Pack and Paddle

PAC Kayak is located about an hour south of New Orleans with Houma being the closest bigger town. It is right in the marsh and is a kayak marina. You read that right, a kayak marina. Eddie and Lisa Mullen developed a kayak specific launch and tackle shop dedicated to the kayak fishing community. Located on the water in Point Aux Chenes, Louisiana, it has become quite the destination for kayak anglers. It is known around the nation and even internationally.

The fishing that is available within sight of the launch is only surpassed by the community they have helped build. I originally stumbled across this location after John Williams, owner of Pack and Paddle in Lafayette. He introduced me to it on a Jackson Kayak shoot years ago. John’s kayak and outdoor shop has always had a great relationship with the community in Louisiana. I was super pumped that he would be joining us on this part of the trip! We met up at his shop and enjoyed a great night of storytelling before heading to the water at PAC.

I truly consider the folks at PAC family, and it has quickly become my second home. You can imagine my excitement to visit and share the area with Richard, Jake, and Michael. All had decided to come along after our trip in Freeport.

Louisiana Sight Fishing is Weather Dependent

The weather followed us and the wind was still strong with cooler temps. It had been this way for a few days now. This typically means the fish are starting to feed again and they have overcome the initial shock of the cold front rolling in. So it was with high hopes that after getting settled in, we hit the water.

A few months earlier I had found fish super shallow just to the Northwest of the launch. This lead the way as we moved back into that area. The wind was coming out of the North so it had the water pushed out. This meant that if the fish were up there, they would be feeding. You do not see a huge tide swing on the Gulf Coast, but the wind can increase the flow, especially when it is consistently blowing the same direction for several days.

Finding the Reds by Sight

The larger movement of water can get the fish fired up as it can move the bait around a bit more. This is exactly what we found. It was not your typical sight fishing conditions, with the high winds and overcast skies, but we were able to watch the surface and sometimes actually see the fish feeding with their backs completely out of the water. This made for a very interesting situation.

Mixed emotions of frustration because the overcast skies and wind made it a bit hard to see the fish until you were on top of them, and the shallow water made it hard to get even the kayak into some of the areas. Then excitement, when you saw a fish feeding so shallow its back was out of the water and you were able to get the cast on it! What a ride all day of hard work and then reward! The decision to fish at PAC was paying off once again, proving that even in not so ideal conditions, you could still have an amazing day on the water!

Wiley X for the Win!

On this trip I found all my success sight fishing. Having good, polarized sunglasses was super key and being able to stop the boat in the wind to make an accurate cast before running the fish over. I was wearing the Wiley X Peak glasses with the copper lenses which I find work great when you have more overcast conditions.

As I mentioned, stopping the boat was super key to my success and I was able to do this with the Micro PowerPole. I could tap the remote after seeing the fish and with the softer mud bottom, the boat would stop slightly allowing me to grab the rod and make the cast.

Louisiana Sight Fishing for Reds: My Set Up

For my tackle set up, I was using a 7’ Medium Spinning Rainshadow Judge blank with a Moderate Fast action. The reel was spooled with 20lb Seaguar Smackdown and tipped with about 1.5 – 2 feet of 20lb Gold Label Fluorocarbon. I caught every fish on a ZMan Dizel Minnowz in the Redfish Toad color, and I had it rigged on a 4/0 ZMan Chinlockz so I could cast into the grass and bring it off the bank without getting snagged.

Sunglasses: Wiley X Peak!
Anchor: Power Pole Micro Anchor

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My husband and I have been taking our kids on vacation since they were newborns. So, we’ve come up with some great strategies on how to plan and execute the ultimate family getaway.

Highlight Your Goals

One of the first things to think about is your goals. Is the goal of your vacation to enjoy time off with your family? Is it to learn a new skill or a new sport? Or is it to try something different and explore an area you’re unfamiliar with? 

If your family, for example, wants to learn how to ski, spend some time researching the best ski mountains for families and base your vacation around that. Another example could be if you were looking to learn how to fly fish or kayak, then research the best regions for these activities and build your itinerary from there. 

Often, by looking into a specific sport or activity, you can come across some unique locations that would have never crossed your mind. 

What Are You Looking Forward To? 

Another thing to consider is what you’re looking forward to. Is there some type of scenery? Is there a famous waterfall? Or a museum, hiking trail, or monument? Anything that sparks an interest and that you’d like to know more about can be a great base for planning a vacation. 

I’m a professional kayaker, so often rivers dictate where we go on family vacations. And some of my favorite family memories are when we’ve gone to areas that don’t have much else going on besides a river running through it. At the end of the day, anywhere you decide to go can become an unforgettable getaway for you and your kids—so don’t overthink things too much!

Take Into Consideration Age Groups

When you’re deciding where to go on vacation, another thing to consider is the age groups of the kids who are tagging along. 

I went on a ski trip with my children to Monarch Mountain in Colorado. And my daughter, Parker, was only two at the time. We did have a great family vacation. But I really thought about how much better the vacation would have been if she was a little bit older. 

So, when you’re planning your vacations, instead of just looking at the best family-friendly areas, really think about the ages of your kids and what you’re hoping to get out of it. If the vacation is something you think may be better suited to older children, then wait a few years so you and your kids can actually enjoy it to its fullest. 

Plan a Budget

The last point for choosing your family vacation is to plan a budget. When it comes to choosing a location, a budget can be a big factor in deciding where, when, and how you’re going to get there. 

There might be somewhere that you really want to visit. But it's really expensive, or flight tickets or car rental are out of your price range. So what we like to do in this instance is look at the different times of the year. By making use of seasonal deals, you can visit the vacation spot later on in the year for far cheaper than peak season. 

Clothing: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Reversible Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Women’s Jacket, Do Good Kids’ Trucker Hat
Bikes:  E-Bikes Powered by Bosch – Yuba Spicy Curry, Riese & Muller
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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Melker Kayaks

One of the central missions of Melker is to redefine the manufacturing process in the paddling industry. Ultimately they want to make it completely sustainable. The founder is an engineer from the tech world who wants to bring sustainable ideas to the world of paddle sports. 

As part of this, all Melker kayaks use locally sourced flaxweed instead of the standard composites, carbon kevlar, and carbon fiber. Flaxweed is more environmentally friendly and gives the kayak a beautiful wood-like finish. The Melker Uvlon, like all Melker kayaks, is visually stunning. But the real question is, how does it paddle?

Melker Ulvon HV Specifications

Price: $3900 (USD)
Length: 17’ 5”
Width: 21”
Weight: 54 LBS (24.5kg)
Capacity: 165-240 LBS
Best use: Touring

Features of the Melker Uvlon

The Melker Uvlon is a long, narrow sea kayak designed for speed. It has no rocker. It has plenty of volume at the front – although there is no upturned front to help with waves. In general, it has volume. With a capacity of up to 240 LBS, you can take the Uvlon on a real touring trip. 

The Uvlon does not have thigh hooks meaning it isn't designed to use in rough water, rapids, surfing, or rock gardens. It is designed to cover long distances. The benefit of not having thigh hooks is that people who aren’t as comfortable feeling enclosed in a kayak will feel more secure. 

The Uvlon is still rollable. The contour of the deck allows you to grip it with your knees and roll it. It also comes with pads that you can place in the kayak to make it easier to roll. 

Another neat feature of the Melker Uvlon is that it comes with both a rudder and a skeg. You do not need to choose. I don’t typically use rudders as I can maneuver easily without them, but the Skeg is a great addition. With the slight breeze on the Ottowa River, the skeg was helpful to keep my kayak on course. Typically I would choose a skeg but getting the option to use both is fantastic. 

Comfort

After about two and a half hours, I needed to take a little break from kayaking to stretch my legs. The seat is basic but is surprisingly comfortable for what it is. That said, it doesn’t have a lot of padding so my butt needed a little break at some points. Luckily I had to scramble over several obstacles so I got plenty of chances to stretch. 

A Note on Greenland Paddles

For this adventure, as the plan was to cover the distance, I used my Greenland paddles. These are incredibly lightweight and suitable for covering large distances. They took some getting used to when I first started using them as the blades are so small. I constantly had to think about the angle I used to pull them through the water. But nowadays, it feels more natural. 

The Greenland paddle takes more time to get comfortable with than a typical paddle. So if you don’t have the patience to get used to it, it might be a frustrating paddle experience. If you go for a Greenland paddle, you should prepare to spend some time figuring it out and getting to know it. It isn’t as intuitive as a standard paddle. 

All in All 

I didn’t test the Melker Uvlon in rough water, but I did try it in rough conditions. I dragged it over five beaver dams and gave it its first scratches. But, as I always say, a boat without scratches is a boat without experience. And my Melker Uvlon certainly has experience now. Throughout the entire adventure, it was a fun boat to paddle and easy to portage. It really is a beautiful kayak. 

Be sure to have a look at the other Melker review I've done: Melker Rödlöga Review, an Environmentally Friendly Kayak

Kayak: Melker Ulvon
Paddles:  Gearlab Outdoors Greenland Ipik
PFD:   NRS OSO Lifejacket
Storage: Gearlab Outdoors Deck Pod 2
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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The Basic Draw Stroke

The basic draw stroke involves reaching out your blade to the side of your kayak, about level with your hip. You then need to put the blade fully into the water. After that, just pull your body and the boat toward the blade. 

For the most effective stroke, rotate your upper body to face your active blade. Plant your blade completely in the water and get your paddle shaft as vertical as possible. Getting your paddle shaft vertical means pushing your top hand fully across the kayak. This can put you in a bit of an unstable position. So when learning the stroke you can lower your hand to face-level instead. With confidence, you can start reaching over the side of the kayak. 

With your blade completely in the water, you will pull your lower hand towards the hip. Your top hand should stay fairly stationary during these motions to act as a pivot for the stroke. 

Before the blade reaches the side of the boat, stop the stroke, and slice your blade back out away from the boat. If you let the blade come right against the kayak it can get a little tippy. 

A common problem people face with the draw stroke is that instead of the kayak moving laterally, it starts turning. This is because every kayak draws differently. If you find that the bow is starting to turn then it probably means you are drawing too close to the front of the kayak and vice versa. You have to find the happy medium – the hip is a good starting point. 

Knifing Draw Stroke or T-Stroke

The idea of the t-stroke is that once the blade gets close to the side of the boat, instead of slicing it out to the back of the kayak, you keep it moving. To do this, once the blade is by the side of the kayak, curl your wrist forward and spin the blade 90 degrees. This lets you take the blade directly back to where it started to begin a new stroke. 

The benefit of this is that you are in control of the kayak the whole time. Additionally, you can make strokes a lot quicker. 

The Sculling Draw Stroke

This is the next evolution of the draw stroke. This is a stroke that I use all the time because it lets you fine-tune your position in the water. 

It starts in very much the same way as the basic draw. You turn your head and body to face the active blade and, with your paddle shaft as vertical as possible, engage your blade in the water. This lets you provide the most lateral pressure on the water.

The difference here is the motion of the blade. Instead of just drawing the blade towards the hip, you make a sculling motion to apply steady and even pressure on the paddle. This bypasses the whole recovery phase that the basic and knifing draw deal with. 

The key to the sculling draw is the motion of the blade through the water. The blade moves in a small path forward and backward along the side of the kayak, about two feet out from the side of the kayak. 

The trick here is that the leading edge of the blade needs to be higher than the trailing edge. As I am pushing forward I will cock my wrist back a little, and as I am pushing back I will curl my wrist forwards. You can almost think of it like buttering bread. When you spread butter onto bread, if your knife doesn’t have a climbing angle on it you are just going to dig into the bread. And that is the same with sculling: the leading edge has to be higher than the trailing edge. 

By doing this motion vertically you spread even pressure onto the power face of your paddle (the side of the blade you take a forward stroke with) and that draws your kayak sideways. 

Top Tips for Draw Stroke

1. Be Subtle

You can change the angle of the paddle but these need to be subtle. If the changes in angle are not subtle you could effectively be just doing forwards and backwards strokes in the water! 

2. Use Your Core

The paddle motion is not driven by your arms but by your core. The way you do that is by turning your upper body and keeping your top hand in a relatively stable position. You just need to move your paddle by rotating your upper body. The arms are only responsible for changing the angle of your paddle. 

The reason to use your core is that the muscles in your torso and core are way more powerful than those in your arms. So it makes sense to harness that power! 

The sculling draw stroke is a very effective way to travel sideways in the water. But it goes beyond that: by mastering the sculling draw you are improving your paddle dexterity. You are developing a better understanding of how slight changes in blade movement and angle in the water impact the movement of your boat. This comes into play in so many different ways as you progress as a paddler. So I would highly recommend that you take the time to learn the sculling draw along with other forms of the draw stroke for kayaking. 

Introducing the Hurricane Tampico 130! For this tip I used the Tampico 130. This is a great thermoformed kayak. The thermoformed plastic is much lighter and helps for a much easier day on the water. I recently took this kayak to the Okefenokee and did a full in-depth review. Check out my Kayak Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp journal and my Review of the Hurricane Tampico 130

Kayak: Hurricane Tampico 130
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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When it comes to selecting the perfect pair, there are tons of options to choose the best sunglasses for fishing. In this article I would like to touch on a few things that can help you make the right decision.

Polarized is Key

First off, they need to be polarized. Polarized lenses will help cut the glare are a must. Not all polarized glasses are created equal though so you need to pick a good brand. There are tons of great brands out there. I would suggest finding one that makes a quality product and stands behind it.

I have chosen to partner with Wiley X over the past couple of years because they are light, durable, polarized, and have a great warranty. They also carry an impact rating that will protect my eyes from that inevitable lure flying back at my face. Once you have narrowed down the brand, you want to think about the following three things. Comfort, Coverage, and Color.

Comfort

They must be comfortable! Trying on different pairs to dial in the fit and feel is super important. The different styles are more than just different looks. They are typically designed to fit different head shapes and sizes. If your glasses do not fit properly it can lead to headaches and fatigue, which will lead to not wearing them and defeat the whole purpose. Finding a shop that carries multiple brands and styles can help you make the right decision.

Coverage

By coverage I mean how much of your face is covered. It can be easy to get caught up in all the many awesome looking styles out there, and while they may have super high quality polarized lenses, they may not be ideal for spending a day on the water. I spend a lot of time sight fishing, and this comes into play even more when I am trying to see through the water. I prefer glasses that wrap around my head a bit. This gives me more coverage on the sides which helps prevent glare  off the water from coming in.

The more sun I can block the better when it comes to seeing fish. This comes into play with a hat as well. The more I can shade my eyes, the easier it is to see the fishies! That being said, on those hot muggy days where the wind is dead, you want to have some space so the air can circulate. Otherwise, you end up with foggy glasses. It is a fine line for sure, but I look for glasses that wrap a bit and are not so tight to my face that they are touching the skin. This allows just a bit of air flow and still blocks the light.

Color

I am specifically talking about lens color here. This is probably one of the most overlooked attributes when it comes to choosing the right glasses for a day on the water. Let’s dive in a bit on why this is so important. Different lens colors also typically offer varying shades of darkness, meaning some will let more light in while others will block more.

Over the years I have noticed it goes a bit deeper than that though. The tint of the lens can play a big part especially when you need to see through the water. So how do you narrow that down? For me it all comes down to where and what type of water I am fishing. Weather conditions also play a role.

When I am fishing inshore in brackish water, I am typically sight fishing. This means I will want to wear my glasses even when it is low light and cloudy out. The idea is that the polarized lens will cut the glare and when it is cloudy, or the sun is low in the sky the glare is at an all time high. I usually lean toward a lens that has an amber or copper base in these conditions. It will let a bit more light in and brackish water tends to have more a of a copper or tannic color to it. The copper-based lenses seem to cut this much better.

When I am fishing offshore in blue water or even in super bright sun conditions where the water is super clear and may even have a blue tent to it, I go with a blue mirror lens. Blue mirrored lenses usually have a darker grey base lens color, and this will block more light in those bright sunny conditions.

Lastly a green or grey based lens can come in handy in those freshwater lakes and rivers where the sun is bright, and the water has more of a green color to it.  In a perfect world you would have all these available for changing conditions, but let’s face it, glasses are expensive.

So, if owning a few pair is not an option for you, I recommend thinking about where you fish the most and starting there. For me the copper or copper mirror lenses that have the amber base tend to be the most versatile. I can keep them on even when it is cloudy outside and they seem to work with the broadest amount of water types.

To quickly recap how to choose the right sunglasses for fishing, first and foremost they must be polarized. Second, find a reputable brand that not only makes a great pair of sunglasses but stands behind it.

Thirdly, make sure the best sunglasses for fishing are comfortable and fit properly. The Fourth thing is coverage. If they don’t block enough of the side light out that can reflect off the water, they may not do the job. And lastly lens color. This is just as important as the others. Copper is supper versatile, blue mirror is great for bright offshore conditions, and grey/green can be idle for water with a green tent. Think of your glasses as a tool that could be the difference in that next big catch!

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Sunglasses: Wiley X Peak, Wiley X Kingpin
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie

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Perception Hangtime 11 Specifications

Price: $950 (USD)
Length: 10’ 10”
Width: 33”
Weight: 68 LBS (31 KG)
Capacity: 350 LBS (160 KG)
Best Use: Recreation

The kayak features, above all else, a padded stern seating area. It also has a reclining seat, six cup holders, a paddle park, a padded deck area, molded footrests or footwells, and bow storage with a bungee.

The great thing about paddling is that there really is a type of paddling for everyone. For some people, it's about going out and really pushing their boundaries. For other people, it is more about just getting out on the water and having a relaxing experience outdoors with friends and family. And that of course, is what the Perception Hangtime 11 is all about.

Portability

This is about an 11’ long kayak which is relatively short for a kayak making it easier to move around. It is also 68 LBS, which is about what you would expect for a kayak made this way. So it is not light or particularly heavy, making it a fairly portable recreational kayak.

Comfort While Paddling

Comfort is what the Perception Hangout 11 is designed for. So let's, first of all, talk about the comfort of paddling this kayak. The Hangout 11 comes with a really nice seat, something that Perception is really known for. It is not a fully framed seat. It has an adjustable frame at the backrest so you can choose to set it up for active paddling or chilling out. But it is sitting, with a nice thick pad, on the floor. That means it doesn’t contour as much to your butt as a full-framed or suspended seat, and there is the potential to get a soggy butt.

The other feature the seat has are straps on the side that allow you to lift the front of the seat in order to support your thighs. This provides your upper legs with great support so your legs don’t just flop down.

On the downside, there are the footwells. I am never a fan of footwells for two main reasons. Inevitably there is not a perfectly comfortable sitting option as footwells give you fewer options for leg length. The other problem is that you get a lot of support on your heel, but not enough on your foot's ball. So I usually prefer foot pegs and foot braces. But this complaint is by no means a deal breaker.

Comfort While Lounging

With the adjustable seat that you can crank right back, you can lounge very comfortably in the seat itself. Alternatively, the lounge seat is surprisingly comfortable. It is nice, big, and contoured, and the headrest can be adjusted to whatever position makes you feel most comfortable. It was really nice for resting on and off the water. You basically have a beach chair just built into the kayak.

Stability

The Perception Hangtime 11 is absolutely stable. It is a 33” wide kayak so it is designed to be stable as opposed to fast-moving. The pontoon-style hull of the Hangtime 11 lends itself to stability. You can stand up in it and in all honesty you would be hard-pressed to flip the Hangtime 11.

Performance

The Perception Hangtime 11 is designed for chilling out and not for paddling long distances or winning any races. That said I was surprised by how well this kayak tracked when paddling forwards. It has the pontoon hull, but also a nicely shaped bow that really helped cut through the water better than I was expecting. It is obviously not fast due to its dimensions, but it did a good job at tracking.

Features

The main feature is the lounge seat in the back, and that does a great job doing exactly what it is designed for – being a chill-out kayak!

Otherwise, you have the storage space with the bungees which is a handy feature if you want to bring a dry bag or other things with you on a paddle. There is also a paddle park which I used when just floating around. Behind the seat, there is a lot of storage, and even some extra bungees to put a tackle box or another gear bag.

There are not a tonne of features, but every feature on the Perception Hangtime 11 works and makes a lot of sense with the design of the kayak.

Value

Let's talk about the overall value of the Perception Hangtime 11. This kayak costs $950 (USD) which falls into the sub $1000 (USD) kayak. There are many kayaks in this price range and this is one that, if relaxing and chill-out floating sessions are your style, is pretty good value. Yes, there are definitely things I’d like to see in it such as foot braces. Yes, you will get a little wet using the seat which is not suspended, or sitting on the lounge seat. But overall it's great value for what it is.

This kayak is largely designed for chilling out in warm conditions and just going for a chill paddle with friends and family. So this is a great recreational kayak. You don’t see many innovations in kayaks and sometimes they can be gimmicky. But for me, the addition of a built-in lounge chair is awesome for the right person, making this the ultimate chill-out kayak. I tested the Perception Hangtime 11 on the Flint River.

PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Perception Hangtime 11 Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

In some of my BackpackingTV videos, you can see a wall of footwear in my home “office.” I naturally get a lot of questions about what type of hikers work best in different scenarios. Let's walk through (pun intended) some of the basic categories so that you can get a better idea of what's what in the world of hiking shoes. 

Waterproof Hiking Boots

Every footwear wall in every outdoorsy store will feature waterproof hiking boots. I've noticed that beginner hikers instinctively flock towards them. Gore-Tex is the household brand, but a lot of other shoe companies will have their equivalent technology.

Whatever it's called, the goal is to keep your feet from getting wet. This is great if you expect to be hiking in the rain/snow, or traversing a lot of waterways. It is the opposite of what you want in dry climates, or on a hot summer day.

Moisture Out, Moisture In

Waterproof boots (as well as shoes, but boots especially) do a great job of keeping external moisture out. However, they lack breathability and can therefore trap moisture (i.e. sweat) in! Thus a paradox is created in which your feet can get soaked from wearing waterproof footwear.

Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for my Gore-Tex shoes and boots when the occasion calls for it, but as often as I can, I elect to wear light, breathable, running-shoe-style shoes. I do, after all, live in the desert…

Waterproof Recommendation

If you're looking for a specific recommendation, I like Aku's Selvatica Tactical GTX. They're low cut and super comfortable. If you're hiking during the shoulder season, or aren't sure what to expect in terms of the weather, then this is a great strategy. The Selvatica gives waterproof protection, but the low-cut style also lets some internal moisture escape around the ankle. In fact, when in doubt about what type of footwear to purchase, err on the side of Gore-Tex, since it will give you more options.

You might have a few hikes where your feet are toasty, but that's probably better than being soaked to the bone without warning. However, if you know that rainy days are few and far between (like in my home state of Arizona), then definitely skip the waterproof stuff in favor of breathability. 

Insulated Hiking Boots

In a similar vein, you may have inherited a beefy pair of hiking boots from your mountain-climbing or ice-fishing relative and think that they are good for anything under the outdoor-adventure umbrella. But again, insulated, winter hiking boots are specialized footwear meant to keep your feet warm and protected in cold, harsh environments.

Taking something like this on an average trail in the summertime will be total overkill, and will inevitably result in hot, blister-prone feet. Save something like this for when your passion spills into the “off-season” or if you sign up for a cold-weather/high-altitude expedition. This kind of boot will be expensive, but absolutely essential (and probably mandatory in group-tour settings) for winter treks. 

My recommendation: Superalp Nubuck GTX by AKU 

Hiking Shoes

I've mentioned a few times before that I prefer to hang out in the minimalistic end of the shoe spectrum. If I'm in dry conditions and the terrain isn't excessively rough, I reach for a low-cut hiking shoe that looks like (and in some cases simply is) a trail runner. I find these to be both comfortable and efficient to walk in. They keep my feet blister-free, and I love the extra proprioception (i.e. how they let me feel the environment).

The hesitation for some people with regards to hiking boots vs shoes, is that they will be more likely to roll their ankle without the support of a high-cut boot. Personally, I haven't experienced any uptick in ankle twisting. In fact, I actually find there to be a lower risk of injury in trail runners because they force me to be more aware and focused in my movements. Heavy duty boots allow me to be sloppy, sometimes awkwardly plunking my foot down on an uneven surface, whereas trail runners bring out my nimble rock-hopping skills. 

If you're a thru-hiker, or are looking to get into some big milage days, then you are probably already barking up the trail runner tree. After all, if ultramarathoners can wear these for 100+ mile mountain races, then backpackers can benefit for all the same reasons. Lightweight, breathable, and high-traction shoes go a long way (literally!) for keeping feet happy and healthy. They won't last nearly as long as rough n' tumble hiking boots, but that's a trade off worth exploring. 

Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Boots is Your Choice

At the end of the day (or the start of the day; or the middle of the day even!) selecting a hiking shoe or hiking boot is a personal decision based on personal experiences. I think there is a psychological benefit to certain footwear that can't be ignored. Pay attention to what you're drawn to, while also being open to trying new things. 

I don't have a specific model recommendation here, just play around with what feels best. There are so many trail running models to pick from, tailoring to different aspects of the sport and changing constantly with new updates. Focus on fit, feel, and intended function. In terms of brands, I've done well with Merrell and Altra. 

What is an Approach Shoe for Hiking?

An approach shoe is a hybrid between a light hiking shoe and a climbing shoe. It has an exceptionally-grippy outsole and a protective edge on the toe-box. This allows for some light to moderate scrambling after covering some decent miles. As the name suggests, an approach shoe is something that outdoor climbers can wear as they hike up to the base of a rock wall.

High-performance climbing shoes wouldn't work for hiking, nor would hiking shoes work for climbing technical routes, and so the approach shoe fills this gap. I actually really enjoy hiking in approach shoes, especially if I know the route will involve some rock-hopping, scrambling, or basic bouldering. 

My recommendations: Adidas Five Ten Climbing and Approach Shoes, Scarpa, and La Sportiva

Water Shoes

Both Ken Whiting of PaddleTV and I have had a lot of success with the TR1 Mesh by Astral. This is just a fun shoe that always serves me well in wet conditions, such as hikes with constant creek crossings, or popping through canyons, such as The Narrows at Zion National Park. The TR1 Mesh is so breathable that the upper is actually see-through in large chunks. This lets the water drain quickly, so that you don't get bogged down.

Waterproof shoes are good up to a point, but there are certain hikes where your feet are just going to constantly get soaked. So embrace it! The other benefit of a water shoe, rather than just a sandal, is that it still provides some added protection. And because water shoes are based on a simple, stripped-down design, the price is also very friendly. The TR1 costs only $130 (USD). 

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out my Astral TR1 Water Shoes Backpacking Review. 

Hiking Sandals

Yes, there is a time, place, and distance for hiking in sandals. I used to exclusively use Chacos, but after they finally died (after like 15 years!) I gave Bedrock Sandals a go. They've been really solid and also way, way, waaay lighter. Not quite as light as a casual sandal, but a nice balance between backcountry umph and packability. They work great around camp and I do actually wear them on hikes, especially when I'm in the desert, but only for 5 miles or less. You just have to be mindful of kicking rocks or roots. Remember to pick up your feet when wearing these!

Caution: Blisters and Hotspots While Hiking Without Socks

Also, in the absence of socks, blisters and hotspots can rear their ugly faces if you overdo it, or haven't yet broken in your new pair. Finally, hiking sandals can work as a backup shoe in the event that you blow out a shoelace or run into other troubles with your main boots/hikers while on a multi-day excursion (perhaps you've seen that scene in the movie Wild where a battered-toe Reese Witherspoon accidentally sends her one boot hurtling down the mountainside). 

That's all I've got for you today. I hope this footwear breakdown helps kickstart (I just can't pass up a good pun) your own fun, safe, and relatively inexpensive hiking adventures. There's no one perfect pair of shoes for all occasions, but if you are able to add a few different kinds to your closet, then you'll be set for all kinds of cool trips. For more gear chat, tip videos, and trail inspirations, come follow along at BackpackingTV. 

Big Thanks to Mystery Ranch

My ultimate backpack buddies at Mystery Ranch are the sponsor of this whole hiking series that I have been putting together on BackpackingTV and Hazeadventure.com. Mystery Ranch not only makes amazing backpacks, but they have been a supporter of my channels for a long time now – helping me to bring all the information I've learned as a guide and adventurer to my fellow backpackers, both new and experienced alike. I've raved about the Bridger series of backpacks many times, but I've also found great day packs and heavy-duty/expedition bags too. To find out more, head over to mysteryranch.com.

Jackets: Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket
Fleece and Layers: Cotopaxi Otero midlayer
Pants: Fjallraven Keb Trousers
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes Depends on Your Needs appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The connection you develop with the environment is taken to the next level as you watch and listen while day turns to dusk, dust turns to night, and then night gives way to dawn. That’s why I was so excited to do a 3-day kayak camping trip across the Okefenokee Swamp.

Multi-day Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp

Many might question the comfort of a multi-day trip across the Okefenokee Swamp. The incredible efforts of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and their partners have made it a bucket-list experience. They maintain around 130 miles of paddling trails through the swamp. They’ve built and maintain several camping platforms in the swamp. There is a covered section to provide shelter, a picnic table, an outhouse, and enough space to pitch up to 6 tents. Each platform is like an oasis within an oasis.

Paddling the Okefenokee Swamp

Our trip involved covering around 32 miles over 3 days of paddling. We were crossing the swamp from east to west. While one could imagine paddling across a swamp being just a lot of the same, this couldn’t be further from the truth.  

The Hurricane Tampico Meets the Okefenokee

I decided this trip would be the perfect opportunity to test out the new Hurricane Tampico 130 touring kayak. A 13’ foot touring kayak with good stability and plenty of storage space, I felt the kayak would be maneuverable enough to navigate the tight spaces. It was fast enough to cover the 10+ miles we had to cover each day. Stay tuned for my full, unbiased review of the kayak.

The paddling trail started out winding through dense swamp bush with periodic openings into what they call the swamp prairies. Along the way, we encountered countless birds and many alligators. We were fortunate enough to have Dan Jones as our guide – one of the guides for Okefenokee Adventures.

With Dan being a naturalist, it was like having Wikipedia along for the ride, as he provided fascinating insight into the plants and creatures that we passed. 10-miles of exploring later, we found ourselves at Maul Hammock Shelter – our home for the night, and hands-down one of the coolest campsites in the world.

Our second day started like the first, but quickly changed as our waterway intersected the Suwanee River. Suddenly, we had a little bit of current helping us out. The dense brush also started giving way to taller forests of majestic cypress trees. 

The 11 miles we covered on this second day seemed to go by a little faster, partly because of the current, but largely because of the ever-changing and utterly dramatic landscape.  Our day of paddling came to an end at Big Water Shelter, which is found in one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen – covered with lilly pads, surrounded by cypress trees, and of course, filled with big alligators.

Third and Final Day

Our third and final day might have been my favorite, aside from the fact that it marked the end of the trip. The river opened up in sections to some larger lakes and we could see a lot more big gators sunning themselves on shore. 

The river would then tighten up and wind through thick cypress forests, with only a paddle’s width of room to get by. It was a 10-mile section of river that I never wanted to end. 

To many people, the idea of doing a multi-day trip through a swamp will sound horrendous. Truth be told, during the hot parts of spring and summer, it likely could be a little nightmarish. You might be fighting the intense heat and the bugs that come with it. 

Between the months of November and April (we did our trip in mid-April) the Okefenokee Swamp is a magical place to explore. It provided one of the most wonderful, beautiful and unique kayak camping experiences that I’ve ever had.

Looking to Try Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp?

For more information about guided or self-guided multi-day trips in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, visit okeswamp.org.

Check out my last article on the Okefenokee: Kayak Fishing with Alligators.

Kayak: Hurricane Tampico
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Kayak Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Is Kayaking with Alligators Safe?

There is great comfort in knowing that over the past 75 years tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people have paddled the alligator-filled waters of the Okefenokee swamp without major incident. 

It’s a strong testament to the fact that alligators don’t look upon humans as prey. With my first day of paddling in the refuge, I quickly developed a comfort for paddling among the large reptiles. I adopted a very simple philosophy – respect the alligators, and they’ll respect you.

Kayak Fishing in the Okefenokee

My second day in the Swamp involved kayak fishing. The first tip I received from my guide from Okefenokee Adventures, was to land and release any fish I caught quickly. A hooked fish, thrashing about the waters trying to break free, is like a dinner bell to gators. 

Doing what I was told, upon hooking my first fish – a bowfin (mud fish) – I quickly reeled in the fish and dropped the lively creature into my kayak. Still full of energy, the bowfin went berserk between my legs in the kayak. After a few moments of chaos, the fish broke-free and bounced its way over the side of the boat. I had just learned the second lesson of fishing in the Okefenokee Swamp – be prepared to land a green fish in your kayak!

The Pelican Catch Mode 110

In the end, we had a great day of fishing in the Okefenokee. I also used the opportunity to test the Pelican Catch Mode 110 fishing kayak, which is one of the more affordable fishing kayaks on the market.

We test paddled the kayak the year before, but hadn’t ever used the boat in a real fishing situation. I can tell you that it doesn’t get more real than fishing in the beautiful, alligator-filled waters of the Okefenokee Swamp.

Check out my full review of the Pelican Catch here: Pelican Catch Mode 110 Review – Best Fishing Kayak.

Kayak: Pelican Catch Mode 110
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

Follow my Adventures and Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more paddling tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the PaddleTV YouTube Channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

The post Kayak Fishing in the Okefenokee with Alligators appeared first on Hazeadventure.

When I realized this year’s road trip would take me through the area once again, I reached out to Dan Truit, the host of the Southern Paddler YouTube channel. Dan led me down the Paint Rock last year. He is always game for a river trip and knows the rivers of Northern Alabama.

Finding the Flint River

Part of the Tennessee River Line, the Flint River flows south on the outskirts of Huntsville, Alabama. Its proximity to the city and the fact that it has enough water to paddle year-round makes it one of the most popular rivers in Northern Alabama. 

The joy of the Flint River is that it has mild current as it winds its way through the beautiful countryside. It’s a river that paddlers of all skill levels can enjoy. It has easy put-in and take-out access, and a few outfitters who provide canoe and kayak rental and shuttle services. 

Testing the Perception Hangtime 11

Always looking for opportunities to test new kayaks on my paddling adventures, the Flint River seemed like the perfect opportunity to test the Perception Hangtime 11 recreational kayak. What makes the Hangtime unique is that unlike most sit-on-top kayaks that use the back deck for storage (called a tank well), the back deck of the Hangtime was designed as a full-on lounge chair, for hanging out on or off the water. 

Testing a kayak that specializes in lounging while floating down a beautiful, spring-fed river is a tough job. I was up for the challenge!  

PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men's Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Paddling the Flint River appeared first on Hazeadventure.