04-14-2019, 08:28 PM
TJB, popeye's spot on. 
Start with what you're familiar with, then adjust. That's what I'm doing... with a LOT of adjustments.
Mmmm... guac & chips!
Jack, great thread!
Some additions...
At least four flashlights:
one on you at all times (e.g. a cheap "fauxton" micro squeeze keychain flashlight);
one in the front of the van (glovebox/etc) mainly for driving & under the hood;
one in the bedroom area (rigged for easy findage);
and at least one headlamp.
None of them has to be high end.
Each of my flashlights cost $5 or less.
You can buy a 10 pack of "fauxtons" for about $5, for example:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I9EICI/
I carry one on my key ring, one in my cargo pocket emergency kit, a few on the zippers of sundry bags, and the rest as spares & gifts.
A couple years ago, Walmart started carrying a one dollar headlamp, that I couldn't resist trying out. It's actually a lot better than my old $10-ish one!
It's not super bright, but is good enough for most tasks.
When I had my life-changing-rental-from-Hell, I used it extensively during my moveout (predator landlord was a reverse-vamp so I was only safe at night), and was so impressed that I bought a 2nd for my first aid kit & as a backup.
Last night, I checked my oil around dusk, and had my jacket flashlight in my teeth, when I sheepishly realized I should have used my headlamp.
Next time.
I converted to rechargeable batteries more than a decade ago, and have enough backups that I can go about a month without recharging any... except during migration when I take lots more pictures.
Popeye: you do mean "lots of paper maps", right?!?
Yesterday, I was parked in a state park when a semi-lost female hiker tentatively approached me & asked for directions. She had decent gear & enthusiasm, but clearly had never taken a navigation course. I quickly showed her how to properly fold & orient the state park map, we put our heads together and figured out where she needed to go.
I love turning people on to traditional no-electronics nav tools.
Start with what you're familiar with, then adjust. That's what I'm doing... with a LOT of adjustments.
Mmmm... guac & chips!
Jack, great thread!
Some additions...
At least four flashlights:
one on you at all times (e.g. a cheap "fauxton" micro squeeze keychain flashlight);
one in the front of the van (glovebox/etc) mainly for driving & under the hood;
one in the bedroom area (rigged for easy findage);
and at least one headlamp.
None of them has to be high end.
Each of my flashlights cost $5 or less.
You can buy a 10 pack of "fauxtons" for about $5, for example:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I9EICI/
I carry one on my key ring, one in my cargo pocket emergency kit, a few on the zippers of sundry bags, and the rest as spares & gifts.
A couple years ago, Walmart started carrying a one dollar headlamp, that I couldn't resist trying out. It's actually a lot better than my old $10-ish one!
It's not super bright, but is good enough for most tasks.
When I had my life-changing-rental-from-Hell, I used it extensively during my moveout (predator landlord was a reverse-vamp so I was only safe at night), and was so impressed that I bought a 2nd for my first aid kit & as a backup.
Last night, I checked my oil around dusk, and had my jacket flashlight in my teeth, when I sheepishly realized I should have used my headlamp.
Next time.
I converted to rechargeable batteries more than a decade ago, and have enough backups that I can go about a month without recharging any... except during migration when I take lots more pictures.
Popeye: you do mean "lots of paper maps", right?!?
Yesterday, I was parked in a state park when a semi-lost female hiker tentatively approached me & asked for directions. She had decent gear & enthusiasm, but clearly had never taken a navigation course. I quickly showed her how to properly fold & orient the state park map, we put our heads together and figured out where she needed to go.
I love turning people on to traditional no-electronics nav tools.
"Cause how you get there is the worthier part." Shephard Book to Kaylee, Firefly
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2019-Dec update:
I've escaped Winter!
2019-Dec update:
I've escaped Winter!
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