Ranger Review: Humangear at Flatiron Reservoir Campground

Campground Review:

Flatiron Reservoir Campground is located just outside the city of Loveland, Colorado. Situated on 47 acres of water and 200 acres of land, Flatiron offers electrical sites for $25/night and three tipis at $35/night. Reservations must be made in advance through the Larimer County Camping Reservations website. Entrance permits are also required and the cost is $7 per day per vehicle. Permits can be obtained through the admin office located just a few minutes from the campground at 1800 South County Rd 31 in Loveland. There is self-serve kiosk across the road from the admin office where permits can also be purchased.

All campsites have a view of the reservoir and Flatiron Mountain. Swimming and boating are not allowed on the reservoir, but you can bank fish or utilize the handicap accessible fishing dock. The campground also provides potable water, vault toilets, and day use areas. While Flatiron does not have a dumpsite for campers/RVs, there is one located at Carter Lake South Entrance just up the road on 31. There are also modern restroom facilities at Eagle Campground including pay showers. You can use these restrooms as long as you have an entrance permit.

I chose one of the three tipis on this trip. Each tipi has an electrical box inside with two, 120v outlets which were perfect for charging cell phones.The tipi also includes a string of LED lights that can be turned on at night. The floor is covered by an oiled canvas cloth, but I opted to bring a tarp to put down as well. These are walk-in sites, but it's only a short distance, 30-40 feet from the parking area. Each tipi has two parking spots and an additional tent can be placed in the campsite. The tipi can accommodate up to six people. Dogs are not allowed inside the tipi, and building fires inside is prohibited. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. There is also a campground host on duty.

Flatiron is less than an hour drive from Rocky Mountain National Park, and 15-20 minutes from Devil's Backbone Open Space. Carter Lake, located on County Road 31 is also a short drive from the reservoir and offers boating, swimming, and fishing. There is also The Windjammer Roadhouse Bar and Grill located along 31 and the Carter Lake Marina where fishing licenses, snacks, and fishing supplies can be purchased.

I've camped the last three years at Flatiron when I've traveled out West. The campground is fairly well-maintained and the campground host has always been helpful. The reservoir does offer beautiful sunrises and sunsets and has the feel of being out in the country while still being relatively close to town. It's good to note that bears do come through the campground from time to time, so it's important not to leave food/coolers/water sitting outside or in your tent or tipi. I've heard coyotes howling at night and saw a pair of bobcats crossing the road on my way back from Carter Lake Marina. It's one of my favorite spots to camp in northern Colorado.

Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This time around I had the opportunity to test out a sample pack from Humangear including their GoToobs, FlexiBowl, GoTubbs, GoBites, and GoCup. http://www.humangear.com/

1. First off, these products are made from silicone and they're BPA and PC-Free, and they come with a lifetime warranty. Humangear also gives back to the community by volunteering their time, and donating their products. All pluses in my book.

2. Because the cup, bowl, and GoToobs are made of silicone, they're easy to pack, flexible and light weight. Perfect to toss in a bag or camping tote without having to worry about whether or not they might break or crack. The GoCup with the press fit lid would also be a great way to carry snacks on a day hike. Just toss in your favorite granola or trail mix, pop on the lid and toss in your pack. And, the snap together Uno GoBite utensil has found a permanent home in my backpack; a spoon on one end, a fork on the other, I'll never need to use disposable, plastic utensils again.

3. The GoToobs were perfect for storing shampoo, conditioner and lotion while camping. The lids fit snugly and I had no issues with leaks. They even have a pop up handle on the lid.

4. EASY clean-up! One of my least favorite parts of camping is cleaning my gear. And, while I wash my plates, cups, bowls, utensils, etc. as well as possible while camping, I still feel the need to give them the once over when I get home. This wasn't the case with the Humangear items. Camp clean up was easy and they dried quickly after being washed.

I'll be taking my Humangear on my next camping trip this fall!