Chris McNamara

In this video I talk about my goals for the SuperTopo Forum and...

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:20:00 -0500

In this video I talk about my goals for the SuperTopo Forum and the tricky subject of moderation. Read a short post I read and see comments on the SuperTopo Forum

We just launched the best backpacking backpack review

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:36:38 -0500

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!

Best day of Surfing at Ocean Beach?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:26:00 -0500

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

We got solar panels! The full how to solar panel report here...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:21:00 -0500

We got solar panels! The full how to solar panel report here http://bit.ly/zRgAA1 .. And if you are interested in solar, please check out my Portable Solar Panel review here

This is my wingsuit BASE jumping segment from The Sharp End by...

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:06:19 -0500

This is my wingsuit BASE jumping segment from The Sharp End by Sender Films.

New handheld GPS device review

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:41:00 -0500

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.

I helped with rigging and “safety” for the...

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:36:33 -0500

I helped with rigging and “safety” for the production of this movie produced by Corey Rich. It is for the launch of the New Nikon D4 Camera and features Alex Honnold and more. Very well done!

Favorite Books Of 2011

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:08:00 -0500

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.

I googled “Super Topo” and this is what came up....

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:10:00 -0500

I googled “Super Topo” and this is what came up. Topo/ El Topo in Spanish means a mole… so this is a Super Mole (or rat). When you watch the video, you understand.

OutdoorGearLab voted #1 Outdoor Gear Blog by Outside Magazine

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:08:00 -0500

OutdoorGearLab voted #1 Outdoor Gear Blog by Outside Magazine. Thanks everyone for the support, feedback, and user gear reviews!

Right before I saw Lita on our wedding day.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:18:51 -0500

Right before I saw Lita on our wedding day.

Favorite Books of 2007

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 20:00:00 -0500

Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
Omnivores Dilemna by Michael Pollan
The Beatles by Hunter Davies
I am America by Stphen Colbert
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Innocent Man by John Grisham
Into the Wild by John Krakauer
Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright
Measure of a Man by Sydney Poitier
On Writing by Stephen King
Takedown by Rick Cowan
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson