Campground Review: October Mountain State Forest – Lee, MA

Camp Map

October Mountain is the largest state forest in Massachusetts. At 16,500 acres October Mountain has a vast network of hiking trails including a section of the Appalachian Trail.

The Campground at October Mountain offers 47 campsites on 3 levels.  Level 1 is less wooded than level 2 and seem to be better suited for campers or RV’s. None of the sites offer water or electric hookup. Level sites are more wooded especially 47, 48, and 49.  Level 3 offers three yurts and a couple of camp sites.  There are 2 bathrooms on the ground both were just so so, Not super clean nor dirty.  As most Mass State Parks the bathrooms have outdoor dish washing stations, a nice feature.

The few times I stayed here I found most of the campers to be quiet. October Mountain’s biggest downfall is the power transformer station across from the campground.  On the first level, the hum from the transformers is annoying at best, on the second level it is quieter but still a constant hum is present.  I would choose to stay else where for this reason alone.  Not the wilderness campground I was hoping for in Mass’ biggest state park…

Product Review: Kako IceTrekkers Diamond Grips Traction System

Kako IceTrekkers Diamond Grips

I will be comparing Kako IceTrekkers Diamond Grips to Yaktrax because they are closest in price, and I am familiar with Yaktrax.

First Thoughts

They came in a simple plastic bag with a product insert.  The Diamond Grips are much beefier than Yaktrax. By design no rubber parts are underfoot. Wielded chains attach the rubber to wire loops holding the metal “diamonds”.  Diamond Grips are bit heavier (12oz vs 8oz) then Yaktrax at  but one would expect them to be and worth the weight for the added durability.

Putting them on

Diamond Grips have no left or right pair so no need to keep track.  They slip on just like Yaktrax. The rubber is a bit stronger so a little more pull is required.  The easiest way to put them on is to slip your toe Read more »

Book Review: Les Stroud’s Survive!

Survive!

I finally finished up the original survival man Les Stroud’s book Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive.  As a fan of his show I really wanted to read the book.  If you watched the show the book just reiterates most of was covered in episodes of the show, just more in depth.  Les goes into detail about water, shelter, food, navigation, etc. for various locations worldwide.   The best part of the advice he offers is you know it is tested and true. Les has spent years in the wilderness practicing his skills.

In the book, he covers building survival kits for auto, home and wilderness.  If you carried everything he recommends on every day hike you would have legs of steel.

The book was informative and kept me entertained. The added survival stories were fun to read. If you are a Les Stroud fan pick it up.  Survive! Would make a great gift for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Product Review: Yaktrax Pro Traction System

Yaktrax Pro

I have had my Yaktrax Pros for a couple of years now and love them… I have used them on everything from deep powder to crossing a frozen lake.  They really grip!

First Thoughts

When you open the package, they seem flimsy, it is a rubber web with some thin metal coils around parts of the rubber. They are kind of flimsy. The coils take some abuse. I have used them on ice-patched pavement and haven’t bent or flattened the coils. I can see how the rubber could break, although this has not happened to me.

Putting them on

They do have a left, a right pair, and a toe and heal side so some thought is required in putting them on.  They are pretty easy to get on, just slip your toe in the toe side and pull the heal of the yak over your boot or shoe heals.  Some adjustments of the sides are needed, and then tighten the Velcro strap over the top of your foot.  The strap is what make the pros differ from the regular Yaktrax, and the strap is a big help original Yaktrax are known to slip off shoes easily so don’t skimp, Read more »

Product Review: Katadyn Pocket Microfilter

Katadyn Pocket

I have been thinking about getting a water filter for awhile now, running out of water on a hike can make the last few miles true hell.  I figure if I can carry a filter for the same weight as an extra bottle of water that is a good trade off… www.allfilters.com contacted me about reviewing a filter and I jumped at the chance.  All Filters sells all types of filters ranging from whole house filters to compact backpacking and camping filters. I went with the Katadyn Pocket because of its durability. I have heard some not so good stories about the hiker pro that most carry, what good is a piece of gear if it fails!

The Pocket is more expensive than most ($289) but it is the only filter with a 20 year guarantee. This thing is built tough, I mean really really tough.  It is mostly aluminum with a plastic outer sleeve. Very solid and easy to maintain. The ceramic filter element is good for 13,000 gallons, so basically forever.

When the box arrived I was excited to open it up and check it out. The Filter comes with a carry bag, a tube with a pre-filter, a output tube with a clip to connect to the container you are filling, a plastic bag for the output tube so it does not get contaminated, and a maintenance kit. Before even looking at the manual I quickly took it apart to see how it worked, it is super easy to disassemble and reassemble for in field maintenance. The manual tells you to flush the pump by filtering a liter of water to flush the ceramic dust from the manufacturing process.  This is a must do step, the fist liter of water was very cloudy and kind of stinky. I ran a second liter through it and it was nice and clear.

Pre-filtered Water

For my first test I decided to scoop up some water from a local river the Mill River. I would never think of even taking a sip of the water out of this river. I set up the filter and started pumping away, each pump moved a fair bit of water and the pump moves with little resistance. The filtered water was clear. It did just what I expected it to do. This filter filters down to 0.2 microns because of their size no micro-organisms can pass through the mini pores of the filter ceramic ( 0.2 microns = 0.0002 mm).  The Katadyn Pocket Microfilter eliminates bacteria, protozoa, cysts, algae, spores, sediments, and reduces viruses (but will not eliminate them) in combination with particles greater than 0.2 microns meeting EPA Purifier Standards.

Filtered Water

My second test was on a day hike.  I filtered 32oz from a trail side stream.  The water was flowing good after recent rains. The filter made quick work of 32oz of water, the filter rate for this filter is a liter a minute and that seems pretty accurate. I drank the full 32oz on my way out it’s been a couple weeks with no ill effects so I guess it works…

It weighs in at 20oz so it is slightly less than the full extra bottle of water I would normally carry. So as long as my destination has a good water source I will be carrying my Katadyn Pocket for piece of mind.

Disclosure: AllFilter.com provided HuskyHiker.com with a complementary Katadyn Pocket Microfilter for this review. However, This product review is based on first hand experience and not biased due to receiving free merchandise.

.

.

.

Product Review: GUTR Ultimate Sweatband

The first time I saw the Sweat GUTR Headband I thought it was a great idea, a gutter for your head. My self conscientiousness keep me from buying one… I felt I would look dorky at the gym or on the trail wearing it. I had the chance to try one out so here we go…

GUTR Sweatband

When I felt the headband I was surprised at how soft the PVC material is. It is super flexible and light weight, the side that is against your head is very smooth and if fitted properly will not leave any marks on your head after it is removed.  It works by channeling the sweat away from your eyes to the sides of your face via the channel in the gutter. Fitting was easy, the sweatband comes with three elastic bands for sizing and velcro for fine fit adjustments. You want a snug fit, not tight,  just enough not to move.

I used it on a couple 5 mile hikes in 90 degree plus weather and humid, this summer in New England was been brutal.  It really works I don’t care if I look like a dork… No more burning eyes, no more trying to find a dry spot of shirt to wipe my eyes. Awesome! I have tried hats, bandannas, cloth headbands, they all make me feel hotter and I end up just taking them off… Not once have I felt like I needed to remove the GUTR. It is a great feeling to have sweat pouring down the sides of your face but not in your eyes.  No matter how filthy it gets a simple wash in soap in water cleans it right up.

If you are a sweater like me I highly recommend the Sweat GUTR Headband, Husky Hiker seal of approval!

Even if you hate it Sweat GUTR will let you return it for a full refund as long as you let them know why… so don’t sweat it… Read more »

Campground Review: Crown Point Public Campground, NY

Crown Point, NY

Crown Point Public Campground is located at 784 Bridge Road, Crown Point, NY 12928. This campground is located on the southern edge of the 281,600 acre Lake Champlain and right on the New York / Vermont border.  Crown Point rests over battlefields and fort locations dating back to 1775, remnants of the old forts can still be seen.  In the campground you will also find a beautiful lighthouse and fishing pier, both seem to be the main draw of the campground. A boat launch ramp is also located inside the campground so, if boating is your thing, this is a great place to stay.  The rate to camp here is $17 a nite and reservations can be made through reserve america.

The Lighthouse

The Crown Point website shows many sites that you would think to be waterside or lake front camping, but only few sites even have water front views. Sites 1-10 are they only sites with a clear view to the water but a fence (and a steep hill) block access to the water from your site.

Read more »