The Adirondack Adventure: Picture this—an epic floatplane journey whisking us away to the breathtaking Adirondacks in New York for an unforgettable 5-day camping trip. Here’s the catch: each of us can bring only 300 pounds, including our body weight and gear. So, it’s time to channel our inner minimalists and make some tough choices!
What will make the cut? The trusty camping stove or that extra pair of shoes? The beloved hammock or a few more snacks? It’s a delightful (and slightly stressful) game of packing Tetris where every ounce counts. Let the debates begin—what would you prioritize for this wild escapade?
Adirondacks in a Nutshell
The Adirondack Escape
The Adirondacks are like nature’s well-kept secret—sprawling over six million acres in upstate New York, they’re bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon combined. But it’s not just about size; it’s the kind of wild that still feels untouched, with ancient forests, glassy lakes, and mountains that refuse to brag but absolutely deserve to.
Remote, You Say?
Floatplane access drops you right into the deep end—no roads, no cell service, no convenience store. Once the plane vanishes, it’s just you, the trees, and whatever’s in your pack. You’re the sitcom character who relocated to the great outdoors, but instead of a laugh track, loons are calling in the background.
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Hazards to Watch For
Your adventure can quickly elevate from “refreshing” to “rescued” with a few unexpected twists. One moment, you might be basking in sunny skies, and the next, you’re dodging thunderstorms that roll in faster than a squirrel can pivot. Encountering wildlife can be thrilling—bears, moose, and surprisingly brazen raccoons are enchanting from afar but can be a bit unsettling when they decide to get too close for comfort.
Navigating the trails can also test your skills; sometimes they vanish beneath a carpet of pine needles, and let’s be honest, GPS doesn’t always understand “Adirondack.” While the lakes may call with their breathtaking beauty, remember to filter your water unless you’re keen on hosting a wild party of parasites.
And let’s not forget the isolating nature of the wilderness; injuries, gear malfunctions, or getting lost become less amusing when the closest rescue is a helicopter ride away. So, keep your wits about you because adventure awaits!
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The Journey Begins
Four able outdoorsmen set out for this Adirondacks floatplane trip. We had Lt. Mike, retired LEO, “Barkeater” Mike, jack of all trades (camper, hunter, angler, trapper), and all-around Adirondack man. There was Tom Nuge, the knifemaker and former LEO, and the writer! I (the writer) had been on these types of airplanes in Alaska and Venezuela. However, this was my first trip to the Adirondacks, and I was excited.
Tom the Pilot
Payne’s Seaplane Rides—officially known as Payne’s Air Service—offers scenic flights over the Adirondacks from their base in Inlet, New York. It’s not just a joyride; it’s a chance to experience the wild beauty of the region from a completely new perspective.
We arrived at the dock and met our pilot, Tom. It was apparent he was a tough ol’ bird, hardened by the woods and weather he thrives in. We took two loads, Nuge the knifemaker, and the writer went first. It took seconds before we were soaring above, and we noticed the immense scale of the Adirondacks. The closer we got to our drop-off, the more remote it was!
The water landing was surprisingly smooth, like gliding on silk, and Tom skillfully maneuvered us into our designated spot. As we settled in, Lt. and Barkeater arrived, ready to kick off our adventure. With the sun screaming at us, we knew it was time to establish camp for the next five days.
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There would be no do-overs, no second chances, and definitely no “oops, I forgot something.” It was all or nothing now, and we were about to dive into an unforgettable experience!
Making Camp
Adventure Awaits!
Once we relocated our gear from the drop-off point, it was time to set up camp. There were no people around for miles, but we weren’t exactly alone. We had several vampires of the forest waiting to feast—and feast, they did! We called them black flies, then horseflies; honestly, with all the buzz, I’m not sure what we finally settled on, but they shared one delightful trait: a nasty bite that left bloody trails marking their territory.
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All the DEET in camp didn’t help much; it was like we painted ourselves with a sign saying, “Please, feast here!” Unfortunately, the knifemaker took the brunt of the assault. Despite his valiant efforts clad in DEET, pants, and a light hoodie to cover as much of him as possible, he looked like a buffet for the uninvited guests.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, the flies decided to roll out the red carpet for their mosquito friends to join the feast. We really should have charged admission!
Also, this particular week was a record high for the Adirondacks—a fine time to camp. Believe it or not, by the end of the trip, we were wearing fleece and beanies. That’s the Adirondacks!
We set up our shelters, consisting of three tarps and a tent. Two hammocks, and the writer slept on the ground under a massive tarp. Next, we moved on to fire gathering—small items and larger ones, starting with matchsticks, pencils, fingers, thumbs, and broomstick thickness. I got started with a classic campfire setup from yesteryear—two Y-sticks, a cross bar, and several pot hangers! However, this is where gear came into play!
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Camp Gear
For crafts, tools, and food processing for fuel, we relied upon knives, saws, and choppers. It was a team effort, and the tools were on our team!
Wood Prep
For Hardwood cutting, we used a Titanium Folding Camp Saw. Built for serious backcountry work, the Brautigam Expedition Works Titanium Folding Camp Saw delivers strength, speed, and simplicity in a compact package. Its high-strength titanium frame resists rust, sheds weight, and won’t sap heat from your hands in winter. The patent-pending design eliminates the need for wing nuts and cams—flex the frame and slide the blade into place, bow-style. Round tubing reduces hand fatigue and blade binding, while the blade stows safely inside the frame when not in use. From bone blades to trail-clearing models up to 36″, this saw tackles everything from ultralight hunting trips to full-on winter expeditions.
Main Heavy Tool
The writer used the Demko Rhino Hybrid for wood splitting, clearing camp, and being a camp badass tool! Tough, tactical, and tuned for action, the Demko Rhino Hybrid merges the brutal strength of a fixed blade with the carry-friendly perks of a folder. Its spine-heavy recurve profile adds chopping bite, while the handle geometry channels force efficiently into every cut. Built with Demko’s signature innovation, this blade takes field abuse without flinching—whether you’re busting up pallets or slicing through heavy brush. It’s the working-class rhino: horned, hard-headed, and ready to charge.
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Shelter
Developed for serious shelter work, the Coalcracker Bushcraft 10×10 Tarp by Dutchware strikes a balance between rugged durability and versatile setup options. It’s made from tough 1.1 oz Silpoly fabric that resists water, wind, and UV damage while keeping pack weight low. With reinforced tie-out points, a stealthy coyote brown color, and room for creative pitch styles—from lean-tos to plow points—it adapts to rainstorms, sun breaks, or stealth camping alike. Whether you’re out for a night under the stars or navigating Appalachian squalls, this tarp holds its own.
The Finer Woodwork
Knives BY Nuge Fixed Blades: New Jersey Boy (former LEO) done good! Tom Nuge, the driving force behind Knives By Nuge, is a New Jersey-based maker known for crafting compact knives with oversized personality and purpose-built. His designs fuse playful charm with field-ready grit, offering tools that handle hard use without losing their sense of fun. The Bruin leads the pack with its bear-like stance—thick, ergonomic, and made to baton, or carve with confidence. The Chickpea adds a dose of EDC meets Bird & Trut: curvy, compact, and surprisingly capable for its size, it’s a standout everyday carry blade with a punchy little belly. The Cub rounds out the trio as the Bruin’s scaled-down sibling, perfect for neck carry or pocket stashing, while still retaining the durability and feel of a full-size knife. Together, they reflect Tom’s philosophy: carryable, dependable, and unapologetically Nuge!
Ultimate Adirondack
We battled weather, rough winds, record-breaking heat, hordes of flying, biting, stingy things, isolation, each other, disconnection, heavy rains, wind, rough waters, temperamental fish, slowly clogging water filters, and the unknowing feeling of whether we’d be picked up or forced to spend more days due to bad weather. The camaraderie, sharing of food, life stories, and laughter are what I remember most. Heck, is there anything much more important than that? The little things end up being the biggest memories. I know one thing—we must go back!
