Tag: outdoor activities

Best Lake Vacation Destinations for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Joel & Jasmin Førestbird on Unsplash

Previously on our blog, we covered the best lake vacation destinations for relaxation. You can lay back at these lakeside retreats and enjoy the scenery. But for some people, the easygoing atmosphere may feel too slow. Maybe you’re the first out the door on a hiking trip, always ready to explore the wilderness. You’d rather spend all day exploring a new mountain than being inside reading a book. Check out these top five lakes for outdoor enthusiasts! If this describes you, we’ve got you covered.

Moosehead Lake, Maine

Photo courtesy of Destination Moosehead Lake

Philosopher and writer Henry David Thoreau referred to Moosehead Lake as “uninterrupted.” Its 120-mile stretch of water (the second largest in New England following Lake Champlain) winds through gorgeous mountainous scenery, reasonably untouched by man-made features. For the best hiking, Mount Kineo offers plenty of different trails for all experience levels. If you’re an advanced hiker, you won’t want to miss the Pinnacle Pursuit – a six-mountain hiking challenge with incredible views that are worth the arduous effort. And, of course, as its name suggests, you’re bound to catch glimpses of wildlife such as moose, falcons, loons, and otters.

Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

Photo courtesy of National Park Service

Along the south shore of Lake Superior, on Wisconsin’s northernmost point, sits the Apostle Islands. These gorgeous sandstone cliffs and sea caves are only accessible by boat. Further, camping is the only accommodation while staying on these islands, making them a perfect destination for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is home to more lighthouses than any other National Park. If you enjoy bird watching, bring binoculars while on the island – you’ll likely find plenty of new birds to identify. The archipelago gets more than 240 species of winged visitors every year. You’ll need to plan your visit in advance, but it’ll be well worth the trip.

Lake Chelan, Washington

Photo courtesy of Visit Chelan County

On average, Lake Chelan sees 300 annual days of sunshine. At this iconic lake destination in the Pacific Northwest, it’s rare that you’ll ever take a rain check on hiking plans. Besides the sunny weather, Lake Chelan is close to Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park. Immersed in these stunning alpine landscapes, you’ll have an abundance of hiking trails at your fingertips. These national parks offer over 250 miles of trails for mountain bikers, hikers, motorcyclists, and horseback riders. There are plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding on the water. In short, if you can’t get enough of nature, Lake Chelan is the place to be.

Lake George, New York

Photo courtesy of Adirondack Almanack

Lake George is nicknamed “Queen of the American Lakes” for a good reason. Although the town of Lake George is small and quaint, its natural surroundings are expansive. Located near the Adirondack mountains, it’s known for its proximity to stunning foliage and mountainous views. If you own or rent a lake house along its 32-mile shoreline, you’ll have access to countless outdoor activities – whitewater rafting, motorcycling, horseback riding, hiking – you name it! And if you need a day off, head to Million Dollar Beach along Lake George’s shore.

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Photo courtesy of Southern Trippers

Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure offers both gorgeous lake views and 1,000 acres of wilderness. The scenery is so outstanding that Lake Lure has been a movie destination for shooting Dirty Dancing, The Last of the Mohicans, and other films. To get a good look at everything, climb up Lake Lure’s Chimney Rock for expansive views. Overall, the abundance of hiking trails and nature activities make this southern lake a perfect spot for outdoor lovers. 

Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails! We hope you enjoy your next lake vacation at one of these top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Insects to Watch Out For

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Clément Falize on Unsplash

Summertime at the lake means a lot of things — swimming, boating, hiking, and other favorite outdoor activities. But one of the least enjoyable aspects of lake life is coexisting with outdoor creatures. We’re not talking about elk, ducks, and other wildlife you’re trying to spot — we’re talking about pesky lake insects. While it’s useful to remember bug spray and other strategies to keep insects away, it’s also helpful to identify these pesky bugs. After all, it’s hard to know which bugs to stay away from when you aren’t sure what they look like! Plus, with more skin exposure during the summer months, you may be even more vulnerable to these (often bloodthirsty) bugs. Today, we’ll be going over various types of annoying insects at the lake — and what to do if you see them!

Mosquitos

Photo courtesy of Mosquito Authority

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a mosquito bite on the lake. That’s all of us, right? According to the CDC, mosquitos love the water because that’s where their larvae and pupae (young, developing mosquitoes) live. Not to be confused with gnats (which are generally harmless), mosquitoes are not lake insects to be messed with. Because mosquitoes thrive on blood, when they land on you, they leave painful, itchy bites. They can also spread diseases, such as the organisms that can pass heartworm disease to dogs. To keep the mosquitoes at bay, be sure to apply bug spray correctly each time you go outside, especially during the summer.

Horse Flies

Photo courtesy of uwm.edu

Like mosquitoes, horse flies are also constantly in search of blood. These fast-flying lake insects are commonly found around bodies of water such as streams, ponds, and lakes. There, they most often prey on animals, spreading animal diseases such as anthrax, trypanosomiasis, and tularemia. Although horse flies get their name from their livestock-preying reputation (especially horses, since they’re attracted to movement), they can bite humans as well. This is especially true during the summer when they require more blood during mating season. To steer clear of horse flies, be sure to keep garbage containers or other areas of animal waste sealed tightly.

Ants

Photo by Prabir Kashyap on Unsplash

Although ants are not only a lake house problem, dealing with these insects is almost synonymous with summer lake life. From the front porch to the backyard to the boat dock, ants are everywhere. Some are harmless and some can be dangerous, but because there are over 12,000 known species of ants, it’s hard to generalize. In the absence of clarity, a good rule of thumb is to let them be. For example, running around barefoot outdoors is never a good idea due to the risk of fire ants. And when picnicking by the lake, be sure to keep all your containers tightly sealed to avoid some ant visitors.

Cockroaches

Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash

Although they’re definitely grotesque for those of us who are squeamish, cockroaches are typically harmless lake insects. However, in some people, they can cause allergic reactions. When in doubt, it’s best to stay away. At your lake home, the best protection against cockroaches is proper hygiene. Keep your house relatively tidy, clean up food messes, and store leftovers in the fridge. This is especially important to remember if your lake house is a second home. The last thing you want upon returning to your vacation house is a group of unwelcome guests.

Bees and Wasps

Photo by Aljaž Kavčič on Unsplash

What’s that buzzing sound? If you’re spending time outdoors at the lake, chances are, it’s a honey bee or bumble bee. In particular, these bees like to hang out by any flowering plants near the water. As most of us know, when threatened, bees can cause a painful sting. The same is true for wasps. However, these winged insects tend to be more aggressive than bees. Plus, if you’re allergic to their venom, the response can be excruciating. To get rid of wasps (and similar lake insects like hornets and yellow jackets), use a DIY or store-bought spray or hire a professional. 

When it comes to lake insects when in doubt, stay away! And of course, before running out to the lake, bring your bug spray and remember to clean up your picnic. 

Popular New Fishing Technology

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Evan Wise on Unsplash

At its core, fishing is a simple hobby. With just a line, a reel, and bait, you can enjoy an entire afternoon experiencing the peaceful serenity that the lake has to offer. However, in 2022, there’s plenty of technology that can enhance the fishing experience beyond the basics. To learn more about the hottest new products that are flying off the shelves, we spoke to Jackson Wiggins, a sales associate in the fishing department of the Bass Pro Shop in Memphis, Tennessee. From EchoMap tools to aerodynamic bait, check out some of the best fishing technology products to use at the lake!

Garmin EchoMap

Image courtesy of Amazon

If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on beneath the water’s surface, the Garmin EchoMap is for you. Equipped with high-tech sonar, this live scope helps you see the location of fish a little more closely. “It’ll show you how deep the water is, where the group of fish are, and how much distance is between you and them,” Jackson explains. “These are very popular right now.” This sonar will be even more effective paired with a reel equipped with line counters. This way, you can cast your line at exactly the same depth as your fish on the EchoMap.

Rapala Fish Scale

Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

Jackson describes this Rapala digital fish scale as a “game-changer.” This past Black Friday, customers were flocking to the store asking whether this popular product was on sale. Although the scale is small (only about half a pound), its wealth of features makes this product a must-have for any serious angler. It stores the weight of up to eight fish and automatically calculates the total weight so that you can see the sum of your success. Plus, the 500-hour battery life allows you to stay out on the lake for as long as you’d like.

Shimano Baitcasting Reels

Photo courtesy of hookedupmagazine.com

When it comes to reels, a persistent annoyance of every angler is the backlash. However, with these two high-tech reels from Shimano (the Shimano SLX DC and Curato DC) you don’t have to worry about that. “These are impossible to backlash,” says Jackson. “They come with a chip. Anytime their braking system feels some slack or lack of pressure on the line, the chip stops the line from messing up and causing you to sit for five or six minutes.” Both effective and efficient, these baitcasting reels are certainly worth the price tag.

Hybrid Hunter Crankbait

Photo courtesy of strikeking.com

If you’re looking to target fish at specific depths, there’s nothing better than a crankbait. And these products from Hybrid Hunter get the job done. “People say it does wonders,” reports Jackson. “The 90-degree angle on the lip makes them unique. This particular angle makes the bait’s action look more lively in the water when it’s in the water.” In this way, the Hybrid Hunter Crankbait is a sure-fire way to attract more fish.

Ego S1 Genesis Net

Photo courtesy of tackledirect.com

At first glance, a fishing net seems pretty basic. However, this Ego Krypttk S1 Genesis net surpasses all the other generic brands. “It’s a very stiff net which extends out 10 feet. It floats, and it’s not going to give,” Jackson explains. And if our word isn’t enough, Jackson noted that even Bill Dance uses this product! With a famous endorsement like that, you can be sure that this net is high quality. 

With these fishing technology products (and a little bit of luck), you’ll be reeling in success in no time!

Top Lake Toys for 2022

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Nauticexpo.com

This summer, we hope you’re making the most of your time on the water. Boat riding, lounging on the dock and making delicious frozen treats are all excellent ways to live your best lake life. If you’re looking to add more fun and games to your activities repertoire, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of our top picks for lake toys this summer!

Wave Runner Waterproof Football

Photo courtesy of Amazon

Especially if you have kids, you’ve probably turned the backyard of your lake house into a sports field — maybe more than once. Now, with the Wave Runner Waterproof Football, the lake becomes your stadium. This all-weather football is made from heavy-duty materials, perfect for roughhousing outdoors. Complete with a special grip pattern, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice your spiral throw.

Force 1 Velocity Toy Boat

Photo courtesy of Walmart

Toy boats aren’t just for young kids. Adults, families, and groups of friends will love the Force 1 Velocity Toy Boat. This high-tech lake toy comes with a double-hatch body which enhances smooth control over waves, as well as capsize recovery in case you flip over. This remote-controlled toy is capable of racing up to 20 miles per hour. For the competitive ones among us, you can see whose boat is the fastest with a friendly speed-racing contest!

Inflatable Volleyball Net

Photo courtesy of Amazon

Can you spike it over? While you’re in lake mode this summer, enjoy a fun game of volleyball with this inflatable net. Made of high-quality raft material, this lake toy is both durable and fun. It’s perfect for kids, families, and any other guests with a flair for sports. Plus, it’s ideal for both lakes and pools, if you have both on your property!

Tie-Knot Water Balloon Filler & Tying Tool

Photo courtesy of onmilwaukee.com

We all love a good water balloon fight. Everyone’s already soaked in water from the lake, and tossing water balloons at your friends just adds to the fun. With this water balloon filler and tying tool from Tie-Knot, you don’t have to spend hours preparing for a game. Instead, the balloon-maker ties the knot for you. Just put the gun’s nozzle into a water balloon, fill it up, and insert it through the tying mechanism. Then, you’re all set for more efficient and fun games!

Backnine

Photo courtesy of Waboba

If you like Bocce and Disc Golf, you’ll love Backnine by Waboba. This new innovative game features a flying target ring with 4 silicone discs. Players set the course challenge by throwing the ring, and they play according to where it lands. This fun, lakeside-appropriate game comes with a scorecard so you can play for points. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of space in your backyard because these rings can fly up to 130 feet!

Rover iSUP Package with Cupholder

Photo courtesy of WOW

Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the most popular lake sports for a reason. It’s a peaceful, solitary activity, it involves minimal equipment, and you can even do yoga on board. This particular stand-up paddleboard is made of 6-inch thick inflatable material and comes complete with a cupholder. This durable board weighs only 30 pounds and when deflated, it folds up easily into a backpack or trunk. On a calm summer day at the lake, this is the perfect outing.

Swimline Log Flume Joust Set

Photo courtesy of Amazon

Jousting isn’t just for the middle ages — you can host a tournament at your own lake house! This log flume joust set comes with 2 inflatable logs and 2 inflatable boppers. Made of heavy-duty vinyl construction, these lake toys are meant to last, so your family can enjoy them for years to come. Once you’ve successfully knocked your opponent into the lake, these inflatable logs are easy to deflate and keep in storage.

Jetson Reef Electric Motorized Kickboard

Photo courtesy of Target

Sometimes, your feet aren’t enough to propel you as far as you’d like to go. With this motorized kickboard, you can explore your slough in no time! This product’s propeller design comes with a 250-watt motor, perfect for any pool or lake. Additionally, there’s a camera attachment for your waterproof camera so you can document your fun adventures on the water. 

We hope these lake toys add to your summer fun at your lake house!

Lake Life in the Slow Lane: Non-Motorized Watercrafts

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Spencer Gurley Films

In 2021, most boats that you’ll see on the lake are motorized. The typical propulsion system for boats, outbound motors are a self-contained unit affixed to the back of the boat which contains an engine, gearbox, and propeller. Essentially, these contraptions take fuel and convert it to power so your boat moves forward. Some motors are inbound rather than outbound, meaning that the engine is inside the boat’s hull. 

While motors are a useful, modern invention for boats, they aren’t always necessary. In fact, there are several joys and benefits of forgoing the motor for paddles, oars, and other manual propellers. If you love being on the water, but you enjoy a slower pace of lake living, one of these non-motorized watercrafts might be perfect for you.

Sailboat

Photo by Airam Dato-on

The technology of sailboats is as old as recorded history. Our earliest record of sailboats is from Ancient Egypt when the Nile River and the Mediterranean were used as popular trade routes among various lands. Without the technology of a motor, sailboats simply use the natural wind to propel the boat forward. Because wind is unpredictable, any seasoned sailor knows how to adjust the sails to the wind — a concept that lends itself metaphorically to life. Although the terminology can be complicated, once you learn the tricks of the trade, it’s worth it. 

Canoe

Photo by Philippe Oursel on Unsplash

Similar to the sailboat, the canoe’s history dates back thousands of years. Rather than being specific to one country and culture, canoes were likely ubiquitous across the world and instrumental in trade, war, and personal transportation. The English word comes from a Caribbean word meaning “dugout.” This name appropriately reflects the practice of constructing a boat from a tree and carving a hollowed space for sitting. Instead of a motor, typically, canoers use paddles to propel the boat forward. In a two-person canoe, the front paddler controls the speed and power while the back paddler controls the direction.

Kayak

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Unlike canoes that have an unspecified origin, kayaks likely originated in northern parts of the world such as present-day Greenland, Siberia, and North America. Meaning “small boat of skins” in the Greenland Eskimo language, these non-motorized watercrafts were first used by Inuit and Aleut people for travel and trading. While these first kayaks were created out of bone, wood, and animal skin, today’s kayaks are mostly made from long-lasting polyethylene plastics. Because kayaks are usually operated by one person, the kayaker will use a double-sided paddle to propel the small boat forward. 

Standup Paddleboards

Photo by Tower Paddle Boards on Unsplash

Most personal watercrafts involve sitting in, not on the watercraft. Not so with SUPs. An acronym for “stand up paddleboard,” SUPs have roots in surfing. The modern sport originated in Waikiki, Hawaii in the 1940s by John Ah Choy, a surfer who as he aged, wasn’t able to get up and down from his surfboard like he could in his younger days. For aid, he used a canoe paddle to catch waves. Eventually, the style gained popularity among other surfers. Usually made of fiberglass and resin, these boards are a sturdy non-motorized watercraft that’s perfect for fishing, yoga, and other lake recreation. 

Banana Boats

Photo courtesy of ootlah.com

We’re not talking about the brand of sunscreen or the delicious banana s’more dessert. Like other lake floats, banana boats are a purely recreational type of non-motorized watercraft. Shaped like a banana, these inflatables come without any type of motor system and can sometimes be tugged behind a motorized boat. Typically, they seat up to 10 people — perfect for a fun-loving group of guests at your lake house. 

Whether you choose a motorized or non-motorized personal watercraft, we hope you keep enjoying the lake in whatever way suits your lifestyle!

How to Make a Raised Garden Bed

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Real Simple

A garden bed is an excellent way to add both aesthetic appeal and gardening ease to your backyard. In this style, soil is raised above ground and enclosed in some way, typically by a wooden frame. It’s a great way of working around less-than-ideal soil conditions in your backyard. Plus, you can choose the location of your plot, offering great flexibility. For the eager gardener, garden beds also warm up more quickly in spring, so you can start your planting earlier. Overall, garden beds require less maintenance in the long run — you can keep them mulched all year, which reduces weeds, you’ll spend less time in a smaller garden, and this manageable look creates a sense of organization in your backyard.

If you’ve decided to make garden beds at your lake house, follow these steps!

Consider the Elements

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Just like planting a garden on regular soil, you’ll need to consider all the elements before laying down roots. First off, sun exposure and soil health are key, so you’ll want to ensure that you pick a spot for your garden bed that covers these basics. Keep in mind that your garden will need 8 hours of sun in the summer, so be sure to scope out a plot uncovered by shady trees. If needed, you can get a soil test from your local Cooperative Extension Office to obtain a fuller understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface. This may be especially important if your lake house is an older building with paint on the exterior, in which chemical damage is a risk.

Determine the Size

Photo courtesy of Garden in Minutes

Once you’ve determined the location in your yard, the next step is to choose the frame size. Of course, this decision will vary based on the space you have in your backyard. But regardless of yard acreage, the most important rule of thumb is to be mindful of width. Essentially, you want to be able to reach every plant in your garden without stepping on other crops in the way. In general, 5 feet wide is ideal. If it’s against a fence or wall and you’re unable to reach both sides, aim for less than 2.5 feet wide.

Build the Frame

Photo courtesy of Home Depot

There’s not one way to make a raised garden bed. They come in all different styles, types, and materials — it just depends on your preference, and what looks best in your backyard! Although you can use bricks, steel, or stone pieces to create your frame, the easiest material for beginners is untreated wood. For example, cedar is a widely available and popular material, known for its unique pinkish-red color and ability to thwart insects and decay. But whatever you do, be sure to stay away from treated wood. The infused chemicals could potentially seep into your plant bed and compromise your roots. For the actual construction piece, YouTube tutorials can be a helpful place to start, as well as step-by-step online guides from home improvement retailers.

Lay Landscaping Fabric

Photo by Mark Stebnicki

One of the great benefits of garden beds is their independence from the rest of your yard. If you’re not satisfied with the soil in your backyard — perhaps soil contamination is an issue in your town, or the level of moisture isn’t right — a garden bed is an opportunity to start fresh. To keep your soils separate, the next step is to lay landscaping fabric along the edges of your garden bed. This water-permeable piece of cloth keeps the soil in your garden bed separate from the soil in your yard. Additionally, landscaping fabric discourages weeds and stabilizes soil temperature — a great benefit for helping your plants flourish!

Fill In the Garden Bed

Photo by Amie Roussel on Unsplash

To fill in the garden bed, you’ll want a good mixture of soil and compost. According to the blog Homestead and Chill, the target recipe is 40% soil, 40% compost, and 20% aeration. Next, you may have to do a little math. First, calculate the volume of your garden bed (multiply width by length by depth), then convert the amount to cubic yards to determine how much soil you need (check out this gardener’s calculator for more help). Finally, the fun part comes next — you can start planting! If you need tips on how to choose the best plants for your gardening zone, take a look at some of our previous blog posts. We cover tips about gardening in all zones of the country!

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How to Tell if a Frozen Lake is Safe

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Camille Smith

From ice fishing to reading by the fire, a wealth of winter activities are at your fingertips when you live on the lake. For those who can brave the cold, ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling on a frozen lake are popular activities. What could be more picturesque than skating across a frozen pond in the frosty air? However, unlike indoor, man-made ice rinks with a verified solid surface, skating on a frozen lake is more risky and requires self-inspection. How can you know if a lake is safe for skating? The answer depends on a variety of factors, not one in particular.

Is the Temperature Stabilized?

Photo courtesy of Isi Parente on Unsplash

As soon as freezing temperatures hit your lake area, the surface of the water may begin to freeze. However, the solid layer of ice doesn’t mean it’s time to bust out the skates. Several other factors, such as wind and water currents, can make a big difference in the water’s integrity. Before stepping on the ice, it’s a smart idea to wait a few weeks until temperatures have stabilized. This way, the water has more time to freeze through completely! For this reason, you never want to step on the ice too early or too late in the season, when things are just freezing or just thawing.

Are There Cracks in the Surface?

Photo courtesy of Jenny Salita on Unsplash

When looking up close at the ice, do you notice any cracks, bubbles, or other ruptures in the ice? If so, it’s best to stay on your shoreline. Although it may seem counterintuitive, new ice is much stronger than old ice. With old ice, fluctuations in temperature can cause it to re-freeze, which compromises its integrity. The refreezing process causes these bubbles and cracks that weaken the ice. If you aren’t certain about the ice, another visualization check is color. Solid blue ice is much more durable than a layer of white ice. A memorable rhyme that can help: “Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky.”

How Thick Is It?

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

You’ve probably heard the saying “you’re walking on thin ice” as a warning that if you proceed, things could go wrong at any moment. Taken literally, this phrase describes the precariousness of a frozen pond. When ice is thicker, it’s more stable and safer for winter activities. From visual observation, it’s difficult to determine how thick the ice is. So, you’ll need tools such as an ice auger used for ice fishing to drill or cut samples. In general, less than 3 inches of thickness is too thin unless you’re a child or small animal. To stay safe, don’t venture out onto ice unless it’s 6-8 inches thick.

What Body of Water Is It?

Photo courtesy of Camille Smith

When it comes to determining ice safety, the type of water body is an important consideration. There’s a big difference between stepping onto a large, frozen lake versus a small pond in your backyard. As a principle, larger bodies of water take longer to freeze than smaller ones, so proceed with caution on lakes. Also consider whether it’s a freshwater or saltwater lake, as saltwater freezes with less integrity than freshwater. When in doubt, talk to other locals who have lived in the area through many winters. Chances are, they’ll be able to give you helpful tips for staying safe on the lake! You can also opt for bodies of water that are regulated by a designated authority or government official, such as a national park or resort. This way, you’ll have a third party to give you the green light!

Overall, it’s important to remember that no ice is completely safe. Because water doesn’t freeze uniformly, there might always be unforeseen areas of danger on your frozen lake or pond. But with these tips in mind, you can enjoy the ice with as much precaution as possible!

The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2021

Posted on Camille Smith
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!

Sliding Safely: Diving Boards and Slides for Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Pixabay

When it’s summertime at the lake, there’s nothing better than taking a plunge in the water. This is especially true on a hot day when cool lake water is the epitome of refreshing. To transform your lake property into a water park, installing a slide or diving board can be a great way to enhance the fun. However, for any lake homeowners, especially parents, safety is a concern. So how can you balance having fun in the sun with staying safe? At Lake Homes, we’re here with some recommendations of how to choose slides and diving boards for your lake house.

The Basics

Photo courtesy of Better Boat

When it comes to diving boards, there are few basics to be aware of. Typically, they are 6 to 8 feet in length and made of laminated wood. The lamination stabilizes the material and makes it more durable. First, an acrylic shell covers the diving board for weather protection. Then, it’s mounted onto concrete stands with springs below, allowing people to bounce up and down before diving in. 

For water slides, the construction can vary depending on the type. Many are made of fiberglass, a material often used at commercial water parks. Depending on your preference, you can choose between tube water slides, open water slides, and drop water slides. If you’d prefer the inflatable route, these water slides are easy to install and are just as fun!

How to Make Them Safe

Photo courtesy of Foter

Usually, diving boards and water slides are fitted for swimming pools. As such, it can be challenging to find one that is specifically tailored to a boat dock. In addition, the lack of a perfect fit may automatically cause some challenges. However, there are steps you can take to make them safe.
First, consider the water depth. Make sure the water is at least 8 or 9 feet but perhaps even deeper to stay cautious. Additionally, avoid high dives. This refers to a diving board on the second story of a boat dock, which could lead to more danger as someone could hit the water harder. For slides, the size is important to consider when it comes to safety. For example, a large slide that can hold a lot of weight will be better for multi-person use.

Taking Care of Them

When taking care of diving boards, it’s essential to make sure that the top of the diving board is textured. If it’s not, it needs to be replaced, as someone could easily slide off. It’s also important to make sure there are no cracks on the bottom. Finally, check the screws on the bottom to make sure they don’t need replacing. When taking care of a water slide, basic dish soap will do the trick for an inflatable water slide. For fiberglass, use automotive cleaners and waxes.

Product Recommendations

Photo courtesy of Amazon

When picking a diving board or slide for your lake house, there are a few ways you can go wrong! The Lillipad diving board is energy-canceling, designed for kids and adults up to 250 pounds. With heavy-wall aluminum and stainless steel hardware, it’s built to last. You can also easily take it down for storage during the winter. A similar option is the SR Smith diving board. This board and stand combination contains all the required hardware you need, plus a non-slip thread for maximum security. For a fun water slide option, the RaveSports Water Slide is all the rage these days. This massive slide has a large turbo chute section measuring 20’x3’10”x9” that offers commercial strength sliding power. Writers at House Beautiful have commended this water slide as being perfect for a lake house!