Chris McNamara

Mar 01

[video]

Feb 28

We just got Array of the Week for our home solar panels

Feb 11

[video]

Feb 06

We just launched the best backpacking backpack review

The Backpacking Backpack review is live. We tested the best packs head-to-head on backpacking trips as short as a few days and as long as 22 days. Ian Nicholson led the tests and spent all year charging around the North Cascades, Aconcagua, Patagonia and Alaska. Actually, he has spent the last decade doing that. It’s safe to say Ian spends as much time carrying heavy packs as anyone between his full-time guiding job and expeditions. He breaks down what is important and what is fluff in the how to buy a backpacking backpack article. Please check it out and tell a friend!

Feb 05

Best day of Surfing at Ocean Beach?

Maybe. Definitely huge and fun. Just wish I had been in some of these photos

Feb 03

[video]

Jan 13

[video]

Jan 11

New handheld GPS device review

Max Neale just released an awesome handheld GPS device review over at OutdoorGearLab. If you are looking for a handheld gps device for hiking, backpacking or climbing, definitely check it out. Max also wrote a GPS buying advice article which starts by asking if you really even need a gps device. I find I almost never use a GPS device in the backcounty and prefer to stick to old fashioned maps. But, then again, I have not tried the new touchscreen models which look much more intuitive and helpful.

Jan 07

[video]

Dec 31

Favorite Books Of 2011

Unbroken - I highly recommend the audiobook

Ghost Wave - Story of maybe the biggest wave in the world. You don’t have to be a surfer to appreciate this book because the author ties in great character profiles and non-surfing history.

The Quest - Great overview of the history of US Energy use and where we are headed.

Not A Gas Station - Self published book on how to start your own bio diesel filling station. But even if you are not interested in bio diesel it has a good story and good advice for small businesses

Oil on The Brain -  tours the oil world starting from an independent gas station in San Francisco and going to every major exporter. Great story telling and character profiles.

Steve Jobs - great bio

The Big Short - Great profiles of the few people who saw the financial collapse coming and profited. I recommend all Michael Lewis books.

Life - Keith Richards Bio.  Best music bio of the year.

A Life Decoded - AutoBio of Craig Ventner. Great story AND a great intro to DNA sequencing.

The Wave by Susan Casey. The biggest waves in the world and the guys who chase them (both surfers and boats).

Hamlet’s Blackberry - How to keep your digital devices from taking over your life.

Revolution in a Bottle - All about a Princeton drop out who starts a unique upcycling company. Ivy league drop outs get it done!

The Homeowners Guidebook to Energy Efficiency

Moneyball - Great book even if you don’t like baseball. Can’t decide if I want to see the movie.