This past winter I reviewed the Alpha 2 shovel from the DMOS Collective. After a winter to remember, I can unequivocally state that the Alpha Series shovel was a clear winner. Tired of buying those flimsy Walmart shovels that crack in the cold? Bent and broken handers? It’s time to put those days behind […]
outdoor adventure
iKamper Skycamp Mini: A Game Changing Rooftop Tent
They are going to be displaying their brand new Skycamp Mini rooftop tent at the SHOT Show Pop-Up Preview on Wednesday, Jan 22. Head up to the 5th floor of the Palazzo Ballroom and you won’t be able to miss this amazing new rooftop tent, right in the center of the room (check out the attachments for the details). […]
2011 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Overland Rig walk-around
For the last 3 years we’ve been using a full size Toyota Tundra work truck for Overland travel. After some deliberation, we decided it’s time to invest in a dedicated Overland Rig. Since we’ve had such fantastic luck with the Tundra from a mechanical standpoint, we decided to look within the same family for continued […]
Yakima Announces Acquisition of Road Shower
Here are two products The Gear Bunker has been testing and using regularly for several years. Yakima Racks and Roadshower. And it appears they’ve tied the knot. For 30 years I’ve had Yakima Racks adorn the tops of my vehicles to haul various forms of equipment on a lifetime of adventures. And after a failed […]
SPORTUBE | The safest way to travel with your ski equipment
Although winter is slowly winding down and spring on the horizon, there is still a ton of snowfall out west. We get a fair amount of snow here in Northern Michigan but dearly lack the terrain features to really enjoy alpine skiing. So we’re packing up and heading to Salt Lake City, Utah to make […]
GrovTec Balances the Hunt and Lends a Hand
American manufacturer GrovTec has released a new option for minimalist hunters looking for a better way to carry their gun. By combining the features of a traditional Y-harness load-bearing system and sling, the Molle Padded BalancePoint Sling w/ Push Button Swivels permits the hands-free carrying of both rifle and small accessories. Ranchers, property owners, and cross-country […]
Hydro Flask Journey Series 10l hydration pack
When it comes to staying hydrated while doing physical activity that requires you to be hands-free the Hydro Flask Journey Series 10L hydration pack has your back. After running with a water bottle in hand for way too long I decided to give this pack a shot for my hydration needs on the trail. It […]
Keewenaw Overland Adventure Retreat | KOAR
For the past two years, Overlanders from all over the United States descend on a remote patch of rock jutting into Lake Superiors stormy waters. That rock is located in Michigans Upper Peninsula and is commonly known as the Keewenaw Peninsula. And the annual get together is the Keewenaw Overland Adventure Retreat or KOAR. This […]
Kento Hooded Hardshell | Mammut’s Superior Stormproof Hardshell
When I pack for an extended trip, I rely heavily on lists. Maybe because I’m a “type A” kinda person and like to be organized. Or maybe because I’ve gone places without some key piece of equipment. Either way, I now live by my ever evolving packing lists. One item that has proven to be […]
Overland Expo East | 2019
Overland Expo is a biannual gathering of vehicle based travelers and adventurers from all over the world. Twice a year, the journey to Expo West in the spring and Expo East in the fall takes place. Currently residing in Northern Michigan, I made the 12 hour trip Southeast to Infinity Downs in Arrington Virginia, the […]
The Road to Overland Expo East via the Daniel Boone National Forest
After attending last years Overland Expo in North Carolina, I couldn’t wait to return. This year, there was a change of venue to Arrington, Virginia and an earlier calendar date. Like most road trips, I tend to map out the more conventional and fastest route from my home in Northern Michigan. This year, I looked […]
National Preparedness Month | Better ergonomics with Gerber’s Center Drive Multi-Tool
September is National Preparedness Month and it has all of us re-considering the tools we keep handy in our Emergency Go-Bags or close by in case of disaster. As a young Officer in the Ranger Regiment, I often studied the kits and battle belts of the more experienced Rangers around me and tried to replicate […]
Keeping clean with the Helio Pressure Shower from Nemo Equipment
Cleanliness while camping As soon as you leave the comfort and convenience of civilized life behind, you’ll realize that several tasks we take for granted are more difficult in the woods. Personal hygiene is one such task. Take away running water, sinks, toilets and showers and you’ll see what I mean. While spending time in […]
Road Shower 4 | Pressurized hot water for Overland cleanliness
A key piece of kit for our Overland camping set-up is the new Road Shower 4. This pressurized aluminum tank utilizes available solar radiation to heat water to a comfortable shower temperature. Allowing my wife and I maintain a high level of cleanliness while camping off the grid. A major draw-back in rustic camping is […]