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Get Outside with Domenic D.

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domd

Dom Di Tomaso grew up 20 minutes outside Yosemite National Park and spent his childhood exploring and camping. He’s got a strong appreciation for nature and its wonders so we thought he’d be a great person to talk to for Luv the Earth month. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I now live and work in San Francisco while still regularly enjoying outdoor adventures. Despite the unique beauty of the city, it doesn’t provide the same open-ended freedom and tranquility that I feel when I’m outside of the concrete jungle. Knowing that I can scale a mountain, navigate, and temporarily survive with only the items in my pack fills me with confidence and self-reliance. My next goal is to climb Mt. McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park.

What are some of your favorite outdoor adventures?
I enjoy hiking, backpacking, and climbing. While Yosemite National Park (being my hometown) is my favorite landscape to explore, I’d also recommend Kings Canyon National Park and Golden Gate National Park.

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What are your top 5 outdoor product recommendations?
The following products (in order) have significantly improved my comfort and efficiency on outdoor trips.

1. Pressurized Hydration Reservoir - The air pump allows you to pressurize your hydration pack and spray water. This encourages you to consume a greater volume of water than you would regularly. Durable construction and easy to clean/use. I integrated this into my backpacking rig and it makes my life much easier.

2. Super Stove – This stove is perfect. Small, compactable, and extremely powerful. It boils water and melts snow quicker than other JetBoil or MSR Stove I’ve tested. This continues to be my top performer. Worth every penny. Unlike other models, you don’t need an aluminum shield, as this one is wind-proof.

3. Sleeping Pad – In the past I had a horrible time sleeping on trips. This pad (while costly) is the best one I’ve had so far. Additionally, it decompresses into a stuff sack that is about the size of a 1L water bottle. It is durable and well insulated. I used it on snow and it kept my bag protected.

4. Lightweight Cookware – I’ve used this set for about two years now and it has been quite effective. The ultra-tough plastic withstands cold temperatures, boiling water, stains, and general abuse. Small and compact, the entire set fits neatly inside the pot.

5. All season Lightweight Tent – It’s cozy with two people and a great solo tent. It has been served me well in the warm days of summer as well as the harsh conditions of winter storms. Even though it has a single-wall construction, it is surprisingly warm.

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What are some adventures you’ve been on lately?
This past February I climbed Mt. Williamson (one of CA’s 14,000 ft. peaks). This three-day adventure challenged me both mentally and physically. Hiking a total of 26 miles with an overall 7,500 ft. elevation gain was exhausting. The views were spectacular and the snow-covered mountains dampened everything with an unmistakable winter silence.

It was a great opportunity for me to test out some new cold-weather gear such as a synthetic sub-zero sleeping bag, lightweight down jacket, cold-weather gloves, and mountaineering gaiters.

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What products would you recommend to someone just getting into camping?
Start small. It has taken me a couple years including countless hours of research and many trips to accumulate my favorite gear. I recommend starting with the basics such as a tent, water filter, and backpack.

(I’d also recommend consulting an experienced friend or at least reading articles from REI expert advice to become more familiar with what to expect on your trips and what gear the trip will require before embarking on your first adventure.)

What’s the gear you’d never leave home without?

Adventure Medical – Weekender First Aid Kit
Lightweight (1.5lbs) and everything you need for your group on a multi-day trip. I usually add in some additional Ibuprofen, and sports wrap (pre-wrap & tape).

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp with extra batteries.
This unit has a max output over 100+ lumens and has exceptional battery life (4 AAA batteries). It has an additional strobe feature and Red LED output. It quickly illuminates your path and has held up extremely well in poor weather. Essential for extended trips and night hiking.

Katadyn Pocket Water Filter
Used extensively by military & relief organizations worldwide. I carry it with some coffee filters (to wrap over pre-filter), chlorine tablets, and a carbon core filter.

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Why is Earth Day so important?
While Earth Day (April 22nd) is an important annual observance of environmental conservation and protection, it is something we should practice year round.  My friends sometimes think I’m a little too serious, but I’m a firm believer in the Leave No Trace philosophy. I spread this philosophy through leading by example and educating friends about proper outdoor etiquette during the outdoor trips that I organize.

What are you most looking forward to this month?
I’m organizing a camping trip in Golden Gate national park and then hosting some friends from out of town who have never been to Yosemite.

Thanks for sharing your expertise with us, Dom! Now we are totally inspired to get outside. Adventure awaits. 



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