Gear Haulers
What I use to get my gear from point A to point B
Road Runner
Dodge Ram 1500
Commissioned in April 2006
Broke in April 2006
Retired February 2022
This Dodge Ram 1500 was my first and only vehicle for a very long time. I took it from roughly 90,000 miles to 293,000 miles from April 2006 to February 2022. Along the way, I made upgrades. Some of them good, some not so good, and fixed things when they broke. Eventually the things that broke got harder and harder to fix quickly so the Ram has been parked until such time as I can tear into it and fix it all!
The Black Knight
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Commissioned February 2022
Broke in February 2022
This Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 was my second vehicle when it became necessary to take the Ram off active duty. I picked it up at roughly 57,000 miles in February 2022 and haven't racked up nearly the miles like I have with the Ram. Learning from my time with the Ram, I am hesitant to start upgrading and changing things. I have managed to simply attach Diode Dynamics lights to the hood and that's it for now. With all the factory equipment it comes with, I find it hard to need much else with what all I do currently. For now, that's good enough for me!
The Heavy Lifter
VMI Offroad Explorer
Commissioned in September 2018
Broke in, licensed, and ready to go April 2019
Its versatility has made it indispensable when it comes to hauling all my gear behind any vehicle, great or small should I ever have to downsize from a full-size truck!
The Cargo Carrier
Yakima MegaWarrior
Commissioned in December 2014
Broke in March of 2015
It is as versatile as the trailer, fitting to anything with a roof rack or a bed (using the bed clamps) but it does not quite haul the same amount of stuff
The Soft Carrier
Rain-X Soft Carrier
Commissioned in March 2018
Broke in March of 2018
It is as versatile as the trailer, fitting to anything with a roof rack or a bed but it does not quite haul the same amount of stuff
Standard Equipment
Everything I use wherever I go... specific to camping
The Palace
The Coleman Dark Room 6 Person With Screen Room
Commissioned October 2019
Broke in June 2020
The best feature of this tent is the "dark room" technology. Said to block 90% of light, it really helps get a good night sleep!
The Backpacker Palace
Kelty Trail Ridge 2
Commissioned March 2015
Broke in April 2015
Replacing my former tent, the Kelty Trail Ridge 2 has yet to let me down! This tent is meant for the warmer seasons but that hasn't yet stopped me from using it in all seasons. It's just a matter of dressing warmer!
The Best Room in the Backyard
Gardenline Popup Screened Canopy
Commissioned June 2019
Broke in July 2019
After the Trail of Tears trip of May 2019, this became a necessity and with the Explorer trailer, hauling it around just became easy!
The Backpacker Cabin
Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Hammock
Commissioned December 2014
Broke in August 2018
Yes, you read that right. Took a number of years to finally sleep in it but it was worth the wait! Some places just don't have the trees for this...
Who Needs Trees With One of These
Ozark Trails Collapsible Hammock Stand
Commissioned June 2019
Broke in July 2019
Finally realizing trees weren't always where I needed them, it was time for a portable hammock stand. Best night sleep you can get is camping out in a hammock!
Bringing Light to the Darkness
Coleman Dual Fuel Lantern
Commissioned December 2015
Broke in 2016
As it always seems to happen, you get to camp later than you wanted and now have to setup in the dark. Wait... Did you forget the camp fuel again? Ah... well, hello darkness my old friend....
Problem solved! The Coleman Dual Fuel Lantern will run on gasoline as well as camp fuel.
For me, I do not wish to store fuel anywhere so I typically fill up a 1 gallon gas can when I roll out just for the lantern and stove. When the trip is over, leftover fuel goes into the gas tank. Just like that, no leftover fuel to store!
Burns Better Than a Jet Engine
Coleman Dual Fuel Stove
Commissioned 2012?
Broke in 2013?
Where would any of us be without food? Dead.
How many of us prefer raw anything? Not many.
Well, I guess it's time to cook that squirrel cause you're definitely not playing cards with him! Just like the lantern, this stove runs on gasoline as well as camp fuel.
For me, I do not wish to store fuel anywhere so I typically fill up a 1 gallon gas can when I roll out just for the lantern and stove. When the trip is over, leftover fuel goes into the gas tank. Just like that, no leftover fuel to store!
Best Seat in the House
Coleman Camp Chair
Commissioned 2002-ish?
Broke in 2002-ish?
Retired July 2024
You did read that right! This chair is that old, give or take. You could stay, "them just don't make them like this anymore" but what do I know? I've been with the same chair so long I have no idea how they make them anymore!
Everyone needs a camp chair and I do mean everyone... No one wants to sit on the ground or the picnic bench. You come back covered in ticks if you do... and that's no fun but it is a great way to ruin the trip though!
I can tell you, if you find the right chair and take care of it, it can, and will, last!
NEW Best Seat in the House
MaxShade Quad Camp Chair
Commissioned July 2024
Broke in September 2024
My now retired Coleman Camp Chair still exists. It still works too. I decided it was probably time to upgrade anyway just because it was starting to really be a game of chance whether you were going to drop to the ground before the end of your camping trip. Why? Well, the leather support for the front corner of the seat material where it meets the metal frame has been stretching and pulling for years. I have no way to tell whether it was getting worse or by how much but I could guarantee it wasn't getting better. Hence, the upgrade! This chair comes with an important-to-me feature, shade! It comes with a canopy that can be raised or lowered depending on your needs and I love it! Other than that, I'm still getting use to this new brand and hope it survives even half as long as the Coleman Camp Chair it replaced.
Best Double Seat in the House
Kelty 2-Person Loveseat
Commissioned March 2021
Broke in March 2021
When you want to get close by the fire, why not get really close! With the Kelty double seater, you can absolutely get close to your friend, family member, or significant other! All with one easy-to-carry chair. Sure beats carrying two chairs everywhere you go!
The Bath House Palace
Lightspeed Outdoors Privacy Tent
Commissioned April 2020
Broke in June 2020
I have to say... I never had much of an interest in picking up one of these... But in the era of COVID-19, it made a whole lot more sense to port your own bath house!
This tent is the perfect size to do anything you need to do with room to spare!
Post-COVID, it now makes it possible to get into really primative camping without sacrificing hygene!
The Rainmaker
Coleman 5 gal. Solar Shower
Commissioned April 2020
Broke in June 2020
With the portable bath house comes the portable shower! Perfect for social distancing and not having to worry about the shower house closing down for cleaning.
Just fill it up and let the sun warm it up and you'll have a nice, hot shower in no time!
[Shower pictured hanging from the top of the privacy tent]
The Squatty Potty
Reliance Camping Toilet Lid & Lowe's 5 gal. Bucket
Commissioned April 2020
Broke in June 2020
With the portable bath house comes the portable toilet! I have to say... it's not my favorite option but it is an option I am pleased to have in the event the bath house is closed for cleaning or just closed.
Better to have the option than to hold it forever!
Just be sure to hold your breath when using it after someone else...
The Abominable Snowman
Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler
Commissioned October 2019
Broke in June 2020
Replacing my 75 quart Coleman cooler is the Yeti Tundra 75! If you haven't heard of Yeti by now, this is arguably the best cooler I have ever had. 1 bag of ice for a whole weekend and food is good and cold the whole time!
Burns Better Than TWO Jet Engines
Coleman Dual Burner Camp Stove
Commissioned October 2019
Broke in July 2020
An upgrade to my single burner Coleman Dual Fuel Stove, with the same power per burner as my single burner stove, it makes fixing meals an absolute breeze! No more waiting for the stove to cook one thing at a time... now I can cook two things at once!
The BUG ZAPPER
PiC Insert Killer Lantern
Commissioned August 2021
Broke in August 2021
Finally! A way to exact revenge on the pests of the sky! When you don't have electricity, still have the bugs, and there are too many to swat by yourself, it's great to have a solar power bug zapper by your side! Oh, and to increase the value, it doubles as an overhead lantern for your tent! Just be sure to clean out the bugs first...
Hiker's Best Friend
Garmin GPSMAP 66sr
Commissioned November 2020
Broke in November 2020
The replacement to my Garmin eTrex Vista which lived a long and happy life until battery corrosion took it from me. If you're going to replace such an invaluable piece of equipment, might as well go big!
Overlanding Equipment
Everything I use wherever I go... specific to overlanding
The Lift
60" Hi-Lift Jack
Commissioned March 2015
Broke in March 2015
No overlander is without his or her Hi-Lift jack! It can jack your rig up to change a tire or free it from mud, it can winch your rig though I don't recommend it, and can act as a spreader as well should you need it!
The "Escaper Buddy"
MAXSA Innovations Escaper Buddy
Commissioned December 2015
Broke in December 2015
No overlander is without his or her MaxTrax! If you've seen them on YouTube, you know what they can do! Sand, snow, mud... doesn't matter! Anywhere you need traction where there is none to be found, you can shove these under the wheels and claw your way through!
[Note: This is actually MAXSA brand]
Drag Anything, Anywhere (Heavy-Weight)
Haul-Master Chains
Commissioned 2016
Broke in 2016
Chains are good for a lot of things! Securing loads, flat towing a vehicle, or, as I prefer, using with a Hi-Lift jack to manually winch yourself out of a tight spot. They aren't the best gear to haul around though given how heavy they are, that one bad link can ruin the whole chain, and if the quality of metal is not sufficient, they will leave you stranded.
Drag Anything, Anywhere (Light-Weight)
Tow Straps
Commissioned ?
Broke in ?
Tow straps are good for very easy recoveries or "flat tow" dragging a disabled vehicle. Outside of that, there are risks in using straps so use them at your own peril. If you have nothing else, and the situation is right, they are good to have around!
The Rescue Rope
Billet 4x4 Kinetic Recovery Rope
Commissioned August 2021
Broke in August 2021
This is exactly what you need if you are anticipating getting stuck! It can flat tow as well as pull off a nasty recovery that looks relatively hopeless. It's exactly what you need if you only bring one thing with you to help in tight situations.
A Tight Grip
Metal Shackles
Commissioned ?
Broke in ?
Most vehicles straight from the factory do not have adequate tow points. You will definitely want to have a set of metal shackles to hook to your own vehicle or to the vehicle you wish to recover. These hard shackles do have their limits and you do need to be aware of them to use them safely or they will break and launch as a projectile towards one of the vehicles.
A Stretchy Grip
Gear America Soft Shackles
Commissioned August 2021
Broke in August 2021
Like the metal shackles, soft shackles provide easy to add, easy to use tow points. Like the metal shackles, they also have limits to them however, should they break, they are far less dangerous of a projectile.
The Donut Maker
ViAir 450P Air Compressor
Commissioned August 2021
Broke in October 2022
If you are heading off road, there are two things you need in your gear. An air compressor is one of them! This particular air compressor will handle tires up to 42" which is not bad at all!
The Flat Maker
Staun Tire Deflators
Commissioned August 2021
Broke in October 2022
If you are heading off road, there are two things you need in your gear. Tire deflators are one of them! Sure, you could deflator your tires manually but that's a lot more work as you will need to monitor throughout the deflating process. With these deflators, you set the pressure once then thread them on each time after to bring your tire to the exact pressure each and every time!
Bring Your Own Power
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2
Commissioned November 2024
Broke in November 2024
I jumped on the "solar generator" bandwagon. How could I not? I already have solar power banks for cell phone charging use. Why not something bigger to handle more of a load? Especially now that I have my diesel heater for more extreme winter camping, this portable power station has become invaluable!
Other Equipment
Everything I use wherever I go... non-specific to camping or overlanding
The Boat
Field & Stream Eagle Run 12' Kayak
Commissioned July 2012
Broke in August 2012
I got this kayak on a spur of the moment decision where I had the money and the price was right! No regrets! I never knew how much I wanted a kayak until I had mine and started finding myself out on a lake watching the sunset.
The Eye In The Sky
DJI Mini SE
Commissioned June 2022
Broke in August 2022
Let me just say, I was not on the whole drone craze when it first kicked off. I was even less on the whole drone craze when legislation caught up with drone usage. That all changed when I won a drone. Yep, I won it. I certainly would not have bought one myself at this time but now that I have one, I am really starting to understand the craze!
The Reason I Can See & You Can't
Diode Dynamics Series Stage 3 Combo Beam Lights
Commissioned November 2022
Broke in December 2022
Lights before lift, am I right? Not only is there something asthetically pleasing about auxillary lights but they are particularly functional too! Whether you think you need the added lighting or not, you should get the added lighting. Reason being, I have yet to own a vehicle where I truly liked the factory lighting. There are plenty of shortcomings when it comes to factory lighting and auxillary lights more than make up for it!
Unlimited Power
Riapow Solar Battery Pack
Commissioned October 2018
Broke in October 2018
Power is a must in the day and age of technology. If you aren't at home, battery packs are a must have! This battery pack conveniently comes with a built in solar panel to keep your pack charged while sitting in the sun and with a fairly large capacity battery, this thing will last you several days of charging your phone or other electronics. Sure, the single solar panel might not give it the fastest charge ever but, if you are around a power sourse, you can plug it in to charge up faster as well. How can you not have one of these already, am I right?
Heat On Demand, Powered by Magic
HotHands Hand Warmers
Commissioned ?
Broke in ?
If you are looking for cheap, long-lasting heat then look no further! I have used HotHands brand warmers for a long time now and they are absolutely worth every penny when the temperatures drop! They are offered in a variety of sizes, operational time lengths, and designed uses so you are sure to find what fits your needs!
The Clearest View You Can Get
Rain-X 2-in-1 Washer Fluid
Commissioned ?
Broke in ?
If you have never used this stuff before, chances are you are using regular old washer fluid which means water sloshes over your windshield leaving a miserable, hard-to-see-through mess behind. This could be from rain, water crossings, puddles, or other sources of water that might thrust themselves upon you. Do yourself a favor, spend the couple extra bucks to get the Rain-X washer fluid as you will notice a night and day difference! Rather than hang on your windshield, water will bead up and roll off effortlessly making it much easier to see much sooner before your wipers have a chance to clear your line of sight. Trust me, it's worth it!
The Circuit Closer
Tomoral Fuse Kit
Commissioned January 2023
Broke in January 2023
Whether you are an overlander, an off-roader, or just own a motor vehicle, you should definitely consider having a fuse kit in your gear. Why? Well, to be honest, it's the silliest, most inexpensive piece of your car that can fail at will and leave you stranded. Seriously. Do yourself a favor and save yourself the embarassment of being stranded by a blown fuse and carry a fuse replacement kit with you!
A Cold Foot's Best Friend
Pendleton Wool Socks
Commissioned December 2017
Broke in December 2017
If you live in a climate region that sees cold temperatures, you have most likely felt uncomfortably cold at least once. Chances are you have likely had cold feet during one or more of those experiences as well. That being the case, you can't go wrong with a pair of wool socks! What I like about Pendleton wool socks is that they come in color themes representative of National Parks or with bears, two of my favorite things!