Recent content by ZombieCat

"I didn't go up there to die. I went up there to live." - Reinhold Messner, on being the first person to climb all fourteen 8000m peaks without supplemental oxygen.

It almost felt like spring today! I booked a few nights at a local campground in April for a trailer shakedown trip. Tomorrow I’ll reserve my final “official” camping spot (Colorado) for my summer tour of the western U.S.

I’ve never used trash containers that mount on the exterior of a vehicle, simply because it makes my truck a rolling smorgasbord for bears, rodents and other hungry critters. Similar to @grubworm I use plastic shopping bags, tie them off when full and store them in a five gallon bucket until I...

Well That brings back memories. As kids, we were tasked with painting creosote on fence posts and boards to prevent rot and bug infestation (somehow always in the summer heat, too). It worked, but was messy and stunk to high heaven.

That’s one helluva big rabbit! I’ve noticed that Toyota dealerships are slow with the oil changes , but I buy the “5 pack” that includes the tire rotation and it’s significantly cheaper than even my good local mechanic . You can use them nationwide for extended travel - bonus! Super dork that I...

I’ve never tried to buy it in Canada, since I’m equipped before entering. Their stores do carry some of the same brands we have in the U.S. Check the US Customs and Border website for the rules.

Saguaro & Canyonlands National Parks

Every time I leave the camera behind, I miss something spectacular. Last spring I went on a hike with a threat of rain, so I opted to not carry it (it never rained, dang it!). A loud sound prompted me to look up and I watched in awe as a rat snake devoured two young flying squirrels over the...

Just to add, the bear spray must be declared at the border crossing, marked as US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) approved, indicate it is for use on animals (not humans) and be no more than 500 milliliters per canister (just under 17 ounces). Bear bangers (an explosive) and any pepper...

The “snowcrete” is beginning to melt, the toilet is no longer leaking and travel plans are moving forward: Two local trips here on the U.S. east coast and then out to the western states for summer fun!

@grubworm my teardrop is definitely a one person setup. It also helps to be, well…limber and maybe a bit shorter, lol. If you like a converted utility trailer, the Anti-Shanty is amazing, although the price is a wee bit steep. I also just heard about a new teardrop-type trailer built by...

THIS!! My trailer has a built in solar panel + AGM battery to run the fan, lights and charge low amperage items. I have two portable 300W Jackery power stations with a separate 100W solar panel whose primary job is to run my 12V fridge. When the weather is cloudy or rainy, I leave one Jackery...

My tiny teardrop trailer keeps me from overpacking; space is VERY limited! It’s kinda like living in an oversized cardboard box with a built in kitchen. No elaborate decorations or oversized cooking contraptions for this girl. My focus is clothing and gear for utility. And camera gear, which...

Talk about high elevation…