off-road

The MSR Pocket Rocket | Your little camp dragon

Everyone has their preference when it comes to camp cooking. Some are completely kosher with an MRE; freeze dried food or some sort of protein and granola bars. Others take solace in the process of making a good, warm meal on the trail, out in the wild enjoying Mother Nature. There’s something to be said about hiking 12 miles a day and sitting down with your boots off while cooking some fajitas in your camp kitchen kit. Luckily there is someone to help you with that fine meal at the end of a long trek; the MSR Pocket Rocket.

This past week I spent 5 days out in the gorgeous Arizona desert overlooking Roosevelt lake with 3 of my very best friends from the Army. During the day we were off-roading in my buddies jeep till sunset so there was very little time in the morning to cook a proper breakfast. Well I’m not the one to skip breakfast out in the field, so out came the MSR Pocket Rocket and my stove-top kit from Winterial.

Preparing for these types of meals before you head out to the field is crucial to making your life easier. For breakfast I dice up some raw bacon or breakfast sausage with some potatoes, onions, peppers and keep them in a sandwich bag for each day. This way you can just dump the contents inside the small skillet and sauté away. Turning on the MSR Pocket Rocket reminded me of a fighter jets after burners being engaged at an air show. The burner puts out some serious heat that nearly causes you to worry that you’ll melt the pot over the burner. The new addition of the push-start Piezo Igniter worked the first time and every time thereafter. Flawless operating gives you the peace of mind when out in the field and builds the confidence you need in your gear.

MSR boasts’ that the Pocket Rocket can boil 1 liter of water in 3.3 minutes, and they’re not wrong. I think if you have a Titanium cook set it works faster due to the thinner alloy allowing the water to heat drastically faster. Regardless, I was incredibly impressed with how easy making French Press coffee became in the morning. Coming in at just 2.9oz, you can easily stuff this in a pocket or hang it off a belt loop and you would never notice the weight. It’s actually quite impressive to see the immense abilities of this petite device. Crazy to think that 20 years ago Coleman was making the massive propane burners with far less heat capabilities and minimal thought to packability.

DECKED Truck Bed Storage: Always Ready for Emergencies and Adventure

I recently traded in my 2015 Jeep Cherokee for a new 2019 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss. The first thing I noticed going from the Jeep to the Trail Boss was storage. In my Jeep I had a duffel bag with roadside assistance gear, recovery gear in case I got stuck and a portable air compressor. When I migrated everything over to the truck I ended up putting all that stuff under the seats of the cab. It all fit under the cab seats just fine, but as soon as I wanted to take my 105 pound German Shepherd with me, those seats had to go up.

At that point I had nowhere to put my roadside assistance and recovery gear other than throwing it inside the open bed of the truck. Looking over my options, DECKED kept coming up in my searches as well as conversations with those in the truck community. I decided to go for it and make the investment.

Once the unit was delivered I made a trip up to Northern Michigan to visit my partner in crime, Erik Meisner, to do the install before going out on the trails for a few days with Michigan Overland. The install was more or less quick and painless.

Once we went to secure both assembled sides into the bed of the truck we noticed the centerline bowed up and was not level. Upon further investigation we noticed that the DECKED unit was riding up onto the raised Chevy logo in the center of the cab end of the truck bed. The quick fix was to radius out a small notch for the unit to fit flush against the front of the truck bed.

Now that everything was installed it was time to hit the trails. Now the DECKED system is rated to be waterproof, which it is, but dust is a whole different animal; it gets everywhere. Once we arrived to our campsite the 2nd evening of the overland trip, I opened the tailgate of the truck to access the drawer of the DECKED system that contained my camping gear. As you can probably guess, everything inside the drawer was covered in dust. This is not the fault of the DECKED design, it’s just the nature of dust.

With all the dust and the truck getting tossed around on the trail for two days, the DECKED system performed flawlessly. Upon getting home, the truck sat outside in two solid days of rain. Curious, I went outside to open it up and check for water. It was bone dry and still dusty from the trip. Not a drop of water in either of the drawers which is a testament to the design of the DECKED system.

The system is easily removable if you need access to the full depth of your truck bed, but I don’t really anticipate that being an issue. The system is going to stay where it’s at for a while to come. Now the challenge is to load it out that way I want. I think one drawer is going to be for my tools, recovery gear and other roadside assistance tools. The second drawer is going to house my hiking and outdoor gear so that I’m always ready for an impromptu hike or adventure.

Stay tuned for updates and photos of how I utilize the DECKED system with my travel and adventures.

You can find more great articles like this on The Gear Bunker

Scott Witner is a former Marine Corps Infantryman with 2ndBn/8th Marines and was attached to the 24th MEU(SOC) for a 6 month deployment to the Mediterranean. He has completed training in desert warfare at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Mountain Warfare and survival at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, attended the South Korean Mountain Warfare school in Pohang and the Jungle Warfare school in the jungles of Okinawa Japan. He now enjoys trail running, hiking, functional fitness and working on his truck. Scott resides in Northeastern Ohio with his wife and two kids.

Watch: Is the Chevy Colorado ZH2 the new Humvee?

I’ve spent many hours behind the wheel of a military Humvee and know first hand how loud it is and the exhaust signature it puts off due to the diesel fuel. Although the Humvee’s have a heavy duty spring suspension, it’s still a pretty rough ride when off-road. From a fuel perspective, when the military deploys, they have to bring their own fuel with them, which can be a logistical nightmare. This new Chevy Colorado Hydrogen prototype seems to be solving most, if not all those issues.

The prototype ZH2 is extremely quiet due to the engine/fuel cell running off of only air and hydrogen. This alone reduces the sound signature allowing military units to get closer to their objectives and not be heard. The ZH2 also sports a new exhaust technology that reduces the heat signature to almost zero. As of this writing, they are currently working on reducing the heat signature put off by the tires while the vehicle is moving. When driving over longer distances the tire rubber heats up just as it does on a normal car. They are looking into a way to reduce that which if they can, will make this vehicle damn near impossible to detect.

The ZH2 also has an onboard generator capable of producing enough power to run several homes. This is a game changer since the military has to transport their own generators. By having the vehicle produce that power and being able to tap into it, simplifies logistics for smaller units on the battlefield. Add to that the fact that the exhaust can produce up to 2 gallons of water per hour and you’ve got a self-contained mobile command center for special operations units. Take a look at the following two video to get a better look at these features.

GM Fuel Cell Business Executive Director Charlie Freese and Next Generation Combat Vehicle Program Integrator Lt. Col. David Centeno on the benefits of the new Chevrolet Colorado ZH2.

Is the Chevy Colorado ZH2 the new Humvee? We (http://www.TFLtruck.com) go for a ride in the hydrogen fuel-cell military prototype.

*Photo courtesy of Fast Lane Truck Youtube channel

Assemble the Ultimate Off-Road Conversion-Van Camper (Pt.1)

How to Build Your Own Adventure Van: Getting Started

The idea of having a dedicated adventure van that doesn’t require monthly payments, which can be used as a mobile base camp is an alluring prospect for anyone who is even semi-serious about leading an active/outdoor lifestyle. It doesn’t matter if you are into mountain biking, surfing, hiking, or even motocross racing. With a little planning and thought you can expand your boundaries and possibilities through the freedom of mobility. Follow along on my journey to acquire, outfit and begin my adventures in my own adventure van.

Image courtesy:Sportsmobile.com — Image courtesy of sportsmobile.com

Selecting the van and the plan

In the planning stages of the project I dubbed this vehicle the “adventure van”. I had to consider vehicle price, vehicle size, and future maintenance needs, along with availability of repair parts. At the same time, I started making a list of necessities and niceties (what was truly essential and what was a luxury).

Living in Alaska I had to weigh my options carefully, environmental factors and availability weighed heavy on my decisions. Although the State of Alaska has just over 750,000 people, replacement parts for exotic (or custom) vehicles could take days, or weeks to arrive. I would love to do a school-bus conversion like Nick Cahill did, but for my first attempt at building an adventure van, I wanted to start small.

I relied heavily on the information I found at expeditionportal.com, a website full of people doing the same things we were all doing (some on a much larger scale). My wants/needs in adventure van will not be the same as yours, but it’s a base to start from. Below is the criteria I created for my project which may help you if you choose to build your own adventure van.

Ford E Series, Chevy or Dodge full-size, bigger is better
V8 motor
Must be able to go through a drive-through
Fewest amount of extras such as power windows, locks, etc.
Fleet-style work vans ideal

There are things you have to accept as facts when taking on a project like this. You will get angry and want to throw tools (just accept this as natural). Things will not go as planned (often), and you will have to shift your expectations and plans accordingly. If you choose this style of life or use your van for camping expeditions, you’ll experience things that will enrich your life for years to come (use that as motivation).

After you have selected a price range and a list of requirements, remember to be flexible. Don’t make the mistake I did and stay overly committed to small details. In my project, I looked at 20 vans before selecting my 1994 Ford E250. In hindsight, there were better vans, but I talked myself out of them for one reason or another.

In all my van shopping there seemed to be several commonalities that I came across: high mileage, and significant wear and tear. I would advise you to get a vehicle inspection performed by a competent mechanic prior to a purchase. This can help identify any major problems and give you an idea of overall condition of the van. Don’t settle on the first van you see, be prepared to look at multiple vans and haggle on price.

Purchase and parts

Once you have purchased your van, come up with a list of ideas/possible floor plans, make sure to set aside some extra money aside. This extra cash will come in handy for building materials, replacement parts, and preventive maintenance. Even if the previous owner says he just did it, plan on an oil change and basic maintenance. Breaking down on a trip because you chose to save $100 will end up costing you more in the end.

Performing a routine oil change, cooling system flush, replacing the thermostat, and changing out coolant hoses would be a good way to start. With simple hand tools, a manual, and a friend, this can be accomplished in a short amount of time, and will extend the life of your project. Next, I would put money into the spark plug wires, belts, and ignition components. This may sound rather dull, but you want to start your project off with a clean slate (known running time and wear on the vehicle’s components).

What I chose and why

I chose a 1994 Ford E250 extended-body construction van for my project. I chose this one because it met many of the requirements I had on my list, and it came with a full-length metal lumber rack attached to the roof. My van had no seats or windows behind the front seats, so it was the perfect blank slate. Camping in Alaska, it was important to me to have as few windows as possible (the amount of sunlight in the summer regularly causes sleeping problems).

If you shop around you can find a diamond in the rough, mine came with a great roof rack (to put kayaks and canoes on) and heavy-duty wood flooring installed. The previous owner had tried to make it into adventure, although unsuccessfully. After haggling on price I got the van, roof rack, two cases of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), and a box full of various goodies.

Camper options other than a van

There are other options beyond the typical adventure van I am working on. One of the more popular alternatives is a full-size bus, or minibus conversion. Nick Cahill, by way of his Instagram, have shown thousands of us what two people, some tools, and a dream can do. The options available to a builder when converting a bus are almost limitless.

While converting a bus is alluring, there are additional factors to considered. A bus, no matter what size is going to be harder to find replacement parts for, and when you find the parts they will cost more than van parts. Additionally, engines and transmissions on older buses are often nearing the end of their service-life and should be considered as a major replacement cost.

Originally buses were manufactured to transport people over modern paved roads, not to be made into rolling cabins. The steering/handling characteristics of a bus is something which can take a driver quite a bit of time to get used to. Also, loading and configuring a bus into an adventure van can change the steering and handling characteristics.

Nick Cahill Converting his Mini Bus — Nick Cahill converting his minibus

The end goal of this series is to present you with viable options that could greatly expand the way you get out and explore. This project may not be for everyone, but for some of you this might just be the thing to unlock endless journeys.

Get out and explore spots like the one shown below.

(Featured image courtesy of Leo Jenkins)

Chevy’s Making a Hydrogen-Powered Pickup for the US Army

(Originally published on WIRED)

WHEN IT COMES to pickups, the standard attitude is, go big or go home. Huge knobbly tires, bullbars, spotlights, winches—even if they’re unnecessary. Look at Ford’s F-150 Raptor (not just leaner, meaner!), Toyota’s Tacoma TRD Pro (not afraid to show off its wild side!), or Nissan’s Titan XD Warrior concept (37-inch tires!).

Now, General Motors is back at the front. Working with the US Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC), it has built what may be the baddest pickup yet. The Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 stands 6.5 feet tall and 7 feet wide, weighs three tons, and features flared wheel arches, a jacked-up ride, narrow slotted headlights, and a camouflage paint job.

What really marks this truck as different, though, is the drivetrain. Instead of the diesel and gasoline engines that power the street-legal Colorado, the ZH2 pulls its power from a hydrogen fuel cell, making it an electric, zero-emissions ride.

GM and TARDEC unveiled the truck today at the fall meeting of the Association of the United States Army, and the Army will lease the truck for a year of field testing, starting in 2017.

“I’ve got to figure out how to get on the bases, so I can have some of the fun,” says Charlie Freese, who leads GM’s fuel cell program.

An electric truck offers plenty of upside on the battlefield. It runs more quietly than gas and diesel-powered vehicles, helpful for stealthy operations. It also runs cooler, which means it won’t show up on thermal cameras as clearly.

Continue reading on Wired

(images courtesy of wired.com)

AEV LAUNCHES THE PROSPECTOR XL

Say hello to the Prospector XL! American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is back at it again with the release of their latest turn-key Ram package. Based upon the Ram 2500/3500 platform, the Prospector XL builds upon many of the original Prospector components. However, the new options package comes with the addition of some unique upgrades that really take things to the next level when it comes to off-road and overland capability.

Most notably, AEV’s HighMark Fender Flares provide ample room in the front and rear of the truck to run 40″ tall tires using only AEV’s 3″ DualSport SC suspension. The end result is massive ground clearance for your off-road adventures while keeping a low center of gravity for better handling on the pavement. The package also comes with a heavy-duty Hydraulic Assist Steering Kit. The kit minimizes driver effort to turn the 40″ tires while reducing stress on the vehicle’s steering box.

AEV wanted to make sure that the truck has superior front end protection as well. The front bumper is designed to provide increased protection while safely accommodating up to a 16,500 lb. winch to assist with vehicle recovery. Massive iron tow loops where also added. In addition to being rated to pass all OE load specifications, they double as wear plates when sliding over steep obstacles off-road. Customers can also order a full lineup of Vision X lighting options for the Prospector XL’s front bumper.

Read more – MOTUS WORLD

(featured image courtesy of motusworld.com)