Product Review

Product Review: LOFTEK 15W Portable Floodlight

There’s no shortage of rechargeable LED lights on the market these days. The LOFTEK 15W Portable Floodlight is a two-in-one cordless, rechargeable floodlight which also serves as a battery-charging power bank. It’s rugged design makes it stand out among other rechargeable lights, and it’s powerful light and and adjustable positioning makes it equally as useful in the garage as in the campsite.

The LOFTEK portable floodlight is the most solidly built light I’ve seen yet. Most portable lights have entirely plastic housings, but the LOFTEK is made of durable iron and aluminum with a plexiglass window. This beast will stand up to abuse that would leave some of those cheaper LED lanterns in pieces.

Of course the metal housing increases the weight – the LOFTEK weighs in at a little over 1.5 lbs. You’ll definitely want to reserve this for your car camping exploits and stick with a lighter weight option when backpacking.

It comes with three settings: max brightness, power saving mode, and SOS mode. At max brightness, the LOFTEK puts out 650 lumens, and 380 lumens in power saving mode. SOS mode consists of a flashing red and blue light which is guaranteed to draw attention. This light would be extremely handy in a vehicle emergency kit in case you break down on a sketchy mountain road after dark.

The attached metal stand helps you position the light optimally for whatever activity or task you’re doing. If you’ve ever arrived to your campsite late at night and had to set up your tent in the dark, you’ll appreciate the LOFTEK’s bright, directional beam and how easy it is to position.

And once camp is set up, the LOFTEK provides ample illumination for all your other campsite activities – preparing dinner, cleaning up, or playing games.

Tools that do double duty are great when travelling so you have fewer things to pack and carry around. The LOFTEK flood light also functions as a power bank so you can charge your cell phone or other portable electronic devices.

So if you’re searching for a tough LED that will stand up to abuse both around the house and in the outdoors, check out LOFTEK.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a LOFTEK 15W portable floodlight for free from LOFTEK in consideration for a gear review.

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 28, 2017

Photo: Crestridge Ecological Reserve

Hello Hikers!

Well it appears summer weather has returned. There is a heat advisory through Wednesday, and it doesn’t appear as though its going to cool down much after that. The US Forest Service has closed Three Sisters Falls and Cedar Creek Falls through at least Tuesday – they will reassess the closure on Tuesday and may continue it longer depending on conditions.

Remember to take it easy during the hot temperatures. There’s nothing wrong with staying home for a few days, but if you do go out pick a short hike and head out early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Carry more water than you think you’ll need and please, please, PLEASE leave your dogs at home if you decide to hike in the heat!! Here’s a list of some good coastal and beach hikes where you might find some cooler temps, but always check the forecast before you go.

Visitors to the Walker Preserve Trail in Santee are being warned about an incident last week where several women report a man exposing himself to them on the trail. The suspect is described as white, around 5-feet 11-inches tall, 190 to 210 pounds with black, wavy hair. Any victims or anyone who sees any suspicious behavior should contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: Sunset from the Iron Mountain Trail

Dog Friendly, Lakes, Mission Trails, San Diego River, Santee, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Kumeyaay Lake


Kumeyaay Lake in Mission Trails Regional Park was once a series of gravel pits along the San Diego River. After being mined out in the 1970’s, the area was restored and has since become an important nesting ground for the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo. The lake is also open to recreational fishing, and lies immediately adjacent to the Kumeeyaay Lake Campground, open on weekends and certain holidays. Continue reading Kumeyaay Lake →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 21, 2017

Photo: Del Mar Mesa Preserve

Hello Hikers!

Today’s the big solar eclipse! Hopefully you’ve made some fantastic plans to get outside and witness this rare celestial event. You know this already, but I’m going to say it again: don’t look directly into the sun! Be safe out there and have fun.

If you are a fan of both hiking and beer, check out the new Trails and Ales series. A partnership of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, The Escondido Creek Conservancy, Volcan Mountain Foundation and San Diego Canyonlands, the series consists of 5 hikes from October through March followed by a visit to one of San Diego’s fine local breweries. For full information and registration details, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trails-ales-hike-series-tickets-34832586203.

The Cleveland National Forest now has a mobile app that will help you find local trails, get real-time news updates, and even watch informative videos. It’s available for both iPhones and Android, just search for “Cleveland National Forest” in your app store or visit www.clevelandnf.oncell.com.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: Silvercrest Trail

Birding, Coastal/Beach Hikes, del mar, Dog Friendly, North County, San Dieguito River, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Dust Devil Nature Trail


It was another hot weekend, and we were looking for a shorter coastal trail that we could bring one of the dogs on – The Dust Devil Nature Trail was a perfect choice. Located on the eastern side of the San Dieguito Lagoon, the trail is named in honor of the Dust Devils – a volunteer group started in the 1990’s who were instrumental in building and improving trails in the San Dieguito River Park. The trail consists of three interconnecting loops, which can seem a tad confusing if you’re just looking at the map, but is easy enough to navigate if you just turn right at every junction. Continue reading Dust Devil Nature Trail →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 14, 2017

Photo: Mule Deer along Thunder Spring/Chimney Flats Loop in Palomar Mountain State Park

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and maybe got a chance to check out the Perseid Meteor Showers. We’re just one week away from a solar eclipse! Check out NASA’s web site for everything you need to know about the event, and then head over to Amazon to order some Solar Eclipse Glasses for safely viewing the sun.

The Valley Roadrunner has a great article on Keys Creek Canyon Preserve – a future open space preserve in Valley Center. The 190-acre property was recently acquired by the County of San Diego.

And in more good news, the Times of San Diego reports that Mission Trails Park is getting 178 additional acres, thanks to Pardee Homes.

Those of you with young hikers in the family will be happy to learn that Guajome Regional Park has opened a one mile TRACK Trail. TRACK trails is a program that engages children through self-guided treks at parks where kids can earn prizes for tracking their adventures online.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: Batiquitos Lagoon

Coastal/Beach Hikes, Dog Friendly, Solana Beach, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Annie’s Canyon via N Rios Avenue (San Elijo Lagoon)


Annie’s Canyon, formerly known as the “Mushroom Caves,” in San Elijo Lagoon has quickly become one of San Diego’s “must-do” hikes. For years, the narrow sandstone slot canyon was officially closed to the public, but served as an illicit party spot. Thanks to a generous donation by someone known only as “Annie,” as well as tremendous effort by volunteers, the area has been cleaned up and a new trail known as “Annie’s Canyon Trail” has been established. The hope is that by opening the area to the public it will no longer be a desirable hangout for illegal activities. Continue reading Annie’s Canyon via N Rios Avenue (San Elijo Lagoon) →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – August 7, 2017

Photo: View of Cuyamaca Peak from Garnet Peak

Hello Hikers!

Well last week’s thunderstorms were a fun change of pace, but I for one would appreciate a break from the humidity.

Valley Center Happenings has a good reminder article on keeping your dog safe during the hot weather. Spoiler alert: DON’T take them hiking when its hot!

Some local residents are apparently discovering for the first time that tarantulas live in San Diego. NBC 7 has a story on some Scripps Ranch residents who have encountered the spider in their home. Experts say the past wet winter has increased the amount of spiders and other critters around, and more of them are making their way into people’s homes. Tarantulas are generally quite docile and rarely bite. Right now is tarantula mating season, and males are moving around looking for mates. If you’d like to encounter them in their natural habitat, we recommend an evening or night hike at Mission Trails or Iron Mountain.

Don’t forget this weekend (August 11th – 12th) will be the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Viewing will be diminished slightly due to a 3/4-full moon, but it should still be a worthwhile show. Check out this article from Space.com with more information and tips on where and when to see the best show.

On August 28, 2017, the price of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80. Passes cover entrance and standard amenity (day-use) recreation fees and provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees. The pass is available to US citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older, and is valid for your entire lifetime. So, if you’re eligible you should get one ASAP! Click here for a list of places you can buy a pass, but be aware some locations have sold out so you might want to call ahead of time. If you’re in the city, the entrance station at Cabrillo National Monument is the closest location.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: Barnett Ranch

Coastal/Beach Hikes, Dog Friendly, Imperial Beach, South County, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Tijuana Estuary

The Tijuana Estuary is an internationally known bird-watching destination in our own backyard, home to threatened and endangered species such as the California Least Tern, Snowy Plover, and Ridgway’s Clapper Rail. While over 90% of California’s coastal wetlands have disappeared, the Tijuana River National Estuarine Reasearch Reserve is protected by several government agencies (including California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore a wetland environment. Continue reading Tijuana Estuary →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 31, 2017

Photo: Lake Jennings

Hello Hikers!

During the month of August, the following six County Parks will be closed due to the heat:

Also note that the Silverwood Animal Sanctuary in Lakeside is closed in both August and September.

Next Monday (August 7th) will be a full moon! This is a great time to get out for a night hike. On Saturday night, August 5th, you can join a Ranger-led night hike at Santa Ysabel East Preserve. Join Ranger Bill on a family-friendly hike under the full moon around Kanaka Flat Loop. On the way up, there will be discussions on the area’s history, plants and wildlife. You’ll be able to enjoy the sunset from the top of Kanaka, and the hike back will be in the moonlight. Wear hiking boots and dress in layers. Bring water, snacks and a fully charged flashlight. This is a good, moderately difficult 7-mile round-trip hike for the full family – including leashed dogs! Please be aware there are steep inclines and declines and rocky areas. There is no cost to attend. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information, call the park directly at 760-765-4098 or 760-814-0208, or visit their website.

The Perseid Meteor Shower will be peaking next weekend, August 11th – 12th. Viewing will be diminished slightly due to a 3/4-full moon, but it should still be a worthwhile show. Check out this article from Space.com with more information and tips on where and when to see the best show.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: Lucky 5/PCT Loop

Hiking trails in and around San Diego County