Navigation Devices can be old School maps or High Tech systems. Have fun overlanding on your vehicle supported adventures and know where you’re going! Here at TAP we cover all our options with high tech navigation devices coupled with paper maps (belt and braces approach)
When you get asked to go on an overland snow camping adventure, of course you jump at the opportunity. Then you spend the next 12 weeks wondering what the hell you just got yourself into!? If you don’t like the cold, live at sea level, have never been snow camping or snow shoe’d before, well what could go wrong? This month I found out and yes, I’m obviously still here to tell the story.
TAP is based in San Diego and our idea of a brutal winter is when the temps fall below 55 degrees. So this adventure was definitely going to take me out of my comfort zone. The trip was put on by Todd Rodgers of Four Points Adventures and we were joined by Patrick Ma, the owner of Prometheus Design Werx. Todd has years of experience in the mountains and is a former member of Search and Rescue, so I felt safe under his watch. (My Wife made him promise that he’d at least bring my body off the mountain!). Patrick also has a lot of snow experience.
Frankly, “Adventure” seems an over used word by all of us, but getting out of my comfort zone felt real. I’m not going to lie, leading up to the trip I was excited and a little intimidated. To help mitigate these fears, I needed to work on my physical conditioning and also assemble the right snow gear. I prepared physically by averaging about 15 miles of hiking a week for 3 months, sometimes carrying a heavy pack. Lesson 1:To be honest, I should have carried the pack on more occasions, to allow my upper body to get used to the added weight. The pack felt really heavy at altitude, combined with wading through snow.
Photo: Patrick
We parked our rigs at Hope Valley Snow park (21 miles away from South Lake Tahoe) as we had decided to tackle the most difficult part of the trip first. The plan was to leave the relative comfort of the rigs, snowshoe into the backcountry and camp overnight; returning the next day. The snow park is popular with snow mobiles and as I heaved on my pack, I eyed them enviously.
Photo Todd: Todd and Andy
We had all agreed that this wasn’t supposed to be a complete suffer fest, so we hiked a mile or so across the flat meadow and then crossed the frozen Carson River before heading up into the tree line. For safety reasons we chose to traverse the river where we could see snowmobile tracks. If the ice could support their weight, surely it would support ours.
Photo Todd: Patrick and Andy
After a while of slowing gaining altitude in the trees and wading through heavier snow drifts, we found a small clearing with a view of the mountain. The perfect place to make camp.
Photo Todd: Camp Snoverland 1
Setting up a tent in snow is, shall I say…interesting. I had been advised that the correct way to use the stakes is called “deadmanning” – a technique where you dig a small hole and lay the stakes horizontally, before covering them with snow again. The snow eventually freezes solid and the taught lines do their work. Lesson 2: Don’t dig the holes too deep, as the snow freezes like concrete overnight. In the morning I had to spend almost an hour with Todd’s ice axe digging them out. Luckily he had it with him, or I’d still be there today, excavating them with my Overland Titanium Snow Peak spork!
Photo: Todd
While I struggled with my tent, Todd the expert, had finished erecting his and had also completed digging out the kitchen and hang out area (Yes, you read that right!). A lot of extra work for him, but a really cool (cold) camp set up for the three of us. Thanks Todd!
Todd and Patrick discussing Quantum Physics
Without a fire, we all hit our sleeping bags fairly early as temperatures obviously plummeted after the sun had set. It got down to approximately 20F and although I had high end equipment, I was still cold over night and didn’t sleep well. It was the same for Todd and Patrick. Condensation in my tent was certainly an issue and it felt like I was lightly rained on most of the night. Despite the suffering, the next day the sun rose, coffee was brewed and we all survived with a tale to tell. All part of the Snoverland Adventure!
We hiked out and then drove 2.5 hrs up into a forested area northwest of Reno. The plan was to continue our Vehicle Supported Adventure by driving into the Lake Davis area.
Airing down before things get too deep
Driving in, the snow conditions were relatively straight forward and we felt confident that with aired down tires and 3 winches between us, we could tackle most situations. After a couple of miles of fun fishtailing through the snow, we found a relatively flat area in the trees and set camp.
Camp Snoverland 2
Photo: Todd
That night sitting around camp, Todd lit the propane fire pit, and time seemed to slow down. The comforts of overlanding were obvious to us all. Sitting around the fire, drinking whiskey and telling tales, seemed decadent and luxurious, compared to the previous night. That night in my RTT, I was warm as toast and slept well. The only sounds occasionally disturbing my bliss, were the howling and yipping of coyotes and a flock of honking geese at the nearby frozen Davis Lake.
Back at home and braving the brutality of the San Diego winter, many of my friends think I was crazy. Truth be told, our Snoverland, snow camping trip was simply awesome and certainly one I would jump at again. Despite some of the obvious discomforts and mistakes made, it was a true Vehicle Supported Adventure and getting out of my comfort zone was a great experience. This was a dry (wet) run for Todd, as he plans on Four Points Adventures offering a similar Snoverland Snow Camping Adventure Tour next year. Stay tuned.
Photo Todd: Airing back up before hitting the road again
If you’ve read our article on TAP’s recent Overland Snow Camping Adventure, you’ll know that snow camping and snowshoeing are out of our comfort zone and that good gear was essential. That being said, we were provided some fantastic gear and below is our “hands on” viewpoint on each piece of gear’s performance. The saying “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear”, although somewhat a cliche, feels appropriate.
This was my first time snow shoeing, so I do not have a technical bench mark to judge from. I did however find the snow shoes easy to use and because they had multiple adjustment points, getting them to fit comfortably was easy. They were extremely light on the leg and floated me through the snow with no issues. Applying the the heal lift feature was intuitive and certainly helped traction on steeper terrain. The TSL carbon poles were super light and I had no issues adjusting them to the correct height. Practically, they helped give me support through deep snow areas. The gaiters, well they simply kept me dry and were easy to put on. HighlyRecommended
This boot reminds me of a snowboard boot and has killer looks. It’s UltraDry (TM) waterproofing system and 400g 3M(TM) and Thinsulate(TM) materials never let me down, keeping me dry and warm throughout the adventure. The stiff Nordic Rover outsole worked synergistically and comfortably with the snow shoe bindings. Without the ability to break these in before the trip, I was slightly concerned about “new shoe” comfort while in the backcountry and if would I get blisters. I had absolutely nothing to worry about! Highly Recommended
As I do with all my footwear, I added an aftermarket insole for greater arch support and comfort. The SuperFeet Merino Wool insole provided the desired comfort and warmth and at no point were my feet sore or cold. Highly recommended combo with the Vasque snow boot.
Cotton kills and layering is essential while exerting yourself in the snow. I used two different Merino Wool Base Layer fabric weights on the trip. The heavier duty Merino 250, kept me warm and relatively sweat free on our high activity first day. I used the lighter weight Merino 150, on the 2nd/3rd days while camping out of the rig. Technically, Merino wool is very comfortable next to your skin, moves sweat away from your body and provides warmth in cold conditions. I also like the fact that despite being a technical garment, it’s design is “around town” friendly. I’ll be wearing these layers for all my cold weather overlanding adventures from now on. Highly recommended.
These soft shell pants are designed for alpine climbing, however worked perfectly for my snow shoe adventure. The wind and water resistant ActiveTemp(TM) stretch fabric worked very efficiently, keeping me warm and dry throughout. There were multiple times when I was kneeling or sitting in the snow and at no point did moisture penetrate through the fabric. They come in a baggier cut than I would normally wear, but it makes sense for wearing base layers underneath. My only real criticism is that they don’t come in various in-seam sizes. This is something I always look for, as I have a 30″ in-seam, which is short for my torso length and size. Not a huge deal, but I ended up having to have them locally tailored, as they came in a 33″ length. Recommended
This little stove lives up to its name! I could see the others on the trip enviously impressed at the speed it boiled snow for water. Lightweight and super compact, the Pocket Rocket simply rocks! The kit comes equipped with PocketRocket® Deluxe stove (83 g /2.9 oz) with stuff sack;1.2 L hard-anodized aluminum pot with insulated grip;Hot- and cold-safe 28 oz bowl;*Strainer lid;*Mini LiteLifter™ pot handle; Kit stuff sack; Room to nest a 4- or 8-oz MSR IsoPro™ fuel canister (sold separately)Very Highly Recommended for backpacking, minimalists and individuals with limited rig space.
This was the bad boy that literally carried my adventure. A big, burly pack that is extremely well made and comfortable to wear. It has multiple adjustment settings and room for all the gear I needed. The VersaFit adjustable suspension was particularly useful as I have a long torso. The ability to lengthen the packs torso, in unison with the FitTune adjustable Hipbelt, allowed me to set up the pack so that the weight was spread evenly across my shoulders and hips. Overall, the pack performed well and is Highly recommended.
I’m not going to lie, I wouldn’t wear these out and about and when I put them on I was transported back to the 90’s. Seriously though, this trip wasn’t about being on trend, it was about using great gear in the backcountry. I chose full wrap sunnies to give me protection against glare from the sun/snow. I also chose the Happy Bronze Polar – Dark Blue Spectra lens for the same reason. A vented lens would have helped with slight fogging, but all in all, they performed great. Recommended.
All the items featured here are high end gear and everything was well designed/made and definitely performed up to my expectations of their price point!
Full disclosure: We were provided this gear to use, enjoy and test on our trip. We have not been paid by the brands and do not receive a commission from any purchases that may result from this article.
PLB’s and Satellite Messengers are a very sensible precaution while overlanding and off-roading in the backcountry. We’ve had one in our offroad rigs for several years and despite never yet having to use it to send an SOS, it’s a great level of extra security.
*** Always keep it charged and know how to use it. Unlike those expensive rims, it’s not just for show***
A lot of people love Ground Tents and not everyone wants to sleep on top of their rigs or even inside. Although not the current Overlanding trend, Ground Tents are the OG of Vehicle Supported Adventure. There’s plenty of fantastic choices at every price point, every size, every weight, every quality: The choices are endless. Here are a few options to help your SEARCH.
The T4 Overland Edition Hub Tent has all the same great features of our most popular T4 Hub Tent, with additional upgrades to take this tent to the next level. The Overland Edition includes an added durable footprint for floor protection, upgraded All-Terrain Stakes, and a water-resistant duffle bag. This tent spaciously provides 61 square feet of floor space and stands 78” tall – sleeping four people with spare space for your gear.
The T4 Overland Edition comes fully-assembled and sets up and takes down in under 90 seconds. They feature a durable and lightweight fiberglass poles and all-metal hub framework that easily pops into place and folds back down. Simply pop out each side and roof hub and you’re all set. Gone are the days of looking at diagrams, managing several loose parts, and trying to figure out which pole goes where. Let the T4 Hub Tent Overland Edition take your base camp to the next level.
With spring closing in on us rapidly, it’s time to start dreaming and planning your 2021 overland gear mods and needs. Here in the 2021 Spring Summer Overland Gear Guide we take a quick look at some exciting gear to tempt you to open up that wallet.
Introducing our brand new hybrid steel AND aluminum overland front bumper for 3rd gen Tacomas. The Hi-Lite gets it’s name from it’s aggressive high clearance design as well as it’s ultra-light weight construction. Our bumper features a full 26lb ALUMINUM shell paired with a 54lb STEEL winch cradle – totaling only 80lbs. We’ve specially designed this bumper to have the strength where you need it most while saving weight everywhere else.
FEATURES:
USA Made- 26lb aluminum shell- 54lb steel winch cradle- Total weight – 80lbs
Welded and buffed using robotics to ensure perfect consistency
Beautiful lines and angles that compliment the factory body lines
Rust free front bumper
Fits up to 12,000lb winches
Accepts all hawse fairleads and most roller fairleads
Large cutouts for winch access and winch spooling visibility
2 D-ring shackle mounts
2 2″ square light cutouts
Flat upper platform to mount a variety of lights
Durable black powder coat finish (included)
Winch can be mounted to vehicle separate from bumper
One man installation
High clearance design for excellent approach angles and better fitment for larger tires
Powder coat included
Optional steel frame support brackets (Must have for winching)
Trusted by outdoor athletes, adventurers and professionals around the world, SHELTA offers the most engineered, purpose-built sunhats ever made. Their patented “No Flop Brim” sets Shelta hats apart from every other brand. This feature does not allow the front of the brim to flop up or down, even in windy or wet conditions. They offer multiple and innovative styles that are built and designed for performance as well as sun protection.
The Seahawk has a modern, more tactical feel, that doesn’t look like your dad’s sun hat.
Featuring a medium sized brim shape with their boonie crown technology, this style is designed
to work as well in the water as on land. Just enough UV protection, but doesn’t get in the way.
Uniquely designed for extended adventures and years of comfort and use. The fabric is a 280GSM Ripstop Polycotton Canvas with LST® blocking over 90% of sunlight and reducing internal temps by over 12%. Multiple sizes available – 56”, 62”, 72” and 87”. Constructed with an alloy frame, all metal moving parts and an insulated floor. The extension over the ladder keeps you covered from the elements as you enter and exit. Most importantly, the attention to detail is what really makes a difference!
The Telos™ two-person freestanding tent will radically change your perception of what an ultralight backpacking tent can be. Sea to Summit’s engineers made it their mission to design a tent that is easy to set up and filled with clever functional features. Mission accomplished. However – there are three additional reasons why leading gear testers have picked the Telos as the new gold standard for tents: space, ventilation and versatility. More space – Tension Ridge™ creates best-in-class interior space & higher doors for unmatched livability. Superior Ventilation – The Apex Vent™ expels warm air & Baseline Vents allow you to control airflow to prevent condensation. Unmatched versatility – Hangout Mode converts the rainfly into a spacious semi-open shelter or the rainfly can be rolled back for stargazing. Design Details – Lightbar™, FairShare Storage System & Quick Connect Foot System make tent life easier.
The Toor Knives Outdoor Series consists of the Field 1.0 and Field 2.0, which are made at their manufacturing facility in San Diego, CA.
With an overall length of 11.0” and weight of 10.5 ounces, the Field 1.0 was born from a desire to create a backpack knife that can tackle any heavy blade task. Ideal for chopping brush, splitting firewood, or preparing the campsite feast, this knife is the ultimate outdoor partner!
Slightly smaller, with an overall length of 8.75” and weight of 6.8 ounces, the Field 2.0 is an extremely versatile knife that provides all day carry comfort. Trusted by adventure seekers around the globe, this blade is a true workhorse and has the ability to handle almost any job, outdoors.
Both knives feature a KG Gunkote finish, which provides excellent abrasion, chemical and impact resistance. Additionally, the handles on both feature Toor’s proprietary Dynamic Fluting™ texture, which provides smooth ergonomics in the hand and extra grip, when working in wet conditions. This design forces proper grip mechanics and conquers the age-old task of offering both comfort AND grip.
Each Outdoor Series knife is available in multiple colors and includes a genuine Hermann Oak leather sheath.
The Great Outdoors is only as great as we leave it. So, for those adventures that don’t involve dumpsters and camp hosts, there’s our new Trash Pak—the vehicle-mounted accessory that makes everyone Captain Planet. Capable of hauling a weekend’s worth of waste & recycling, the easy-to-clean Trash Pak keeps trash out of our natural playgrounds while keeping the mess (and smell) outside of your vehicle. The Trash Pak’s semi-universal mounting system works with most cars and is built with durable water- and UV- resistant materials to withstand intense sun, rain or wind year after year. Use it to haul firewood, manage waste around camp and pack it all out when the fun is done.
FEATURES:
Semi-universal mounting system for van doors, exterior rear facing spare tires and more
Constructed of durable water and UV-resistant materials
Durable coated interior for easy clean-up
6 steel accessory hooks included for unique vehicle mounting solutions
Zippered front pocket for trash bag inserts, accessories & more.
Includes 2 interior loops to hang waste & recycling bags
Foam padded back to protect vehicle+ Use to transport firewood, haul waste or store excess
Packing smaller than a water bottle, Chair Zero is exceptionally light and compact, yet delivers impressive support and strength. Its advanced materials, disciplined design, and innovative construction hit the precise balance of minimalism and comfort. This is our go-to chair for backpacking, multi-day kayaking trips, bike tours, and moto-touring – activities where shaving weight and minimizing volume are critical.
The Krazy Beaver Shovel is an All American Made Product and is currently available in only one size at this time. However, If all goes well that will hopefully be changing by the end of Summer 2021! Currently the shovel measures 40 inches Total length. The shovel head measures 11.5” tall and 8.5” wide. The shovel head is made of Heavy Duty 13 gauge heat treated steel and is sure to handle any situation you throw at it. The handle is made of fiberglass with a solid fiberglass core in the lower portion of the handle where the crimping collar and the shovel neck attach. The D grip is removable to allow for storage in the handle for fire starting items. The removable D grip also allows you to drain the shovel handle in the event you find yourself knee deep in an unfortunate water recovery. The Krazy Beaver Shovel is the Ultimate 4 season shovel!
Our new Ford F-Series Base with Series 55 Rail is the cleanest and most adaptable Ford F-Series dash mount on the market. Made of aluminum and coated in black satin powder coating, the base is compatible with the F-Series150/250/350 (2015-Present). This rail sits discreetly and low to the dash and can hold up to 4 devices for maximum usability and visibility. It is fully compatible with all 67 Designs arms and holders, allowing for an easy upgrade and re-use of previous investment in mounting hardware. This base is 100% designed and made in America.
The Hedgehog Toiletry Roll by STEP 22 Gear is a unique solution that makes getting clean easy anywhere on the trail. No need to worry about where to hang it! With multiple mount points, the Hedgehog can hang from just about anything.
With 7 usable storage compartments, including 2 removable pouches that are perfect for day excursions, you will find a home for everything. No more searching for the perfect place to store your loose items. The innovative design converts the attached carry bag into a handy storage bucket during use to hold your larger items like PackTowel, phone, and keys. Rolled up, the Hedgehog is actually more like a bag, keeping your stuff nice and tight for easy storage and transport. As expected, STEP 22 used only best in class materials for the Hedgehog. Featuring YKK zippers and their 1,000 Denier Coated Rugged All Weather Layer nylon, the Hedgehog is built for a lifetime of use. The included mirror is one of the best features of this toiletry roll! Make sure to keep an eye on STEP 22 for some exciting new products launching in late March.
The ML6 Connect Warm is the smart controllable lantern for all life situations.
Thanks to its path-breaking Micro Prism Technology, it provides efficient, glare-free and targeted lighting – either with pleasant warm white light or with red light to maintain night vision. Thanks to the Ledlenser Connect App and the included remote control, the ML6 Connect can be personalised at any time. The lantern features a power bank function and various mounting options, therefore being always ready for use.
MSRP $119.95 BUY HERE (For a 20% discount use TAP20OFF at checkout)
The Defiant Hoodie Soft-Shell is a fully seam taped, weatherproof, technical soft-shell hoodie with 4-way stretch and functional design features for maximum capability, versatility and performance. Streamlined, uncluttered purpose driven design, feature rich, and easily transitions from the wilderness to street in all 4 seasons.
Expertly constructed with an apex performance Schoeller textile of Switzerland, the innovative, embedded component management system by Cohaesive™ of North America, and YKK AquaGuard® zippers. The purpose driven design is born from almost 2 decades of R&D experience in this specialized outerwear category, the input of real-world user feedback across all 7 continents from the Hindu Kush to Torres del Paine, and the sum of empirical experiences from our chief designer. From everyday wear to remote destinations and even dangerous places, the Defiant Hoodie in an uncompromising technical soft-shell that literally has you covered.
Some of the functional design details include 4 external zippered pockets with dummy cord anchors to keep your EDC tools secure, a zippered internal pocket, a 2-way main zipper, laser cut CSPE (Hypalon) cuff tabs, bias cut cuffs, 4-way stretch mobility, waterproof-breathable technical fabric that adapts to changing environmental conditions, pit zips, and the cleanest cinch cord management system available.
