Rural Revolutions posted about their Bug out Bag. My favorite part of their post was the enlightening idea of having important personal documents in your BoB. This did not occur to me before. A copy of your birth certificate or passport could be extremely useful in many bug out situations. Brilliant. I hope RR doesn’t mind me re-posting their gear list and photo as I found the original a little hard to read with the gear list squished together. Here’s a full list of what they put in their bag:
On a whim, I picked up the Wester Pack Hiking Backpack. I first saw it on eBay, but made my purchase on Amazon where it is now sold out. For nearly $40, I expected the pack to be of relatively low quality. I bought the pack with the intention of using it as an emergency bug out bag (BoB). After looking the pack over, I decide to put the pack right to use.
As seen in the attached photo, I loaded the pack down and took it to Mexico. In addition to cramming the pack full, I attached my extra bags, including my laptop bag, to the Western Pack. I was pushing the pack to see if would fail. The pack held strong aside from one seam that gave a few stiches when I attempted to lift the entire overloaded by a tightening strap. I would provide a photo, but the seam doesn’t appear damaged enough to show up in a picture!
While the pack may not be as comfortable as my trusted Osprey, I had no complaints after days of heavy travel. If you’re looking for a spare pack or just to save money on your backpack purchase, I highly recommend this product…. that is, if you can find it. I have seen some outlets raise the price as high as $50, but generally it runs for around $40.
The BCX Prometheus Fire Piston is used to create a super hot ember that will be the foundation for your fire. This is primitive fire making at it’s best and easiest.
Find out more on Base Camp X’s website.
This Bag Could Save Your Life.
Jeff’s 10lbs bag is a basic earthquake survival bag. It contains a thermal, t-shirt, duct tape, rope, shoes, socks, multi-tool, beef jerky, jeans, hat, coat hanger, jacket, water, gloves, map, rain poncho, masks, sun glasses, radio, survival whistle, pen, sharpie, instructional book, contact book, first aid kit, cash, signal mirror, bathroom items, power bars, lighter, bar of soap, and a spare watch.
I’m one step closer to having my Dream Camper Rig, but I have a long way to go. I now own a Ford Econoline van from 1987, complete with a 4×4 conversion. As far as camping goes, the inside is bare metal and that doesn’t hold up well in the winter. One of my first tasks is to find a heating solution. While you can find 12 volt heaters, they’ll destroy your battery in no time. For efficient heating in remote locations, natural gas is the way to go. So far, my research has yielded two approaches for gas heat.
The first is radiant heat. The most highly recommended solution I’ve seen for radiant heat is the Mr Heater model for around $100. This is a quick and easy approach to get heat in your camper or tent on the quick. Additionally, it’s a portable solution so you can use it for different tasks. You can use store bought canisters or run a hose to a larger fuel supply. Additionally, you can pick up an adapter to refill those store bought tanks. Safety features include auto shutoff if the heater falls over or if too much CO2 is detected in the air – making this a relatively safe heater.
Mr Heater comes with some draw backs. Even with the safety features, you have an extremely hot exposed surface that creates a certain level of risk. It would probably be best if you don’t fall asleep while the heater is on. Additionally, you have to have a good place to put Mr Heater. Even though the design is very compact, it takes up a fair amount of space.
As an alternative to radiant heat, a safer solution is a forced air furnace. Adventure Trailer’s Heatsource is an excellent looking solution. So far, this is the smallest and most efficient solution I’ve found. I’ve read that the typical furnace only reaches 60% efficiency; however, AT claims a delightful 90+%! Even better, with thermostat controls, you can leave your heater running all night long while you catch your Zs.
This convenience comes at a price that’s uncomfortably close to a grand. While the smallest model is $750, you still have to factor in your fuel source. The other minor draw back is the lack of Mr Heater’s portability. You won’t be able to carry this heater into your tent or garage Depending on your needs, this might not matter.
Solar panels frustrate me. It seems like size, cost, and efficiency are at that tipping point where they’re almost practical, but not. Given the rapid evolution of solar technology, it’s just a matter of time. Perhaps, that time is near.
I just spotted Regen ReNu’s new “Power Hotspot” over on Engadget. This isn’t the microwave sized device that will power your house. We’re not there yet. However, this fairly portable device is great for recharging anything with a battery. From the press release:
At work, the Power HotSpot™ can recharge tools, notebooks and cell phones, or provide power to inverters for AC power. At home, it can power a shed or gazebo light, an aerator or fountain. And for recreation, the Power HotSpot™ brings convenience to the campsite, from re-charging lights to continuous play for radios and iPods to running boat aerators and re-recharging batteries on a dock.
One thing I don’t see on their website just yet… A price!
What is it about being a nomad that inspires us? We like the idea of being on the move while still taking enough of our stuff with us to be completely empowered. Very few toys appeal to that sense as strongly as just the right camper. For the past few weeks, I’ve been trying to find the right camper for my life. I want something agile, so the full size RV is out. I also want something that I can use in the winter and take off road. Let me take you on a tour of what I’ve found.
Earth Roamer
The first Earth Roamer I discovered was the XV-LT. These camping rigs are built on a full sized truck frame and designed to go anywhere. These units look amazing and have tons of features. It’s an efficient camper that can handle adverse conditions well. I could take this rig on snowboarding trips and star warm and comfortable all night long. I could also take it up challenging jeep trails here in the mountains and get well away from the usual crowds. Unfortunately, these things cost a small fortune. A new rig can cost you up to a quarter million dollars. You can occasionally find them used, but they still demand a premium.
I also looked at the XV-LT’s little brother, the XV-JP. Built on a Jeep Wrangler frame instead of a truck, this little guy is considerably more efficient and agile. Even if I could afford the $110k price tag, this unit doesn’t solve all of my problems. The sleeping arrangements come in the form of a pop-open tent on the roof. As clever as this is, it won’t keep me warm in the winter.
Westfalia Vanagon
The Westfalia conversion of the Vanagon makes for a very nice little camper. I recently test drove a model that was lifted with four wheel drive. The engine was upgraded for a horse power boost. Inside, the van had sleeping arrangements for 4, with two in the pop top. It had a double burner stove, sink, outdoor shower, water heater, and heater. This van was nearly perfect. It would keep me warm on the slopes (with the top closed and heater on) and get me deep into the woods in the summer. The entire vehicle ran about $18, a far cray from the triple digit costs of the Earth Roamers.
I didn’t buy the Vanagon. The owner was kind enough to give me an extensive education on ownership of the coveted vehicles. These units are old. They require a lot of attention. While they are reliable, they have to be maintained. In addition, these units are also difficult to insure. The owner was only paying for liability because he could not find a good policy to cover his rig. Ultimately, I just didn’t feel this vehicle could give me the reliability and freedom I really wanted. Still, I really like rigs. I wish something similar was being made today.
Sportsmobile
Imagine the Vanagon all grown up. I actually discovered the Sportsmobile in person and didn’t realize it at the time. These rigs are built using full size cargon vans, many of them converted for off road use. The engine, suspension, and drivetrain are comparible to that of the Earth Roamer. However, the camper design is much more akin to the Vanagon – only bigger.
I love these vans. Like the Vanagon, they go to hard to reach places. However, these are built on modern American vehicles. They’re newer, more reliable, and cheaper to maintain. It’s also a slight bit easier to find insurance for them. Unfortunately, they can be expensive. I’ve found good rigs for around $40k. The rigs that excite me the most are usually anywhere from $85k to $115k. Many people build their own, saving a bit of money along the way.
I’m still considering one of these rigs. However, one big drawback is the weight and the poor gas mileage that results. Most rigs see 12 to 15 miles per gallon. The turbo diesels, particularly the Sprinter based ones, get up to 22mpg. I would feel better about taking one of these things to Alaska if I could get 20+ mpg.
Camplite Quicksilver
Nino and I started talking about building out our own van. In the process, I started researching lightweight materials. That’s when I found the Camplite Quicksilver. I’d already looked at the Scamp, which is kind of neat; but ruled the Scamp out because I didn’t want something I had to tow up challenging trails. Still, the Camplite trailers got my attention because of their building materials. These rigs are ultralight because they are made with aluminum and synthetics. There’s no wood in any of their campers. This makes them extremely light.
I’ve looked for these trailers and they’re not very common in the US. I haven’t been able to get a solid idea of how much they cost. They’re full of brilliant ideas, like making the sleeping/sitting benches double as coolers or storage containers. They also come out of the RV if you want to setup a picnic table outside. I think Sportsmobile could learn a thing or two from this company.
My Dream Rig (Right Now)
I think I know what I want, if I can find it somewhere. Most of the Sportsmobiles are built on longer or larger vans. I want a small but full sized van. A shorter wheel base and good departure angle will help when offroading. Obviously, I want a good 4×4 drive train and elevated suspension. I want a powerful and efficient engine, such as the 7.3l turbodiesel that Ford used to provide.
Inside, I need the standard fair: sink, small stove, heater, holding tanks, water heater, 110 power sources, battery system, sleeping space, sitting space, etc. I would like this to be as light and effective as possible, which means I may have to design and built it myself. Using lightweight materials should improve my mileage. Additionally, plastics would be easy to hose down and flexible under stress where wood will decay and break down over time.
I need space to store bikes, kayaks, surf boards, and snowboards. This doesn’t all have to be at the same time, but that would be nice. I want class 3 receivers front and rear. This allows me to carry a whench that can be swapped out on either end of the rig if I get stuck. Additionally, I’d like to mount a motorcycle hauler on the rear receiver. Attaching a dual sport bike would give me efficient and agile transportation when I need to run after supplies or go exploring.
I’m still trying to find or build the dream camper. When I find what I’m looking for, I’ll be sure to share.
Mat Honan posted his gear for a Nicaragua trip to flickr, check it out. Great addition to the “What’s In The Bag” series.
Are you trying to figure out how to cram everything into your pack without making it so heavy that you can’t walk more than a few steps? Check out these tips from Mark Crews, the co-owner of Apex Outdoor Gear in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was recently featured in an article in the Outdoors section of the Grand Rapids Press. I think even seasoned, veteran backpackers will find some helpful ideas here.
As you can probably tell from this blog, I tend to be swayed by high-tech, newfangled, lightweight gadgets with some hefty price tags. Mark points out that the most lightweight items aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones – valuable advice that I need to keep in mind. Even those trusty Nalgene water bottles that I throw into my pack without questioning could be replaced with a lighter and virtually no-cost soda bottle.
I’m not quite ready to take all the advice that he’s doling out (Using a bandana as toilet paper? No thank you!), but his remarks on compression backpacks, stuffsacks, and knives are words of wisdom.
He also takes a balanced approach and recognizes that backpacking is supposed to be fun, and hence it makes sense to bring along a few luxury items, such as chocolate and beef jerky, even if they do add a few ounces to the weight of your pack.
And the one gem of the article? Crew says that when your trek ends, you should “divide items systematically into three categories: always used, never used and sometimes used.” That makes a lot of sense to me, since you can use this info to pack more quickly and easily for your next trip.
This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a long time, the perfect toy for anyone who loves snowboarding, skateboarding, or off-roading adventures. Motor-powered vehicles don’t get any lighter than this.
Scarpar, an Australian company, is trying to develop “the next powersports vehicle category.” Based on the videos of the prototype, I’d say they’re well on their way. This board has a powerful 6-horsepower, 80cc engine that lets you cruise over snow, sand, grass, gravel, or just about any other off-road surface except water. It can go uphill or downhill, and even navigate logs that lie across the path. A handheld controller handles acceleration and braking, and it will be able to go about 20 miles on a single tank.
The device is still being developed, so you can’t buy it yet, but their engineers estimate it will cost somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000. They think it will be available sometime in 2010, although they’re having trouble raising enough capital to really stay on schedule. If you’re interested in learning more, check out their forum or sign up to receive updates via email.
I can’t wait to get my hands on this toy. I just hope they’ll make it light enough to strap on your back for some serious outdoor adventures. Right now, the engineers are saying it will be a little too heavy for that, and that they’re focusing on safety and reliability more than weight. But they still have a year to fiddle with making it more lightweight, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed.