Gear Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I occasionally get gear to review and this time it’s something that I always start my day with, wherever I am. Nature’s Coffee Kettle is a lightweight and reusable coffee brewing system suitable for a variety of situations.

What I like about this product:

• The coffee is tasty and NCK offers a variety of blends. I prefer the Columbian and French Roast – the darker blends have a richer flavor.
• The kettle takes up almost no space, is extremely lightweight and reusable.
• The kettle replaces a French Press or other dedicated coffee pot.
• The coffee filter pack means no messy grounds to dispose which always seems to be a problem when making coffee in the backcountry.

What could be improved:

• To make a stronger tasting brew the coffee needs to be poured through more than 1 time, for my taste. This means transferring the brewed coffee into another vessel and then back into the kettle which really cools the coffee, especially on a chilly morning. In summer though, 2 times through left us with a nice drinkable coffee temperature.
• Each coffee filter bag is individually wrapped, keeping it fresh, but leaving you with more trash.
• The kettle seems a little redundant when you think about it. You must heat the water up in another pot already, so why not just chuck in the coffee filter bag directly into the pot? Save a step.

Product Link: https://nckstore.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/100-colombian-nature-s-coffee-kettle-with-1-colombian-refills

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3rrqZJIsbE&t=3s

Campground Review:

The Maine Island Trail offers 200 islands in which to sea kayak camp and Shivers Island is one of the many gorgeous options in the Deer Isle Archipelago. The free camping spots and beaches are maintained by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), a non-profit membership organization. This island is perfect for just 2 people, known locally as Honeymoon Island.

The camping spot is simple and similar to most backcountry sites: a flat space to pitch your small tent, no toilet, no drinking water, no picnic table, and no reservations possible. But, what this island lacks in “amenities” is made up for in beauty all around! With a deep, rocky shore, it’s the perfect place to make dinner, watch the sunrise or set, and star gaze with no city lights or trees to obstruct your view.

The nearby village of Stonington has all the things you need for an island camping trip. You can even rent kayaks and nearly all the gear you need from Old Quarry Ocean Adventures.

Things to consider when sea kayak camping in this area: 1) the fog can roll in at any minute so come prepared with a chart, compass, bearings between islands/markers and a marine radio, 2) you are required to use Wag Bags instead of digging a cat hole to dispose of human waste, 3) since all of the islands are first-come, first-served, have a back-up plan for camping on another island, 4) there are no docks, so the islands are not accessible to large boats, 5) you may get awakened by the sound of lobster boats motors, as they start their day pretty darn early; bring ear plugs if you are light sleeper, 6) the tide in this area is significant (9-12 vertical feet), and landing at high tide is nearly impossible on Shivers (and many other islands), and 7) leave a float plan before you go out (Old Quarry Ocean Adventures is the perfect spot to do this, as well as launch and park for a small fee).