Chilao Campground
Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2017

Ranger Review: Leatherman Sidekick at Chilao overflow camping

Campground

We had been driving around the campground loops for more than an hour, and had just about given up, when we say the sign for overflow camping near the exit of the Chilao campground loop. We wish we had know about this set-up sooner! Chilao campground had temporarily converted its "Day use only" areas to overflow camping.

The "sites" still had their own grill, picnic table, and access to an outhouse and water spigot. I spoke to a ranger the next morning and he explained that they have been setting up these overflow sites every weekend since April. Really good to know during the summer months if you can't get to the campground early enough to reserve a normal spot!

The fee is still $12, which you can pay in the morning when the rangers do their rounds. We had grabbed one of the few envelopes from a different loop and left it with money under the windshield wiper of our car.

Product Review

One of the many great things about being a Ranger for The Dyrt is getting to test outdoor products. For this camping trip, I tried out the Leatherman Sidekick. This tool could not have a more appropriate name. I ended up using it almost hourly. Pot to hot to pick up? Use the pliers. Food wrapping to tight to open? Use the knife. Found a walking stick with a few two many branches? Use the saw. You get the picture. The tool is lightweight (7 oz), compact, functional, and made of sturdy material. The product comes with a mini case and a carabiner too. See my video in this review for a demo of the various features. You can read the full product specs on the official Sidekick product page. Tools included:

  1. Spring-action Needlenose Pliers
  2. Spring-action Regular Pliers
  3. Spring-action Wire Cutters
  4. Wire Stripper
  5. 2.6 inch Knife (with safety lock)
  6. Serrated Knife
  7. 2.6 inch Saw (with safety lock)
  8. Ruler (1.5 in | 3.8 cm)
  9. Can Opener
  10. Bottle Opener
  11. Wood/Metal File
  12. Phillips Screwdriver
  13. Medium Screwdriver
  14. Small Screwdriver
  15. Carabiner Accessory
  16. Hex Bit Driver (on carabiner)
  17. Another Bottle Opener (on carabiner)
SiteOverflow
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017
  • So excited to be trying out the new Leatherman Sidekick tool!
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  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Chilao Campground by Leslie R., August 1, 2017