Recently TAP decided to do some further upgrades to our 2014 JKU. Our Rubicon does double duty as an overlander and rock crawler, so the build has to work for both, without too much of a compromise in either direction. Not always an easy task, but we think we’ve accomplished what we set out to achieve.
Overlander:
Cargo space is the main issue in the JKU, so we started to look for ways to maximize our ability to load Rubi up. We chose a couple of upgrades here. Goose Gear: First step was to install a Goose-Gear plate system that includes lockable cubby space on the bottom and both sides of the trunk. We opted to do a half build as we still consistently use our back seats for family day use. We also installed a Tembo Tusk Fridge slide for the times when the Jeep is used on solo trips. www.goose-gear.com
Owner Brian Fulton and Mitch installing the Goose Gear JK build out.
GCP-1: This system fully utilizes the wasted cargo space in the roof area of trunk. The storage unit bolts up into the roof and swings down when the side lockable handles are disengaged. Many people use this system as a lockable gun cabinet. For us it’s the perfect place to keep all our recovery straps, shackles etc. One thing we learnt over the years is that when a recovery happens, emotions and adrenalin run high. The ability to access our gear quickly and efficiently helps tremendously.
You can order them from Rebel Offroad.
The GCP-1 fits snug along the roof.Excellent place for all my recovery gear. Velcro on the back with holds (many use this system for guns) keeps everything in place.It’s a solid, lockable unit.
Snorkel upgrade: We switched out our AEV Snorkel Kit that included an Air Ram inlet for AEV’s Pre-Filter Assembly that’s designed for for dry, desert terrain where dust is likely. This suits our SoCal wanderings.
Roof Rack Rail: We had the AEV rack installed for over 12 months, but decided to add the side rails to help with up top loads safety and capacity. The only negative so far has been added freeway noise at speed. See the kit here.
The roof rack rails help secure our ARB awning and Max Trax.
Rock Crawler:
Our JKU is primarily used by our Editor. She’s an adrenaline junkie, so the ability for Rubi to handle the rocks efficiently and safely was paramount. We took the approach that when we purely overland, the Taco is the workhorse and cargo carrier. This allows Rubi to compromise her build, with features focused on difficult terrain capability.
Beefing up and upgrading stock parts: Rubi has 50k mile on her over 3 years, so parts are beginning to wear or have actually broken. Rather than replace them with stock, we decided to do some beefed up upgrades. All work has been carried out by Rebel Off Road who we highly recommend if you live in SoCal. They are based in Laguna Hills and are right off the I-5.
We have upgraded our:
–Steering stabilizer (after sheering the bolt attaching it on the Monache Trail, Sierra)
Teraflex JK Steering stabilizer
Ball Joints: they were just about blown out
Teraflex JK ball joints
-Tie rod and Drag link
Teraflex JK tie rod and Teraflex JK drag link
We chose Teraflex equipment for their quality reputation. The front end of the JKU now feels solid and reliable again. Death wobble is not our thing.
Tires: These were upgraded to 35” Falken Wildpeak MT’s. We went with 35’s rather that 37’s, as we didn’t want the potential of having to upgrade too much other componentry. **In full disclosure, these tires were provided to us gratis from Falken, but I think it is important to mention that we only accept product that is recommended by peers or is widely known to work well on the trail. Using a poor product and getting stuck is not an option. Falkentire.com So far, they are working out great, both on and off-road.
AEV 4.5 inch lift and 35″ Falken Wildpeaks MTs
Wheels: We’ve been running stock Rubicon Unlimited wheels for 3 years and decided to upgrade to AEV Savegres and added the AEV yellow logo center cap. Have to admit these won’t make us better overlanders or rock crawlers, but they do make Rubi look awesome at the mall… 😉
AEV Savegre wheels with AEV Logo center cap.
Re-Gearing: With the heavier Mud Terrains and all the extra weight we’d added, we were definitely beginning to suffer with our stock gearing. As we don’t have plans to move up to 37’s and on the advice of AEV and Rebel Off-Road (who did the install), we went with 4.56. So far, so good and it seems to be the right choice.
Rubi at Rebel Off Road getting a re-gear
Skid Plates: We bit the bullet and went for full coverage. In order to keep the weight to a minimum, we opted for aluminum plates from Rock Hard 4×4. We’d seen a set that had just successfully completed the Rubicon Trail and despite numerous scrapes, had held up well. We’ll update our thoughts after they’ve taken some real abuse this year coming. Rockhard4x4.comjeep.rebeloffroad.com
Rock Hard 4×4 skids being installed at Rebel Off Road
Do you have some upgrades you would like to share with us? Go to TAP Forums and let us know what you’ve done and how it’s working out.
TAP into Adventure!
For more overland and off-road ready rigs, CHECK HERE
Most experienced off-roaders, overlanders, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders will tell you…”If you have never been stranded in the backcountry, you haven’t been overlanding enough.”
The point of this saying is that, as a remote backcountry adventurer, eventually you will need some survival skills. An axle bearing will melt down, a brake line will snap, you will slide on a sheet of ice putting your vehicle on its side in a ditch next to the trail, you may break a shock perch, have an engine fire and your vehicle completely burns, or you could become very ill after drinking from a backcountry stream. All these problems and thousands more must be considered in your preparation.
This is the first installment in the training series –Survival and Bushcraft for Overlanders. It is designed to help anyone survive a minor or major mishap, breakdown, or accident in the backcountry. That said, the series is not about “living off the land” for an endless length of time. Those in-depth topics are best left to survival manuals. This series can help you remain comfortable for several hours, days, or even a week or two in the backcountry should a remote adventure go bad.
Topics covered in this series will include:
-Survival fire building -In field water disinfection -Signaling for help
survival fire building
In-field water disinfection
Signaling device
Survival skills are being forgotten in our society. Those who journey into the backcountry should practice survival skills and be prepared for anything. Backcountry or urban survival depends on applying basic principles and adapting them to the circumstances. The survival pyramid reflects these basic principles.
The Survival Pyramid is organized in a thoughtful manner with the least important component at the top and the most important at the bottom. Most survival experts agree that the will to live is the most important aspect of surviving a problem in a wilderness, remote, or delayed-help situation. Kit (equipment, tools, resources) is the least important, although a well-stocked vehicle and survival bag can be a blessing in a bleak backcountry environment. Skills and knowledge are in the middle, positioning them as less important than the will to live and more important than your kit.
The Will to Live
The will to live is all about attitude. It can be described mental toughness.Your body may be fit, but how about your mind? How about your attitude? The will to live is a form of persistence coupled with the desire to succeed. It is possible to perish from a backcountry mishap if you do not have the will to live, even if you know a lot about survival or have the best survival kit in the world.
When an awful backcountry incident occurs, consciously decide that you still have much to contribute to society and your family. Stay resolute in your resolve to get beyond the bigger problem by solving little ones in a thoughtful priority order. Grooming Survival Skills and Knowledge begins long before you venture into the backcountry. Read, study, and practice survival skills.
Consider each of the following ways to augment your survival abilities.
Take an off-road or OHV safety course from a professional off-road educator. Knowing how to properly drive off road helps you avoid mishaps and mistakes. Find an instructor who teaches for one reason only: to genuinely help you. The course curriculum should enhance your skill and ability. Choose an instructor who will challenge you, provide you with new skills, and give you feedback that will enhance your abilities. Make sure your instructor prepares you for the worst-case scenario. Doing so will prepare you for everything else.
Complete a Wilderness First Aid certification course. Knowing how to medically take care of yourself and others has to be a top priority. Assemble a complete wilderness first aid kit appropriately sized to your needs and skill ability. Pictured here are three sizes of kits.
Large First Aid Kit
Become at least a technician-level ham radio operator. Ham radios can reach out for hundreds of kilometers/miles in an emergency, especially if you know how to use local repeaters, or you own and know how to use High Frequency radios.
-An Emergency communication device-have one with you on all your adventures: A personal location beacon (PLB), a satellite emergency notification device (SEND), or satphone. Two commonly used SENDs are the SPOT and DeLorme inReach.
-Purchase books on backcountry survival techniques, and read them. Better yet, take an actual survival course from a survival expert. Read actual survival stories. Survivors who write about their mishaps often provide accounts that are inspirational and informative.
-Consider taking a defensive handgun, shotgun, and/or rifle course.You may also contemplate getting a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit in your state or county. When you are in a remote backcountry area, sheriffs and rangers are often many hours away, even if you can communicate with them (and this is rare). The more you overland, the better the chances you will run into unsavory people who will want what you have, or may simply desire to do you harm.
-Word of Caution: Foreign Countries and Camping with Firearms- Be very careful taking firearms into foreign countries – often this is illegal and carries heavy fines and imprisonment. Do your homework prior to crossing boarders.
-Please Note: Camping with a firearm in the United States can get complicated – Getting a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit for the state you are in is the best way to legally carry a weapon when overlanding and camping. Short of getting a permit, many states consider a tent your temporary home and all home-centric gun rules apply.
Do your homework prior to keeping a firearm in your vehicle or tent. Know all the laws for the state you are in. I will add this, however. Since I train BLM and National Park law enforcement in my 4WD training courses, I can tell you that the rangers I have spoken with on this topic would NEVER cite you for having a loaded firearm in your vehicle or tent when traveling off-road on a remote backcountry trail. In fact, I had one National Park Ranger tell me…”As an off-roader, you are a fool if you travel solo in the remote backcountry and don’t have a way to defend yourself. As law enforcement, we would typically be unable to assist you if you are confronted by people wanting to do you harm. Most of the National Parks do not have enough law enforcement personnel to cover the acreage we are asked to patrol.” You are on your own in the backcountry.
Whether you choose to carry a firearm or not, if you travel solo in the remote backcountry and don’t have a way to defend yourself and your loved ones, you may be asking for trouble.
Final Thought
As they say, “Knowledge is Power.” Knowing how to help yourself in a backcountry survival situation will support your will to live. Knowledge provides you with some amount of self-confidence. The knowledge and skills you will learn in this series will make you more confident.
Words & Photos by Bob Wohlers:
Bob teaches corporate, government, and recreational off-road safety, survival, and wilderness first aid courses. Some of Bob’s corporate clients have included T-Mobile, Verizon, PG&E, and Southern California Edison. As a registered government contractor, he teaches courses for the National Park Service and BLM. Currently, Bob teaches monthly introductory and advanced recreational off-roading at Prairie City, a California State Recreational Vehicular Area (SRVA). He also organizes and leads groups on 4WD adventure tours into the remote backcountry. Find out more about his trainings and guided adventures at discoveroffroading.com
Bob’s new book, “Live Long to Wander-Basic Survival and Bushcraft for Vehicle-Supported Adventure: To be released at the 2017 Overland Expo in May.
Going off-roading, overlanding or primitive camping this week-end with your friends? How far out of reach are you going and are you prepared to do so safely? Take a look at this article from in-field author Tom Severin before taking the leadership role on your next excursion and TAP into Adventure, safely!
You’ve driven the trails numerous times. Have hundreds of hours of 4WD experience under your belt (some of which, of course, is spent outside of the vehicle). You’re good with people, and feel your managerial skills are top notch. You’d like to be Trail Leader for an upcoming excursion. What’s next?
First, I commend you for wanting to take on a leadership role. As a certified professional 4WD Trainer with more than 40 years of off-road experience, I know the value of a good Trail Leader. Our hobby could use more people willing to step forward and fulfill this role.
Being a Trail Leader is not an easy task. It involves skills, personality and patience. Here are my Top 10 qualities of a great Trail Leader.
1. You must have good 4WD skills. This is a huge category, and includes reading the terrain, picking lines, spotting, recovery, vehicle repair and the Tread Lightly philosophy, to name a few.
2. Know the trail. Drive it at least one time. Get familiar with the terrain and trail. Learn the difficulty level of the obstacles. Know the location of campsites, gas stations, parts store(s) and rest areas. Pick out back up campsites and a safe spot to air up at the end. Contact the responsible agency (BLM, parks department, state DNR) for the latest information. Is there a fire ban? Any trail closure? Does the group need permits? A phone call can minimize the surprises.
3. Keep the gang together, especially at difficult obstacles. Don’t let the drivers split up or spread out. A driver can peel off in the wrong direction. Others follow him, and pretty soon several drivers are lost. Have you heard of the accordion concept? Everyone keeps an eye on the vehicle behind and slows down as needed so as not to lose him. Don’t rely on that as it doesn’t work well. Keep an eye on three vehicles behind you. Stop and let the group close up frequently.
-Schedule your stops for photo ops.
-Don’t split the group unless absolutely necessary. The most common reason for a group division is due to a breakdown that can’t be repaired on the spot. Make sure everyone knows what they are to do, where and when you’ll meet up again.
-Stay in radio or phone contact. Follow the buddy system: No vehicle goes off by itself.
4. Start on time, and keep the team on time. You can adjust trail time by adding or deleting stops. Don’t cajole or push the team, but don’t linger at a stop longer than necessary. Maintain a good pace throughout so you arrive at your destination on time.
5. Develop a good communications plan. This includes written instructions before the trip, as well as briefings on how to properly use radio gear. Include spotting hand signals too. Your tail gate briefing at the trailhead is an important part of your communications package. Do a radio check before leaving.
-Know some history of the area and names of geographic features you can share with the group during the trip.
-Please note that your communication responsibility extends outside your own group. Talk to other Leaders you meet on the trail. Ask how many vehicles, where they are going, tell him the trail condition you just came over, ask what’s ahead of you, if there are any other groups, etc.
-If they pulled over to let your group pass, tell him which is your last vehicle. I also like to thank each vehicle (if I can) as I go by for stopping for us.
6. Know how to sequence the vehicles. High difficulty – alternate those with winches. Place ham radio guys in back. They have the power to ask for a repeat of information that was difficult to hear on the less powerful radios. Have any newbies right behind you. They will follow your cues. Lay down an easy line so the newer driver can follow you. Once identified, put the slowest driver behind you to pace yourself.
7. Be a people person. Any number of issues can crop up during a ride. Your guests come first; do everything you can to deliver a quality experience. Patience and understanding are a necessity in any Trail Leader. You’ll encounter a wide variety of skill sets and personalities under a wide range of circumstances.
8.Handle pressure well. Being the lead vehicle can be a nerve-wracking position, especially during inclement weather, vehicle breakdowns, if there are very slow drivers, bad behavior etc. If the risk is too high, be willing to change plans.
9. Be considerate of others you encounter, and encourage the same in your group. Slow down when approaching vehicles, pedestrians, campsites and cabins. This will minimize dust. When passing, don’t insist on right of way even if it’s normally yours. If you have only two or three vehicles, pull over and let the larger group pass. Adjust to the situation, and be polite.
Generally speaking, four wheelers are a nice bunch. So are other types of trail users. No need to think or act competitively. Always be friendly, and encourage that in your team. Be willing to share gear or a campsite with someone in need outside your group. The good deed will be repaid someday.
10. Treat your position as Trail Leader with respect. Since you reach a rest area or campsite first, hold back and let others grab the prime spots.
Being a Trail Leader carries with it much responsibility. You are expected to know the route, coach others through difficult obstacles, deal with bad behavior, have a backup plan for many unknowns, and keep a cheerful attitude throughout. This can all be challenging, but the rewards are tremendous.
A note to clubs: Everyone needs to start somewhere. Let a willing member be the Trail Leader even if you are uncertain of his or her skills and ability. Pair them up with an experienced Trail Leader who will not let them fail! The same goes for spotting. Get some new blood out there learning to spot and building the trust of the group. Have your normal go-to-spotting-guy stand behind them coaching, but not giving the drive instruction himself.
Last week we gave you a few gift ideas for the overlander in your life and we couldn’t stop there! So, here’s Part Two of TAP’s Holiday gift Guide. Everything listed here is in our trip kit and we personally use and endorse. Read on, then highlight the link and send it to whomever is going to be giving you gifts this year….(Santa…I hope you’re listening!).
Mr. Heater, Little Buddy Propane Heater
This little beauty is TAP used and endorsed. We were recently stuck in our tent in a raging storm and had our Little Buddy with us and it made the hours until bedtime much more comfortable.
Features-
Designed and approved for indoor use
Automatic, low oxygen shut – off system
Free standing or wall mount
Quiet and odor free
Lightweight and portable
Easy to carry
Perfect for tents, cabins, garages / workshops, enclosed porches, barns, ice fishing shanties, truck caps, campers, RVs, sheds and more
Vertical operating position
Pilot, low and high valve positions
Uses 1 lb or 20 lb propane cylinders with optional hose connection
CSA certified Indoor safe in 48 states (not California, Massachusetts or Canada)
Fold down handle
Swivel regulator for easy tank installation
Specs-
Type: Forced Air
Height: 14″
Width: 7″
Length: 14″
Tough tested Solar Dual USB 15,000mAh Battery Pack charging two phones
A favorite for anyone going off the grid. This TAP tested and endorsed product got rained on and dropped in the dirt and sand so many times….no problem. With 15,000 milliamp capacity, it can provide up to 10 smartphone charges. Dual USB ports allow for charging of 2 devices at once and InstaSense™ technology makes sure each device gets the power that it needs. It comes with a carabineer clip that you will want to swap out for one that’s heavy duty. (Ours broke after not many uses). The 200mAh solar panel allows you to always have access to emergency charging power. Use it to power tablets, GPS, smartphones, portable game systems, action cameras, dash cams and most USB devices. It includes Micro USB charging cable and car charger. ToughTested.com
ToughTested 8′ PRO Armor Weave Cable With Slim Tip: Lightning-8 Pin. (MFI Certified)
This is a compliment to the Tough Tested Solar battery charger. This cable is amazingly strong and pliable. The cable has extended strain relief, and slim aluminum tip to fit most protective cases. It’s PET polymer jacket is chemical, heat, and abrasion resistant. Includes cable manager. MFI certified. 5 Year warranty. We’ve destroyed so many standard cables and this one is definitely backcountry trip tested and approved by us.
This cable is compatible with all Apple devices with 8 pin Lightning port including iPhone 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, iPad Pro, iPad Mini, iPad air, iPad Mini 2, iPad (4th generation), iPad touch (5th generation), and iPad Nano (7th generation).
Check them and all their other durable products at ToughTested.com
Kelty Linger High Backed Chair and Side Table
Kelty Linger High Back chairs, side table and a couple of people in need of their caffeinated beverages at 6am!
Who isn’t looking for gear that’s light and compact? The Kelty Linger high backed chair is a perfect choice when it comes to compact, high quality gear. The chair assembles in 15-20 seconds, is much stronger than it looks and has an aluminum frame which prevents corrosion and rust. The only drawback is that because it is so lightweight, a strong wind will blow it over. The pieces are truly durable and if you are looking for compact, light weight gear, durable gear, this is a great choice. For Overlanders with limited space (Jeep), this camp kit really fits the bill.
The Kelty Linger high backed chairspecs
Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz / 1.5 kg
Weight Capacity: 300 lb / 136 kg
Assembled Size: 21 x 27.5 x 39 in / 53 x 70 x 99 cm
Packed Size: 20 x 6.5 x 4 in / 51 x 17 x 10 cm
Seat Height: 16.5 in / 42 cm
The Kelty Linger Side table is made with a lightweight and compact collapsible anodized-aluminum frame and can hold up to 150 lb.
The Kelty Linger Side Table Specs
Weight: 2 lbs 14 oz / 1.3 kg
Weight Capacity: 150 lb / 68 kg
Assembled Size: 17 x 22.5 x 14.5 in / 43 x 57 x 37 cm
Packed Size: 24 x 4 x 4 in / 61 x 10 x 10 cm
A TAP endorsed product, these duffle bags will withstand a beating. They can be carried as a duffle by hand or worn as a backpack and come in 4 sizes: 45Liters, 60Liters, 90Liters, 120Liters and come with a “NO Matter What” warranty. This is a lifetime warranty which includes free repair or replacement due to product failure regardless of the cause. TAP TIP: A different color bag for each person. 45l-60l is the perfect size for long weekends. ***TAP Publisher: Love these bags!
Manufacturer’s Details and Features
ULTRA-LIGHT (The 120L weighs only 2 lb 7 oz!!)
Made with an extra durable, water-repellent coated Bi-Tech™ Armor Lite fabric: this fusion of technology merges maximum abrasion resistance with ultra-light carry
Bartack reinforcement on all high stress points to withstand maximum schlepping
Carry the Cargo Hauler Duffel by its removable backpack straps, padded top haul handles, or side grab
handle
U-shaped lid gives easy access to main compartment
Sizeable easy-access zippered end pockets for gear organization
Six heavy-duty lash points for attaching this bag to a roof rack
Bottom is foam padded to help protect contents against impact
#10 lockable zippers with storm flap shield zipper from rain
Rectangular silhouette is ideal for stacking
I don’t know about you, but we do not like sleeping directly on the ground anymore. Hey, we’re being honest…it’s cold, it’s bumpy and it’s just not comfortable. TAP uses these camping cots and highly recommends them. They are lightweight, compact easy to assemble and comfortable. ****Annoyingly they do not come with a carrying case.
Manufacturers Details:
Steel legs offer both strength and flexibility, allowing the cot to conform to your body for a great night’s sleep
Heavy-duty polyester cover is both mildew- and slide-resistant; cleans up with soap and water
Byer Allagash Plus cot folds down in center for storage; legs become a handle for carrying when stored in sleeve and attached with included hook-and-loop straps
Specs:
Unfolded dimensions 76x 30 x 8 (L x W x H) inches
Folded Dimensions 38.5 x 7 x 2.5 inches
Weight Capacity (lbs) 250
Another TAP endorsed product. This little beauty is warm and allows you to bury down and cover your head with the built in “hood” and it’s got an “arms-out”, dual zip feature that allows you to sit up in the bag, full zipped and free your arms to do whatever you need without leaving the warmth of your bag. It’s a mummy bag that is not too tightly cut. Slumberjack describes it as a relaxed mummy. The bag is water resistant. We can attest to that after waking up with a layer of ice covering our bags. Check out this video for a full description of the bag.
SPECS for sizes REGULAR and LONG
Temp Rating: -20° F
Weight: 4 lbs 6 oz Long: 4 lb. 9 oz.
Fill Weight: 2 lb 9 oz Long: 2 lb 9 oz
Fill Power: 550 Fill Power gray duck down
Length: 82″ Long: 86″
Shoulder Girth: 63″ Long: 65″
Hip Girth: 58″ Long: 60″
Footbox Girth: 46″ Long: 48″
Stuff Sack Size: 17″ x 10″
Fits To: 6′ Long: 6’6″
Dual Zippers: Durable #8 non-locking coil zippers
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had men tell me that their wives refused to go primitive camping due to the “squat behind the bush” form of relieving oneself. Solution: The Restop. This set up is compact, easy to set up, provides a failproof storage system of waste disposal, can be used with or without the tent covering and comes complete with a bit of T.P, and a sanitation wipe. We have travelled with someone recovering from knee surgery and couldn’t squat, who was eternally grateful for this gem. They also come in handy (without the tent) when it is raining or snowing madly outside. The waste container can be sealed and holds in foul smells so well, that you don’t know you have a commode inside your tent. (Yes, I am talking a big enough to be considered, “glamping sized” tent.)….or annex. See our product review on Restop here. For more info on all of their products go to restop.com.
Nothin’ like a private commode on the Mojave Road…
23ZERO 4×4 Winch & Recovery Kit
The 23ZERO 4×4 Winch & Snatch Recovery Kit is a comprehensive kit that contains all the gear you need to successfully execute many winch and snatch recoveries. Go out on the trails with complete confidence knowing you are prepared for recovery situations. Remember, it’s not an adventure until something goes wrong. This will keep your adventure going smoothly.
The 23ZERO 4×4 Winch & Snatch Recovery Kit is an 11 piece kit supplied in it own durable carry bag, and contains:
1 x 100% Nylon 30ft x 2 3/8in 8T 17,600LB WLL Snatch Strap
1 x 65ft x 2 1/2in 5T 11,000LB Winch Extension Strap
1 x 10ft x 3in 12T 26,455LB Tree Trunk Protector
1 x 2in Receiver 5T 11,000LB Recovery Hitch
3 x 4.75T 10,000LB WLL Rated Bow Shackles
1 x 10T 22,000LB Snatch Block
1 pair Heavy Duty Recovery Gloves
1 x Tire Deflator
1 x Winch Line Dampener (PVC)
Purpose built durable carry bag
12 month warranty
Go to 23zerousa.com to check out all they have to offer.
Do you have any gift ideas you would like to share with us? Do it on our Forums page under Cool Camping Gear and TAP into Adventure!
A while back, I got on the phone with Todd Rogers, one of the owners of Four Points Adventures to find out a little bit about the company and the type of guide services they provide. Todd is a professional photographer and has over 25 years experience overlanding. He is a member of the Mountain Rescue Association and is the Snow and Ice Sergeant with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team. He has served as a volunteer on the team for ten years.
Contra Costa County Sheriffs Mountain Rescue team training using a SKED type litter for patient transport. That’s Todd “SKED surfing”
Todd summiting Mount Shasta at 14,180 ft.
Todd is a member of the Mountain Rescue Association and is the Snow and Ice Sergeant with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team.
Todd describesFour Points Adventures as an expedition guide company, based out of the Bay Area, that provides all-inclusive overland expedition style adventures into some of the most remote and dramatic places in the west. “The company began 4 ½ years ago as Tepui Adventures and serves a mix of folks from outdoor professionals (Yosemite Park Rangers and mountain climbers) to people who are new to the overland, vehicle based camping experience. Clients can either bring their own 4×4 vehicle, rent one from one of our partner companies, or ride along in ours.”
A group photo of clients and staff, and no, the St. Bernard doesn’t carry any whiskey!
One of our clients in his Toyota Tacoma closely followed by co-owner Steve Thornton, in his jeep JK, crossing a swollen river during a Bodie Ghost town/Mono Lake CA adventure.
“Well behaved dogs are allowed on some of our trips if the location allows for it. No barking or begging is tolerated so that everyone can enjoy themselves. We also allow children 8 and up to come along (Under their parents supervision of course!). We’ve had some really great family oriented adventures. Other types of group that we have taken out are businesses for employee bonding and morale enhancement activities.”
Our adventures provide lots of opportunity for bonding with family and friends, old or new!
Many of our trips have hot spring options
“Four Points Adventures provides their customers with an all-inclusive adventure that provides gear, safari style accommodations and training in 4×4 overlanding techniques and safety. My partner Steve Thornton is an all around great outdoorsman and frankly, an amazing chef. He does a majority of the cooking….thank goodness!”
Steve Thornton serving up one of his awesome breakfast dishes.
This is a typical breakfast on our trips though we also offer pancakes, eggs, and yogurt parfaits too.
One of Steve’s famous Dutch Oven dinners. We also provide a variety of options from Steaks to Vegetarian/Gluten free fare according to dietary restrictions.
How’d they get started? “Four and a half years ago I was talking to the owner of Tepui tents and asked him if he led guided expeditions. He said no but that they were looking for somebody to do that. I said, “I’m your guy, lets see what we can do”. I’ve been a photographer for 20 years, so I spent a lot of time out in the desert and in the Sierra looking for cool spots to take landscape photos. This gave me a really good working knowledge of possible trips. With that in mind, I started checking out and mapping a variety of destinations for 3-4 day trips to put on for Tepui Adventures.”
“Tepui has grown a lot in the last four years which led Steve and I branching out forming our own “Tepui related” company, Four Points Adventures. We guide three to five day expeditions as well as a 5 day trip to Black Rock desert NV . We go to locations that can handle 6-8 vehicles and travel as far away from civilization as possible. Four Points Adventures practices the Tread Lightly principles and advocates leaving the environment in as good or better condition than you found it. We provide a schedule of trips and also take people to custom locations. I research all the locations we take our clients to for history, points of interest, etc. We want to provide the best adventure possible.”
On a trip to the dunes in Death Valley.
“Four Points Adventures provides all necessary gear as well as luxury items like showers, porta potties, great food, wine and beer. Our trips are geared toward the person who would like a guided, off-road adventure. We cater to clients who would like to explore the extremes of the Black Rock Desert as well as those who want to explore the more tame locales in the Sierra Nevada or the Lost Coast. Our clients can use their own vehicles or ride along in ours and we will provide all the amenities of a “glamping” style experience. Check out Four Points Adventures, you won’t be disappointed!”
Evening camp at Blue Jay Campground in Cleveland National Forest.
Campfire along the lost coast
Once Again, check out Four Points Adventures for a guided overland vehicle based camping trip into some of the remote and beautiful places in the west.
Do you love Turkey Day but dread Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Well the Holidays are coming like it or not, so check out this short but sweet list of goodies for the overlander in your life (read-YOU). Hey, we all know that lots of gear is absolutely, vitally important and necessary! 😉
We will have a couple of these gift lists coming out, so stay tuned, check it out, make your wish list and TAP into Adventure!
Casio G-Shock Master of G Mudmaster
Our Publisher is a watch guy through and through, so this is a product that has been tried and tested by him on trails and in a variety of extreme conditions. It’s taken a real beating these past few months and hasn’t missed a beat (tick). TAP endorses this quality product as tough and ready to go through the ringer.
Master of G Mudmaster. A watch that takes a beating.
This watch is mud and water resistant up to 200M. Operation of the watch is not necessarily intuitive due it’s the vast amount of capabilities, so hang on to and read the user’s guide. Here is what this watch provides:
-Digital compass
-Thermometer
-LED backlight and Neo-brite Luminous hands and markers
-31 time zones and daylight saving on/off
-5 daily alarms
-Hourly time signal
-Stopwatch
-Auto calendar programmed through 2099
-12/24 hour formats
-Button operation tone on/off
-Low battery alert
-Accuracy: 15 sec. per month
-Battery: SR927Wx2 (approx. life-2 yrs.)
-Module 5476
-Band length 145mm-215mm
The Luci Solar light is lightweight, waterproof and keeps you lit no matter how far off the grid your travels take you
Our Editor just can’t contain her enthusiasm for these little gems. She simply loves them. They are functional, fun, completely solar powered and they pack up nicely. They are lightweight and deflate down to a one inch thin disc. Fun? Yes, they come in colors and you can put these puppies anywhere you can hang them around your basecamp. They have straps both on top and the bottom, so get your zip ties or any type of camping hook and go to town making your site a visual delight. Get your “Glamp” on!
Luci Outdoor 2.0 Specs
-Dimensions: 10.8 cm height, 12.7 cm diameter
-Compact: 2.5 cm collapsed
-4 modes: low, bright, super bright, 1 sec flashing
-10 ultra bright LEDs/65 lumens
-High efficiency solar panel
-Charge level indicator
-Lightweight: 4.4 oz (125 g)
-No batteries needed – just the sun
-Charges in 7 hours in direct sunlight
-Lasts up to 18 hours on low setting
-Adjustable bottom strap/fixed top strap
-Waterproof: IP67 rating
-Operating temp: 15°F – 122°F (-10°C – 50°C)
-Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
-Functions as a flashlight
-1 year warranty mpowerd.com
The Four-Wheeler’s Bible by Jim Allen
An invaluable guide to safe 4wheeling.
Jim Allen is known as one of the forefathers of off roading. This is a must have for any off-road, overlanding enthusiast. TAP got our first copies years ago when training with Tom Severin of Badlands 4×4. As always, we believe in safety when wheeling and align ourselves with and recommend attending professional trainings, yes…even if you have been doing it for years. Anyway, we like and use the book so much that when we host trainings, we use them as giveaways. Jim Allen wrote this book because he saw some of his favorite off-roading spots closed due to careless and destructive driving and land use practices. He believes that by adopting land-friendly techniques and responsible behavior, we can minimize our carbon footprint on open areas and keep the trails open to us. He also saw people doing things incorrectly and getting hurt, which is why he recommends this book for 4wheelers of any level. TAP recommended, TAP read and a MUST for your holiday wish list.
These are on OUR holiday wish-list. We use deflators that are not pre-set to a specific psi and they work fine, BUT these are so much easier! We wheel with people who have/use them and have been able to borrow and use them on our rigs on several occasions. Once you have them set, label the psi and keep it there. Get a couple of different sets if you tend to run primarily on a couple of different terrains (example: I run off-road at about 15 psi and 10 psi in sand…those are my two most frequent psi settings). The deflators come in two separate adjustment ranges: 15-40 psi and 5-20 psi. They are made in the USA and come with a limited life time warranty. TAP note to Santa…..please deliver Xmas Day!
Performing a winch involved recovery is potentially dangerous. Use of the proper techniques is very important. This bandana outlines the “Vehicle Recovery Plan” and lays out steps for a “Winch Rigging Check Walk Through” to enable you to identify and verify every element of the rigging before you commit to the pull.
This little gem can be packed in your recovery kit and pulled out for some quick reminders or pointers when needed. Note: THE YELLOW BANDANA IS OUT OF STOCK AS OF 11/23/16
The bandanas come in a variety of colors and are a perfect “quick reference” tool. Warning: These are NOT substitutes for proper winch training and please be sure to use equipment that is within the bounds of their safe working load. TAP’s very own Head of Security, BlueDog particularly likes this item as it’s adds style to his weekend adventures!
The Tembo Tusk Skottle grill is a TAP endorsed product and probably our favorite piece of camp gear. We use ours when camping and appreciate the ease of use and flexibility it offers. This grill is compact, doesn’t take much room in your rig and is very easy to set up, use and clean. The center of the grill holds the most heat while the areas around the perimeter are used as a warmer. A TAP favorite is carne asada. To clean the grill, pour some water on it, let it boil, scrape it, wipe it dry then put a light coat of olive oil to keep it seasoned and ready for it’s next use.
Easy set up, easy cleaning and take down. Doesn’t take up much room in the rig. TAP endorsed.
So, there’s a our first list to get you started thinking about what you would like this holiday season to make your overland journeys just that much more enjoyable, easy, safe and fun.
TAP into Adventure!
Do you have any holiday gift ideas, or items that you want to share about? Let us hear from you in our Forums!
