Author: j dawgz

Top 5 Water Filter Bottles For Extreme Hiking

Water is life, unless it contains something harmful, and then you’re in trouble. Unless you have boiled your water or treated it, then you can never be too sure of its safety, especially if you are on the go and have to depend on fountains, rivers, and other sources to refill your water bottle.

The good news is that if you are an adventurous person who loves hiking, camping, and any other leisure activity, you can still drink safe water if you invest in a water bottle with a filter.

Here is a list of some of the best water bottles for hiking, which will filter out parasites and other harmful substances.

#1. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

This bottle has a two-stage filtration process that gets rid of 99.99% of waterborne parasites and bacteria. When you are preparing for a hike, you can use it to filter tap water at home, and carry it with you.

However, if it runs out before you get back home, this bottle will filter water from puddles, ponds, and streams. Although it filters parasites and bacteria, it will not remove viruses, heavy metals, salt water, or chemicals. LifeStraw does sell other bottles that will remove viruses.

The filter is very easy to clean, and it is long-lasting, since it can filter up to 264 gallons of water. The bottle weighs 5 ounces, making it light enough to carry, and it is also leak-proof, so you will not worry about wasting any drops of precious water.

One of the downsides of this bottle is that it is expensive, selling for over $30, and it cannot filter out any bad tastes and odors. Also, some people find it difficult to suck water through the straw.

#2. Gray Inc. Ultralight Water Purifier Filter Bottle

This purifier bottle is efficient, since it filters and purifies the water very fast, within 15 seconds. It not only filters out soil particles, but also eliminates up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria, parasites, as well as dangerous metals.

It weighs 10.9 ounces, therefore, it is easily portable for your hiking trips, and can filter up to 40 gallons of water before requiring replacement.

Aside from purifying and filtering water, it will also remove any odors from it. You can use it with any freshwater source, and it has a capacity of 16 ounces; though it is also costly, going for $60 or more.

#3. Life Defender Filter Water Bottle

This Life Defender bottle has a 2-stage filtration process that is both coconut activated, and chemical free. It carries 700 ml of water, and can filter 1,500 liters before needing filter replacement.

It can purify 99.99% of heavy metals, bacteria, chemicals, and parasites in water and the company offers a 100% quality guarantee. It costs about $37, and each dollar you spend on a bottle is a donation to Water.org.

#4. Aquaovo Alter Ego Frio Personal Water Filter Outdoor

This stainless steel, and thermal-insulated bottle goes for about $60, and can filter not only tap water contaminants, but also river parasites. This makes it the ideal bottle to carry with you during your hikes, or other outdoor trips.

#5. Survimate Water Filter Bottle

For the price of about $30, you can invest in this filter bottle that uses precise, coconut shell carbon to eliminate bacteria, parasites, and metals.

It also gets rid of other contaminants that you are likely to find in outdoor sources of water, including rivers, lakes, and ground water.

Its only downside is that it can take some time for the water to filter through, and when it does, the flow can be slow, initially.

Conclusion

With these great options to choose from, you might as well start packing your Oru Bay for that hiking trip you have been postponing, because you could not get a reliable water filter bottle. Now you have no excuse!

Best Things To Do In Lake Tahoe, CA

In the state of California, Lake Tahoe is a beautiful area with a variety of activities to enjoy. From kayaking to hiking, you’ll find many things to do there. Here are some of our favorites.

#1. Skiing And Other Winter Sports

Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit, especially during the holidays, with all of the winter activities that are available there, including skiing. While Lake Tahoe is, of course, famous for its lakes, it’s also well known for their ski resorts.

Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and more are popular activities during the winter. Popular resorts include Homewood Mountain Resort and the Heavenly Mountain Resort. Visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter is a lot of fun.

#2. Hiking

Lake Tahoe is home to many beautiful hiking trails, making it a popular destination for hikers around the world. Walk along the lakes, waterfalls, and beautiful wilderness areas.

Popular hiking destinations include the Angora Lakes Trail, an easy uphill hike with beautiful views of the lake, and the Tamarack Lake Trail, a harder, rockier hike. There’s a lot of other trails too, most of which have a lake view.

#3. Kayaking

Kayaking is easily the number 1 activity at Lake Tahoe. Millions of people come to the area to go kayaking on the beautiful lakes, all year round. You can go as a group, or alone. If going alone, we recommend the folding Oru kayak.

It’s a great workout too, especially for your upper body and core. There’s no shortage of rental companies that offer guided tours and more.

#4. Camping

Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for millions of campers each year. You can expect beautiful views from your campsite, and some are even near a lake area.

You won’t regret coming to vacation here for a camping trip. Some campsites are in the mountains, while others are along bike trails, and some are in the wilderness.

#5. Biking

Lake Tahoe is home to scenic and amazing bike trails. Find the trail that’s right for you, then rent a bike at one of the many rental places, then you’re off on an amazing bike ride.

On some trails, you’ll bike along a lake, and on others you may bike on a rockier area, but you will have a great time on all of them.

#6. Fishing And Other Water Sports

During the summer, Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for water sports like fishing, waterskiing, and parasailing. You’ll find many rental places along the lake, and then you’re off, and definitely having a good time.

#7. Photography Tours

It’s no surprise that Lake Tahoe is a beautiful area, and many people like to take photography tours to capture its beauty. Most tours will take you to South Lake Tahoe, and will first bring you to the South Shore, then you will start to go to different parks in the area.

You’ll also learn amazing things about the lake and the local wildlife. You can expect a great experience here.

#8. Visit Local Parks

While Lake Tahoe itself is technically a national park, you’ll find many nearby parks in the area. Some popular parks include the D.L. Bliss State Park, perfect for campers and sightseers, and the Bartley Ranch Regional Park, which is home to many historic buildings, and is perfect for families.

In Conclusion

Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for anyone looking for a great vacation, with no shortage of fun stuff to do, year round. We, here at Killer Kayaks, recommend visiting as soon as you can.

Why Should You Visit Lake Chelan State Park?

It is fall, the leaves are turning and the clouds have gone. Where do you go for your vacation? Lake Chelan offers the perfect opportunity to unwind from the stresses of city life.

Most visitors describe the lake and its environs as an oasis of sunshine, due to the clear blue skies, green fields, and crystal clear water. These natural features have made Lake Chelan the destination of choice among local tourists.

Activities:

#1. Fishing

With some of the most accessible platforms, fishing on Lake Chelan offers an unrivaled experience for people from all walks of life. Spanning 50 miles, vacationers have the opportunity to fish a variety of species such as Chinook, trout, and kokanee salmon.

Fishing guides are also on hand to ensure a fun, safe, and comfortable fishing session. They will also help you prepare your catch upon request.

#2. Kayaking

If you are looking for an awe-inspiring adventure through the lake, or an extended excursion of discovery, kayaking is arguably the best way to experience the beauty Lake Chelan has to offer.

The best part is that adventurers can bring their own kayaks, which they can carry to Stehekin via the Lady of the Lake ferry at an additional fee. Imagine enjoying your Oru kayak out here, in such a beautiful setting.

The calm waters give kayakers an opportunity to slow down and take in the surrounding beauty. For rapid whitewater kayaking, the Wenatchee River offers one of the best kayaking trips in the state. Furthermore, it is easily accessible.

#3. Hiking

Lake Chelan has hundreds of miles of hiking trails for hikers of varying capabilities. The hikes are categorized as easy, moderate, and strenuous, depending on length and the nature of the trail.

If you are new to hiking, you may want to try out one of the easy trails, such as Agnes Gorge (4.4 miles) or Buckner Orchard Walk (1.6 miles round trip). Irrespective of your hiking experience, hikers are advised to observe safety tips at all times.

#4. Cycling

Whether you are a casual or serious biker, Lake Chelan has numerous routes you can choose from. Visitors can bring their own bikes, or rent one from the park, and enjoy scenic rides through orchards and the mountainous terrain of Lake Chelan Valley.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, Lake Chelan Valley is an epic landscape paradise. With numerous single track trails, the valley is a challenge that riders with experience wouldn’t want to pass on. Echo Ridge Summer Trails and Devil’s Backbone are just two such mountain biking routes.

#5. Wildlife Viewing

If you are hiking, kayaking, or even cycling, you will have the opportunity to watch the vast array of wildlife around Lake Chelan. From the bald eagle to the shy mountain goats, wildlife viewing in the park offers a chance to interact closely with nature.

There are also viewing platforms that make it possible to watch birds, without causing interruptions. Carrying a pair of binoculars or a camera to these platforms would be wise.

Conclusion

Note that these aren’t the only activities available to the visitors of Lake Chelan. The park is a haven of uniqueness, and has an endless list of other enjoyable activities.

These include, but are not limited to, paddle boarding, water skiing, camping, and canoeing. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Lake Chelan State Park has your interests covered.

Day Trip To Prince William Sound, Alaska

Located in Alaska, Prince William Sound is an excellent spot for outdoor activities. It contains an assortment of small islands and waterways that challenge both the body and spirit.

Visitors come in many various avenues, including through kayaks, cruise ships, ferries, small boats, and float planes. Featuring an exceptional 3,800 miles of coastline, the sound provides the perfect place to get a respite from modern life. Whether you want to rough it up in a kayak, ride a boat, or watch with amazement as your cruise ship moves through the land, you are guaranteed to enjoy one of life`s best experiences.

Activities To Enjoy At Prince William Sound

Four communities play an essential role in the exploration of the sound. For instance, Whittier lies an hour`s drive from Anchorage, and you can pass through the notable Whittier Tunnel. Also, you can consider using ferries, boats, or kayak outfitters who work out of Whittier.

Aside from that, you can also enjoy the amazing scenery through Cordova or Valdez. Here, you can meet with people from all over the world, who come to enjoy the ambiance and appeal of the sound.

You can also enjoy watching the view from your cabin, as the fishermen release their nets. Other excellent leisure time activities include berry picking, spying deer with binoculars, or even spending time with people at your camp.

Kayaking At Prince William Sound

The sound provides some of the best opportunities for back country adventures, scenic viewing, solitude, and more. Plus, with more tidewater glaciers than any other place in the region, it provides some of the best waterways in the world. It is also partially covered by the 6.9 million acre Chugach Forest.

Large ice fields also surround the inland waterway to produce an exceptional tidewater glacier that tumbles into the sea. Icebergs and post-glacial terrains are major aspects of the landscape, providing a unique perspective of reforestation and geology.

There are various locations where one can enjoy kayaking on or very close to the sound, and here is a list of them:

Alaganik Slough – There are 4 picnic sites, and this is a great spot for salmon fishing.

Quartz Creek Camp – This has 46 campsites, and a boat ramp to launch your kayak, and you can reach Kenai Lake and River for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Six Mile Creek – A great place for whitewater rafting/kayaking, with class IV and V rapids. There are 3 canyons, with the third being class V, and you can opt for guides to go with you if you’re not familiar with the area.

Harrison Lagoon Cabin – Open year-round, this location is more for nature lovers, but you can still go kayaking here. You can also view whales at Port Wells, bear hunting is allowed with a permit, and the area makes for great hiking.

Black Bear Camp – There are 12 camp sites here, with some of the most beautiful views of glaciers in the state. You can take your family kayaking here, at Portage Lake or Creek (if you’re experienced), through class II conditions, at the strongest.

Primrose Camp – This camp has 8 sites with no hook-ups, but has your basic amenities and a boat launch. It’s open year-round, and is great for hiking along Primrose Creek. It’s in Anchorage, which is close to Prince William Sound.

Home to some of the best kayaking locations in the world, Prince William Sound and its surrounding islands/waterways attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. In fact, a kayaking experience at the sound will completely take our minds off of our day to day stresses.

There are various kayaking outfitters and camps, where you can gain access to the various accessories required to have a great time. If you’re looking for a solid starter kayak, check out our review of the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS.

Conclusion

In summary, the Prince William Sound is one of the best outdoor locations in the world. Whether it’s scenic viewing, nature walks, whale watching, sharing a hot cup of coffee, or even spending time with other outdoor enthusiasts at the camp, you are bound to have a memorable experience.

Best of all, the sound provides access to some of the best kayaking locations in the world. The exceptional waterways provide the diversity that is required to challenge and lift your spirits. Happy kayaking, fishing, whale watching, glacier watching, nature viewing, etc.!

9 Lakes To Go Kayaking In Mammoth Lakes, CA

Are you a kayak or paddle board enthusiast? Have you been on the lookout for a suitable location to carry out these two activities? Well, you have landed on just the right page. We are here to gladly introduce you to Mammoth Lakes, California.

Mammoth Lakes is a town that borders Nevada State. It is surrounded by picturesque and breathtaking terrains, and pristine ecosystems. We have identified the key areas within the town’s vicinity that are great for kayaking and paddle boarding.

1. Lake Mary

This lake is situated at an elevation of 8,900 feet above sea level. The lake is equipped with two marinas, which also lease paddle boards and kayaks, among other water sporting equipment. The water is generally still, pristine, devoid of strong waves, and very cool.

It is thus very suitable for paddle boarding and kayaking. Moreover, the lake accords spectacular views of the adjacent white mountain peaks, so it is also great for photography.

2. Lake Mamie

Nestled between lakes Horseshoe and Mary, this is a small, yet very popular lake. It is wholly set aside and sealed for fishing, lounging, boating, and a host of other water sporting activities. These restrictions make the entire lake ecosystem well suited for kayaking and paddle boarding.

Being remote and cut off from the “rest of the world”, the area is also a great breakaway for picnics and other outdoor activities.

3. Lake George

Located at a whopping 9,000 feet above sea level, Lake George is great for those outdoor enthusiasts who fancy higher elevations. At the shores of this wonderful lake are a host of boat rental companies and several docks.

You only have to part with a little amount of money to be able to obtain the right equipment to kayak or paddle board. What’s more? The breathtaking look of the lake makes it all the more suited for photography.

4. Horseshoe Lake

On the whole, Horseshoe Lake is a 1.9-mile loop of water that is moderately trafficked. It is close to Mammoth Lakes and is generally great for all skill levels. This is because its waters are tranquil, as they are rarely stirred up by strong winds.

There are no rental facilities nearby; which means you will have to carry along your own kayak or paddle board. Its peaceful ambiance confers great opportunities to relax as well.

5. June Lake

Shaped in the form of a loop, June Lake is a very pristine location. It is situated about a 20 minute drive away from Mammoth Lakes. The lake is the best place to enjoy the beach while you are away from a shore.

With its calm and safe nature, the lake is indeed great for paddle boarding and kayaking. This is the place to practice these two activities, since it is the most ideal locations for both.

6. Grant Lake

Unlike all the other lakes under consideration, Grant Lake, strictly speaking, is not a lake. Instead, it is a giant reservoir. This notwithstanding, it is still deep, large, and calm enough for kayaking.

This lake does not have trees, but that doesn’t stop visitors from using it. It has some of the biggest rainbows in the area, which will make it even more beautiful without trees in the way. Also, you can see Mount Wood better, which has a height of 12,000 feet.

7. Twin Lakes

As the name suggests, this is not just one lake. Instead, it is a series of interconnected lakes that are set at the base of the southeastern slope of the Mammoth Mountain.

This setting shields the waters from harsh external environmental conditions. This is what makes the area well suited for kayaking and paddle boarding.

8. Crowley Lake

Crowley Lake is a large freshwater lake within the Mammoth Lakes region. The fact that it’s large, calm, and deep makes it especially great for kayaking and paddle boarding.

Moreover, it has several rental facilities in its complex, and guided tours are provided as well. This is the place to be if you ever hope to enjoy your time outdoors to the fullest possible extent.

9. Mono Lake

Mono Lake differs from the rest of the lakes in the Mammoth Lakes area, in that it is large, yet saline. It is mainly great for paddle boarding. Guided tours are available to any visitor. The adjacent areas are rich in flora and fauna.

Conclusion

We have given you just a glimpse of what Mammoth Lakes has to offer. It is not enough just to know the best places to kayak and paddle board, but you will definitely want to make the effort to visit any of these locations we have identified and explained above. If you’re interested in kayaking Big Sur, you’ll find this article helpful as well. If you’re looking for a durable and space saving kayak, then the Oru kayak should be a solid option.