The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2021

Photo courtesy of Clever Hiker

When embarking on a hiking adventure, having clean water is of the utmost importance. Between a lack of clean water on your trail and the dangers of stomach parasites, it’s not worth the risk. Luckily, there are plenty of water filters on the market that will keep you both hydrated and safe this summer. Check out some of our recommendations!

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System

Photo courtesy of REI

Best used on backpacking trips, the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter system includes two 32 fl.oz pouches, a cleaning coupling, and accessories for gravity and incline use. Its filter, made of hollow-fiber membrane, removes almost 100% of all bacteria including salmonella, cholera, and e.Coli. The durable packaging allows this water bottle to be used hundreds of times, equipping you for several hiking adventures over the course of the summer. Plus, this water filter won’t weigh you down. It’s only 3 fl oz. without water, making it lightweight and easy to transport on the trails.

Katadyn Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier

Photo courtesy of Backcountry Gear

This backpacking water filter by Katadyn Steripen is small, portable, and gets the job done. This tiny device which fits into most containers can purify half a liter of cold or warm water in less than a minute. But its ability to purify bacteria that causes cholera, dysentery and typhoid is only one defining feature of this tool. Notably, it’s also excellent at filtering out harmful UV rays. Finally, this device is rechargeable from any USB power source. Simply connect the water purifier to a cable, and when it’s fully charged, it’ll be ready to treat up to 50 liters of water.

MRS Guardian Purifier

Photo courtesy of Gearminded

This one’s for the folks who are doing some arduous hiking. If you’re confronted with some murkier water sources and need a heavy-duty solution, the MRS Guardian Purifier is a perfect choice. This backpacking water filter is the winter of BackPacker Magazine 2016’s editor’s choice award for a reason. Its advanced medical-grade fibers block viruses and physically remove viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and particulates. This level of purification is something that most hollow-fiber filters cannot achieve. It’s also perfect for cold-weather hikers, since it’s engineered to withstand freezing temperatures.

GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System

Photo courtesy of Backpackers.com

Rated as one of the best high-capacity gravity filters, this filtration system from Platypus is effective and simple. Just fill one of the bags (labeled “dirty”) with water, place it above the empty bag, open the clamp, and give the rest to gravity. In just a few minutes, this system will produce about 4 liters of purified water. Using hollow fiber as its purifying mechanism, this backpacking water filter eliminates protozoa, bacteria, particulate, giardia, E. coli, salmonella, and more.

Grayl Water Purifier

Photo courtesy of Gear Junkie

Regarded as one of the best backpacking water filters for traveling internationally, the Grayl water purifier is known for its speed and simplicity — not to mention that it gets the job done. Within only eight seconds, it can produce 24 ounces of clean drinking water. The best part is that it doesn’t matter where the water source is. If it’s a murky pond, an unfamiliar lake, or even an underground well, the Grayl device is designed to remove waterborne infections across the globe such as viruses, bacteria, pesticides, chemicals, and microplastics.  

From all of us at Lake Homes, we wish you the best on your hiking adventures this summer!

Helpful Guide to House Hunting at Watauga Lake

Photo courtesy of HighCountryNC.com.

When you’re house hunting in a specific lake area, there’s a lot to consider before making a down payment. One of these factors is the area itself. Since many people purchase lake houses in a different state, it’s likely you won’t be completely familiar with the location. As such, it’s a good idea to visit, check out the scenery, and explore local restaurants. Essentially, you’re test-driving life as a resident. 

If you’re house hunting at Watauga Lake specifically, we have some advice for you. Located just east of Elizabethton, Tennessee, this reservoir was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority after the Watauga Dam’s installment in 1948. With abundant water recreation and the beautiful nearby Cherokee National Forest, there’s a lot to discover here. Check out our recommendations for your house hunting trip at Watauga Lake.

Stay at an Airbnb

Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

One of the best ways to house hunt is to spend time in the lake area. An easy way to do this is by renting a cabin near the Watauga Lake listing you’re interested in buying. On Airbnb, hosts offer rental opportunities for guests to stay at their home. More personalized than a hotel, this popular booking platform allows you to see the surrounding area like the locals do. 

At Watauga Lake, this Airbnb listing is hosted by Deborah Short Taylor, a Lake Homes Realty agent. Equipped with a full kitchen, dining space, and multiple bedrooms, there’s no better place to relax while enjoying stunning views of the Appalachian Trail. For your next stay, you can browse other Airbnb listings on Watauga Lake as well.

Explore Local Restaurants

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor.

Another excellent house-hunting venture is to explore local restaurants. Food is one of the best ways to become familiar with the local culture. When indoor dining comes back after the pandemic, it’ll also be a chance to chat with locals. 

In Elizabethton, just 45 minutes from Watauga Lake, check out Rico’s Pizza and Subs for casual dining, Mayflower for seafood, and Jiggy Ray’s for pizza and nightlife. Another nearby town is Butler, Tennessee, located a short 20-minute drive from the lake. For seafood dining with beautiful views, book a reservation at Captain’s Table. Then, explore Shirley’s for a home-cooked meal or Butler Trading Post for a relaxing dining experience with subs, specialty pizzas, and other delicious items.

Take a Hiking Trip

Photo courtesy of Smoky Mountain National Park.

Most of Watauga Lake’s shoreline lies within the Cherokee National Forest. Because the U.S. department of agriculture protects the forest, it cannot be developed. As such, the hiking opportunities are abundant, as are recreation centers such as Backbone Rock. While house hunting, it’s a great idea to check out the natural scenery. 

Outside the national forest, one of the most popular trails in the area is the Great Hike to Laurel Falls. This 80-foot waterfall earned its name from the plethora of mountain laurel shrubs in the Smoky Mountains. Of course, one of the most famous trail sites is the nearby Appalachian. The best part about this trail is that you can tailor your route to your skill level. For example, the path by Osborne Farm is an easy 1.5 level walk. If you’re a more intense hiker, you can traverse over 1800 miles through the woods. 

If you’d rather bike than hike, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a perfect destination. This gorgeous trail takes you through farmland, forests, streams, and Christmas tree farms. 

Check out the Fishing Scene

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor.

If you’re an avid angler, you’ll want to check out the fishing scene while house hunting. Lucky for those on Watauga Lake, there’s plenty of fishing. For instance, Blue Hole Falls in Elizabethton is a swimming and fishing hole with nearby picnic areas. Located in Elizabethton as well, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park doubles as a picnic and fishing site. It’s also the site of several important historical events from the 1700s. While you’re on the water, you can check out the other popular water sports. In non-pandemic times, Watauga Kayak offers guided white-water rafting and kayak tours for you and your family. 

We wish you the best with your house-hunting trip to Watauga Lake! 

5 Trail Mix Recipes for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Photo courtesy of Chubby Soul.

Whether you’re braving an arduous hiking trail or enjoying a lazy afternoon on the boat dock, trail mix is an unbeatable snack. It’s lightweight yet dense, easily portable, and doesn’t require refrigeration — making it a perfect choice for on-the-go nature enthusiasts. Besides these benefits, one of the best parts is that you can customize your batch. Perhaps you love Archer Farms’ Monster Mix or the classic Planters’ brand, but you wish it didn’t include raisins. Making your own trail mix is guaranteed to be free of pesky ingredients you’re not into. Plus, it’s unbelievably simple to make! In honor of National Trail Mix Day, check out these five trail mix recipes to try for your next outdoor adventure – whatever it may be!

Maple Glazed Trail Mix

Many trail mix recipes are either decadent or health-focused, but this one from Freshoffthegrid.com is the best of both worlds. The combination of sweet coconut flakes and hearty almonds makes for a satisfying Fall-themed snack. Whether you’re hitting the trail or hanging at your lake house, one handful won’t be enough. 

Ingredients: 

  • ½ cup of raw almonds 
  • ½ cup raw pecan halves 
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened coconut chips
  • ¼ cup pepitas 
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup 
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt 
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips 
  • ¼ cup dried cherries 

Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. While it’s heating, mix almonds, pecans, coconut chips, pepitas, and maple syrup into a medium bowl. Stir to coat the nuts with syrup evenly. Spread mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Once cooled, transfer to a bowl with chocolate chips and cherries.

Homemade Healthy Trail Mix

Are you looking for a nutrient-dense snack? Blogger and dietician, Carrie Walder, features a health-focused trail mix recipe on her blog, Walder Wellness. Her recipe is simple — dried fruits and raw nuts. However, this particular combination complete with mango slices has a tropical flair perfect for late summertime. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup raw cashews 
  • ½ cup raw almonds 
  • ½ cup unsweetened coconut chips 
  • 2 cups unsweetened dried mangos, chopped 
  • ½ cup banana chips 

Directions: Mix all ingredients into a large glass container. Scoop into plastic bags and bring on your next outdoor adventure! 

Classic Chex Monster Mix

If Chex Mix and trail mix had a child, this recipe would be it. Straight from Chex’s website, this tasty treat combines the light, crunchy texture of Chex squares with salty, filling nuts. To top it off, M&M pieces and chocolate chips add a sweetness that benefits all trail mix recipes. Kids and adults alike will compete for handfuls of this perfect lake snack. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 cups of Chocolate Chex cereal 
  • 2 cups of Rice Chex cereal 
  • 1 cup raisins 
  • 1 cup candy-coated chocolate candies 
  • 1 cup cocktail peanuts 
  • 1 cup roasted salted almonds 
  • ½ cup milk chocolate chips 

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a large bowl. Mix well and store in a covered container. 

Pumpkin Spice Roasted Chickpea Trail Mix

Calling all chickpea enthusiasts! Essentially the pumpkin spiced latte of trail mix recipes, this creation from the blog Eating Bird Food is a perfect combo of sweet and salty that goes well with a crisp Autumn afternoon at your lake house. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 
  • 5-6 drops of stevia (or 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup)
  • ½ cup unsweetened large flaked coconut flakes 
  • ½ cup almond slices 
  • ¼ cup enjoy life mini chocolate chips 

Directions: The bulk of this recipe involves roasting the chickpeas. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. After rinsing the chickpeas, pat them dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl. Add the pumpkin pie spice and stevia and stir to combine ingredients. Bake chickpeas on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Once they’re crispy, set aside to cool. Place the remaining ingredients in a bowl and add chickpeas! 

Decadent Trail Mix

We’re saving the sweetest for last. If you’re a chocolate fan looking for a dessert-like snack, this Decadent Trail Mix from The Cole Mines blog is perfect. The combination of salty and sweet is addictive, and the butterscotch and chocolate pairing makes for a delectable, unique treat. Around the holidays, opt for red and green M&Ms for a festive flare. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup salted peanuts 
  • 1 cup raisins 
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips (or peanut butter)
  • 1 cup M&Ms 

Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a Tupperware container or Ziplock bag. Enjoy and share with guests! 

During a long day in the great outdoors, homemade trail mix recipes are a fun, delicious treat. Whether you opt for a healthy or chocolatey snack today, we at Lake Homes wish you a Happy National Trail Mix Day! 

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Around Chattanooga, TN

Photo courtesy of RootsRated.com via Logan Foll.

There’s nothing like taking to the trails to enjoy the thrill of a hike with beautiful lakeside views, but why not make it more special by bringing your favorite companion along for the walk? For dog-lovers all around, it may be difficult to find spots for adventure with your four-legged friend, so we’ve done the work for you! Chattanooga, Tennessee, has some sweet hidden treasures for you and your pup. Thanks to the proximity of numerous lakes, national forests, and historical spots, there’s a variety of options for a nice walk by the water. Check out some trail options to enjoy today!

Chester Frost Park

Our first trail highlight is Chester Frost Park, located right on Lake Chickamauga. This spot is perfect if you and your dog are beginning to go on outdoor adventures together. Chester Frost Park is a great spot to explore the outdoors and enjoy the historical significance of Chattanooga. There is a rich history tied into this park, including Jackson Chapel Cemetery, the first and oldest cemetery in the county. This park has various amenities, including a beach area off Dallas Bay, but unfortunately, you would have to enjoy the beach spot without your pup. Regardless, there are still amazing trails to choose from with great lake views. For hiking maps and more directions, check out their trail guides.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

A little further south of the city, just about 20 minutes from Nickajack Lake, is Cloudland Canyon State Park that houses beautiful woodlands, cliffs, deep canyons, and amazing waterfalls. This park provides a variety of trails for you and your pet ranging from short to moderate and strenuous. The peak in this park is 1980 feet providing an amazing overlook. This option would be great for those dogs that are trained and ready for a more rigorous hiking experience. It is required to keep your pet on a leash as there are steep ledges and cliffs along this walk. Your pet must be restricted to the trails as the park doesn’t allow access to other areas of the park. Visit their site for more information and trail guides. At this time, trail access is limited to 10 hikers at a time.

Enterprise South Nature Park

Another great park to bring your pet along to is Enterprise South Nature Park. With over 2,600 acres of land, this park has a variety of trails featuring mostly moderate hills. We suggest this option if you and your pup are looking for a slightly more rigorous outdoor experience. You will also find a little secluded lake during your walk and a beautiful view of the water. Enterprise South Nature Park is a hidden gem where you will find few crowds compared to other parks in the Chattanooga area. This option will be great for both you and your four-legged companion to enjoy.

There are other options available in this area to visit with your pet. Check bringfido.com for other outdoor excursions. Whichever adventure you may choose for you and your furry friend, you are sure to have a great time in the Chattanooga area.

How to Practice Social Distancing at the Lake

Photo courtesy of A Storied Style.

There’s no sugar coating it — social distancing is a bummer. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, public life has been paused. Video calls have replaced all face-to-face interactions except for those who share our homes. Of course, such isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness. However, scientists recommend that to improve mental health in these times, spending time in nature is beneficial. In fact, rather than turning first to medication, some doctors are beginning to prescribe depressed patients with gardening projects. 

For those of us with lake homes, we’re well aware of the benefits of time spent in nature. It’s simply good for the soul. In these times, where social distancing is crucial, being on a lake makes it easier than ever to comply with these guidelines without sacrificing enjoyment. Below are several ways that you can enjoy your lake house while keeping your physical distance from others.

Walking Down Country Roads

Photo courtesy of Alabama Living.

Since stay-at-home orders have been passed around the country, many of us turn to daily walks as our remedy for cabin fever. When you’re living on a lake, these walks are much more scenic. While urban and suburban areas have concrete sidewalks for these excursions, many lake areas sit comfortably off country roads. They’re easier on your feet and showcase more greenery. Even better, you’re less likely to run into other people to dodge on your walk. 

Going Boating

Photo courtesy of Teva.

Although social events have been postponed, no one said we have to keep a six-foot distance from fish, ducks, and birds. You can still enjoy proximity to wildlife while obeying state guidelines. Now is the perfect time to spend time on the water. While it may not be warm enough to swim, you can still grab your fishing gear and try to reel in the big one. Whether you own a motorboat, canoe, or kayak, this is an excellent opportunity to spend time in both green and blue spaces at once.

Finding a Hiking Trail

Photo courtesy of Explore Asheville.

In most lake areas, you can find local hiking trails to enjoy some exercise and time outdoors. Although many are closed due to COVID-19, several trails remain open and have limited their capacity for visitors. To locate accessible greenways and nearby trails in your area, check out TrailLink.com and put on your hiking boots. If you have a furry friend, you may also want to check out BringFido.com for information on dog-friendly hiking paths. 

Watching the Sunset from the Boat Dock

Photo courtesy of Louisiana Travels.

If you have a boat dock, you already have a front-row seat to a beautiful, socially distant show. Without the glare of lights and intrusion of tall buildings, the sunset is much more visible from the lakefront. So when the clock starts inching towards 7:00 pm, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, prop your feet up, and enjoy the view. If you want to practice mindfulness while you’re there, consider bringing a yoga mat to your boat dock and going through a peaceful vinyasa flow as you watch the sky turn orange.

Reading on Your Patio

Photo courtesy of Suitcase of Happiness.

In these tough times, there’s a reason that book sales — particularly children’s books, adult fiction, and thrillers — have increased. In addition to having more time to read, people are looking for exciting stories to engage with while social distancing. If you live on a lake, you can read from the comfort of an outdoor sofa on your screened-in porch. With the sunlight streaming in, you may get so comfortable that you drift into a nap. 

Whatever your preferred pastime, we hope you find some ways to enjoy life on the lake — even while social distancing! 

Lake Charles, A Community ‘that likes to celebrate just about everything’

Sun setting over Interstate 10 Bridge Lake Charles Louisiana
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Janies Photography.

There are lakes where the primary objective is simply to get away from it all. The less to do, the better. And then there is Lake Charles, located about halfway between Houston and New Orleans, which dishes up a bubbling gumbo of enjoyable activities within the heart of southwestern Louisiana Cajun country.

Sure, the area offers plenty of relaxing outdoor options, from the only inland white-sand beach between Texas and Florida, to a wide world of water recreation, to a flock of opportunities for bird watchers. But there also are casinos and golf courses and restaurants galore. And some sort of event each week, a total of more than 75 per year.

Prien Lake Park with view of I210 bridge
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Janies Photography.

“We’re a community that likes to celebrate just about everything,” says William Precht, a Louisiana native and Senior Media / Public Relations Manager for the Lake Charles / Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We have all these fairs and festivals and live entertainment, much of which happens along the lakefront. And folks in the community like to get out and enjoy it all together.”

Water, the Heart of the Community

Boats out on water at Lake Charles LA during sunset
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Janies Photography.

Water, of course, is at the heart of everything. The city of Lake Charles sits alongside its namesake lake, which connects to a series of other lakes, reservoirs, and tributaries all the way to the Gulf of Mexico about 30 miles south. These include Prien Lake, which has multiple access points for boats and provides some of the best sunset views in the area, and Calcasieu Lake, a popular fishing location for trout, redfish and flounder.

Lake Charles Pirate Festival boat on water with crowd
Photo courtesy of iExplore.

Meanwhile, Lake Charles itself boasts a beautiful boardwalk that connects the beaches to a series of waterfront parks. The highlight along this trail is the Lakefront Promenade at Bord du Lac Park. The Promenade is home to many of the area’s annual events, including the 12-day long Louisiana Pirate Festival, a local tradition for more than 60 years.

“We’re a community that is focused on the water,” Precht says. “People are either on the water, or they’re along the lakefront looking at the water. Being outdoors is one of the main reasons that folks come here. It’s just a beautiful area that keeps growing with more fun things to do.”

Lake Charles Creole Nature Trail

Creole Nature Trail in Lake Charles during the day with view
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Janies Photography.

Lake Charles also is the getaway point for the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, one of only 43 designated scenic byways in the United States. Known as “Louisiana’s Outback, the Trail passes through three major wildlife refuges spread out over a combined 220,000 acres. The marshlands along the Trail are teeming with more than 400 bird species and a variety of other critters.

“The Creole Nature Trail is an awesome way to see a lot of the wildlife that is common to our area,” says Sheron Faulk, owner of the outdoor recreation store Ship to Shore Company in Lake Charles. “It’s pretty common to see an alligator on the trail. And for birders, there are some beautiful birds that you can’t see so easily in other locations that are abundant here.”

Whether you are visiting or thinking of making this lake your home, birds, water, and loads of fun are all abundant in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

To learn more about what Lake Charles has to offer, click here.

20 Items That Belong In Your First Aid Kit

Illnesses and injuries can happen anywhere and run the risk of ruining your lake outing. Making sure you have the right first aid kit can really make a difference in how potential problems are addressed. It is always safe to make sure you are prepared and double check to make sure that you have everything that you need.

You can always pick up a ready made first aid kit from the store, but if you would like a more comprehensive kit that will prepare you for most occasions, read on.

Bandages

Cuts and scrapes can happen anytime and anywhere, especially when you are outdoors hiking the lake or even boating. You must make sure that you have everything you need to bandage up those bumps and cuts. Here are some of the bandage supplies you will need on your camping trip.
• Medical tape
• Pads for blisters
• Sterile gauze
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes such as butterfly bandages and triangular bandages.

Sterilization and Infection Prevention

Those cuts and scrapes that you get can soon become infected if you do not have the proper supplies to prevent that from occurring. Here are a list of items that you will need to take with you on your camping trip that will help prevent you and your family from getting an infection.
• Cotton swabs
• Prep wipes containing alcohol
• Antibacterial cream
• Hand sanitizer to use to clean your hands with before you handle the first aid kit.

Medications

Photo courtesy of Yachting Pages.

Aches and pain can happen at any time, but are especially common when you are hiking or doing any kind of physical activity. It is important to bring certain over-the-counter medications with you to help relieve pain.
• Pain relievers such as Tylenol, Aleve, or Advil.
• Digestive medication for nausea and diarrhea.
• Allergy medications

Tools and Gadgets

These tools will help you prepare bandages, remove sharp objects such as splinters, and more.
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Safety pins

Sprays and Creams

You are bound to encounter bugs in the outdoors so it is beneficial that you have the right sprays and creams to keep those bugs away or treat bug bites.
• Anti-itch creams
• Burn relief sprays
• Bug sprays
• Petroleum jelly

Finally, adding a first aid manual to your kit will also help with anything that you may not be sure about. Purchase a large waterproof container to put your first aid supplies in and double check for everything before you go. It is better to be safe than sorry so make sure you have everything you need in case of an emergency.

For a comprehensive list of essential safety items to keep at your home, keep reading here.

Tips For Hiking The Great Outdoors

Hiking can be a fun recreational activity for people who really love the outdoors. The beautiful scenery, the sun shining off of the water, and even a chance at spotting local wildlife. But there are always tiny little issues that you may encounter that take away from the fun that you are having.

There are some things that you can do to prevent some of these minor setbacks from happening. Read on to find out more about how you can prevent incidents or be prepared for them during your hike by the lake.

lake hikingClothing
Bringing the proper clothing with you during your hike by the lake can make all the difference in your comfort and your fun.

Wearing socks to ensure that you don’t get nasty blisters or wearing and bringing extra comfortable shoes are just a couple of the things that you can do to eliminate those little annoyances.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings
There are all kinds of creatures and items that you will come across during your hike. Make sure you are watching out for poison ivy as well as spiders and snakes.

Bring some bug repellant and spray with you to keep those pesky bugs away from you. Be aware of other people who may be riding their bikes or riding horses.

Sun Protection
sun protectionIt is important to remember to wear hats and sunscreen to keep the sun off of your face. Even if it seems cloudy and that you may not need it, always wear sunscreen, the UV rays that cause sunburn can still reach you through the clouds.

Additional tips that will help you to better enjoy your hike and exploration on the lake:

• Stay hydrated, bring lots of extra water with you.
• Pack a light snack to bring with you.
• Hike with a friend. Not only is it safer, but it is more fun than hiking alone!
• Leave an itinerary with family or friends so people will know where to look for you in an emergency.
• Pack some safety items such as whistle, flashlight, and a small first aid kit.
• You may want to bring a camera with you just for fun. Hey, not everything is about safety!

Following some general safety rules could really benefit you in the long run if you taking a hike along a lake. Don’t forget to have a good time. These safety tips are just to keep you prepared in case of trouble, it does not necessarily mean you will get into trouble. Just have fun!