Adventure & Travel

Vehicle Preparedness: Fast access to essential items | Grey Man Tactical RIP-M

In the quest to outfit my Toyota Tundra for Overland use, countless hours have been spent scouring the interwebz for specific products. Watching reviews (yes, we watch others review products as well) to figure out what works and what doesn’t. The Rigid Insert Panel MOLLE (RIP-M) from Grey Man Tactical is the result of both research and communication with the owner of Grey Man Tactical. I was searching for a well built seat-back storage solution. A place to organize items that too often end up tossed onto the back seat or floor. Items that I regularly need quick access to while traveling.

Although there are several seat back MOLLE panels available, the RIP-M from Grey Man Tactical is by far the best choice in my opinion. Other manufacturers tend to use a tactical nylon or Cordura fabric for their seat back panels. A great fabric for most applications, but not for a seat back organizer. Unless your drivers seat back is perfectly vertical, (which it is not) you will experience sag from the fabric panels once loaded with the gear you intend to carry. Here is why Grey Man Tactical is a clear choice. Instead of structureless fabric, they use 3/16″ thick High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) to manufacture their RIP-M panels. Which is a game changer in reducing sag. And the reason I selected these products for my Overland vehicle.

Grey Man Tactical RIP-M Panel Video Review:

Although the RIP-M panel from Grey Man Tactical lends well to firearms storage, my intent for the seat-back loadout differs a bit. And since the panel is precision cut MOLLE, I can add whatever pouches I want to it. My loadout is specific for Overland travel. I have a short list of items that I regularly dig for in the truck. Items like GoPro mounts and spare batteries for filming. Midland radios for communications. Flashlights, fire extinguisher, medical and recovery gear. Multi tools, knives and even cold weather gear like a hat and gloves. All organized on the back of my drivers seat and not haphazardly rolling around in the cab. Additionally, the use of quick release buckles make removal and installation a snap.

RIP-M Panel specs courtesy of greyman-tactical.com

Made for Vertical applications such as Vehicle / Truck / Patrol Car seat back mounting.
Material: High Strength Polyethylene
Panel Weight: 24.5 ounces each
DIMENSIONS
Height: 25″
Width: 15.25″
Thickness: 0.188″

Grey Man Tactical offers a wide range of Rigid MOLLE Panels, not just seat-back organizers. Panels that are specifically designed to fit inside Pelican cases. As well as some of the more popular backpacks. Allowing the user to organize the contents of their ruck as well as rapid removal of the panel and contents should the need arise. Several additional sized panels are available for unique mounting locations such as the FJ Cruiser Dash Panel. I’ve even seen them mounted to the back of a spare tire to carry recovery gear on a Jeep. Whether you’re a LEO, Military or flight crew, check out Grey Man Tactical to find which panel works best for your application.

Due to the limited leg room in the rear of the Tundra Double Cab, I can only mount this seat back panel when no-one is sitting behind me. Not liking to waste space in my truck, I intend to permanently mount a 27.25″x19″ RIP-M panel in the dead space behind the rear folding seats this winter. A covert location that would be perfect for mounting an SBR and a few magazine pouches. And a good alternate location when I have rear seat passengers and can’t use the seat back panel. Stay tuned to the Loadout Room for future Grey Man Tactical reviews.

Overland Essential | Midland Radio MXT275 | GXT1000

I’m starting to consider myself an Overlander now, but I’ve only been at it for a couple of years. Still a green horn by all accounts and measurements. So I constantly refine my personal equipment, vehicle and loadout after each trip. It’s the only way to get better. Figure out what worked, what didn’t, and what adjustments need to be made to the vehicle. With limited space on board, the items I select need to serve a legitimate purpose and not just end up as dead weight. They also need to be robust enough to endure the rugged environment. These items that make the final cut become Overland Essential. And the MXT275 from Midland Radio is one such item.

Midland Radio Video Review:

Midland Radio has been manufacturing 2-way radios since the 1950’s and was the first company to introduce a 14 channel FRS radio. Since then, their products have continued to lead the market with constant innovation and refinement. With a full line of portable 2-way radios available, I selected the MXT275 as our “base camp” radio along with a pair of GXT1000 handheld units for use on foot, or bike, or kayak. As a family of four that adventures together, I felt this set-up would offer the most flexibility and range at a great price.

Midland Radio MXT275

The MXT275 is a compact portable 2-way radio that sports a powerful 15watt base station. This Micromobile unit is small enough to be mounted just about anywhere. My Toyota Tundra serves double-duty as a work truck as well as our Overland vehicle. So I chose the center console as my mounting location for several reasons. There is a 12v plug in the console which is required to power the MXT275. Additionally, I can easily route the antenna wire from here under the carpet and rear seats to place the magnetic antenna on the roof via the rear sliding window. And finally, I can store the entire unit out of sight when not in use. All in all, a pretty seamless 10-minute install.

Although Midland advertises up to a 50-mile range in perfect unobstructed conditions, we live in Northern Michigan which is heavily wooded and expect far less range in this environment. However, we have not experienced any lapse in comms between the MXT275 and the GXT1000 handheld units when the boys push out from the campsite. With plans to head out west next season to the vast expanses of Colorado or Utah, we’ll get to test that long range capability. But for the time being, these radios from Midland have served us reliably.

Midland Radio MXT275 Spec Sheet

Midland Radio GXT1000

For use beyond the vehicle, I chose the Midland GXT1000. These small handheld units pack a powerful 5-watt punch offering up to 36 miles of range. Again, in perfectly un-obstructed conditions. This kit includes a pair of handheld units along with rechargeable batteries, a base station and headsets all for $89.99. Furthermore, the charging station includes both AC and 12v plugs for charging flexibility while in the vehicle.

A handy feature found on both the MXT275 as well as the GXT1000’s is the NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan. This automatically locks on to your local weather channel and alerts you to severe weather in your area. On a 4 day trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this summer, we found ourselves in a bit of a pinch. Setting up camp in a remote logged out area away from civilization seemed like a great way to watch the sunset over Lake Superior. Out of cell range, I was unable to check the rapidly changing weather over the lake. As we settled into our rooftop tent for the night, we had no idea what we’d wake up to.

Around 4am, I thought I saw a flash of light through my eyelids. Maybe it was just my imagination. As I lay there, I start to hear the familiar rumble of thunder. Peeking out the window, I see a large fast moving storm cell. The detail of the clouds revealed in the dark sky with each lighting strike. Illuminating the angry mass of clouds as if someone was turning on and off a light switch within. I grabbed the Midland Radio and pushed the WX button. The radio scanned for a local NOAA Weather channel. Once locked on, the bad news hit us loud and clear.

We found ourselves in the path of a severe thunderstorm with winds exceeding 40 mph. The next 15 minutes mimicked ground zero of an artillery barrage. I counted around 40 lightning strikes within 5 miles of us. With nowhere to take refuge, we just hunkered down and hoped that the odds were in our favor. As I watched from our window, a tree on the edge of the clearing took a direct hit. About a half of a mile from our tents and way too close for comfort. It was as beautiful as it was terrifying. And another important learning experience. In the future, I’ll pull up a full weather brief for our area of operation prior to departure.

Final thoughts:

In the video, Scott and I are exploring areas closer to home. Driving our trucks in Northern Michigan and getting ready for Overland Expo East. Good 2-way comms allowed us to warn one another of obstacles on the trail and game plan our route on the fly. GMRS radios are a great way for a group traveling together to have reliable communications. More powerful HAM radios are a good solution in the event you need help from outside the group over greater distances. But require each user to have a license. Just a couple of considerations when selecting a vehicle radio for Overland travel. However, the compact size and transmit range of these Midland products allow you to outfit your rig with an affordable and very reliable set-up.

“Midland Radio Corporation develops consumer products such as all hazards/weather alert radios, GMRS two-way radios, citizen band radios, marine radios, and bluetooth intercom systems. It has manufactured two-way radios since the late 1950s and was the first to introduce a 14-channel FRS radio to the market. In addition, as a manufacturer of land mobile radios, MRC supplies analog and digital portables, mobiles and base stations/repeaters for government entities such as forestry, public safety, etc., and other commercial users. Midland is the U.S. affiliate of an international group of companies with offices in Bulgaria, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. MRC is headquartered in a distribution facility in Kansas City, Missouri, which houses its entire U.S. operations.” ~Wikipedia

Grab your gear and go | Here’s everything you’d need to build an adventure go bag

Grab your gear and go. In the military, especially in Ranger School, you are taught and instructed to never have more than one item out of your ruck at a time. It was always entertaining to see some guy in the position next to me with both boots and socks off just as that fateful high pitched squeal of an artillery simulator kicked off. In school, you never wanted to be that guy.

As I’ve transitioned into civilian life, I still strive to never be the one that gets left behind because I didn’t have my gear in order. Many people have go-bags, medical kits, and emergency rations in their vehicles or homes, but neglect the fun stuff. There have been a couple of occasions throughout the years where I’ve missed out on a quick trip to the mountains or a last-minute adventure because I didn’t have my gear together. I vowed to never let that happen again.

The Adventure GO BAG

I previously kept two large Pelican Cases in the back of my truck for easy access to my gear on the go. This worked great for a while until I needed to transfer the gear to a friends vehicle or throw it on my back to pack into distant camp. I’ve since transitioned to three items for storing and transporting all my necessary adventure gear.

As the seasons change I will adjust the contents of my gear to the specific activities or sudden trips that may come up. Although most of the gear may change, the following is gear that never leaves my adventure go bag no matter the season:

First-aid kit
1″ roll of Gorilla Tape
50 feet of 550 cord
Knife
Fire starting gear
Headlamp with extra batteries
Tent
Pad
Stove with one small and one medium fuel canister.
LifeStraw
Bladder Filter
Extra Nalgene
Helmet – One helmet I can bike, ski, and climb in
GOR-TEX Jacket
Polartec Hoody
Lightweight synthetic-fill hoody
Weather resistant softshell pants
Base-layer, top, bottom, and t-shirt
Ranger panties
4 pairs of socks – I keep a mix of SmartWool, Darn Tough, Serket, and Wigwam. They all have different warmth, thickness, and a variety I like to choose from depending on the activity.
Lightweight synthetic gloves
Wool cap
Flip Flops – Have to keep happy feet after a long day on the trail or the mountains.

*A sleeping bag should never be stuffed for extended periods of time and is therefore omitted from this list. With everything else packed it only takes a minute to stuff the bag and go.

Gregory Stash Duffle 115L

My go to duffle is the Gregory Stash Duffle 115L. The 115 liters of space allow me to throw in everything I need and have it ready at a moments notice. Having one large heavy-duty duffle for storing gear is essential. Too large and you end-up keeping it packed with more gear than you will ever use. Too small and you run out of room for trips and events that involve multiple sports and activities.

When traveling there is enough room to keep my primary backpack, summit pack, the gear listed above, and any additional equipment. In the winter this includes a baseline of alpine climbing or skiing gear (minus skis of course). Summer and fall allowing me to throw in rock climbing, mountain biking, or other backpacking necessities – the extra weight is worth it.

The Stash has a full length zipper that allows for easy access to all items and makes stuffing in extra gear a breeze. The built-in shoulder straps with reinforced stitching make this duffle pretty darn comfortable if you need to haul in a large quantity of gear. I did just that on a recent “find the rock climbing spot that no-one has been to before” trip. What was thought to be just a few hundred meter hike turned into over an hour of searching and plenty of boulder hopping to reach the crag.

This duffle behaved more like a pack and was able to haul all the necessary climbing gear, food, and water for an evening at the crag.

Gregory Stash Duffle Specs

Big, large, huge, zippered opening to main compartment provides exceptional access to interior
Can be carried with padded backpack harness straps or with traditional duffel-style handle
Top of bag is padded for comfortable carry against back
Zippered exterior pocket with key clip
Compression straps on each end
4 tubular webbing grab handles
800 D Ballistic and 1680 D Ballistic Nylon main body materials
MSRP — $109, but can be found for less online.

Gregory Alpinisto 50L

I own a number of packs and still use them for very specific purposes and when I have ample time to plan and pack. For my grab and go pack I’ve transitioned to the Gregory Alpinisto 50 liter as my do-it-all adventure pack. Although intended for alpine climbing, this pack is capable of multi-day trips in a variety of conditions. From three and four-day backpacking trips, long day hikes, or alpine climbing in the Cascades, this pack checks all the boxes.

Multiple accessory pockets, modern ice tool attachments, and a designated crampon pocket make this pack a do-it-all gear hauler. The comfortable waistband, ergonomic back panel, and side or top openings make this pack not only comfortable, but easy to access. For shorter adventures or for a day at the crag, the pack can be synched down. The crampon pocket is the perfect size for a guidebook or water bottle when not carrying a pair of crampons.

The material is burley and has multiple reinforced stitching points. The gear loops on the waist belt aid in organizing climbing gear while wearing the pack. If you dabble in a variety of outdoor sports and activities this pack may suit your needs as well. The weight, comfort, versatility, and competitive price make this pack a perfect all-rounder.

Gregory Alpinisto 50L Specs

Stowable crampon pocket with puncture-resistant TPU panel
Stowable, adjustable ice axe attachments
Removable top lid, aluminum frame stay, HDPE framesheet, bivy pad, and hipbelt padding
Top-loading design with side zip access to main compartment
Removable lid pocket with occipital cutout and security pocket on underside
Single wand pocket
Hydration sleeve with locking zip hose port
A-frame ski carry slots with sled pull loops
Side compression straps with integrated ice axe retention
Rope strap and emergency haul loops
Expedition hipbelt with dual gear loops and ice clipper slots
High-visibility exterior and interior liner
Dual-layer HD nylon bottom panel
Sizes: xs – L
MSRP — $239, but can be found for less online.

CiloGear 20L WorkSack

Next to my pack and easily stuffed inside of my duffle is a CiloGear 20L WorkSack. If there is a better summit bag or pack for multi-pitch trad climbs, I haven’t found it. Based out of Portland, Oregon, these guys make every pack to order. Their small operation produces packs that are used and coveted by some of the best climbers and adventurers the world over. I know I’ve got this guy on my wish list.

When on a multi-day climb and you want to move fast to the summit and back, this is the pack to take. At only 330g (10 oz) this pack weighs next to nothing and packs down in into a larger pack until needed. I’ve used this pack on numerous occasions climbing throughout Oregon and California. On longer mountain biking days I used this pack with a hydration bladder and still had plenty of room for lunch, jacket, and other luxuries. The greatest benefit is how this pack rides on your back. It sits up high and between your shoulder blades. It doesn’t get in the way and makes access to a climbing harness a breeze.

CiloGear 20L WorkSack Specs

Weight – 330g
Material: Dimension Polyant VX07: 70d nylon ripstop laminated in a five ply sandwich with dacron X-Pac for rip resistance and structural stability. This fabric is 200 psi waterproof.
Colors: black, red, grey
Two side mesh pockets
Inner ninja pocket for keys and other small items
Inner sleeve that will fit a hydration bladder. I cut a section from an old foam pad to use as a bivy seat and it also protects my back from any hard or sharp objects.
MSRP — $69

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Overall, find what combination works for you. These are what I use today, but I may find something else that works better a week down the line. The most important thing is to always be prepared, have fun, and never miss out on an adventure again. Grab your gear and go. If you have an adventure go bag, let us know what you carry and why.

Check out this setup for more great adventure ready ideas.

Scrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the field

The Scrubba Tactical Washbag is a nice little design intending to keep your bags a little lighter by offering you the option of cleaning clothes easily and effectively. While I posted my initial impressions here, I’ve now had the opportunity to air my dirty laundry a bit.

To recap, the Scrubba is a polyether bag with a built-in washboard of sorts made from little rubber nodules. Using the Scrubba is easy: simply add clothes, water and a little detergent. Using the air-lock valve to deflate the bag, manhandle the bag for a minute or so. Open it up, wring the clothes out, rinse the clothes off and you should have yourself what is advertised as a “machine quality wash”.

I decided to put it to the test

After a few days hunting in the rocky hills of eastern Oregon in 100°+ heat, I was left with a small pile of pretty funky clothing. I picked out the clothes with the most stank: two pairs of Ranger Panties and a DCU top that hasn’t been washed since midway through my last Afghanistan deployment (in 2004). There’s a layer of salt crust on there that I think might require Holy Fire to remove.

Yes, the Scrubba is a simple-to-use product. I tossed in my clothes, dumped in 3/4’s of a gallon of water and a little dash of laundry soap. My advice is to add a little water to the soap prior to loading in the clothes to let it get a bit sudsy, but I’ll get into that a little later. Rolled the top of the bag down and clipped it shut. Opening the air valve, I squeezed all the air out. Tossing the bag on the ground, I then used my body weight to mush, grind and rubba the Scrubba for about a minute and a half. Not getting a whole lot of movement out of the clothes due to the full-on vacuum, I let just a little air in and washed the clothes for another half-minute.

Opening the bag, I dumped out the water and started wringing out the clothes. A quick rinse, then another wring-out. I found a convenient branch in the sun nearby and aired out my laundry. A couple of hours in the sun and I was ready to pack up and move out, cleaner no doubt than when I arrived.

But how clean? I keep coming back to the advertising point of “machine quality wash” because it is both a bold claim and the easiest reference point for us all. I gave the washed laundry the only two tests that matter: the smell test and the eyeball test. First up, the DCU top. Smell test? Fresh! Eyeball test? Still some sweat and salt stains around the collar. I think even a machine would have a little trouble getting those out though… Second up were the Ranger panties or “silkies”. These are also known as the “undergarments of freedom” and an “oasis for your crotch“. The eyeball test is a little tough on black material, so it was on to the smell test. They were considerably cleaner than when they went into the Scrubba, smelling like they had been worn a bit but showing none of the eye-popping, stomach-churning reek they went in with. Drastically cleaner? Yes. Machine quality? Close but no cigar.

Here’s where I want to go back and cover the adding soap/water before clothes. The directions say to add them all in step one, but if you add clothes first, the top clothes get the soap while still concentrate and the bottom clothes get it once watered down and dirtied. I could have and should have figured this out ahead of time, but experience breeds success quicker than anything.

At the end of the day, the Scrubba Tactical washbag does indeed get the job done. Taking up very little space, this product can clean your clothes pretty well as long as you have an ample supply of fresh water. Coming in at $55, if you find yourself traveling often the Scrubba washbag is a good option to look at to reduce your packing list and increase your hygiene. Check it out!

Overland Essential: Atlas 46 Yorktown Tool Roll

One of the essential items I’ve found while traveling Overland is a good set of tools. If you plan to take to the hills for an extended period of time and put your rig to the test, things can break. And they do. Being stranded in the middle of nowhere without the means to patch up your vehicle is no fun. Quite possibly dangerous. I always carry a comprehensive first aid kit for my family, why not one for your vehicle? Carrying the right tools and keeping them organized and accessible is much easier with the Yorktown Tool Roll from Atlas 46.

Atlas 46 History:

44 years ago, the founder of Atlas 46 was producing nylon gear for motorcycle racing, assorted bags, motocross pants, etc. In 1977, the company shifted focus to tactical goods for the military and law enforcement. And for the next 40 years, owner John Carver oversaw the operations of the world leader in individual equipment for the military, homeland security and law enforcement. Currently, in their next evolution, Atlas 46 is pioneering the personal workwear category with the same high-quality nylon goods that got them where they are today.

Video Review:

Recently I asked Tony, an old Ranger buddy, what tools he packed and how he carried them. As a driving instructor at Overland Experts, he recommended Atlas 46 for their high-quality tool bags. Taking his advice, I looked into the companies products. I was in search of something capable of keeping the tools I carry both organized and well protected. More specifically, I was looking for a tool roll in addition to a gear bag for my recovery equipment. The Yorktown Tool Roll looked adequate to organize and haul the hand tools I’ve selected. I recall as a kid living in Germany, the fancy European and British cars that came with their own toolkit. Neatly wrapped up in a cloth or leather tool roll and stored in the boot. That’s what I was looking for.

The Yorktown Tool Roll is just a modern version of that old concept. Made from heavy duty 1000D Cordura Nylon, this tool roll is built like a tank. With four large zippered pouches on the front side, you’ll have more than enough room for sockets, screwdrivers and ratchets. 480 cubic inches each to be exact. Flipping the Yorktown Tool Roll over exposes two additional storage options. Under one velcro flaps is an eleven slot organizer with graduated lengths. Perfect for a set of open-end wrenches. The opposing side offers seven multi-width slots for wrenches, pliers and other hand tools. The roll quickly cinches together and is secured by a large quick release buckle. Two heavy-duty handles make transporting the tool roll a snap. And a longer strap allows hanging of the tool roll from just about anywhere.

Yorktown Tool Roll Features and Benefits (courtesy of atlas46.com)

Condensed Quick Roll for Throw N Stow
4 large front pockets. (16″ x 2 1/2″ x 3″ = 480 total cubic inches)
11 wrench slot organizer
7 multipurpose tool slots
Patriot made 1000D Cordura
YKK USA made zippers
2 carrying handles secured by precision tack.
Smallest Wrench Slot: 5.5″ x 1.375″
Largest Wrench Slot: 8.875″ x 2.375″
Hand crafted in the USA
Lifetime Guarantee
MSRP: $110

Another fantastic item from Atlas 46 is the Gear Carry Bag. Offered in three different sizes, I opted for the Largest one. Measuring 14″w x 6″d x 8″h, this bag is just what I needed to organize my recovery gear. With enough room for jumper cables, shackles, tow strap, soft shackle, gloves and a few additional items, the Gear Carry Bag is always readily accessible in my truck. Made from the same 1000D Cordura Nylon, the Gear bag is made in the US and covered by the Atlas 46 lifetime guarantee. Both the Tool Roll and Gear Bag recently made the trip from Michigan to Overland Expo East in North Carolina.

Features and Benefits

Double layer 1000D Cordura® construction to last a lifetime
Multiple sizes to fit user needs
Optional Hi-Viz Interior
Dual satchel style carry handles
Dual slider zipper opening
Pull tabs to assist with closing of pouch
Hand crafted in the USA
Lifetime Guarantee
MSRP $39

I’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg here. Atlas 46 has a laundry list of tool belts, work gear, aprons and bags. And all made with pride right here in the good ole’ US of A. Take a few minutes and check out the Atlas 46 website and support these American workers making high-quality products for the working professional.

GearAid ARC Rechargeable Light and Power Station: The go everywhere light

GearAid ARC Rechargeable Light and Power Station: What you need for the next blackout

If you have ever been camping, scuba diving or done anything in the outdoors, you most likely have had to repair something with tape, glue or some kind of sealant. Insert GearAid. If you have never heard of them, you may not be alone. They started fixing gear in 1981 when SCUBA divers realized Aquaseal was stronger than their wetsuits. They are now known as the go-to company for the outdoors, sporting goods and SCUBA industries. Everyone has their go-to product for fixing things (Duct Tape if you are like me). GearAid has a full array of care and repair items to suit all of your outdoor needs.

GearAid doesn’t just offer care and repair products. They offer a variety of tools, knives, and an assortment of other outdoor related products and replacement parts.

Recently I was out of town for work and we had a power outage in our subdivision. It seems to always happen when I am at work or out of town for some reason. My wife called me and asked where all of the flashlights are and I reminded her that we had the GearAid Rechargeable Light and Power Station. She put the Arc Light and Power Station on the coffee table in the living room and had enough light for the living room and the kitchen. She kept the light on the medium power setting and had no issues for the six plus hours that the power was out.

Back side (power settings/light Level) and USB charging port

Mulitfunctional:

Not only did the Arc Light provide hours of light for her during that time. Her battery was dying on her phone so I reminded her that that was a 1.5 amp USB charging port on the back of the light. Problem solved (kinda). She commented later that “this little light thing” was awesome. The Lithium-Ion battery in this thing is a rock star. Fully charged and on the brightest setting, the Arc can turn night into day for up to eight hours. Use the built-in stand or hang it up with the hook and you are hands-free to chop wood or supervise the chopping of the wood.

If you are in the market for a multifunctional light/power station, don’t overlook the Arc. It may be small in size, but it packs quite the punch. There is no doubt that if we are anywhere in the outdoors, this little beauty will definitely be in my pack.

Specs Courtesy of GearAid:

- Weight: 16 oz
- Size 4.9”x 4.5″ x 1.6″
- Cell Capacity: 10,400 mAh (38Wh)
- Cell Type: Lithium Ion
- Lumens: 20-320
- Brightness Settings: 10
- Run Time: 8-96 hours
- USB Output: 5V 1.5A
- Micro-USB Input: 5V 2A
- Durability: IP65
- Color Temperatures: 6500k, 4200k, 3000k
- Not for use in marine environments