Problem: No backpack or shoulder straps

I have been looking for solutions to coping with the inability to carry a backpack or use anything requiring shoulder straps.  I’ve found some useful solutions for other issues, things like the “Wilder-Gimp” are wonderful, and while I haven’t tried it, it isn’t a solution for someone who can’t use both arms.  Even navigating a shopping cart with one hand can be a challenge on a level floor, so managing a cart of any kind over a trail doesn’t sound like a good solution for that situation.

I think I might have come up with one though.

With the concept of pushing something in front ruled out, that leaves the idea of pulling something behind  as a potential option.  At the same time, since the use of a walking stick greatly aids in maintaining one’s stability on the trail, tying up the lone “good arm” with a wagon handle doesn’t sound too brilliant either.

My idea is a quick release buckle on a wide hip belt, with the cart’s tow line attached at the center of the back.  Traditional child’s wagons are a good width, but their wheels and tongue aren’t adequate for the job they would be assigned to do.  Most garden carts are too wide, heavy, and sluggish to spend a day being tugged along narrow hiking trails, and would present a huge problem when faced with obstacles that require assistance to cross, such as rivers, creeks, and gullies.

I’m envisioning something using a 16″ bicycle wheel because they are easily obtained, match the wheels on our bicycle trailer, have good clearance for minor obstacles, and are large enough to not beat the wagon itself as it navigates the trailer.  It would have to have a  handle that would allow it to be used to push the trailer, as well as a tongue handle to allow it to be pulled easily.  By making it have a large enough capacity to carry two backpacks, two sleeping bags, and a tent, it could be used by a couple, allowing them to alternate pulling the cart through the day.  That means it needs to be capable of a 75 pound payload.

While two wheels can be used on a dolly, that doesn’t have the weight capacity and stability we’re seeking, so we would need at least three wheels.  In addition, many parts of the country, including where we live, has a lot of water, and if the cart is capable of floating while fully loaded, it would make it a lot easier to cross bodies of water, otherwise, if it is more than 12″ deep, carrying  the cart across would be necessary.

Now it’s sounding like a little boat on wheels, which is a bit whacky, I suppose.

So, we want it about 18″ wide, and no more than 36″ long, with a handle that extends up on both the front and the back.  the front wheel is going to have to pivot somehow in order to make it easy to turn, whether it has a front pair of wheels or a single wheel.  The front handle should be able to be folded back, like the tongue on a child’s wagon.

Okay, great idea…if you own a machine shop, I suppose.  I don’t, and I’m also not able to do extensive work of this nature.  So what kind of a solution would I find by searching online?

I knew I’d have to give up some things, but the width was really important.  Any narrower than 18″, and it wouldn’t work too well for holding a backpack.  If it was too wide, it wouldn’t be able to be used on a typical hiking trail. Too long, and it’s apt to high center as we cross obstacles, as well as having a poor turning radius.

Amazon.com, that amazing super-internet-store, but one also well known to be reasonable secure to shop with, had a number of wagons.  At first, I was mostly searching in regards to a wooden wagon, but those seemed to be mostly for the typical tote-the-kid-around-the-block types.  While there isn’t anything wrong with that, that’s not exactly what I had in mind either.

I found something that looks like it would work with minimal modifications.  It’s called the “Tricam FR110-2 Farm & Ranch 400-Pound Capacity Steel Utility Cart, Green“.

Triton green steel utility cart from Amazon.

It won’t float.  It doesn’t have 16″ bicycle wheels, although they are air filled, which could be a problem if a puncture occurs.  They are fat, which means more resistance than a bicycle wheel would have, but they are 10″, which is a decent size.    It has a tongue, and the reviews indicate that it does have a tight turning radius.

A strap could be attached to the tongue that then fastened to a wide hip belt with a quick release buckle.  It has plenty of cargo capacity, as I seriously doubt that we’d ever load 400 lbs onto a cart to take along on a hike.  It could do double duty by helping haul things around the yard too.  The deck is two inches longer than what my target size was, since it is 34″ long.  It costs $88.31, with a free shipping option, via Amazon.  That’s not a bad price, especially with good reviews from other purchasers.

While we could probably come up with something to bolt onto the cart to allow someone to push from the back, I’m not sure it would do much good after thinking about it some more.  With the pivoting front wheels, steering would still be a potential problem.  That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t use a handle on the back.  That rear handle would allow a second person to slow the cart’s descent down a slope, as well as provide something to grab to help get it over obstacles or even to help carry it across them.  In fact, it might be a good idea to bolt handles to the sides, just for that purpose.

That leaves the belt and the straps.  For the hip belt, nylon seatbelt webbing is available from Seattle Fabrics for $1.50 per yard.  3/4″ black webbing, also from Seattle Fabrics, is only $.65 per yard and would be perfectly adequate to use from the belt to the tongue, freeing up the person playing draft horse’s hands.  A side release buckle runs $1.85 from Seattle Fabrics.  3/4″ buckles, of which we’d need 2, (one for the belt and one for the handle end) runs  $.85 per buckle.

Obviously, the belt and strap will be the least expensive part of the project.

On considering the belt, while seatbelt weave nylon straps are going to distribute the resistance of the cart over it’s entire width, it’s still depending on the person’s clothing providing adequate padding to prevent chafing, bruising, etc.  It may require pads to be attached, and that part…I’ve not worked out entirely yet.

Even so, it looks like I could assemble a prototype from the cart and straps for about $100-120, including shipping and some relatively simple modifications.  That’s not bad, actually, especially when compared to taking a design to a shop and asking for custom fabrication.

 

Do it yourself gear: the folding table

Years ago, I bought a folding table for camping, and it was one of my best investments for complaining knees.  No more squatting beside a fire or stove placed on the ground, stirring a bowl of pancake batter or scrambling eggs.  I was amazed at the level of luxury that having an efficient folding camp table and a chair made for my camping excursions, along with a good three season tent and a cot.  I felt like I was on a luxury trip instead of roughing it, freezing at night, and waking up with assorted aches and pains.  It was about the same time that I discovered that a large furry dog at your feet was the best “heating pad” for cold tootsies ever too.  There is nothing as luxurious as wiggling cold toes into thick, plush fur that is warmed to a perfect temperature by the patient dog wearing it.

The table I bought had a wood slat top that fit over nipples sticking out of the top of the scissoring leg assembly, similar to the very familiar camping chairs sold everywhere today.  Disassembled, the rolled up top fastened with velcro and packed, along with the legs, in a nylon carry sack.  Probably weighing about 20-25 lbs, it wasn’t something  you’d take along on a backpacking trip, but it was ideal for my solitary Jeep-side camps in the canyons and mountains of Arizona.  It also made the trip with me to New Orleans when I moved there, serving as a temporary computer desk and as a dining table until furniture was purchased.  Over a decade later of somewhat hard use, it has died after the failure of the leg assembly.  The top wasn’t in particularly good condition either, sporting numerous grease and scorch marks.  It was only then that I began to shop for a replacement  and was somewhat dismayed to discover that it seems to no longer be manufactured and sold, instead similar tables have flimsy aluminum or vinyl clad tops.  While these may be lighter, the aluminum bends and the vinyl does more than merely scorch–it can burn and melt at much lower temperatures than the wood table had.  In addition, the prices had also gone up substantially, leaving me somewhat disappointed in the more modern offerings of compact camping tables.

That left me wondering…could it be possible to recreate a table like this from a home shop with minimal tools?

Thank goodness for a couple of resources: YouTube and Instructables.

There is the “picnic” style table made from a single sheet of plywood, complete with benches, which looked like a good idea for a couple such as my husband and myself, although we do prefer the flexibility of having separate chairs…the benches might be a great idea simply for a place to set our supplies and cooler, with our chairs at either end of the table.   It disassembles into flat pieces for storage and transport, and assembles just as easily.  It appears to use a saw and a router to achieve the basic construction, although a sander might be a good idea too.  The video is here, and the plans are here.

For a more compact table for transporting and storing, there is a shorter version of the roll up table.  From the design, I don’t think it would be wise to try to create one at normal “table” height without some major modifications to the design.  The plans call for the table to be roughly 12″ high, which is suitable for alongside a chair, and is better than nothing when it comes to a work surface.  It’s also fairly simple to construct, as well as assemble/disassemble.  Here are the instructions for it.  If I was to make one for myself, I’d be very interested in whether or not it would work at about 18″ high, which would make it a lot easier to work with when seated at a chair beside it.  (Chair seats seem to be 18-22″ off of the ground usually.)

Camping gear and dreaming?

Okay, I’ll confess, I love surfing the internet and looking at the weird, wacky, wild, and ultra cool things people come up with for camping.  Believe me, they are out there, even if you haven’t seen them in the same campgrounds you were in.  Gypsy Vardo campers, sheepherder wagons, teardrops, concept campers, fanciful tents, amazing extreme camping, cliffhangers, and tree camping are all possibilities that we could entertain.

Things like I had never thought about screen printed ADULT tents…like a wedge  tent that was screen printed to look like a slice of watermelon…or have a silhouette of a couple kissing.  (Here it is.  There are other designs too.) While the page shows the photos, it doesn’t list retailers or the manufacturer.

There is also a suspended tent, rather like an overgrown triple hammock with a center area for…socializing?  Climbing out of that tent half asleep come morning could mean that first step was a real doozy though!  (Take a look here.)  For a bit, I thought that it might be cool to use in the bayous and swamps along the Gulf Coast…until I remembered that some of the alligator baits are hung over six feet above the water.  I have to admit…alligators of substantial size really intimidate me.  Their ability to lurk, unseen, under the water for hours is also kind of creepy.  I think I’ll stick to dry land camping on the ground…out of gator space!

If camping doesn’t give you enough thrills and chills…there is also what is known as “extreme camping.”  While it’s not my cup of tea, neither is rock climbing.  I like my trails to be more horizontal, I guess.  For the adrenaline junkie though, the idea of sleeping suspended on the side of a cliff can be exhilarating, as well as welcome rest after hours of tense climbing.  I can’t help but wonder how these set ups are carried and put together while dangling precariously on the face of a cliff.  (Take a look at some options here.)

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the armchair adventurer, although today, many real world adventurers use technology to prepare for their experiences.  One such offering is a video tour of several trails, with a full panoramic view much like Google Maps offers for many locations.  (Take a look at the article here.)  Few of us are ever going to visit every single one of America’s National Parks, as much as we may want to, because of issues like jobs, time, money, and the price of gasoline.  That doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate them from a distance though, and being able to experience some of that beauty without having to take two week off of work to drive half of that time, only to arrive for a hurried hike to see the “hot spots” of the park before a rush to return home again.

That price of gasoline is going to be a contributing influence in everyone’s life, whether or not they are trying to reduce their use of fossil fuels in general.  Many of us have added bicycles, combined trips, or even started using smaller transportation such as scooters or motorcycles for many trips.  Few of us can afford the gas guzzling work horses on the highway that are capable of pulling massive campers or one of the “land yacht” motorhomes that have every amenity under the sun included.  At the same time, we have an aging population, and many of us are facing increasingly more restrictive physical limitations that mean that our days of backpacking and remote campsites in micro-sized tents with ultra light beds are in our pasts.  The desire to continue camping with that connection with nature may still be with us though, and finding a solution requires some creative thinking at times.  That’s what led me to the next bit.

The teardrop camper seems like the ideal solution for not-as-young-as-we-once-were but still not ready for the rocking chair segment of our population.  With their small size and light weight, these campers are not the ostentatious-and-obnoxious-blaring-television type of “Recreational Vehicle” that many of us have spent a lifetime scorning.  Almost anyone, from a bicyclist to a motorcyclist to the most compact of cars or the most suburban of mini-vans can manage one of appropriate size too.  (Okay, so the bicyclist and motorcyclists better not be claustrophobic or of substantial size…but that’s the way it goes!)  These campers can be ultra simple, with not much more than an enclosed platform for  a foam mattress to much more complex container with solar power and climate control.  Traditionally, they were made of aluminum skinned wood, often with wood trim left visible, and were practically works of art on their own.  Today, a few commercial models are available, and more are likely to start becoming available with their booming popularity.  (Just watch at any campground when a teardrop pulls in of any kind–people have to inquire about it!)

I really am enthusiastic about teardrops, and it is actually on our list of “to-do when we can afford to do” things.  We may purchase one and we may opt for the slower but more customizable option of building our own.  That hasn’t been decided–we’re in the early stages of researching for the entire project.  Supposedly, a home built teardrop averages in the $1500-3000 price range, depending on features and the cost of critical parts.  Purchased ones seem to run $10,000-$25,000 depending on features and style.  Some custom models from smaller builders are consistently in the $5000-8000 range that seem to be very comparable to the more expensive bigger companies models too.

For us, whether we invest time and money or just money, it’s a huge investment.  We don’t want it to turn out to be a mistake.  I have some legitimate concerns, such as the fact that I am claustrophobic and I know that if I feel too confined inside of the camper, I’ll be miserable and I’ll hate it.  It also has to have air conditioning, as a side effect of some of my health problems is my intolerance of heat, especially for sleeping.  Thinking about this camper is partially to allow me to continue summer camping, with the option of retreating inside when the heat begins to become a problem, as well as to be able to sleep at night.  (The South never cools down much at night due to the high humidity.)  Therefore, air conditioning is a must-have, and it has to be a place I can retreat in comfort to read or use the laptop during the day too.

That’s a tall order for a space that original models had measured off with 48″x72″ and a head height of 48″ for the “indoors” space.  Add three dogs and two adults, and watch claustrophobia reign supreme!

Thankfully, with today’s materials and engineering, the spaces have managed to get a bit larger while still remaining lightweight and easy to tow.  With an average mid-sized vehicle, even the largest of the teardrops are still do-able.

With the climate in our home region in mind, I can’t help but worry about rot in terms of our teardrop.  Wood and moisture are not a good combination, and no one can say the coastal region is dry.  (As I look out upon the lake that was a yard yesterday before the latest rain storm, it’s brought home once again too.)  Therefore, Egg Camper’s “Teardropp” is appealing with its rot proof and low maintenance molded fiberglass body.  It has a different looking design for the rear hatch as well, making it look as though we could easily stow our bicycles inside the camper for traveling, removing them when we arrived at our destination for use.  The bed is also raised, which means the issue of climbing inside the camper during a downpour doesn’t mean crawling into bed with your soggy clothes and shoes along with you.  (Another huge plus in this area!)

I haven’t been able to take a look at one in person, it seems that the Gulf Coast doesn’t have an overabundance of RV dealers who carry teardrops at this point.  Still, it is on my list of “highly interesting ideas”.

That’s not the end of my search though.  We have friends who are devout motocross fans, and love taking their dirt bikes and atv on trips, which seems sometimes to be their sole motivation to camping.  While we’re not fans, we have considered a scooter as alternate transportation, but the difficulty of taking it along while using a teardrop camper was somewhat of a dilemma.  The scooter would allow us to tour an area cheaply, while the camper and regular vehicle were comfortable for camping and distance travel.  One company has solved that issue with a sort of hybrid camper that comes in with a “fully equipped” weight of 1250 lbs.  That’s a bit heavier, especially with the added weight of a scooter inside of it, than the average teardrop, but it also has an interior kitchen and standing room, in addition to the convertable/folding bed.  With that said, Micro-Lite’s Car-Go Xtreme is still quite attractive.  Unfortunately, it’s another company without dealers in this region or a MSRP on the website, so I have no idea which ball park this trailer is priced in.

The idea of building our own camp trailer isn’t new.  Originally, I had said I wanted a trailer with a kitchen for camping, as well as cargo/storage space for our camping gear, and a space we can sleep in during exceptionally adverse weather.  With a couple of more years down the road, and some new health problems, my criteria has shifted.  Now, I want indoor, climate controllable sleeping space, with the ability to use it as seating space during the heat of the day, if necessary, as well as a retreat during those days when it’s just plain cold, wet, and miserable outdoors.  (We’ve all had trips with days like that!)  While I am not demanding luxury, complete with indoor toilet and shower, I don’t want us to be on an extended trip and feeling like a night or two in a motel is essential either.  Today, most campgrounds offer hot showers and indoor flush toilets, and if we’re in the boonies, we haven’t forgotten how to cope!

There are also more fanciful designs that could be considered, ranging from the Gypsy Vardo to a sheepherder wagon complete with wood stove heat.  (Not that creating heat is usually much of a concern in the South!)  In our case, I am really more concerned about a compact space that is comfortable and convenient, as well as easy-t0-tow so that our gas mileage doesn’t drop to unreasonable levels.  We are also naturally as well as essentially frugal–we really don’t like spending more than we need to or buying unnecessary items.  At the same time, we’re not fond of wasting our money on “junk” or making poor purchase decisions, as both of these are a waste in our opinions.  Hence I’ll be researching this project, for both purchase and building it ourselves, for quite some time before we make a firm decision.  I will admit though…we are leaning towards the idea of building it ourselves, if we live in a place that is conducive to doing so at the time we are ready to do so.  In order to build one yourself, a protected location (minimal is a carport, garage is better) is absolutely essential to protect from weather during  critical stages.  It rains far too much here to dream of trying to do it with nothing more than a tarp covering.  At the same time, building a garage or renting a garage in order to have that protected space would add enough cost to the project that it may be decided that we would be better off to buy one.

But sometimes…the romantic image of the Gypsy Vardo or the rustic image of that sheepherder wagon are very appealing!  I will try very hard though, to remain focused on the “easy to tow” portion of our concept.  I do wish that I was proficient at using CAD software…it would be so much easier!

 

Teardrops…an answer to a problem?

Teardrop campers.  They’ve been around for about 70 years now, and while the originals were probably far more tank-like than we’d want to have to tow behind the average family car today, they were…and are…the smallest campers on the market.  They also have a do-it-yourself option, as well as professionally designed and constructed models.

So why consider a teardrop camper?

For me, there were the issues of health problems leading to a serious issue with summertime camping.  I cannot tolerate the heat, especially when trying to sleep.  Living in the South, that means camping was out from about May until October.  For my partner, arthritis meant that cold wasn’t making it fun anymore either, especially sleeping on the cold ground, no matter how much insulation we had under us.

We’re also frugal, as well as “fiscally challenged.”  That means that we do not like to spend more than we need to, as well as cannot afford to spend much on anything.  Buying a fancy camper or RV is fine and dandy, until you realize that you can’t afford to take it on the road.  With gas prices predicted to hit new all time highs again this summer, no one wants a gas guzzling anything on the highway.

In addition, our mini-van can’t pull a “normal” sized camper efficiently.  We don’t want to get a vehicle with a bigger motor–it would also use more gasoline, and like most people, our camping is a small portion of our actual driving.  It just doesn’t make financial sense to invest more money to spend more money!

For years, as the duly elected camp cook, I had been saying that I needed a “kitchen trailer” that could be packed with the things I needed, and just stay packed, instead of loading totes and equipment into the van for each trip, then toting it into camp, only to pack it up and tote it home again.  As all camp cooks know, there are lots of volunteers when its meal time, but they all seem to disappear when it is time to do the dishes OR pack up the kitchen!

Having spent many nights in tents that had a pinhole right over MY side of the bed…or a leak in the floor…or water tracked in from the downpour outside…I knew that having a place to sleep that was out of the weather was also nice.  It is also fantastic when you pull into your campsite, whether in a primitive area or a campground, and don’t have an hour of set up to accomplish before you can relax.  It is also nice that when it’s time to go home, you don’t have to start breaking down and packing up three hours before departure, essentially sucking away that last half-day of your trip.

That’s why the teardrop camper sounds like a great idea to me.  Here’s why:

• Rear access kitchen is great for a couple or when cooking for a group with integrated storage and cooking surface.
• Interior has a sleeping surface that is indoors and can be climate controlled with air conditioner and furnace.
• Interior can also hold additional camping gear such as tent, hammocks, chairs, screen room, canopy, etc. for travel.
• Light weight, it can be towed by almost any vehicle, adding little to the cost of traveling by increased gas consumption.
• On extended trips, it’s actually possible to get a comfortable night’s sleep in your teardrop in a rest area, etc. rather than actually stopping at a campground to just sleep.

So the next question is…do you want to do it yourself or buy a professionally manufactured model?

That’s not as easy to answer for many people.  Building one yourself does require some skills that many of us may not have, as well as tools and work space to do it in.  It requires time too.  There are lots of plans out there to do it yourself, and there are some beautiful home made ones out there.  With that said, for domestic peace, many people may want to purchase one already built.

That’s where I decided I’d look first.  I really had no idea what was on the market or how much they cost.  For us, a big part of the whether-or-not-to-do-it-ourselves depends on prices.  We really don’t have the time, tools, or workspace to devote to building one, and I can see it disrupting our domestic tranquility immensely on the road to completion.  (Yeah, remember those honey-do lists?  Even inquiring on their status an earn a wife the label of “nag”.)

• Little Guy Trailers has a number of models.  Unfortunately, their website doesn’t include the MSRP, so I tried to find a dealer within reasonable driving distance.  There is one in Alabama, but the website kept erroring, leaving me frustrated on that front.  From what I could tell from my brief look at the dealer’s sparse website, it seems that their trailers are in the $8-10K range.
• Signa Tour Campers is another manufacturer.  Their models seem pretty sparse, and while they had MSRP for their standard models, they didn’t offer prices on options like air conditioning, which is very important in our case.  Their base models range from $3-6K.  Their models are rather “bare bones” and don’t offer anything in terms of a galley.  They are also the least expensive of the models I’ve found.
• Cozy Cruiser was next, and their model was pretty sharp looking by anyone’s standards.  It also runs about $13K and is built in Oregon, requiring buyers to arrange for pick up or delivery.  That’s a long ways from Mississippi to transport even a teardrop camper.  Even so, it did have a nice looking galley and appeared to have some very classic styling.
• Camp Inn had some trailers that really did appeal to me, and being manufactured in Florida was also nice.  I liked their website too, which was well designed and easy to navigate. Their trailers, available in several configurations, run about $8-19K, depending on which model with which accessories.  I can really see me in one of their 560 Ultra models.
• Big Woody Campers is a much smaller operation.  From the website, I wasn’t absolutely sure they are still building campers at all, as they still had references to placing orders to be ready for the 2011 camping season.  They also didn’t offer a model with air conditioning built in, which was high on my list of “must have” features.  They do, however, offer plans as well as a “U Finish” model.  The “U Finish” model has the exterior complete, and the buyer then finishes the interior and galley themselves.  That’s kind of a neat option if you are skilled but want to get a jump start, as the frame and skinning of the trailer seems to be the hardest and most time consuming part of construction.
• Texas Teardrops is another small company with an attractive model at five feet wide.  With a base price just under $6K, they do offer an air conditioning option, as well as numerous other options, such as the “marriage saving device” known as the second door.  I can see where the second door would be a very important feature as well.
• I’m not sure Utilitoy is still making trailers.  Their website is pretty bare bones, just like the trailer, although the photographs show a simple convertible utility/camping trailer that has two beds (1 queen, 1 full) television, and an air conditioner.  No galley though, and you have to email them for a quote on prices.
• Tiny Trailers also has no prices on their website.  These look like the traditional teardrops, and little is said about options or customizing one with an air conditioner.  This company is also based in Washington.
• TC Teardrops is based in Wisconsin and is another small builder.  Their trailers run from $3450-5000, plus options, but they don’t list air conditioning on their website.  The trailers seem to be pretty traditional in design, although the galleys don’t appear to be as “pretty” as  some.  Their largest model comes at about 950 lbs empty, so they aren’t featherweights in this category.
• JD Trailers offers a very bare bones model.  It’s got the right shape and exterior, but the curved rear does not form the hatch, and there is no galley.  At $3995, it’s not the cheapest on the market, but it is one of the lowest priced models.  Their website also offers a neat pop up motorcycle camper.
• Treehouse Trailers make a trailer that puts a whole new meaning on “woody.”  They have gorgeous exteriors, although the interiors and galleys are a mystery.  Based in Oregon, their trailers run $3-9K and look like very custom creations.
• Compact Construction seems to make two products: Murphy beds and tear drop trailers.  Other than both using wood, I’m not sure what they have in common though!  In either case, the trailers look sharp in the photos, and are pretty traditional.  Once again, no mention of air conditioning in them.
• Teardrop Trailer Parts has some trailers for sale, both finished and as kits.  These finished trailers seem to run from $5-9K each.  They also have various components to price if you are considering building your own.
• Tears O’ Joy seems to be one guy doing custom work, not that there is anything wrong with that.  It just means that there will be a much more individualized process and pricing schedule to go with it.  As of this point, I’m not sure he’s still building trailers or how long it takes to get a trailer from him.  He’s got a great site though, so it is worth taking a look at.
• Eggcamper Teardrop is a composite molded teardrop camper made in Michigan.  I like it because the bed is raised from the floor, allowing the campers to get in out of the weather and remove shoes/raincoat without anybody or the bed getting wet and muddy.  It looks like the rear galley may be open to the interior sleeping space…which sounds fine until you realize that here in the South, we not only have the heat and humidity, but an ample supply of biting insects to go with it.  No mention is made of my heart’s desire (air conditioning) either.  It’s supposed to be just under $10K.
• Teardrop72 is based in Utah and does entirely custom work with their base model starts at $3795, plus options.  While they don’t list air conditioning on their list, they do state that about anything can be added, so I’m sure it’s possible–just the price would be a mystery.  They are classic style, with few frills in the galley area, but the price tag is among the lowest in the list too.  It also doesn’t come with some of the things some models do, such as mattress, stove, etc.
• Quicksilvers has trailers designed to carry dogs…or their larger teardrops for humans.  Their high end model lists for $8500.  The photos on the website are mostly of exteriors, leaving the interiors somewhat mysterious.
• Silver Tears does mostly custom work from what their website indicates, and the prices are apparently just as customized.  Based in Virginia, the photos indicate that they produce very custom trailers with some very nice touches.
• Mega Minis is based in Indiana, and does custom teardrops just over $7K for the base models.  Of course, adding a couple of packages of their options, such as their convenience package and their comfort package, and it will run about $10K.  Their shape is a bit boxier, and the appearance inside seems more RV-like than custom hobbyist appearing.
• R-Pod by Forest River is really pushing the whole “teardrop” to the absolute limit.  It’s got a lot, but it is also about twice as heavy as the average traditional teardrop.  Even so, it does stay under the 3000# limit, I’m just afraid of the damage it would wreak on gas mileage.  Still, for a family with kids, this might be a better compromise.

I’m sure that’s not everybody.  I know I did not include any that were pop up or used fabric side/roofs.  There are a lot of ideas there too.  It also tells me that they don’t have to be expensive, although how much of their cost is passed on if you are buying a used teardrop camper.  Next, I suppose I’ll have to check out those who offer plans and designs.

 

 

Female urination device

I’ll confess, I had never heard of a “female urination device” until fairly recently.  At first, I was highly skeptical about how efficiently they would work–I’ll admit, I had visions of a massive mess and total inconvenience.  I also haven’t bought my first female urination device, or FUD as they are often called, but it IS on my shopping list.

It is designed to allow women to urinate standing up.  No more embarrassing, inconvenient, and messy exercises in squatting in the bushes or dangling your butt over the side of the fishing boat would be necessary.  It’s supposed to be far more discrete, as well as sanitary.  It also will allow women to reduce their usage of dubious public toilets.

I’ll admit, dangling my butt over the edge of the boat always is accompanied by some horrific mental scenarios.  In one, I fall over board, and since I can no longer swim at all due to a disability, I proceed to drown, because I’m also incapable of hauling myself back into the boat, even with my husband’s help.  Alternate endings to that involve alligators or sharks (depending on where we are) deciding that rump roast is on their menu.  I hate it.  I avoid drinking and risk dehydration to reduce the number of butt-hangings that are required in a day.  In addition, there was also the continual worry about an approaching boat or unobserved viewer from shore.

Then, a couple of young ladies I know acquired them and began raving about these  FUDs.  For the first time, a solution appeared.  One of these ladies suggested practicing in the shower to get the knack down, while the other said she never bothered practicing, she just used it when it became necessary while on a fishing trip.  Both swear by them for outdoor activities, and while showing the device to a woman who was unfamiliar with it, there were concerns from the uninitiated woman about its lack of sanitation, that it was dirty.

Apparently, this lady had never had the misfortune to have a job that included cleaning a public restroom.  My own urine’s residue inside of that device (the part that I don’t even touch) is the least of my worries in a public restroom.  How many times have you walked into a public restroom and thought there is no way I am going to use THAT?  I know I have refused to use a restroom only to have my husband stop a few miles out of town on a secluded side road so I could heed nature’s call.  At least with a FUD,  I could avoid SITTING on that nasty toilet!

It doesn’t matter what kind of activity you are involved in, biking, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, whatever…this compact device doesn’t weigh a lot, doesn’t take up much room, will fit in a standard jean’s pocket, and will allow you the grace of quickly managing one of nature’s calls without the butt baring and squatting while trying to keep shoes and pants out of the way too.  Women have enough assaults on their dignity without enduring any more squatting incidents if possible!

There are  a number of devices on the market, but the ones used by my friends, as well as the one I intend to order in the near future is called “Go Girl.”  Their website is found here.  It has a much better description of exactly how to use it and how it works.  Having been on trips when it is being used, I know that the women love it, are devoted to their “Go Girl”, and are thrilled to have added such a device to their repertoire of outdoors tools.

It made me envious enough to plan on purchasing one for myself.

Disabilities and the Great Outdoors

Disabilities…most of us immediately think of wheelchairs, but that isn’t the full extent of being disabled or handicapped when it comes to enjoying the many activities that occur outdoors.  Often, the disabilities that deter people from attempting to enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and all of the other things we do outdoors are nearly or completely invisible to the casual observer.  They aren’t invisible to the person dealing with them, however.

Often, when discussing these handicaps with others, they do not give any importance to enabling the person to resume their outdoor activities.  They will discount them with a shrug and point out that there are other things to do.  People who are not passionate about the Great Outdoors just don’t understand how important that being able to enjoy these activities are to maintain a good quality of life.  Having these things essentially taken away by an act of fate can make everything else about dealing with being handicapped a lot more difficult.  For their family members, often just as passionate about the Great Outdoors, there is also an accompanying loss of quality of life, as leaving a loved one behind to go and enjoy yourself isn’t exactly most people’s idea of a great weekend.

The obvious solution is to find solutions, which isn’t always easy.  Disabilities are as varied as the people who live with them.  It’s always great to see when someone comes up with an idea that works, especially when it’s an idea with a wide spectrum of issues.

This ingenious creation is called the “Wilder Gimp”.  Essentially a slightly modified jogging stroller, it can replace the ability to carry a backpack on many trails, even if it is forbidden on some parks’ trails.  It can carry oxygen for those who need that too.  It can increase a hiker’s stability if they can walk but perhaps need some assistance to maintain balance as well.  You can see this ingenious creation in this video.

While the stroller idea is a good start, the creator admits there are more modifications that would make it a better solution, such as a quick adjust handle, hand brakes, and perhaps a slightly narrower track to allow navigation on narrower trails and paths.  Fatter tires and wider wheels would also allow it to navigate soft surfaces such as beach sand much more easily.

Sometimes, solving the problems of getting ready and going outdoors takes more thought and planning.  It may require more adjustments as well, especially for equipment that needs electricity, such as oxygen concentrators and CPAP machines.  Hauling a generator along on a backpacking trip isn’t an option, but the trips can be downsized to allow the use of a campground with electricity as your base camp, and hiking from that point.

As we age, we are all presented with new challenges to maintain our outdoorsy habits.  That doesn’t mean we have to give up and stay at home though!  Our days of doing through hikes may have passed, but that doesn’t mean that we still can’t enjoy the activities we love in smaller doses and with some adapting to new issues.  It may be as simple as getting a vacuum sealer to allow vacuum sealing of daily medications to protect them from moisture while on a backpacking trip or it may be as complicated as figuring out how to take medical equipment with us, but they aren’t all going to be restrictions that end your days of enjoying the things you love.

Car camping made easy?

Car camping…it sounds pretty easy, right?  You just load your gear into your car/truck/van, and head off to your great camping adventure, no backpacking and blistered feet required.

Yeah, right.

I could probably write an entire book about all the things that have gone wrong on the car camping trips I have been on.  Seriously.  It’s ranged from running out of food to being run out of camp by skunks and coons.  Things CAN go wrong.  Things WILL go wrong.  Accepting that is half of the battle, being prepared for almost anything that can go wrong can be another story.

First and foremost rule is Do Not Overpack.  What fun is it in the trip if it takes two days to cram it all into the car, then another half day to set things up, followed by losing your entire last day taking it down?  That’s turning the entire camping experience into drudgery, and why go through all of that?  I’ve spent some camping trips where I started preparing the week before, slaving away every minute after work for the entire week…trying to be loaded and ready to go the minute I got done with work on Friday.  We arrived at our campsite late on Friday, hungry and tired, and now we have to set up camp.

As a single parent, I’ll give you one guess who the pack mule was who was now going to have to unload and set up camp.

It didn’t take long for me to learn a few ways to make it all easier.

When delegating chores to someone, especially kids, accept the fact that you are going to have to check that they actually did what you told them to.  Sometimes, this seems like more work than just doing it yourself, but don’t be tempted to give in.  Eventually, they will learn to pack their clothing properly, but hopefully it won’t be by not having any clean underwear on that week long camping trip…at least not when you are in charge!  Make lists, have them pack it, but then go through it.  It doesn’t matter if its neat–who really cares if they look like orphans on the camping trip?  That is their option…you just need to make sure that they have appropriate clothing for the season, activities, length of stay, and weather.  Every trip should include underwear, socks, short sleeve shirt, t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, jeans, spare shoes, and a jacket.  Add a hat, shorts, swim suit, etc. as appropriate.

Don’t forget the hygiene kits.  This is where your soap, shampoo, wash cloth, towel, toothpaste, tooth brush, razor, and shaving cream are put.  Always pack all liquids sealed inside of a zip close bag–you will save yourself some aggravation over leaking containers.

Plan your meals, pack the food, and then…pack one extra day’s food in the box.  That is your “just-in-case” food because things can go wrong.  NEVER plan on eating fish you’ve caught, etc. because Mother Nature can be moody.  If you have packed shelf stable food, you are in business.  It won’t spoil before you use it, and you have options.  Make sure you have appropriate snacks too–outdoor activities and appetites go together.  If you are the chief cook and bottle washer, you might want to plan on quick and easy meals too.  After all, part of the fun of camping is that everyone enjoys it.

Pots and pans…for many of the car campers, we simply raid the kitchen for our camping kit.  That’s fine, but be a minimalist.  You don’t need your entire array of pots and pans along for a few simple meals.  One sauce pan, one fry pan, and one “soup pot” of the right size to cook pasta for your family are about it.  Add a spatula, a big spoon, a small mixing bowl and you should be ready to go even if you are planning on grilled pizza or pancakes at camp.

Stove versus cooking on the open fire…the open fire sounds great, but weather can be moody too.  It’s hard to cook over an open fire in the rain or snow, and I’ve been stuck with both and no stove.  Fire restrictions can go into effect too, eliminating the open fire entirely.  Simplest solution is an inexpensive single burner stove.  It works no matter what the weather delivers, and it’s a LOT easier to put out when the meal is cooked.  It also doesn’t leave burn scars on the ground for a decade or more, need firewood (just fuel you bought in preparation for the trip) or get smoke in your eyes when you are trying to scramble eggs.  Stoves also don’t put massive amounts of soot on your pots and pans, making clean up easier post-camping.

Don’t forget the dishes, but you also don’t want fine china.  Disposable is fine, but if  you are using the more durable kinds of dishes, make sure they are non-breakable.  Enamelware, plastic, melamine…whatever you like…and one cup, one bowl, and one plate per person, along with a fork and spoon.  Knives are optional, and if you carry a pocket knife (good idea to do so) then you are all set.

Then there is the clean up tasks.  Put in a pot scrubber, dish cloth, and dish soap.  Typically, I use the saucepan to heat the water and either the mixing bowl or skillet as the “dish pan.”  If this isn’t to your liking, bring along a plastic dishpan.  Include paper towels, wet wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and soap with your kit.  Even in a camp ground, having toilet paper along is a good idea.  For the clean up chores, it goes a LOT easier if everyone pitches in, but..that doesn’t always happen.  Making everyone wash their own dishes is a great idea and cuts the clean up time down dramatically, especially if you have color coded or otherwise distinguishable dishes so that everyone HAS to clean up their own dishes for the next meal, without any excuses.

With your tent, include spare tent pegs, spare tie down rope, a hammer, a stake puller, and a ground cloth.  I also add a tarp big enough to top the tent, mostly because I live in an area that rains a LOT and I’ve had rain flies suddenly fail.  That tarp has saved many a camping trip!  In fair weather, that tarp has been pressed into service as a shade as well.  Also make sure you have practiced setting up and taking down your tent at home, so are aware of any issues regarding doing it either alone or with family help.  It also gives you a place to figure out ways around problems, should they occur.  I once owned a tent that was impossible to keep the poles together without another adult’s help…so my solution, since my helper was a seven year old who was best used to keep her little brother out of trouble, was a roll of masking tape.  It held the poles together long enough for me to get the thing up, then peeled away without a problem.  Sometimes ingenuity gets you past these seemingly impossible problems.

Tables and chairs…are nice, but not essential.  Even so, I’d recommend that a chair or stool for each member of the family, even the smallest, is packed up for the trip.  It just makes hanging out together much nice and more democratic.  The tables can also be nice in undeveloped sites, but most developed campgrounds have a picnic table…complete with bird poop, bugs, spiders, fire ants, etc.  If you bring a table, make sure you have room for it, can set it up easily, and then fold it up again easily.  Nobody wants to struggle with their table.

So now you have the basics that you will need, except sleeping gear.  For years, we used bedding from home, avoiding the expense of sleeping bags, but I have discovered…it’s a LOT bulkier and harder to manage, both packing and in use in the tent.  One sleeping bag, one pillow, one sleeping pad per person  and  you should be ready to go.  It’s simpler, and summer sleeping bags don’t need to be heavy unless you are going to be camping in the mountains.  (It really does get cold there at night, even in midsummer.  I have seen snow the first week of August at high enough altitudes.)

So now you have your gear, it is all packed, including the clothing in duffle bags.  What else do you need?

Every camping mom’s friend…the garbage bag.  Get a box of big ones, and pack the entire box.  I know you are wondering why, but it is simple.  Every morning, before heading out into the world, especially if you are going to be away from the campsite for the day, put your bedding and clothing into garbage bags and use a twist tie to seal them.  This is just in case–more than once, I’ve come back to camp and discovered something had gone wrong when a surprise storm had blown in, and the tent was soaked inside.  If all of your bedding and clothing is wet, plus you got wet on the trail…you are miserable and there is no choice but to pack it up and head home before someone gets seriously chilled.  It also reduces problems from curious squirrels, etc., as well as someone being nosy and looking into your tent while you are gone.  Never leave valuables in your tent–always lock them up before leaving the area.  I have never had anything stolen, but I never leave anything in easy view to tempt anyone either.  These garbage bags can also hold all sorts of things, as well as become impromptu rain ponchos.

Don’t forget the car itself.  Make sure it is mechanically sound and you have the essentials such as a spare tire and jack along with you.  Carry water and oil, just in case you need it.  Check all the fluids, belts, and hoses.  It’s best to prepare for a camping trip just as if you were planning a cross country trip, and be aware and prepared for any potential problems.  Check the wiper blades too–it is hard to drive when it is pouring rain and your wipers are worn out!

So there you have it…the basics to make your car camping trip easier.  The biggest secret is to have enough without having too much.  The more you pack, the more you will have to UNPACK when you get home too!  With efficient planning, you can actually get it down to the point where as a single camper, it will fit in your trunk or back seat and not even require unpacking!  I used to keep my kit, except for my clothing bag and my food bag, permanently packed in my Jeep…only taking it out on the rare occasions that I was going to have more than one passenger ride along with me anywhere.  My compact kit was efficient, I could be ready to leave in about fifteen minutes, and I had everything I needed for my retreats into the wilds.  Since I typically dry camped, I also needed to carry a lot of water for myself, the dog, and all washing/cooking needs.  For this, a five gallon jug was more than enough for a weekend trip.  In summer, I would add a small cooler with ice as well.

With that said…have you planned where you are going camping this year yet?  I know I’ve started planning…I’ve got some trips coming up next month, as here in the South…things start really heating up in May, and from June through September, camping in our steamy woods is not very appealing to me.

 

Camping Gear–Time to plan and shop!

It’s spring, or nearly so, depending on which part of the country you live in.  That means it’s time, finally…to start plotting on which new camping gear you are going to buy and where you will start buying it from.  While for many of us, minor items are often impulse purchases from traditional brick and mortar stores, there are fewer dedicated outdoors/camping/hiking stores than ever, courtesy of our current economy.  For the same reasons that many of these smaller, specialized shops went out of business, most of us are pinching our pennies and stretching them from coast to coast, trying desperately to get the most mileage out of them.

That means we need to do our research so that we know which makes and models are going to fit our bill, before we even begin to “window shop” the long list of websites that promise us the lowest prices.  Certain items are always high on the average camper/hiker’s shopping list.

These must-have items are going to include things such as:

• backpack, either internal or external frame
• day pack
• waist pack or lumbar pack
• hiking staff/pole
• boots/shoes
• tent
• hammock
• stove
• water bottles/canteens
• mess kit/cook kit
• water purifier/filter
• freeze dried foods

Once you’ve assessed your current gear and determined what is in need of replacement or first time purchase, it’s a good start to ask your outdoorsy friends their favorite items in those categories.  That’s how I discovered Keen shoes and sandals, which I absolutely adore.  Your choices are also going to be influenced by your plans for the upcoming season.  In my case, I don’t have a backpacking trip on my agenda, so the purchase of a new backpack takes a much lower priority.  I’m also not going to be shopping for a backpacker’s tent, instead more interested in choosing an easy-to-set-up tent for car camping/base camp.  Our hiking and biking will be based on returning to that same campsite, with easy car access, and therefore convenience and comfort outweighs compact and weight.  We also have more group trips planned, and that makes me more likely to be interested in two burner stoves rather than replacing my MSR Whisperlight International.  I’m also not going to be shopping for compact mess kits for 2 or 4 people, because I already have a very usable kit of that size…and I’m more interested in things that work for 8-12 people.

Situations such as that makes the shopping very individualized.  I’m just in a different phase of camping than my days of trekking up and down canyons now, and tend to prefer the base camp with comfort over the trails.  Even with the differences in our objectives with our spring shopping, the techniques remain the same.

1. Decide what item(s) you want.
2. Decide which brand(s) you want.
3. Decide which model(s) you want.
4. Determine how much you can afford, readjusting your wanted item, brand and model accordingly, if necessary.
5. Make a list, and update it with prices and the URL for purchasing the item.  Do NOT forget to add shipping costs!  These can vary wildly.

Once all that is done, you can now start the window shopping and review reading.  With that said, here are the places that I have shopped and been happy with my shopping experiences.

• Ebay-this is the riskiest, and “bargains” are actually rare.  Often, the beginning bid price is higher than the same item is sold by other companies, such as Amazon and Overstock, in addition, some items are coming from foreign countries, take forever, etc.  Shipping costs can be insanely high as well–always add those in when comparing prices.
• Amazon.com–this is a stand by.  Their shipping is usually reasonable, and shipping time is also usually reasonable.  The company is reliable, and that is also important.  What I really love is their reviews–these can really help make a decision.
• Overstock.com–this is another stand by.  The problem here is that it may be in stock today, and gone tomorrow, and not restocked for weeks or months, if ever.  Restocked items may also see a price increase.  For outdoors equipment, there is usually a very limited selection.  The plus side is that shipping is always $2.95 or less, no matter what the item is or how many items you ship together.  The downside is that sometimes shipping hasn’t always been exactly quick, their descriptions are sometimes rather sparse, and there are fewer reviews of an item available on their site.
• Sportsman’s Guide–I’ve bought a number of things through the years through this company, and I’ve always been happy with their service and prices.  I know other people who have bought from them and had equally as positive experiences.  Shipping is fairly reasonable, and you can check the price of shipping before confirming your order.
• Zappos.com–this company specializes in shoes, and this is where I buy my Keens, when I can afford a new pair!  They have great prices, reasonable and super fast shipping, and a reputation for customer service that most companies only dream of.  They carry a number of brands and styles of hiking shoes and boots, for both women and men.  I love this company, and so does everyone else that I know that has shopped with them.
• Online Shoes.com–I haven’t shopped with them as much as I have with Zappos, but they have good service too.  I know several other people that have also purchased from Online Shoes.com, and they were pleased as well.  They usually have a slightly different mix of styles, so if what you are in search of isn’t at Zappos…they might have it here.  Price wise, they are usually very close to Zappos.
• Sierra Trading Post–This company specializes in close outs.  That means if you get it and like it, you probably won’t be able to get any more.  I’ve only made a couple of purchases through this company, and it’s been a decade or so since I last purchased from them.  Over the past few years, prices have been lower with companies such as Amazon and Overstock.  I also prefer to know that I can buy a second one if the first was excellent.
• Coleman Outlet–We all know Coleman.  I’ve gotten a few bargains from their outlet store on their website, including a weather resistant camera case for us to carry on the bicycle.  (Nobody wants their camera to be soaked if caught in downpour!)  Reasonable shipping rates make the cut prices in the outlet stay attractive.

Obviously, I’m not a huge consumer.  My budget just isn’t big enough to allow me to sample the wares at each and every store available online.  That means I have “window shopped” at a number of other stores, wishing and drooling on many occasions, and these stores may have what you are searching for.  I have not had the experience of shopping with them, so remember…buyer beware!  I personally hate any establishment that delivers poor customer service, but I have had no experience to base my opinion on with these companies.

Campmor–They carry a wide variety of items, and their prices & shipping seem competetive.

Cabela’s--This company carries a wide variety of items as well, mostly concentrating on car campers and hunters.  They do have a deluxe kitchen that I have been drooling over for the past year, as more and more often, I spend a lot of time in a base camp with a bunch of others.  Most people think their prices are a bit on the high side for most things.

Backcountry.com–Obviously, this company has a lot of backpacker’s gear, along with other items.

REI.com–Another standard, but I’ve never bought from them.  Many people swear by them.

Eastern Mountain Sports–This company carries a lot of winter sports gear along with some camping/hiking gear.

Bass Pro Shop–Once again, a wide range of gear & clothing, but this company has a reputation also for being a bit on the premium side for prices.  I’ve bought a few items in their brick & mortar store, but never bought online from them.

Altrec.com–This company is another general outdoors sporting goods supply, with everything from winter sports to water sports, including camping and hiking.

Cheaper Than Dirt.net–I know some people that swear by this company, but it’s not had much I was interested in.  Carries a lot of military surplus and shooting gear.

Gander Mountain–Another general outdoors store.

Alpine Camping Supply–All kinds of gear for camping.

Backcountry Gear–They’ve got a lot of gear specialized for the serious camper/backpacker.

GearX.com–lots of camping & winter sports gear.

Hudson Trail Outfitters–Another general outdoor shop with everything from winter sports to camping/hiking gear.

Nitro-Pak.com--this company specializes in preparedness and freeze dried foods–perfect for camping and backpacking.

Pack Lite Foods–Food for backpacking.  Never tried any of it, and don’t know anyone who has either.

Wilderness Dining--I guess it’s obvious from their name, they specialize in the food we eat when we’re out and about.  Never tried this company either.

LDP Camping Foods–They carry a variety of meals, from pouches to cans.

This isn’t a comprehensive list of each and every company in the United States selling via the internet.  It’s just a sampling of the kinds of websites you’ll see, and the products they carry.  When you know what you want specifically, put that item into the search engine–you’ll get much more specific web addresses than what I have listed here.

Don’t forget to read reviews, but don’t take each and every review as the absolute total truth either.  Not all reviewers are equal–some bought the wrong equipment or used it inappropriately to do the job, others are just never happy, while some people wouldn’t say a bad thing about anything if their life depended on it.  Use a grain of salt with your perusal of the reviews.  One bad review for ten good ones tells me it’s probably a pretty good product.  If nine mention a problem with the door or the floor or whatever…then there is an issue.

If you need help finding reviews, try both Amazon and Viewpoints, along with other retail sites that allow reviews.  If you are looking for reviews of a particular company, type in their name followed by the word “review” and see if you can find some then.  Be creative with your searches–sometimes a slight change of word order or using a synonym will allow you to find what you are looking for.

Then, after your purchase, don’t forget…do your part to help others with a review, both the company that you made the purchase with and the item that you purchased.  Share good and bad experiences–it helps others just like us make informed choices, rewarding companies that deliver the best, and avoiding those that fail.

And, if you are a company that I neglected to include, please don’t feel slighted.  The same for those who have a favorite that isn’t included.  This list really is not complete!  You could help me out by emailing me and telling me about the unlisted company at giascott  at exogenynetwork.com

Happy shopping, but most of all, happy camping!

 

 

Do it yourself camper-it’s not impossible!

For many people, the tent is the pinnacle of perfection, providing them with a home-away-from-home that they can easily pack on their back, along with their other necessities, often for weeks at a time.  For others, it’s a tent in the trunk of their car, allowing them to roam the countryside, setting up at convenient campgrounds, often with power available for their lights, fan, and even computers.  For others, camping means roughing it in a self contained motor home, complete with washer, dryer, big screen television and generator to power it all.  For most people, the best case scenario lies between the ultra light backpack tent and the ultra luxurious motorhome.  Even that, however, can be a budget stretch to the breaking point in order to get something that suits their tastes, remains light enough for their everyday vehicle to tow, and provides appropriate space for their outdoor adventures.

This is the realm where the do-it-yourselfer has the crown.  It’s the realm of the do-it-yourself camp trailer.  This is something that really appeals to me, as we have some rather unique requirements for any trailer we’d consider building for part time travels.  I’d often said I would like a small trailer for a “kitchen trailer” with space for us to sleep when the weather was truly foul.  These days, it has an additional caveat–I want it to have air conditioning so that I can sleep when the weather is hot, as well as cool off when I become overheated during the day.  That’s a bit more than I wanted a couple of years ago before some health problems struck.  Ideally, we’d have a screen room with a waterproof roof that we could also put up, freeing us from the plague of mosquitoes and gnats that haunt the Gulf Coast most of the year, as well as giving us a rain proof place to sit and relax, as well as sheltering the entry door to the trailer.  That’s a tall order to put in, while expecting it to be easy to get in and out of, efficient, and easy to tow behind a mini-van.

The first type that comes to mind is the tear drop trailer, a proven design that provides a mobile kitchen that would adapt easily to feeding a crowd while remaining feasible for a couple as well as providing us with sleeping and cargo space, even if it is small.  What doesn’t it offer?  Bathroom facilities and a place to sit and work on our computers in foul weather, nor a place to enter/exit in foul weather without being forced to leave our shoes outside or bring the drippy things literally into our bed.  Even so, the design does bear further exploration.

Here’s one website that provides some ideas.  A pop up option would be a nice feature, especially on warm summer days, allowing the hot air to move upward (and hopefully, escape!)  In cold or foul weather, the pop up could be left down, leaving us somewhat stooped, but able to function…and the trailer easier to tow behind a mini-van.  With zipper or hook & loop closure windows in the canvas portion, it would be lightweight, flexible, weather resistant, and provide ventilation.

Inside, we need a very flexible but compact floor space.  We may be a devoted couple, but we are also realistic.  We both suffer from insomnia, just rarely at the same time.  That means that one of us may be awake and functional while the other one is sleeping, so our sole work space cannot be our sole sleeping space or there would be discord in our small abode.  In fair weather and daylight hours, it’s easy enough to just move outdoors, but when it’s nighttime or the weather isn’t so fine…it is impossible.  Granted, the one who is awake could get up, get dressed and trudge out to the van, sitting in solitude and reading or using the computer…but that’s not ideal either.  We already know that we find the traditional storage bench seat/table combination in most travel trailers to be uncomfortable, inflexible and a space hog.

A futon style fold or slide out bed would be a great space option, with folding chairs and compact tables such as used with laptops as our “tables” or a flip down table in convenient locations.  For our clothing, drawers under the “seat” portion of the bed would allow us to pull out and choose what we needed or put away things as needed.  A narrow shelf to hold an alarm clock and a cup holder (he’s notorious for spilling beverages perched precariously near the bed) would provide necessary space and secure that cup before it was knocked over.  A small counter would hold a coffee maker or the occasional slow cooker for winter time stews, beneath it would lurk a slide out shelf with the all-purpose scanner/printer that we’d need for any extended trip.  Below that would be another storage drawer, designed to hold coffee, filters, cups, creamer, sugar, and teas. The laptops would store in their cases, or on shelves overhead when we’re back and forth on them.  Extra bedding would be stowed behind the “back” of the futon when not in use.  With luck and good design, we’d have just enough room for a single captain’s chair in the cabin portion of the trailer, along with room for the “lovable loo” if necessary, storing it outside during our stay.  Obviously, cooking and cleaning are not high on the agenda for cabin activities.  Heat would be provided via a small electric heater and air conditioning from a small window unit mounted on the front of the trailer and venting over the sleeping area.

Outside, the kitchen would have storage for five gallons of water, with a rack to hold it on site to provide gravity feed water pressure to a simple sink designed to drain into a five gallon bucket for disposal.  For extended “dry” camps, extra water would have to be carried in the van or cabin.  Because our intention is to utilize campgrounds primarily, the refrigerator would be a typical “dorm size” 110 volt refrigerator, with a back up system of a cooler stored in the van if needed.  A standard fluorescent fixture would be mounted in the hatch of the rear kitchen to allow for night food preparation.  Other lights, also 110 volt, would be mounted to allow for visibility around the trailer while in campsites.

Oh the ideas that began floating through my head…

But the reality is, we have to start somewhere.  The base trailer is the foundation on which everything must stand, and I already know…this trailer I’m envisioning is 10 or 12 feet long and about 6 feet high before it’s even popped up.  It’s going to be tough to keep it under the target weight too, and that can’t be left to chance.

So the next step is obviously more research.  For all I know at this point, it may cost us more to build what we want than it would to go buy what we can and have it modified to suit us.

Our next stop was another website with more information and…plans.  Something concrete to look at that we don’t have to figure out for ourselves from scratch.  It also made me think more about scaling back the luxury qualities and maxing the economy and portability of our plans with their “Weekender” trailer that can be built in a weekend…and is suited as a “bug out” trailer in case of an emergency.  Living in hurricane country, bug out trailers sound like a mighty fine idea, although having air conditioning is nearly essential for anyone in that scenario.  Having evacuated for Katrina, the uncertainty of a serious hurricane is bad enough without compounding it with serious physical discomfort.  I really LIKE his concept and article which are found here.

We’re a long ways from going to the lumberyard, we don’t even have a cargo trailer to base it on yet, but I’m sure its feasible.  It’s time to seriously look into the project.  What could be better than getting out and enjoying yourself and still having a comfortable, warm (or cool) bed to sleep in at the end of the day?  I wonder too, if we can figure out how to put a couple of small dog crates in the trailer for our smaller family members to have their own beds, safe and comfy, with us.

Great ideas!  Do you have any?

 

Hobo Camp: fun, games, and good practice too!

It’s a tough economy, and even while our belts are tight, we crave that outdoors time “roughing it.”  We also want to maximize our dollars, and that means practicing before we try new things.  With that said, it’s pretty boring to “pretend” to camp out in your own backyard.

Even so, that’s what we’re going to be doing with our MeetUp group this coming weekend.  We’ve planned a “hobo camp” in one of our members spacious and heavily wooded back yards.  So what IS this hobo camp affair?

It’s a chance to try out your ultra light gear.  Granted, you aren’t going to be packing it for miles first, but long before it’s packed anywhere, you need to know it’s going to work for you.  Just because that famous survivalist guy can get by for a week in the wilderness with just his trusty knife, bare feet, and some string doesn’t mean that you are going to be able to…or that you’d enjoy doing it that way.  (Besides, he has a camera crew, right?)   This hobo camp means you have a chance to set it up and actually use it, getting a better idea of how well it will work in practice.

If you are into survival, here’s a chance to try out your survival camping gear.  It’s one thing to have your backpack with your tarp and garbage bag, but…will it work in practice?  Do you know how to actually set it up in a random location in the woods?  How comfortable will you really be?

How about stealth camping?  Many people do this each and every day, setting up camp out of sight and out of mind, with the goal of leaving no trace of their overnight stay.  It’s kind of scary to think about doing this, but for many people, especially cyclists, this is a very real practice.  When it’s time to sleep, you may be far short of your goal of a campground.  In addition, more self-supported distance cyclists are being forced to cut corners, staying in fewer campgrounds and motels, and doing more stealth camping to allow them to continue enjoying their hobby.  If you’ve never done it, but have thought about it, this is a good chance to try it out in a safe environment.

Then, if you aren’t into any of these things, but just enjoy the outdoors and socializing with others, this is a fun activity.  You can pitch your tent…or simply drive home at the end of the evening.  Part of the whole experience is “pretending” and role playing, as though none of us had a home to return to.  We will even be cooking a pot of “hobo stew” with whatever we have to contribute to the pot, not unlike our “stone soup social” a few weeks ago.  (These communal pots of soup/stew are actually really tasty too!)

While play acting to be “hobos” may sound rather silly at first, it isn’t as silly as it could be.  Part of being prepared for anything is being able to adapt to nearly any situation.  During an emergency, it’s entirely possible that a group of people who didn’t know each other well would find themselves coming together for mutual support and safety.  By this play acting, we are actually practicing the same skills that would be required in that kind of situation: knowing how to take care of ourselves, get along with others, cooperate with others, and being able to stay comfortable doing it.

It’s a great activity for any loosely organized (or well organized) group as well.  Many emergency preparedness groups don’t have many overnight events, and yet, in an emergency such as a hurricane, earthquake, etc., our homes may be uninhabitable and our supplies minimal.  Emergency response teams are notorious for not arriving soon enough, often requiring survivors to make the best of the situation for days or weeks.  During this time period, everyone has to make the best of the situation.

Knowing how to set up an emergency shelter is one thing, but knowing what its like to actually sleep in one is another.  This is an important skill as well, especially for families with children, as the uncertainty and unknown is often terrifying to children.  By practicing when it’s just a game, it takes away the terror and turns it all into a grand adventure instead, preparing them to face situations like this in their own futures.

It’s just as important for adults.  In order to project a calm and prepared facade, we need to know what we are doing and what can be logically expected.  It doesn’t do any good to know how to make a shelter from palmetto fronds, saplings, a garbage bag, and some leaves if you need a full day to do it in, and both an oncoming storm and the setting sun aren’t going to give you enough time.

Backyard adventures such as this make the drill of practice into something fun and actually adventurous.  In addition, if mistakes are made, it isn’t a life or death situation.  There is always the safety net of knowing that you can get in your car and be home in a few minutes.  In terms of emergency preparedness, it may seem a baby step towards becoming the one who knows how to handle themselves in an emergency, but baby steps can be fitted together to cover many miles.  It doesn’t hurt when these small steps are turned into a fun and social event either!

There is also the option of practicing other skills such as fire starting, wild food foraging, geocache, snares, etc. while having your hobo adventure too, adding more skill sets to your list of accomplishments.  Unlike a Boy Scout, we don’t get badges for achieving our goals along the way, but we do have the satisfaction of knowing how to do something new and useful for survival.  For those of us with spouses who aren’t as thrilled with practicing survival skills as we like, we can often coax their participation with the more social aspects too.  After all, who can resist a cup of hot coffee and a chance to roast marshmallows with the others around a communal camp fire?