RVs: Handy Tips

by Jamie Rhein on

Two years ago we sat in an RV of a friend of a friend contemplating buying it. It was a passing fancy, but it was fun to look at the bathroom, open the cabinets and watch the walls whir out as the owner flipped the switch to show how we could make it expand. My son mentioned buying an RV this week. I don’t know where he got that idea.

There is something about the idea of driving a vehicle you can live in around the country that has some appeal. But, on the other hand, every time I see one, I think of the gas they use.

Here is a resource I came across if you are thinking about putting an RV in your future. DMV.org has pages devoted to RVs. There is a link devoted to stocking an RV. Another tells you how and where to park it. Another gives handy info about how to drive it and not get stuck under overpasses. I read about a particular overpass in Colorado where RVs are always getting stuck which gave me the idea for this post. I can’t find the specifics now that I’m looking. Just be careful.

Maybe I think of RVs from time time since I once had fantasies of becoming a truck driver. Since the car I’m most comfortable driving is a Toyota Corolla, I’m not sure how that would have worked out.

Das Urinator: German Pee Bag for Long Road Trips

by Neil Woodburn on

We’ve all been there before. You’re on a long trip and you’ve got to pee really, really bad. The only problem is that there is no toilet anywhere near.

Well, now a German manufacturer has solved this age-old problem.

The RoadBag is a handy little receptacle for your urine. Simply do your business into the bag and a special chemical immediately solidifies your waste, thus preventing any spillage or mess. Seal it up and then throw it away at your next stop. Problem solved!

The RoadBag website is unfortunately all in German. For your convenience–and entertainment–I’ve translated it using Google Translator:

Each man knows it: Situations, in which one would give everything for a toilet. Roadbag® this problem eases once and for all.
Whether in the back-up or on the festival, with the camping or in the sport airplane – Roadbag®, the bag WC for men, facilitates you, where you also are.
Roadbag® is handily, surely, hygenically and comfortable.
The secret of Roadbag® is the superabsorber: This special granulates in the interior bag connects itself with the urine to a firm gel. Thus no drop can run out, become unpleasant smells reliably prevented.
For clean hands after urination Roadbag® a refresher pad is attached to everyone. A completely clean thing.

Oh, and be sure to listen to their classic theme song.

(via RandomGoodStuff.com)

Cold Drinks on the Trail

by Neil Woodburn on

There is nothing quite like an icy cold drink while huffing it up the side of a mountain in the summertime with a 40 pound pack.

Unfortunately, most backpack-worthy mountain tops don’t have a 7-11 to serve you some cold goodness.

One of the tricks I’ve learned is to freeze a bottle of Gatorade the night before and it will slowly melt along the trail the next day, giving you a wonderful, slushy headache every time you sip. The only problem is controlling the melt rate and the separation of flavors that occurs as a result.

So, here is an alternative idea I just came across. The PolarPak is your typical Camel Bak hydration unit that sits on your back and is easily accessible by sucking on an attached tube. The big difference, however, is that the PolarPak is insulated with a “non-toxic freezer gel” that can be frozen the night before. The gel will then keep fluids cold without diluting them. Pretty cool! And, as an extra added bonus, the website promises that it also, “makes a great icepack for trailside emergencies.”

I’m very curious how long the gel will stay frozen, however. Of course, it depends on the weather, but if it can last for more than five hours, this would most definitely be a worthy investment.

70oz: $29.95 | 100oz: $30.95

Clif Bars now Producing Wine

by Neil Woodburn on

Clif Bars are a staple part of any backpacking trip I’ve ever been on.

These chewy energy bars, in my opinion, are the best on the market–they are neither too much like cookies nor too much like paste. They’ve got great flavors such as Cool Mint Chocolate, Peanut Toffee Buzz, Crunchy Peanut butter and they are all packed with carbohydrates, protein, and fiber to increase blood sugar levels and boost energy.

The family owned business, which has done quite well providing outdoorsmen with all the healthy nutrients they need, are now branching out to a product with entirely different benefits: wine.

Clif Bar Family Wines comes to us from a plot of land in Napa Valley on which the family practices sustainable farming. So far, the vineyards have produced just four vintages:

The Climber, 2004 North Coast Red Wine
Kit’s killer cab, 2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Gary’s Improv, 2003 Napa Valley Meritage
Syrah, 2004 Napa Valley

Bottles range from $15 to $35 and can be purchased here.

I haven’t tried any myself but certainly will. In the meantime, it brings a smile to my face that after decades of getting us to the top of mountains, the Clif family is now providing entertainment for us once we’re there.

Backpacking Trip and Packing List

by Jamie Rhein on

My daughter is headed off on her first backpacking trip today. I signed her up. She’s thrilled. She’s 14, so if you really think she’s thrilled, I have a piece of land that might interest you. Actually, she’s a bit intrigued, but did feel shocked when I told her that a vehicle carrying her stuff is not showing up at a campsite. “That’s why it’s called backpacking, ” was my response.

Her packing list provided by the group she is going with was short and managable. One thing on the list I wouldn’t have thought of was a camp chair. In case you’re planning a 4-day backpacking trip anytime soon, here are the details of what you might bring:


Scott Walker’s List: (I edited down in some places, but kept most wording just the same)

  • T-shirts 1-2 – Recommended type- Patagonia Capalene light or silk weight, Marmot light or silk weight DriClime, or similar. They dry faster and retain their performance when wet. Cotton is okay for sleeping in.
  • Light or mid weight long underwear shirt. Same materials as above, no cotton.
  • Expedition weight shirt/jacket.
  • Rain Jacket – big enough to fit over all layers. Recommended. Gore-Tex or similar. Ponchos are not recommended.
  • Underwear– 1-2 pairs of most comfortable
  • Shorts – Loose fitting, nylon, hiking or river shorts are best.
  • Light or mid weight long underwear if you get cold easily
  • Pants – Nylon pants are best, if these are zip-off pants they can double as your shorts. Pants are great to hike in to protect your legs from thorns, and poison ivy.
  • Rain Pants* -These pants are optional, Most people do not take these on backcountry trips, but if you feel more comfortable bringing them then go for it.
  • Hiking Boots– Medium off-trail backpacking/hiking boots. This is the most important piece of equipment on any backpacking trip. Make sure they are still comfortable. Make sure they fit with the socks you will be bringing
  • Socks – 2-3 pairs of wool-synthetic blend or synthetic socks. Smart Wool, Patagonia, and Bridgedale. All make excellent backpacking/hiking socks. These socks must be long enough to pass the top of your boots.
  • Camp shoes– A pair of old tennis shoes are perfect for these around camp, and day trip shoes. Sandals of any kind are not acceptable. You will switch into these shoes at the end of each hiking day. These should be comfortable and big enough to be worn with your hiking socks.
  • Bowl-This bowl is what you will eat all of your meals out of. It should have a lid so it is able to keep leftovers, and sturdy enough to be packed in you pack. Tupperware is great, and screw tops are better then ones that just press on.
  • Plate-A small plastic plate is best, durable and small enough to fit into your pack easily.
  • Spoon–Lexan spoons are the best. They are durable, light, and cheap. You should not need a fork, but if you want to bring one it is up to you.
  • Water Bottles– You need 2 water bottles. The total capacity should be at least 2 liters. Camelbacks are extremely popular and very handy. If you bring one of these you will also need a water bottle, and the total of these two should be at least 2 liters. Brands: Camelback is the most durable brand in this product line. Other brands are acceptable, but if you are going to buy one of these get a Camelback. Nalgene is the best outdoor water bottle on the market. They are unbreakable. Wide mouth is best, but if you already have a small mouth bottle, don’t buy a new one just for this trip.
  • Pocket Knife-Used mostly for cooking and food preparation. Multi-tools are great, and are usually more durable. Leatherman is a great brand, but can be pricy and heavy. Look for the smaller backpacking version.
  • Sunscreen -SPF 15 or higher, must be sweat proof and long lasting. You will also need lip balm with SPF.
  • *Sunglasses
    Should be cheap with UV protection. DO NOT take expensive sunglasses on this trip. Sunglass retainers are also very nice. Scott has broken every pair of sunglasses he has ever taken backpacking.
  • Headlamp-This should be a lightweight model powered by 3 AAA batteries. Petzl and Black Diamond are the best brands. Don’t spend more than $40 on this! Make sure the batteries you bring are new. You can bring a regular flashlight also, but these are lighter and easier to use. You need one of these.
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand lotion are the most needed items. Trial sizes are best. You can bring hand sanitizer if you want, we will have soap for you to use.
  • *Disposable Camera-DO NOT bring a nice/expensive camera, we will not let you. A regular disposable camera is perfect and if you lose it you won’t be out a few hundred bucks.
  • Plastic Bags– 5-6 freezer ziptop bags with secure closure. 2-3 trash bags to protect your stuff from the rain. The thicker the better, trash compactor bags work really well
  • *Multi-Vitamin– Bring just enough for the trip.
  • *Camp Chair– This is the one optional item that no backpacker leaves home without. These are great for campfires, group times, and just hanging out. This is optional but if you can bring one, you will be much more comfortable. Crazy Creek is the best brand of these chairs.