TL;DR - I replaced my greaseable SPC upper ball joints with the "lifetime" variant that SPC now offers. I'm not sure I believe that it's a lifetime part, but time will tell.
How can a ball joint never go bad?
Category: Shop Talk
A parent category that captures non-trip related posts and information. Sub-categories can filter this further.
In the first part of this series, I outlined the components necessary for adding a 12v house electrical system to a Tacoma (or any other vehicle). This time, we'll walk through the specifics on how to do the actual installation of those components in a way that will stand up to the abuse of truck used for adventure. Just a Bit of Background This is my second take at a house electrical battery system installation in the Tacoma. My first system was based around a 12v AGM battery and worked well for more than 6 years. In fact, it worked…
Leave a Comment
Six years ago, when I initially installed my house battery, it allowed me an entirely new sense of calm when I was in camp at night. No longer did I need to worry about my fridge - or the other small electronics I might turn on or charge - draining my starting battery overnight, thus leaving me stranded. Plus, the whole system of linking the two Northstar AGM 24F using a Blue Sea Systems ML-ACR (automatic charging relay) meant that I could easily - either manually or automatically - link my two batteries for charging or more power, and unlink…
Leave a Comment
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 - 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.
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.
TL;DR - I'm a little worried we got the wrong tent. We couldn't pass up the price (at 50% off), but it's not entirely freestanding, so may be harder to use on impermeable surfaces, like slickrock.
Hopefully this tent works out.
TL;DR - I love my Exped Megamat in the rooftop tent, so I'm getting a lightweight version for backpacking.
Have I ever mentioned that I love my Exped Megamat? Yes, yes I have.
TL;DR - If I've discovered one thing sleeping under down comforters and on an Exped Megamat in the rooftop tent, it is that being comfortable when you're sleeping is important. Don't skimp on sleep.
The Western Mountaineering Alder MF should be the first and last bag I ever buy.
TL;DR - If I'm going to give backpacking a shot, I'm going to do it with the lightest, most versatile pack on the market today.
The ULA Ultra Circuit won a bunch of awards that I don't know anything about, so it must be good.