Adventure

Last minute vehicle shake down before an Epic Overland Adventure

Although I’ve been planning a long range Overland trip from my home in Northern Michigan to Colorado and Utah for some time now, the date has finally arrived. And it kinda snuck up on my in all honesty. I know that doesn’t make much sense but with all the prep to the vehicle and gear acquisition, I kinda lost track of time a bit. Well, 4 days until departure and I’m still waiting on a few key parts. Go figure.

Most of the prep work went into the 2017 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. A perfectly capable vehicle in its own right but there’s always room for improvement, right? That’s what I thought. After binge watching some YouTube videos of guys in Jeeps crawling through some epic mountain passes in Colorado and Moab, Utah, I realized there were a few items on the truck that could use some attention. Now I know a full size truck like a Tundra is no “rock crawler” but some of the obstacles we may encounter could potentially damage the truck. Plenty of late nights with the internet and a credit card led to several pallets of parts mysteriously showing up at my garage.

First up was the CTE Bumper from Camburg Racing. I chose this bumper for it’s fantastic clearance improvement for the front tires. This will allow me to get the front of the tire on larger rock obstacles and ledges without damaging the bumper. Along with the clean, not over the top design that seems to compliment the overall appearance of the truck. Finally, a hidden winch mount and light integration was the icing on the cake. With no other vehicles to pull me out of trouble, a 12,000 lb Warn winch with synthetic rope is now my life line. I also added a pair of 10” Rigid Industries E-Series flood lights as well as A-Series rock lights near the winch and wheel wells. What I didn’t plan for was the increased weight that could adversely affect the front end. Which led to a few more late nights researching.

Last minute vehicle shake down before an Epic Overland Adventure

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Originally I planned on upgrading the original TRD Bilstien springs to a heavier pair of coils. When I had trouble finding a definitive answer wether they would be compatible with the original shocks, I just decided it would be easier to swap everything out. And ICON Vehicle Dynamics is were my search landed. A few conversations with Joey from SDHQ Offroad and we decided on the Stage 8 kit from ICON. New adjustable 2.5″ shocks with remote reservoirs for added cooling, upgraded 700 pound springs for the added weight up front, and new progressive leaf packs for the rear. We also added new upper control arms to increase wheel travel and alignment specs once lifted. Mike, a friend and certified mechanic helped wrestle the new parts into place which was greatly appreciated. Not a difficult install but having an extra set of skilled hands was most reassuring.

ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 8 2.5″ CDC Shocks and UCA

A lot of the videos I watched showed Jeeps and trucks screeching across rock obstacles on their rock sliders. Basically what appears like a running board but directly attached to the frame and capable of bearing the full weight of the vehicle. Rock sliders are the sacrificial pawn built to take the potentially damaging hit by large rock obstacles and ledges in order to protect the vehicles delicate sheet metal, rocker panels and doors. Fortunately, Victory 4×4 in my home state of Michigan makes some of the best armor on the market. Although it was a 4 hour drive to Portage, MI, it was totally worth it as I was given a full tour of their impressive manufacturing operation. Now I’m awaiting Victory 4×4 to come up with a rear bumper option with dual swing-outs. Because that would be completely unnecessary and badass.

Mocking up the raw steel Rock Sliders from Victory 4×4

Light Force was nice enough to hook me up with 6 of their ROK20 LED work lights to mount to my bed rack. I mounted 2 lights on either side and 2 rear facing. If I ever need to back into a campsite after sunset, these lights will illuminate the sides and rear of the vehicle giving me a clear picture of any potential danger lurking in the dark. But their main purpose is to illuminate the working area around the sides and rear of the vehicle when parked. Wether for repairs or cooking omelettes, these lights are always there and just a flip of the switch away.

Night testing the Light Force ROK20 Work Lights

The next few days before we launch will be spent laying out our equipment, tools and toys to make sure we have everything. As well as a trip to the grocery store to stock the Dometic CFX75-DZ. Ultimately, we will be in a truck with access to anything we may have forgotten. But it’d be nice to know we have the ability to plan and pack for most of the situations we’ll encounter. Some additional items I installed over the winter were an ARB Dual onboard air compressor. Mainly to re-inflate tires after airing down. And a Genesis Offroad Dual Battery set-up to help with the additional electrical demands. All in all, I feel we’re as prepared as we can afford to be right now.

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The realistic goal of this trip is to explore the Rocky Mountains of Colorado including the old mining towns that litter the southern parts of the mountain range. And follow some the trails and high mountain passes used by early settlers that can exceed 13,000′. Then move into Utah and explore the crazy martian landscapes found around the Moab area. But most importantly, connect with my 15 year old son Kevin as we work together to overcome any obstacles we may encounter. All while enjoying the natural beauty of this part of America.

About the Author:

Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He’s a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons, they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Thermacell MR150: Clean, convenient, and effective portable mosquito repellent

Who doesn’t hate mosquitoes? Save your summer with the Thermacell MR150

Mosquitoes can be a terror that make what should be an enjoyable experience quite miserable instead. Sprays work, but they can be messy and wear off in wet – or sweaty – conditions. If you’re hunting, scented sprays and repellents have the chance of blowing your cover. Open flame repellents are okay as long as you aren’t on the move and the weather permits. The Thermacell MR150 is a lightweight option that you can take anywhere and use in any outdoor environment.

The MR150 is scent and DEET-free, silent, uses no open flames, and one package can be used for up to 12 hours of mosquito-free satisfaction. Each package comes with the MR150 unit, 3 repellent mats, and 1 butane fuel cartridge. It functions by heat-activating the mat, which releases the mosquito repellent into the air, creating a 15×15 foot dome of protection wherever you may be.

Always, the skeptic, I used the Thermacell in various outdoor settings to see if it was as effective as advertised. To be clear, this product is only intended to repel mosquitoes. While you may still have gnats and other critters in the area, my entire family and I were mosquito-bite free after many hours in the presence of the Thermacell MR150. For a family like mine that normally can’t go outside to play with our dog without returning to our house with multiple mosquito bites, this product is a welcome addition to our lifestyle.

The product is light enough, but I do wish it were a little less bulky. The operation is incredibly simple. Insert the mat, screw in the butane cartridge, turn the switch to the “ON” position, wait a few seconds for the gas to start flowing, press the start button 3-5 times, and verify that the appliance light is glowing. When finished, you simply turn the switch to the “OFF” position and allow it to cool before storing.

This product retails for $24.99 and comes in a variety of colors, depending on your preference. Refill packages can be found online. It is an effective mosquito repellent option and is a great addition to your next outdoor adventure.

Thermacell MR150 Listed Features:

Active ingredient – D-cis/trans allethrin
Assembly Details – No assembly required
Batteries – N/A
Dimensions – 7.6″ x 3″ x 2″ (L x W x H)
Hours of Protection Included – 12
Light – No
Model Number – MRLJ
Rubber Armor – No
Warranty – 1 Year Satisfaction Guarantee
Weight (lb.) – 0.4
Zone Check – No
Zone of Protection Size – 15 Feet

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!

How to Survive Anything: Make it through a tornado

There are a lot of things you can do to make sure you never find yourself directly in the path of a tornado, but despite our best efforts, sometimes we still find ourselves in some pretty crappy spots. So, while we may devote plenty of videos to getting out of dodge before something bad lands in your lap, it’s just as important to know how to survive if escaping ahead of time wasn’t an option.

So what do you do if you find yourself directly in the path of a tornado?

Hide out in a storm cellar if at all possible. If not possible, head for a basement.
If not possible, jump in a bathtub or something else that’s firmly secured to the ground. Place a mattress over you to protect yourself from falling debris.
If you are sheltering in a group, interlock your arms to ensure no one is pulled away.
Stay as low as you can
DON’T STICK YOUR HEAD OUT TO FILM ANYTHING FOR FACEBOOK
Don’t emerge just because the storm seems to have stopped. It may be the eye. Wait for the all clear on the radio or until the sounds of the storm have passed for several minutes.

Feature image courtesy of the NOAA Photo Library via the U.S. Air Force

How to Survive Anything: Making it through a flash flood

Like most natural disasters, a bit of preparation ahead of time can go a long way. If you know there’s a high flood risk in your area, start by heading for high ground or out of the path of the storm. If, however, evacuating isn’t an option, you run the chance of finding yourself squaring off with one of nature’s most prolific killers: water.

If it can make the Grand Canyon, it sure as hell can mess up your Sunday. Here’s what to do if you find yourself squaring off with a wall of water:

Dump whatever you’re carrying and book it for high ground.
If the water starts to rise around you, look for something to climb (like a tree) and get as high as possible.
If you find yourself swept up in the flood, you are in trouble. Try to orient yourself so your legs are out in front of you so you can use them to stop you from being bashed into any hard objects in your path.
Protect your upper body and head at all costs. You’re going to get hurt, but you can survive if you keep your head above water and your torso free of holes.
Try to steer clear of obstructions in your path. Getting out of the flood is a top priority, but you don’t want to end up pinned up against an obstruction in the effort. Your chances of being killed increase dramatically the more the flood hits you with debris.
Go with the current and work your way toward an edge until you’re in shallow enough water to escape.

Feature image courtesy of the National Parks Service

How to Survive Anything: Dealing with a scorpion sting

Scorpions are scary. I’m not even going to play about that… But they’re also not really all that dangerous. While a scorpion’s sting can really make you feel like crap, it’s uncommon for one to actually kill you. Unfortunately for me, I’ve been stung by scorpions three times over the years (to varying degree of misery).

The best way not to get stung by a scorpion is to leave it the hell alone — but maybe you’ve watched that scene in “Skyfall” a few too many times and now only drink your whiskey with a scorpion poised to sting you in the face. If that’s the case, I respect your drinking habits, but it may be in your best interest to know how to treat one of those stings.

Give the area of the sting a good washing with soap and water.
Reduce the swelling with a cold compress or ice pack.
If the sting is on one of your extremities, elevate it while you ice it.
Stay calm. Some scorpion stings can cause symptoms that may include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle weakness, or vomiting. These are all serious concerns in a survival situation, but the sting itself is very rarely deadly.
Wait it out. Drink plenty of fluids and allow your body to recover before you go picking fights with any other six-legged monsters.

Feature image courtesy of Sony Pictures/MGM