It's hard to believe that another several months have passed since the last rig review! Since then, there've been several more trips, including a couple that were more hiking than driving and one that was our first time backpacking, for 5 days, through Upper Grand Gulch. That trip spawned a whole new kind of "rig" (equipment) review, so if you haven't had a chance to check those out and are curious, please do: The remainder of the trips were of the more traditional type, exercising the Tacoma in addition to our legs, and putting the gear we use to the…
2 CommentsCategory: Rig Reviews
TL;DR - I continue to get better gas mileage with the new 5th gear. Still collecting data.
Every tank lasts longer than it used to. Barely.
TL;DR - A loose alignment cam led me to discover that my SPC Upper Ball Joints (UBJs) are toast. Luckily, the alignment cam was an easy on-the-trail fix, and the UBJs could wait until I got home.
Someone's front end looks a little off.
TL;DR - Almost all of the electrical wiring I've done in the last 7 years has used shitty wire that needs to be replaced.
Copper Clad Aluminum. Over time, turns to wire powder. Wish someone had told me that earlier.
![I've Worn Out My TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) [P0120 Check Engine Light]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54550578694_197ca25c09_c.jpg "I've Worn Out My TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) [P0120 Check Engine Light]")
TL;DR - I'm not doing anything yet, but having gotten a few P0120 check engine lights, I think I've worn out my Throttle Position Sensor.
This little bugger is starting to cause trouble.
![My Cats are Empty [P0420 Check Engine Light]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54550567999_6bda364eed_c.jpg "My Cats are Empty [P0420 Check Engine Light]")
TL;DR - I've been getting P0420 check engine lights for a while now. I'm not planning to do anything about it for the time being.
This is annoying, but I can live with it to not put a new catalytic converter in.
Our first backpack - a somewhat crazy introduction to physically carrying all of our gear - through the Grand Gulch from Government Trail to Kane Gulch could have gone horribly wrong, but it didn't! I generally recommend getting started with whatever you already own and then buying what you discover you need when you're out on trips. But boy, if we don't look like a walking REI ad the first time out. In fact, I'd say that overall, it was a smashing success. At the very least, it was a success, and there was some smashing. Luckily, that smashing was…
12 Comments
TL;DR - We loved this water filter. It made some pretty nasty looking water look and taste like home!
Magic water filter.
TL;DR - We got the wrong tent. It has been returned.
This tent didn't work out.
TL;DR - Quest protein bars were a "fine" breakfast, but the Crispy Cookies and Cream were the only ones I'd buy again.
More satisfying than we expected; still a bit like sawdust.
TL;DR - The Jetboil Zip was amazing. It boils water quickly and doesn't use much fuel. It is light and packs conveniently.
Compact convenience.
TL;DR - Very few of these rehydrated properly, even with boiling water and extra time. Next time, we'll probably try something different.
Crunchy, but not in a good way.
TL;DR - Didn't like this Exped as much as I hoped I would, but it has some redeeming qualities and I'm keeping it.
Not Exped's best showing.
TL;DR - I liked this sleeping bag more than I thought I would and I'm glad I shelled out for it.
Lightweight *and* roomy? Nice!
TL;DR - I really liked the ULA Ultra Circuit backpack and I'd buy it again, even though it needs a little more padding in a couple of places.
Easily carried everything I needed in a compact manner.
It's no surprise that - compared to the average human - I have a lot of camping gear. While I'm not one of those folks who always has to have the latest and greatest - in fact, I'll generally go for the simple, tried-and-true option - I have found that having the right gear can make camp life much more pleasant. A fridge, a nice Exped air mattress in the tent, and a down puffy have been just a few of the bits of gear that I've really come to enjoy over the years. But one thing's for sure -…
15 Comments
TL;DR - To maximize our breakfasts, we decided on Quest Protein Bars. They were all filling, none were terrible, but Crispy Cookies and Creme was far and away the best.
More satisfying than we expected; still a bit like sawdust.
TL;DR - In prioritizing weight, we wanted to find high-calorie, tasty meals to eat for dinner. Reviews suggested that Peak Refuel would fit that bill, so we tried a few. They were all tasty.
Fancy Ramen noodles!
TL;DR - We got a small Jetboil because we plan to have all of our cooking be for rehydrating meals. It seems spectacular for boiling water.
Two cups of boiling water in two minutes.
TL;DR - I got a high-quality water filtration system a few years ago and never used it; we will definitely be using it this time!
Everyone needs water.