Campground review: Monte Sano State Park is conveniently situated right next to Huntsville, Al. So you can feel as if your out in the middle of nowhere and town is 10 minutes down the road. There is a Land Trust adjacent with connecting trails that is pretty awesome too. A bikers, hikers, trailrunners, backpackers delight and don't forget the bug spray and allergy meds! We stayed 4 nights, we were in for the annual Grand Viduta Stage Race, three days of trailrunning glory with some interesting characters to boot;) The campground is well kept, sites spacious and they have trees in between for some privacy. There are several that are double spots if your going w/friends and family. And in the 50 range there are several that have direct access to one of the trails plus excellent overlooks. Bathhouse w/laundry machines is clean and maintained. Friendly informative staff members can be seen frequently. A seperate tenting area is connected to the rear of the campground. And the trails......these are not your easy day hike trails, though it is possible to take it easy. The problem being when you look at the map and read the names you can't help but go check out the trails! Good, technical hiking, bring your sticks and (once again) bug stuff.

Gear review: As a Dyrt Ranger I've had the opportunity to test products while enjoying various parks. Today I tested/tried High Hopes Hammock. When I found out I was receiving a "High Hopes" Hammock I went on their site to read up on the company cause honestly, a hammock is a hammock right?.... However ;) like several other company start ups in recent years there's a little more to them then just making money. For every hammock purchased one is donated to a homeless person, Nice! The hammock was easy even for me to put up, under 5 minutes( probably faster for coordinated hammockers) after I got over my initial fear of falling I sat back and chilled, quite comfortably. As you can see in the pics the hammock is very packable (lite) and could easily take the place of a tent with the addition of a tarp and mosquito net. Right now, no cons for me. (Loved the color choices)