh.

Ultralight backpacking tips

Lighten up

There is a gargantuan amount of back country in Los Padres.

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https://hikelospadres.com and

Hiking and Backpacking Santa Barbara and Ventura

are good starting points.

As far as food storage.

The bugs were certainly there.
Permethrin for clothes and gear. I use anything with deet for the skin.

I use this stuff called Bodyglide. It's like a stick of deodorant made of Teflon (no idea if that is what it really is).

Should be ok. Throw one of these in your pack. Light and will add aprox 10-15 deg to your bag if needed. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WXX0JS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1