Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Adirondack Waterfalls and Osprey Backpack Review

Hello all, I wanted to post a quick update to the blog and throw in a gear review for my latest piece of hiking equipment: the Osprey Talon 33 Pack!  Also, thanks goes out to all my current followers.  As I am new to this, I appreciate you all following along and in some cases even noting my story in your own blog.

First in this post, I've listed a few waterfalls that I enjoy visiting. These first couple pictures are from a place that I visited last year.  These are of High Falls on the Oswegatchie River, Cranberry Lake, NY.  This falls is a popular trip for my friends and I.  We usually make a 2 or 3 day camping trip out of it and kayak/canoe upriver several miles to the falls.  I made the trip twice last year and actually, this was where I last dislocated my shoulder, swimming in the pool under the falls.  Its a beautiful trip, there are lots of campsites along the way as well as a total of 4 lean-tos (2 of them at the falls). 

High Falls in Autumn Kelly and I at High Falls










These next are of Auger Falls on the Sacandaga River, Wells, NY.  This is right up the road from my friends’ place (Matt and Caitlin).  It is not far from the highway although does require a short walk through the woods back to the river. 

Auger Falls from Top Auger Falls from Below










Next is Rainbow Falls on the Grasse River, Tooley Pond Rd, Cranberry Lake, NY.  This Grasse River which runs closely along Tooley Pond Rd. has a number of fantastic waterfalls to visit.  They are all short hikes, for the most part, off the backcountry road.  Rainbow falls has a unique effect though, its name comes from the pleasant rainbow that is formed from the huge amounts of mist thrown into the air from the crashing water.  When the sun is up and the river running strong, the rainbow will be seen from the top of the falls.

Rainbow Falls With Mom and Dad Rainbow Falls Rainbow











Finally I wanted to give a short review of my newest hiking pack: the Osprey Talon 33.  Simply put, I love it.  This lightweight, 33 liter, short trip backpack is exactly what I was looking for.  I needed a day pack that was light, carries water, lots of pockets, and had a capacity to carry a change of clothes and rain jacket.  This weighs in at 2 pounds with its internal aluminum frame, is top loaded,  and has mesh-covered shoulder straps and waist belt to allow air through to keep you cooler.
 
                 Back of Pack  Front of Pack

While I wouldn’t want to use it to pack a lot of weight in, I wouldn’t hesitate using this for an overnight camping trip or any day trip you can imagine.  There are several brands out there but Osprey has a reputation for tough material and long lasting products.  I bought this in the Syracuse Eastern Mountain Sports store while it was having a sale.  The price then was less than $100 which is good for this type of pack.  If you look around online, you can usually find a store selling it cheaper than the regular price.  REI has it listed as $129.00 online.  The pack has a separate pocket for a hydration bladder outside of it’s main pocket.  This is nice because it helps keep your back cool and if the bladder leaks, it won’t get your pack contents wet.  As of October when I bought this, it has been on 6 trips and over several miles of trail.  I even took it on the airplane with me when I flew to Florida.  This all purpose, short trip pack has two thumbs up from me and I’m looking forward to using it a lot more this coming hiking season!

No comments: