Camping Gear Repair Kit |
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One of the keys to a successful off-road trip is preparation. I’ve written about that many times. Understandably, the focus is on preparing your vehicle and yourself for the journey. With this article I’d like to zero in on personal items and camping gear.
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You’re in the middle of nowhere stuck in the sand. Your buddy waits patiently while you paw through your car looking for the recovery strap and gear needed to get you out of your bind.
“I know it’s in here somewhere!” you scream (along with a few choice words).
Your off-road adventure is becoming a disaster because you either didn’t pack a recovery strap, or you packed it so deeply it’ll take you a long time to find it.
Set Your Tent Up Right | ||
Camping is one of our favorite pastimes. It’s tough to beat a few days or a week in a natural setting away from all the hassles of everyday life. Many people understand that. A 2011 study released by The Outdoor Foundation reported that almost 40 million Americans participated in some form of camping in 2010. That equates to more than 14 percent of Americans over age six. Are you part of the 14 percent? I hope so. While some people are turned off by the rustic nature of camping and others view setting up camp as too much work. It is not, and doesn’t need to be. Once you’ve established a pattern for camping (which includes packing your vehicle), preparing for and setting up camp is actually quite enjoyable. It’s a pastime the entire family can enjoy. In an earlier column, I offer a number of suggestions on how and what to pack. Here I’d like to focus on setting up camp and maintaining your campsite. There are a number of factors to consider. But first I’d like to remind you of a basic tenet of camping: The best campsites are found, not built. By this we mean you should look for a site that’s already been used for camping. Minimize your impact on the land. Don’t tramp down pristine land if you don’t have to. How to set up campThe steps involved in setting up camp can be broken down into two broad categories, Safety and Logistics.Safety:Avoid setting up camp next to hazards like dead (or dying) trees, power lines, critter holes, loose rock and those areas prone to flash flooding.If the entire area is a flood plane, pick a spot that has good drainage. You don’t want water pooling around your tent. Speaking of water, camping ethics recommend that you not set up camp within 200 yards of streams or ponds. This is so you don’t disturb wild game that uses those sources of water. Also, avoid setting up next to plants and bushes that could cause a problem. Some of these include poison ivy (and related plants) and cacti. While more of a nuisance, these plants can still ruin a day or weekend. Logistics:Assuming the area is free of obvious hazards, here are some additional suggestions to consider.Inspect the ground for pebbles, sticks and other sharp objects. You may need to rake or otherwise clear a patch of ground for your tent. If you’re camping on an incline, position your tent so your head will be uphill. That is generally the most comfortable position. Rarely do you find flat, smooth ground outside established parks and campgrounds. You get to your camping area and find one section that’s bumpy or grooved. Another spot is smooth but at an angle. Which do you choose? Most people select the bumpy ground because they prefer being on the level. They know their air mattress or other padding will provide a comfortable sleep. Assuming drainage isn’t a factor, this type of decision is more based upon personal preference. Give it some thought when you face this scenario for the first time. If you’re camping near the bottom of a large hill, walk around to get a feel for the run-off pattern(s). Even light rains can generate small streams for a brief time. Setting up camp next to a large boulder may seem like a good idea – it creates a natural wind break – but inspect the area above the boulder. Do you see loose rocks? Those could come tumbling down on your head during a storm. Wind whipping around the boulder sometimes causes howling or whistling noises. If you’re a light sleeper, you may consider placing your tent somewhere else. Trees and shrubs provide some protection from the elements, including a beating sun. Inspect for dead limbs, beehives and critter nests or dens. Position your tent with the prevailing winds in mind. For rectangular tents, position the narrow side to the wind. If yours is tapered, the tapered side should face the wind. You’re trying to minimize the wind load and therefore overall effect of any winds. Some people prefer to have the door face a non-windy direction. As for the front door, I like to have it facing the east. I get to view a nice sunrise to start the day, and it seems to warm the tent faster. After you’ve experienced it, I’m sure you’ll agree that camping out is really quite enjoyable. A few days away with Mother Nature does wonders for the soul and body. When and where are you going to set up camp? # # # # | ||
##########################Related Articles from Badlands Off-road AdventuresGet Staked for Camping! Camp Cooking Use a checklist for Every Outing Break Camp Fast and Easy Cook Anywhere, Anytime With A Campbox Campbox Tips Wine Adds a Nice Touch to Your Outdoor Adventure Tom’s Tips for Tranquil Tenting Tickle The Taste Buds With A Dutch Oven Camping in The Mojave Desert | ||
Did you miss the previous articles?12 Must Have Books for the 4 Wheeler 6 7 Reasons Why Your Spouse Should Learn to Drive Off Road. Maintain Your Edge | ||
##########################September & October ScheduleCustomer Appreciation Event is September 30. Death Valley NP Expedition is October 12-15. OAUSA Borrego Fest & Amateur Radio Testing is October 19 - 21 Getting Started Driving Off-Road Clinic : LA Area is October 6. | ||
##########################Free Customer Appreciation Event & trail Ride |
| http://TDS4x4.com/jeep/ |
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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If you find this information valuable, please pass it on to a friend. You can forward them the email. If you received a forwarded copy of this newsletter and would like to subscribe for yourself, go to: www.4x4training.com/contacts.html and follow the instructions to join our mail list.
Want To Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site? You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information: Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.
Copyright 2012, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
A Primer on Winching, Part 1 | |||
If you spend any significant amount of time in difficult terrain, you’re bound to encounter a recovery situation at some point. It could be either your vehicle or someone else’s. And a winch may be the proper tool at that time. This is a good time to review recovery, and winching in particular. The steps that follow are taken from my nifty and exclusive Winch Recovery Bandana. Keep in mind that these tips and the information provided on the bandana are not a substitute for proper training, sound judgment and quality equipment. Every winching operation should start with a plan in your mind as to how you’ll rig it up. Winching is a risky procedure; proceed very slowly and methodically. You’re dealing with material and parts that are subject to a tremendous amount of force. A mistake can be fatal, as I pointed out in “Don’t Lose Your Head While Recovering a Vehicle.” Take your time. Winching begins with a walkthrough. You want to inspect all parts and lines while the system is under light tension. If everything looks good, you can power up and proceed with the recovery. The vehicle doing the recovery is kept in neutral with the emergency brake on. Having the transmission in neutral protects the parking pawl. Chock the front wheels if you can. (Some people even anchor this vehicle to a tree or other vehicle.) You do not want that vehicle to move. Start the winch slowly so you take up some of the slack. Lines that are slack while on ground take on a new dimension when under tension. You need to check them before proceeding with the recovery. The lines may be binding or twisting. They could be rubbing against an edge on the bumper or other body part. In some cases the lines end up right over a taillight. Under load those lines will smash the cover and bulb. Check all connections. Start at one end of the line and work your way through. Are any connections about to be pulled through the pulley? Adjust as needed. Keep the engine running, or its battery will be drained dry. Even though the emergency brake is on, someone should be in the recovery vehicle applying pressure to the brakes. Now review the winch cable as it is leaving the winch. Does it leave at greater than a 15 degree angle? If so, it will start to pile up on one side of the drum, causing the cable to snag and possibly break that side of the winch. If you see the cable starting to pile up, stop winching. Disconnect the cable, pull it out manually, and wind it up neatly. Always start with your cable properly wound on the drum. Then, consider moving the recovery vehicle or pulley to decrease the angle of pull. When you winch at greater than a 15 degree angle, there’s a greater chance of the cable rubbing or getting caught on the bumper of the recovery vehicle. There may be times when you have no choice but to winch at a severe angle. Just watch the cable closely. As you’re paying out the cable, remember the Rule of 5: Keep at least five turns of cable on the drum at all times (eight turns for synthetic cable, because it’s slippery). If you don’t keep a minimum amount, the tremendous force of recovery will pull the rest of the cable right off the drum. If you have a large blanket, toss it over the pulley. (See image. ) Called a parachute by 4-wheelers, this blanket will absorb some of the energy should the cable snap. Keep an eye on the parachute during winching. It has a tendency to ride up the cable. You don’t need that jamming into the pulley or winch. Stop the winching if necessary to move the blanket. Position spotters to watch the lines and pulley. (They should off to the sides of the vehicles. No one should be in the path of the lines.) Winch slowly, and pay particular attention to portions of cables nearest the vehicles. You’re watching for any binding, rubbing and twisting. Make sure, also, that the vehicle being recovered is behaving properly. You may need to stop the winching and adjust the whole arrangement. As I mentioned at the beginning, this is just part of the entire winching process. Next month we’ll review the corresponding steps, which take more of a strategic view. Until then, good winching! # # # # | |||
##########################Related Articles from Badlands Off-road AdventuresPress Release - Winch Recovery Bandana Don't Lose Your Head While Recovering a Vehicle | |||
Did you miss the previous articles?Set Your Tent Up Right 12 Must Have Books for the 4 Wheeler 6 7 Reasons Why Your Spouse Should Learn to Drive Off Road. Maintain Your Edge | |||
Media Release
According to Tom Severin, President of Badlands Off-Road Adventures, "the Bandana is a fantastic supplement to the Badlands Off-Road Adventure "Basic to Advanced Winching and Recovery DVD". The Bandana is packed full of useful information and is a quick reference in the field when no DVD player is available." A winch is a useful off-road tool that can quickly become dangerous and potentially lethal to the operator and spectators. Proper use requires good working knowledge of safety procedures, safe riggings and inspection. Since winches are not used often, the Bandana serves as a quick reminder of the details learned in the training class and watching the DVD. The Bandana layout follows the “Vehicle Recovery Plan” with pathways to more detail. A unique section of the Bandana, gives the steps for a “Winch Rigging Check: Walk through” so that you verify every element of the rigging before you commit to the pull. Stuff this in your recovery kit and you will always be ready! Badlands Off-Road Adventures will be stocking their Dealers soon. Additional colors will be available in the near future. The Bandana can be ordered at 4x4training.com - Winch Recovery Bandana" Pick up or order the Winching DVD too! There is no substitute for hands on training. If you can, sign up for one of Badlands Off-Road Adventure’s Winching Clinics. Warning – the Bandana and DVD are not a substitute for proper training and use of quality equipment that is used within the bounds of their safe working load. We advise you to use the information provided in both the Winching Recovery Bandana and the "Basic to Advanced Winching and Recovery DVD" at your own risk. We cannot control the quality and specifications of the equipment used and the methods actually employed. Winch Recovery Bandana Order Button
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##########################America's Hidden Treasures (AHT)http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1590847859/americas-hidden-treasures-remote-wildreness-advent If Ben is funded I will be donating my time during the filming of the video. The video will center on a young couple as the "guest adventurers" driving their 4WD vehicle as there discover a remote, beautiful area to explore and camp. If you would like to be interviewed for the role of guest adventurer, let me know. I have a direct line to the producer and can at least get your head shot and resume in front of him. And BTW, since I am guiding the trip, there may be a slot for one or two vehicles to tag along. We don't know the secret location yet and nothing can happen until it is funded. So don't ask! | |||
##########################4WDrive -Canada's premier offroad magazineYou just might find yourself heading to a Canadian event after reading this magazine! http://www.can4x4.com/ or Send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | |||
##########################Toys for Tots December 8th & 9th, 2012The entire Aliklik Campground right next to the 4x4 Practice Course has been reserved for the event. The campground is near trails for exploration and serves as the gateway to the Los Padres NF. Bring a new unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more to the meet up. You get a raffle ticket for your contribution. PLEASE NOTE: For every 5th toy you donate you will receive an additional raffle ticket. Check out everyone's rigs, meet new people and see some you already know. Food will be providing lunch on site. Hotdogs, chips and sodas. SCHEDULEOn Saturday check in starts at 9am. We'll start grilling around NOON and start the raffle about 2pm. The rest of the time, you can drop off toys (if after the raffle, you won't get a chance to win anything), meander around and ogle the rigs and meet fellow off road enthusiasts from all over the www. On Sunday, for those who've camped there may be a trail run up to Alamo Mountain. More information on this as it becomes available. The trail run will be a scenic and simple route. Nothing hardcore.For more information check out the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/454528764598755/?fref=ts | |||
##########################November Schedule
Getting Started Off-Road Driving - LA area November 10 Tire Repair & Hi-Lift Mini Clinic November 11. T&T Rail Road Adventure November 24-25 | |||
##########################Getting Started Off-road Driving Clinic - San Diego October 27, 2012This will be the second class since we announced the additional sessions in Borrego Springs, CA which is about 90 miles east of San Diego. You will receive the same instruction as the Getting Started Classes we have been holding in hngry Valley. This is a one-day session. The session includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. More Details... You can register directly here | |||
##########################Sand Clinic November 03, 2012More details... Register for the Sand Clinic using this link. http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#SandPismo | |||
##########################Getting Started Off-road Driving Clinic - LA November 10, 2012The clinic is held in Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area near Gorman CA. This clinic is specifically designed to meet the needs of novice off-highway drivers or someone with a bit of experience who is looking for a more complete understanding. This is a one-day session. The session includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. More Details... You can register directly here | |||
##########################T&T Rail Road Adventure in NovemberOur goal is to cross through Johnson Valley, enjoying what it has to offer, and making our way North along the old Tonopah & Tidewater (T&T) Rail Road bed to the Rasor OHV, Afton Canyon and the western edge of the Mojave Preserve. On the way we will skirt the Rodman Mountain Wilderness and cross I-40. This adventure is 2 days of scenic, historical, light wheeling and a night ( 2 if you prefer) of primitive camping under the stars. We can plan a Dutch Oven pot luck for our evening meal. Check out the details and sign up on the website: http://www.4x4training.com/Adventures/TTRailroad.html You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#TTRailroad | |||
##########################Advanced Beginner Clinic December 02There is no Advanced Beginner Clinic scheduled in November. Your next shot at it is December 2nd in Mojave, CA. Next year, we have scheduled a few Advanced Beginner clinics for Borrego Springs. The clinic is held in the El Paso Mountains near Mojave CA. The goal is to help you get a "better feel" for tire placement and to visualize the obstacles as they move into your blind zone. You will gain more behind the wheel experience combined with picking lines. The difficulty level is one step higher than the basic class and you can expect some pin striping. More Details... You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Basic2 | |||
##########################The TDS Sweepstakes Vehicle
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########################## Volunteer at the Bickel CampFriends of last Chance Canyon are looking for additional volunteers to help by camping at the Bickel Camp. Bickel Camp is a museum in the desert preserved in context with the help of volunteers and the BLM. Located in Last Chance Canyon below famed Burro Schmidt's Tunnel, Bickel Camp is mostly intact because of the help from volunteers. Friends of last Chance Canyon (http://www.tflcc.org) is a non-profit formed to help preserve Bickel Camp and other cabins and artifacts within last Chance Canyon. Want to spend a week or a weekend in the desert? They are always looking for volunteers to help by camping on site (with or without docent responsibilities). It's fun! And you'll be helping to preserve our California Mining History. There is a motor home on site, a porta-potty and support from volunteers with water and other supplies. Contact Charlie Hattendorf through the website above so you can be scheduled in! For more information about the Bickel Camp check out Bill Gann's web site. http://www.zyworld.com/billgann/BickelCamphome.htm | |||
##########################The Badlands Off-road Adventures StoreClick here if you cannot see the full store | |||
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Drive Your Customers To The Edge! |
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Looking for a great way to get out with a customer, but you don’t golf? Why not take them four wheeling! That’s right: Get away with a customer or prospect for some quality one-one-one time. While it requires a bit more planning than a round of golf, a trek into the back country could prove to be quite the experience. No need to limit yourself to customers, either. Think vendors (suppliers), prospects and employees. You can use an off-road jaunt as part of a team-building exercise or as a reward for your sales staff. You and your staff could have a lot of fun with this. How many businesses let their employees go romping on the trails as a reward for a job well done? |
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