(Part 4) Top products from r/overlanding

I'd just put the biggest marine deep cycle battery I can fit as my starting battery, (probably group 31) and get a $100 lithium jump pack in case I ran it down.

Or

You can build your own goal zero type portable battery setup for$200-400. The Yeti 400 is a 33ah 12v AGM deep cycle battery with 300w sine wave inverter and a 12v plug in. It also has features like low battery alarm, displays power usage, and comes with an AC charger. You won't save much $ making it smaller/less powerful, but it will weigh less if you'd like to use a smaller than 33ah battery.

$50-150 for an AGM deep cycle 12v battery, 33ah

$75-150 for a 300w pure sine wave inveter, you can save more money if you don't need pure sine wave or 300w, or don't mind an always on fan

$25-50 for a 12v trickle charger to charge the battery up at home, if you don't have a charger already

$15 for a male to male 12v adapter to charge it from your car, or use your jumper cables.

$10-20 for a 12v socket or two, or a USB charger socket

$10-50 for a battery case to hold the battery and mount the inverter and sockets on

$30 on misc parts like voltage display, wire, and fuses

I was asked to post this custom map here. I made it for an upcoming trip to death valley.

It's pretty straight forward to import .GPX files into google my maps. To get the GPX files, I worked from a series of waypoints, which I converted using GPS Visualizer. From here, I export to .KMZ and use one of a variety of iPhone apps to access the map without cell service. I use map plus today, but have been recomended GAIA GPS and have been giving that a shot.


I found most of my routes from trails.com as well as Southern California BackCountry Adventures which is terrific, albeit out of print :(

AMA about the process, the particular map, etc. If you have any suggestions for routes, hit me up!

I've used this bear canister on occasion. You just leave it on the ground and the bears play football with it for a while. Ursack is another really nice bag good for hanging that packs small. The AllMitey version resists both small critters and bears. Their standard bear bag protects against bears, but not rodents.

I was thinking about using Thule gutter mounts but they are pretty expensive.

I've been using a Coleman Classic for 13 years now. Used them in Boy Scouts in all kinds of weather and terrain, bought one for myself when I out together my camper, used it everywhere from Arizona flatlands to the high Sierras. The dials give you good control and it runs off of any propane tank.

If you ask me you can't beat it.

Stoners Tarminator is crucial if you don't have a pressure washer, it helps a ton on bug guts and just about anything else that's tough to remove from the front of your car.

Its in the Backcountry Adventures book I bought, and marked as a trip I plan to do this summer.

https://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Adventures-California-Peter-Massey/dp/1930193084

Can always glue one of these to your windshield if you feel the need ;)

I've seen the Roll-a-Cot recommended for your purpose.

Yeah, I'll lock it because it is so compact. I was looking at using this one but again it was too big for my application. JR Products 9690-200-023 City Water Fill with Check Valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002UHVX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qQjIzbQCMFW19

We did Lockhart Road north-to-south, which is the more-challenging way to do it. The first mile is the most difficult, and here's my video of that part. I almost had us turn around at the 8:55 point, mainly because it's my jeep and I'm a worry-wart sometimes hehe. This is what can happen if you slip-off right there. My buddy encouraged me on, and we never had an issue. If it weren't for this first mile, I'd say to check it out in the vehicle you mentioned. Going South-to-North, you could have an enjoyable time, just turn around when you start hitting any terrain that appears to be too difficult.

Our particular campsite was right where the road turns from 'difficult' to 'moderate' per Charles Wells' book. We had 2 people drive by each day we were out there. The first day was a guy in a stock CRV going south-to-north, and in the evening was an older couple in a stock grand cherokee going south-to-north. They both asked what we thought of them continuing, and we said it gets more difficult, but take a look for yourself. We didn't want to necessarily tell anybody what to do, but just give them an idea of what we experienced and to check it out themselves. Both ended up turning around.

I might need to order that:

https://www.amazon.com/First-Overland-London-Singapore-Land-Rover/dp/1909930369

(not an affiliate link)

Yakima Loadwarrior + Loadwarrior Extension on some Yakima Roundbars on factory roof rails.

Buyers Products L8815 T-Handle Latch (Latch,T-Handle,Sst,Sgl Pt W/Gskt & Ch545) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AX4I8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_o0g-AbJWQG398

Tons of regular cars have made this trip, if you’re referring to the Panamerican Highway. Spend some time on google and YouTube and you’ll find lots of examples. Check out the book Overlanders’ Handbook by Chris Scott

Buy the Milepost book
The MILEPOST 2019: Alaska Travel Planner https://www.amazon.com/dp/1892154382/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NBZXCbSC732AJ

I've had a Midland 75-822 in my XJ for a few years, no complaints. The fact I can throw the antenna & battery pack on it for use outside the Jeep is why I bought it.

At some point, I might try ham and pick up the BaoFeng UV-5R (or the newer BaoFeng BF-F8HP) that was recommended in the article. Going off the whole "two is one, one is none" mentality, I figure having 2 means of comms in the vehicle isn't a bad idea (especially since the price is minimal).

Desert Solitaire

Leaves of Grass

One Man's Wilderness

Into the Wild

Wilderness Essays

Call of the Wild

Walden Shocking huh?