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Fire Pits for Overlanding

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Fire Pits for Overlanding: Choosing the Best Option

Overlanding combines adventure and self-reliance, and few things elevate the experience like a quality fire pit. A fire pit serves as a centerpiece for warmth, cooking, and socializing after a day of exploration. But not all fire pits are created equal, especially when tailored to the needs of overlanders. This guide will help you choose the best fire pit for your overlanding adventures while highlighting the key factors that matter most.

Why a Fire Pit is Essential for Overlanding

1. Portability

Overlanding requires gear that is compact and easy to transport. A portable fire pit provides the warmth and ambiance of a traditional campfire without the need for digging or disturbing the natural environment.

2. Leave No Trace

Many overlanding routes pass through environmentally sensitive areas. A self-contained fire pit reduces your impact, making it easier to adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles.

3. Cooking Versatility

Many portable fire pits are designed for dual purposes: heating and cooking. From grilling to boiling water, the right fire pit can become your all-in-one camp kitchen.


Key Features to Look for in a Fire Pit for Overlanding

1. Weight and Size

When space is at a premium, look for a lightweight, collapsible unit. Models made from durable materials like titanium or stainless steel are excellent for balancing weight and longevity.

2. Fuel Type

  • Wood-burning: Offer a classic experience with the ability to forage for fuel.
  • Propane: Clean-burning and easy to use in areas with fire restrictions.
  • Hybrid: Allow flexibility for both wood and propane use.

3. Ease of Setup

A quick setup is crucial after a long day of travel. Look for models with minimal assembly, tool-free operation, and a stable base for uneven terrain.

4. Durability

Choose a fire pit made from high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather and repeated use. Powder-coated steel and rust-resistant finishes are ideal for longevity.

5. Safety Features

Prioritize fire pits with spark screens, elevated designs, and cool-touch handles to enhance safety while in use.


Fire Safety Tips for Overlanding

  1. Check Local Regulations: Some areas have restrictions on open fires. Always verify rules before lighting a fire.
  2. Use a Fireproof Mat: Protect the ground underneath the fire pit from heat damage.
  3. Extinguish Completely: Always extinguish fires thoroughly before leaving the area.
  4. Avoid High Winds: Strong winds can spread embers and increase fire risk.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right fire pit for overlanding enhances your camping experience while respecting nature. Whether you prioritize portability, versatility, or eco-friendliness, the perfect fire pit is out there for you. Equip yourself with one of these high-quality options and enjoy memorable nights under the stars on your next adventure.


Ignik

Ignik

FOREST SAFE, EASY, PACKABLE, CAMPFIRE

IGNIK, FIRECAN, FIREPIT, OVERLANDING, OVERLAND,


The Ignik FireCans are safe, easy, and packable for campfire anywhere you go. With a tried-and-true compact design, the FireCan™ is rugged and easy to store and transport, bringing the fun of campfire to places a traditional campfire can’t go. Featuring folding legs, a toolless, quick-release hose, and a removable lid everything you need is included in one easy-to-carry package. Sets up in seconds and provides an adjustable flame that is visible through the mesh sides and radiates heat to where you need it. Great for camping, the beach, overland adventures, tailgating, and 
any outdoor hang-out.
 
With the same ammo can design as its predecessor, the FireCan Deluxe™ features an all-stainless steel construction for optimal durability. Packed with all the ease, safety, and portability of the original FireCan, FireCan Deluxe includes a grease tray under the can, a Flame Adjustment knob for controlling the cook temperatures, and a removable grill insert for clean outdoor cooking. The firepit and grill also includes a dual-action fuel output designed with a quick attachment for ‘Grill Mode’ and ‘Fire Pit Mode.’ While in Grill Mode, the FireCan Deluxe emits smaller and hotter blue flames which allow for safe, efficient, and more complete fuel combustion that’s optimized for cooking. Fire Pit Mode produces larger orange flames, which offer a true campfire experience. When done using Grill Mode, users can simply remove the grill insert and switch over to Fire Pit Mode to enjoy a contained and safe campfire. 

IGNIK, FIRECAN, FIREPIT, OVERLANDING, OVERLAND,


The FireCan Elite is the next generation of the FireCan™. Designed for Canada’s CSA Certification, the FireCan Elite™ comes equipped with an industry-first 5psi quick-connect hose providing 55k BTU/Hr, stainless steel housing, anodized aluminum lid, and an integrated flame control knob. This updated FireCan is truly an Overlander’s dream setup. Lighter, hotter, more durable, and ready to blaze.

MSRP: $179.95 – $299.95

To Learn More CLICK HERE

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Propane Fire Pits:

Campchef

Lavabox

Solo Stove

Tembo Tusk

Grill Game

Howl Campfires

SKOTTI

Ring/Box and Grill Fire Pits

Fire pits, fire pit, camp fires, overland camp fir pits,

Biolite

Snowpeak

Frontrunner Outfitters

DOD

Fold A Flame

Firebinder

Hitchfire

Grill Game

Accessories

Pyroputty

Pit Command

23Zero

Aclim8

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Check Out TAP’s Ultimate Overland Gear Guide HERE

Radius Gearbox 5500 Trail Test

overlanding, overland, off-roading, off-road, Radius Gearbox 550, overlanding storage, camping storage,

Radius Gearbox 5500 Trail Test: In full disclosure, TAP was provided these products for free, but does not accept payment for the review or make any commission from sales that maybe as a result of this article.

“Nah, I’d rather sleep on the ground than in my rooftop tent.”

“I’m finally finished modifying my rig.”

“Storage? I’ve got plenty of it!”

Said no overlander, ever. When it comes to storage, we can never have too much. Clothes, blankets, food, electronic equipment, camping supplies, firewood, hiking and mountain biking gear…the list is endless, and there are just as many ways to stow it away on a trip. Some storage solutions are better than others and the Radius Gearbox 5500 is a classic example of storage done right. 

My first real overlanding rig was a 2001 Tacoma that I bought new, threw a shell over the bed and slapped on an inexpensive lift and 33” tires. I built a platform in the truck bed under which I could store camping gear in cheap plastic under bed boxes. At the time, I thought I’d reached the apex of gear organization. That is, until the plastic cracked and the boxes began to fall apart less than a year later. 

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Flash forward 32 years and overlanders have countless ways to store and organize gear. Expensive aluminum boxes? Check. Packing cubes? Yup. Heavy duty roto molded plastic crates? They’re a thing. Of course, dollar store Rubbermaid bins continue to be a viable alternative. What if you don’t want to spend your kid’s college money on storage bins but you want a durable, well designed, and modular storage option? That’s where Radius Outfitters comes in. With three sizes of storage bins they call “Gearboxes” and multiple other rugged, yet stylish totes, tool rolls and seat back storage solutions, there’s something for everyone. 

overlanding, overland, off-roading, off-road, Radius Gearbox 550, overlanding storage, camping storage,

As a family of three plus pug who travel with an excessive amount of mountain biking, hiking, camping and photography gear, we need all the help we can get when it comes to staying organized. When I was offered the opportunity to try out a Radius Gearbox 5500, I jumped on it. We planned to spend the summer exploring Oregon in our rig, affectionately named the Funhawg, which would be stuffed full of all the tools we’d need to support our adventures. The Gearbox 5500 proved itself to be absolutely essential during our travels.

One of the most significant differences between the Gearboxes and their hard sided counterparts is the ability to pack flat when not in use. In fact, when you unpackage it you have to first assemble the box, which my son and I managed in less than five minutes. The Gearboxes are sort of a hybrid hard/soft side construction. That is to say they stand up on their own, but they’re covered in a ballistic nylon material and lightly quilted, which does a fantastic job of keeping things quiet when you’re driving rough dirt roads. Each Gearbox comes with several dividers that attach inside the box with Velcro, allowing for a nearly endless number of ways to organize your gear. The lid also attaches via a long Velcro strip and locks closed using a slick magnetic Fidlock latch. 

overlanding, overland, off-roading, off-road, Radius Gearbox 550, overlanding storage, camping storage,

How we used the Gearbox evolved during our trip. Initially, it held my son’s mountain bike equipment but that transitioned into storage for kitchen items, and finally into a repository for extra drinks, snacks, dog food and a first aid kit. We kept it on the backseat of our rig, allowing easy access to items we found ourselves frequently reaching for. We also used it for beach campfire cookouts, where we’d grab the leather lined handles on each end to move all the food, plates and other necessary items from the truck to the beach. Then, we’d use the Gearbox lid as a table while preparing food and then as a footrest while chowing down on perfectly charred hot dogs!

Overall, I found the Gearbox 5500 to be a durable, adaptable and super useful storage solution. Is it perfect? Nope. But, my gripes are minor. The bottom of the Gearbox has two strips of Velcro that are supposed to stick to vehicle carpet, thus preventing the box from sliding around. When the box is used in sand – like on a beach – the Velcro fills up with sand and it’s tough to clean it out. There are three small pockets on each end of the box that could be useful, but the elastic tops don’t open wide enough. There’s no way to label the boxes for easy identification of the contents. If you only have one Gearbox, that’s not a problem but if you have several, it could be annoying. Lastly…I hope you like black, because that’s the only color these are offered in. 

overlanding, overland, off-roading, off-road, Radius Gearbox 550, overlanding storage, camping storage,

The Radius Gearbox 5500 retails for $249. That’s not cheap, but for the quality, durability and modularity these offer, I believe they’re a good value. So much so that we bought the Gearbox 3000 to further organize cooking gear that lives full-time in our camper. You could easily spend more – or less – but the Radius Gearboxes are a solid option in the overland storage market. 

MRSP – $269 BUY HERE

For More TAP Trail Tested Reviews CLICK HERE

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In-field contributor: Bret Edge – 2021 F250 and Four Wheel Campers Hawk UTE

Bret is a professional adventure and nature photographer in Moab, Utah. He, his wife Melissa, son Jackson, and adventure pug travel frequently throughout the West in search of the best trails to mountain bike and hike, and the most epic campsites for their 2021 F250 and Four Wheel Campers Hawk UTE. Some of his favorite places include the Sonoran Desert, Oregon Coast, Northern Rockies and the Cascades.

bret edge bio photo 2

Kestrel overland shower suite

23 zero, Kestrel shower suite, overlanding, overland, off-road, off-roading, overlanding shower gear, off-road shower gear, removable camping shower,
23zero logo orange blk TM 1

The new and improved 23 Zero Kestrel overland shower suite is the ultimate privacy solution for your changing, restroom and shower needs in the outdoors. Our improvements on this versatile enclosure focused on simplifying deployment and improving functionality so your privacy takes only seconds to set-up – just unzip the bag, undo the Velcro straps, and let it unroll down the side of the vehicle.

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The Kestrel overland shower now comes with blackout, no-silhouette material and a removable roof ensuring your private space is kept private. It includes a new removable, PVC floor to keep feet clean and mud-free when having a shower. Accessing the shelter in the dark is no longer a hazard with the integration of a 36” LED USB light strip. And it features fewer adjustment straps and lockable aluminum support arms for greater ease of deployment.

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You have the option to mount the Kestrel overland shower to the side or rear of a vehicle. All the hardware and ‘L’ shaped brackets are included for installation. It is adjustable to cater to different vehicle heights, and it has a two-way zippered rear wall so you can access a vehicle from inside the enclosure.

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Weighted hems and tie out points at the bottom of each corner prevent the walls of the shelter from blowing up. A detachable shower hose holder is included so you can insert a shower head as well as two hook and loop attachment points on the support arms. On the inside you’ll find one water resistant pouch, one mesh pocket and one cord for towels, toilet paper, or clothes.

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The Kestrel measures 36” L x 36” W x 67” H adjustable up to 14” from the support arms and weighs 20lbs.

The included transit cover is black, water resistant, made from Oxford Nylon and is purposely oversized so packing it away is effortless – simply roll it up, connect the Velcro straps and zip the bag. Quick and easy – it’s the ideal accessory for any overlanding or camping trip.

MSRP – $299 BUY HERE

Check out the 23 Zero Kabari Lite Americana RTT HERE

The above article is a Sponsored Post. TAP does NOT receive any commissions from sales originating from this article.

The Best Overland Awnings

Tuff Stuff awning, awnings, rig awning, overland awning, 270 awning, 180 awning,

What Are Overland Awnings?

Overland awnings are portable, durable, and versatile shade solutions designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re camping, overlanding, or enjoying a day at the beach, these awnings provide protection from the sun, rain, and wind. They attach to vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or trailers, making them a must-have for adventure seekers who value comfort and convenience.

Key Features of Overland Awnings

  1. Durability: Made from high-quality materials like ripstop canvas and aluminum frames, overland awnings are built to withstand harsh weather conditions.
  2. Ease of Setup: Most overland awnings feature quick-deploy designs, allowing users to set them up in minutes.
  3. Versatility: Available in various sizes and configurations, they can provide shade for individuals or large groups.
  4. Portability: Lightweight and compact when folded, overland awnings are easy to transport and store.

Benefits of Overland Awnings

  • Weather Protection: Shield yourself from harmful UV rays, unexpected rain, or gusty winds.
  • Increased Outdoor Living Space: Create a comfortable shaded area for cooking, eating, or relaxing.

Popular Types of Overland Awnings

  1. Straight Awnings: Extend straight out from your vehicle and are ideal for simple setups.
  2. 180-270-Degree Awnings: Provide extensive coverage around the side and rear of your vehicle, perfect for larger gatherings.
  3. Roof Rack Awnings: Attach seamlessly to your vehicle’s roof rack for convenience and stability.
  4. Freestanding Awnings: Offer flexibility to be used independently of your vehicle.

How to Choose the Right Overland Awning

  1. Consider Your Needs: Evaluate the size, weight, and type of awning that fits your outdoor activities.
  2. Assess Build Quality: Look for weather-resistant materials and sturdy construction.
  3. Ease of Installation: Opt for an awning that’s quick and straightforward to mount and deploy.
  4. Budget: Balance cost with features to find the best value for your investment.

Maintenance Tips for Overland Awnings

  • Clean Regularly: Remove dirt and debris after each trip to prevent wear and tear.
  • Store Properly: Ensure the awning is completely dry before storing to avoid mold and mildew.
  • Inspect for Damage: Check for tears or bent poles and address issues promptly to prolong the lifespan of your awning.

Why Overland Awnings Are Worth the Investment

Overland awnings enhance your outdoor adventures by providing reliable protection and comfort. With a wide range of options available, they cater to various needs and budgets, making them a valuable addition to any overland setup.

Ultimate Overland Gear Guide

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23Zero

23 Zero Peregrine Pro 270 6 Arm Awning pass through 820x547 2 1

The 23 Zero Peregrine 270° Awning has a free-standing design that spans nearly 20ft along a vehicle offering an incredible amount of shelter and is the perfect roof rack awning choice for your overlanding or camping set up. Set-up and packed down can be done by a single person in under 60 seconds. 

It’s unique five-arm design is suitable for mounting on almost all 4WD vehicles and trailers including teardrop trailers with a rear kitchen galley and specifically liftgate opening rear doors will avoid metal-on-metal awning arm contact. 

The Peregrine series of awnings are made with our new sustainable ECO13B fabric which is 100% certified recycled 900D Polyester Oxford which is produced using recycled PET bottles. This fabric results in huge energy savings as well as significantly less petroleum and chemical use during fiber production – it’s good for the environment while getting you out in the environment – and continues to incorporate our revolutionary LST™ (light suppression technology) feature. 

Optional walls (two) are available, which, when erected, can provide up to 279 sqf of shelter around your vehicle making it ideal for both sun and rain protection. Measuring 88 inches when stowed, it is suitable for many mounting applications. Incorporating two integrated swing down pivoting telescopic legs and constructed with extruded box alloy rafters and cast alloy hinge mechanism, it weighs in at under 51lb. 

23 Zero offers driver’s side or passenger side deployment options and all awnings include mounting hardware for most cross-bar style roof racks, “L” shaped mounting brackets, three additional telescoping legs, guy ropes and stakes. 

To Learn More CLICK HERE

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Bundutec:

Bundutec, awnings, overland awnings, overlanding, overland,

Do you love exploring the great outdoors in your vehicle but wish you had a more comfortable and convenient space to relax and enjoy the scenery? Look no further than Bundutec awnings! Our awnings are designed to fit any vehicle with a roof rack or flat mounting surface, and we offer three different types to fit your specific needs.

      Our awnings are made with durable and weather-resistant materials, ensuring they can withstand environmental conditions, from rain to sun to wind. The UV-resistant design protects against sun damage, and the waterproof capabilities keep you dry during unexpected showers. Plus, the BunduAwn is easy to deploy so that you can set it up quickly and efficiently, and it’s adjustable to different heights and angles to create a comfortable and shaded space.

      Not only is the BunduAwn compatible with various outdoor setups, including competitor Roof Top tents, vehicles, or even standalone applications, but it’s also designed to store tie-down ropes conveniently out of the way when not in use. With standard lengths of 8ft and 9ft 6, our awnings fit most rigs, but we can order a custom size for your rig if needed.

      Regarding quality and reliability, Bundutec awnings have been tested in South Africa’s extreme heat and monsoon season and in various conditions in the US, including snow, since 2014. Don’t settle for less for your outdoor experience – choose Bundutec awnings for the ultimate comfort and convenience on the road.

To Learn More, CLICK HERE

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Ironman 4X4:

delta wing awnings, ironman, overland awnings,

Delta Wing Range:

Discover the new era of outdoor comfort with our DeltaWing Awnings collection, tailored for a wide variety of vehicles and trucks, off-road excursions, camping, and overlanding adventures.

Elevate your experience with sleek freestanding designs, blackout canvas, and a versatile lineup including the expansive 270-degree, balanced 180-degree, and compact 90-degree awnings. Engineered for durability and quick setup, these awnings redefine convenience, ensuring you spend less time assembling and more time enjoying the great outdoors. Upgrade your journey with DeltaWing Awnings – where style meets functionality for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

To Learn More Click Here

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Big Country 4X4:

Big Country 4x4 awning, overland awnings, Rugged Bound,

The Ostrich Wing 270 Awning from Big Country 4×4 was the first free-standing 270 awning in the world in 2008. Lauinched initially in South Africa and Australia, it quickly set the standard for others to follow. In South Africa and Australia it has long been considered the toughest 270 awning on the market.

Built in Pretoria, South Africa, the Ostrich Wing 270 free standing awning created a new product category when it was launched. Using purpose-made extrusions, the 6061 T6 welded aluminum truss arms provide the perfect balance between strength and weight. Using heavy duty 380gsm (12.2oz/yd) canvas it is closer to an army tent than a consumer product. 

It is deployed in less than 30 seconds and stored in less than a minute. Heavy duty Vislon YKK zips along the perimeter allow an optional wall kit can be connected. The door and window wall panels can be placed in any position. A raised pitch arm assist water run-off.

The Ostrich Wing 270 is available in 2 sizes:

Ostrich Wing: 120sq ft, 104″ long, 57lbs

Ostrich Wing Jr: 86 sq.ft. 84″ long, 37lbs

Wall kits available in two heights.

It was designed primarily as a free-standing sun shade for good camping conditions. It remains free standing in light winds and has a single leg included for windier conditions.

Mounting kits are available for most racks. Some modular roof racks may require extra hardware for installation.

MSRP: $1155 – $1530 with free shipping

To Learn More CLICK HERE

RBSC

Distributed since 2019 in the USA by Rugged Bound Supply Co. in Fulshear, TX

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Alternative Overland Awnings:

Roofnest

Equipt

Tuffstuff

HiTents

Ikamper

Rhino Rack

CVT

Freespirit

ARB

Frontrunner

Overland Vehicle Systems

Hutch

Treeline

Smittybilt

Alu-Cab

Roam

Overland Pros

Kinsmen Hardware

Shady Overlander

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Looking for a Roof Top Tent CLICK HERE

Pop-Top Campers

GTRX, Pop Top Campers, Vanlife, overland pop top campers, overland, overland, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

Pop-Top Campers sit low to the roof of your vehicle when not in use and add a ton of headroom when set up. Their low profile down position also doesn’t cause much affect on fuel consumption. Most pop tops provide a sleeping platform when set up.

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GTRV

GTRV logo 400
GTRV2

GTRV has over 25 years of experience building the van conversion that is right for you! What has made GTRV unique from the very beginning is our unique roof pop-top campers designs and our quality. Our pop-top campers allows additional standing room as well as an extra sleeping bunk, maximizing the available space and providing enormous value for our customers. We build on a multitude of different van chassis, with and without a pop-top, and with standard and custom layouts.  

We install pop tops on many vans, large and small – Toyota Sienna, Nissan NV200, Mercedes Metris, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter. Our pop top for the Transit, ProMaster, and Sprinter is low-profile and is designed for stealth.

We offer three standard layouts as well as custom designs.

Pop top only – best for customers on a limited budget who want to “do their own thing” inside their van. Our pop tops are color-matched and blend seamlessly with the rest of the van.

Weekender – Includes the pop top with interior finishing and a bench seat that folds down into a bed.

“Westy” – Our full camper and most popular build with electrical, water, propane, cabinetry, and a variety of different options such as Lithium batteries, solar, and heat.

Custom – Customer specified floorplans and features. Bring us a design or work with us to design the van that fits you!

If you are looking for the highest quality and value, we’d love to talk to you!  We’d be honored to have you join the GTRV family of satisfied van-conversion owners.

sales@gtrv.com, 1-888-332-9602

To Learn More CLICK HERE

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Alternative Pop-Top Campers:

Peace Vans

Colorado Campers

Sportsmobile

Recon Campers

Caleche Customs

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Ultimate Overland Gear Guide

Four Wheel Campers Clean Up At Fallen Leaf Lake

Four Wheel Camper, clean up, fallen leaf lake, overlanding, overland, off-roading, off-road, Clean up the lake, camp, camping,

Four Wheel Campers’ partnership with Clean Up The Lake began in 2022, and we are pleased to share the details of our latest event with the Lake Tahoe-based 501(c)(3). Not only did our volunteers collect and sort hundreds of pounds of debris and litter at Fallen Leaf Lake, but we got a tour of Clean Up The Lake’s research truck, which is outfitted with a Project M camper. Four Wheel Campers donated the camper to Clean Up The Lake in late 2022, and it has helped the nonprofit on cleanups and pilot missions across California and Nevada. 

“Four Wheel Campers and our customers appreciated the opportunity to assist the Clean Up the Lake team in their ongoing effort to restore our lakes and nature spaces,” says Dan Welty, President of Four Wheel Campers. Through our volunteer events and donations to environmental nonprofits, Four Wheel Campers is committed to giving back to our public lands — and working with organizations that support these endeavors. To date, we’ve run four successful volunteer events alongside three conservation nonprofits, and our goal is to host one event per quarter in 2024.

Four Wheel Camper, clean up, fallen leaf lake, overlanding, overland, off-roading, off-road, Clean up the lake, camp, camping, tritoon boat,

After getting rained out of our June 2022 cleanup at Donner Lake, we held a two-day volunteer event at Fallen Leaf Lake in June 2023. On the first day, half of our volunteers assisted with a trail cleanup near Fallen Leaf Campground, while the rest joined Clean Up The Lake on the water to assist scuba divers in collecting nearly 350 pounds of debris from the bottom of the lake. Half a dozen volunteers snorkeled near the divers to help spot debris, and half a dozen more hopped into kayaks to help gather debris at the surface. One of our volunteers even served as captain for the day, driving Clean Up The Lake’s tritoon boat. After lunch, both groups reconvened to help unload debris. With two different cleanup crews, plus two dive groups, our volunteers also had the option to take time off after working, giving them time to explore the stunning scenery at Fallen Leaf Lake. We were pleased that everyone was able to participate in their first-choice volunteer activity.

On the second day, our group spent several hours sorting the debris we gathered from Fallen Leaf Lake, along with nearly 900 pounds of debris collected at Convict and June Lakes a few weeks earlier. We began the sorting process by separating debris on several tarps, which were labeled with nine categories for material types, and 83 different use-type subcategories. The debris was then weighed and logged, and the process was repeated. Sorting and cataloging debris is just as important as removing it from the environment, as this comprehensive dataset is critical in producing educational materials and mitigation solutions. Simply put: this data gives Clean Up The Lake the information they need to present the community with ways to make a change.

While our volunteers generally spend four to eight hours each day working at our cleanup events, we also enjoy kicking back at camp. Four Wheel Campers provides camping for volunteers, plus light breakfast fare, snacks, beer, wine and one meal per day (either lunch or dinner). At our Fallen Leaf Lake event, we ordered two dozen sandwiches from the deli at Camp Richardson, and happy hour began around 6 p.m. If you’ve been to a Four Wheel Campers rally, you know these events attract a certain crowd, and our cleanups are no different. These are the kind of folks you want to share stories with around the campfire, and from new friends to familiar faces, it’s the people who truly make these events.

Four Wheel Camper, clean up, fallen leaf lake, overlanding, overland, off-roading, off-road, Clean up the lake, camp, camping

After the sorting event and a leisurely lunch at camp, we sat down for a Q&A session with Clean Up The Lake founder and executive director, Colin West. Half of our volunteers got to work alongside Colin on the first day, but it was great for everyone to get a brief history of how the org was created, and how they plan on expanding in the years to come. 

Clean Up The Lake’s equipment manager Hayden Farris then gave our group a tour of the org’s research truck, which is outfitted with a Project M — a donation made by Four Wheel Campers in 2022. The full-size truck camper houses everything from scuba tanks to kayaks, and it has made pilot missions much easier, as Hayden and other staffers now have a much cozier camp setup. “It’s been a game changer for us,” Hayden said, noting that the previous setup was either a tent or the back of an SUV crammed with gear. Four Wheel Campers is thrilled to support Clean Up The Lake, and we look forward to our summer 2024 cleanup with the nonprofit, date TBD.

Four Wheel Camper, clean up, fallen leaf lake, overlanding, overland, off-roading, off-road, Clean up the lake, camp, camping, volunteers,

Thank you to everyone who attended, and we look forward to seeing you at our next cleanup! For more information on volunteer events, be sure to check the Four Wheel Campers’ Events page, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates and event coverage.

Photo and writing credit to Elisabeth Brentano

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