Minimum Requirements for an expedition rig? (1 Viewer)

[SNLC]

I know a lot of this is subject to personal preference but what is the opinion of MUST HAVES/ Minimums? So one ? might be is at what point can you or do you call your rig expedition ready?

Thoughts?????

I have driven the Pan-Am (and back) as far as Panama City from Wyoming....twice! I have used my 04 Tacoma for the trip. It is supercharged and modified. Everybody said before the first trip, don't take a S/C Taco down there you will kill it! Well I can say my truck has not died and has made it there and back more than once. Compression is fine on the engine and it does not ping. My point is, don't believe everything you hear or read!

I like the term overlanding, I don't like the term expedition so much even if I use it once in awhile myself. But whatever it is just a word. I don't consider jumping in your truck and driving to the Rubicon and then doing the trails to be an expedition, overlanding sure! I don't even really consider driving to Panama to be an expedition.

The first trip I did 15,000 miles in 13 weeks. I camped all but about 2 weeks of that. I spent nearly a month in Baja, did all of the Mex200 and then picked up a friend in Belize. We then made our way to Panama. I did the drive home by myself. The 2nd trip I did a bum rush straight for Panama. Did the drive there in about 12 days. My fastest time from Panama to Wyoming is about 9 or 10 days.

You don't need many mods for this kind of trip. If you plan on getting way off the beaten path then sure the more mods like lockers, winch, big tires and so forth the better. I don't get way off the beaten path myself because I usually travel alone, well me & the dog. Rural areas are where highway robbery occures. If I had other overlanders to travel with I would be into getting off the beaten path and way out there in Latin America.

Any ways, I think the following is all you really need to do a drive like this....

-Ways to secure your vehicle. Steering wheel lock, ect. I take my dog with me so have signs in the windows in english/spanish that say beware of dog. That helps me a ton with security.

-Dark tint windows. This helps for security too and to keep the truck cooler in those hot climates down south.

-aux fuel tank. I have a custom made 19.5gal aux fuel tank in my Taco giving me 38gals onboard fuel. It pushes my range to 500+ miles. It is super nice to have on a long trip.

-Dialed in suspension. Everything changes for an overland trip. Do you really need flex for 4wding on the beach? Road handling is what is important to me. It took some work and money but I got it dialed in for weight, road handling and eating up washboard.

-Storage areas. Very nice to have for food, kitchen stuff, recovery gear, tools, oils/fluids and so forth. Build you own to suit your needs and truck, easy cheesy.

-Brakes that work very well. People drive like fecking crazy down south. Better have some very nice brakes in very good working order.

-I really like having an ARB bar, sliders and a really buff rear bumper. It keeps me from getting a smashed up truck, it has been tested in Latin America and works!

-Top of the line tires. I made 2 trips down to Panama and back on a set of BFG ATs and they are still going. Not a single flat in over 25k driving through Latin America.

-Recovery gear, tools, spare parts and the knowhow to use it all. I have pulled people in the ditch back on the road. I have fixed other travelers tires with my repair kit. I have repaired my own truck. This stuff is required in my book.

-camping gear, adventure gear, ect. Water management is easy if you have things like solar shower and MSR water bags. A tent that can ahndle lots of rain and breath is important. The correct sleeping bag, I use a 50 degree bag for cold stuff down south and just a silk liner for hot stuff. A solid camp stove with 2 burners and fuel.

-camp lighting and aux lighting. Very useful at night and when you need it you really need it.

-good working a/c. It is hot down south!

What I have used that I don't really need....

-water tank and pressurized water system. Totally a luxery. Not needed at all, I can shower using a solar shower or MSR water bag. I usually buy 5gal water jugs in Latin America and fill them up. The water tank adds lots of weight and takes up valuable space. I got rid of it after the first trip.

-a fridge. Had one but got rid of it. Super nice to have for keeping beers and food cold. Only really needed for cold beers. Both food and beer is very cheap everywhere in Latin America besides tourist hot spots. So I dumped the fridge and just buy daily as I travel. I really do not spend much more per day buying my food each meal rather than cooking it.

-2nd battery kit. Without the fridge and water tank I don't really need a 2nd battery set up. It is really ncie though to have and I run my power inverter off it plus my aux lighting.

I would like to add...

-spot lights and driving lights. For night driving these are very nice to have.

-full belly skids. Mostly I want this for road hazzards, rocks, road kill, ect.

-side bars for my front fenders, ie fender protection. Cows put big dents in your truck!

-a FWC...at over $11k I am just dreaming!!

After having done the 5000 mile trip to Panama and back 2x this is my 2 cents on the subject!!

 

[SNLC]

seeing these posts about guns made me think....I forgot to mention that!


I carry personal safety items with me in my truck. A can of bear spray, a lead head bat, a Rambo knife and a machete. It is all at different locations in my truck. Under the seat, in the back seat area, in a storage box, in the back of the truck where it is quickly accessed. A shovel that will open up a skull like it is mud. A 50" spear gun that will hurt you real bad is also close at hand in my truck. Have I ever used any of it? Definately not! It does give me peace of mind though.

If somebody or several guys come at me with a machete or knives. They are messing with the wrong gringo! If I get held up by gun point I will not resist.

If you think you can carry a gun down south you are wrong. I have had cops search me in more than one country many times asking specifically if I have a gun. They hardly even look for drugs or care about that, drugs just equals bribe money for them. A gun however means you get to go to jail. If you feel the need to carry a gun for protection you shouldn't be going there in the first place. You are either to scared to travel and to inexperienced or the place you want to visit is to dangerous. Guns are legal in some countries and banned in others south of our borders. That is for locals though not a tourist!! Tourist can not travel with guns unless you have special permits, say you are going to Africa to hunt for example. So unless on a hunting trip or traveling around the USA leave your guns at home.

 

[Mark W]

These comments ^^^ make a lot of sense. As I was reading it I found myself in complete agreement.

Particularly the need to appropriate suspension for the trip being made, the lack of real need for a fridge and the importance of a good bumper/bumper system.


Mark...

 

[crushers]

and we have a winner ...

compentent driver and a reliable rig will get you out and back.
the rest of the posts are 'nice' additions.

#1. A well-prepared driver who knows the limitations and capabilities of his- or her-self and the rig they're driving.

 

[crushers]

nice post ...

I have driven the Pan-Am (and back) as far as Panama City from Wyoming....twice! I have used my 04 Tacoma for the trip. It is supercharged and modified. Everybody said before the first trip, don't take a S/C Taco down there you will kill it! Well I can say my truck has not died and has made it there and back more than once. Compression is fine on the engine and it does not ping. My point is, don't believe everything you hear or read!

I like the term overlanding, I don't like the term expedition so much even if I use it once in awhile myself. But whatever it is just a word. I don't consider jumping in your truck and driving to the Rubicon and then doing the trails to be an expedition, overlanding sure! I don't even really consider driving to Panama to be an expedition.

The first trip I did 15,000 miles in 13 weeks. I camped all but about 2 weeks of that. I spent nearly a month in Baja, did all of the Mex200 and then picked up a friend in Belize. We then made our way to Panama. I did the drive home by myself. The 2nd trip I did a bum rush straight for Panama. Did the drive there in about 12 days. My fastest time from Panama to Wyoming is about 9 or 10 days.

You don't need many mods for this kind of trip. If you plan on getting way off the beaten path then sure the more mods like lockers, winch, big tires and so forth the better. I don't get way off the beaten path myself because I usually travel alone, well me & the dog. Rural areas are where highway robbery occures. If I had other overlanders to travel with I would be into getting off the beaten path and way out there in Latin America.

Any ways, I think the following is all you really need to do a drive like this....

-Ways to secure your vehicle. Steering wheel lock, ect. I take my dog with me so have signs in the windows in english/spanish that say beware of dog. That helps me a ton with security.

-Dark tint windows. This helps for security too and to keep the truck cooler in those hot climates down south.

-aux fuel tank. I have a custom made 19.5gal aux fuel tank in my Taco giving me 38gals onboard fuel. It pushes my range to 500+ miles. It is super nice to have on a long trip.

-Dialed in suspension. Everything changes for an overland trip. Do you really need flex for 4wding on the beach? Road handling is what is important to me. It took some work and money but I got it dialed in for weight, road handling and eating up washboard.

-Storage areas. Very nice to have for food, kitchen stuff, recovery gear, tools, oils/fluids and so forth. Build you own to suit your needs and truck, easy cheesy.

-Brakes that work very well. People drive like fecking crazy down south. Better have some very nice brakes in very good working order.

-I really like having an ARB bar, sliders and a really buff rear bumper. It keeps me from getting a smashed up truck, it has been tested in Latin America and works!

-Top of the line tires. I made 2 trips down to Panama and back on a set of BFG ATs and they are still going. Not a single flat in over 25k driving through Latin America.

-Recovery gear, tools, spare parts and the knowhow to use it all. I have pulled people in the ditch back on the road. I have fixed other travelers tires with my repair kit. I have repaired my own truck. This stuff is required in my book.

-camping gear, adventure gear, ect. Water management is easy if you have things like solar shower and MSR water bags. A tent that can ahndle lots of rain and breath is important. The correct sleeping bag, I use a 50 degree bag for cold stuff down south and just a silk liner for hot stuff. A solid camp stove with 2 burners and fuel.

-camp lighting and aux lighting. Very useful at night and when you need it you really need it.

-good working a/c. It is hot down south!

What I have used that I don't really need....

-water tank and pressurized water system. Totally a luxery. Not needed at all, I can shower using a solar shower or MSR water bag. I usually buy 5gal water jugs in Latin America and fill them up. The water tank adds lots of weight and takes up valuable space. I got rid of it after the first trip.

-a fridge. Had one but got rid of it. Super nice to have for keeping beers and food cold. Only really needed for cold beers. Both food and beer is very cheap everywhere in Latin America besides tourist hot spots. So I dumped the fridge and just buy daily as I travel. I really do not spend much more per day buying my food each meal rather than cooking it.

-2nd battery kit. Without the fridge and water tank I don't really need a 2nd battery set up. It is really ncie though to have and I run my power inverter off it plus my aux lighting.

I would like to add...

-spot lights and driving lights. For night driving these are very nice to have.

-full belly skids. Mostly I want this for road hazzards, rocks, road kill, ect.

-side bars for my front fenders, ie fender protection. Cows put big dents in your truck!

-a FWC...at over $11k I am just dreaming!!

After having done the 5000 mile trip to Panama and back 2x this is my 2 cents on the subject!!

 

[steve]

One or two things to add.

When I'm headed out in the bush in Africa, I'm a bit cagey with strangers about where exactly I'm headed. Folks often ask and I usually say things like 'oh, up north, probably towards so-and-so' even though I know exactly where I'm headed. Strangers don't need to know and I feel better knowing I can't be found easily. I'm sure the folks I've talked to were just being polite and all but who knows what they might mention things to others. My part of africa is generally safe but things do happen. About 2 years ago a guy traveling along the edge of the Kalahari mentioned to some strangers his intended route, and a couple of bad guys out of zimbabwe got wind of it and caught up with him. They later said at trial that they'd had no intention of killing him but he ended up dead - his truck and everything in it was simply too good a prize to ignore. So practice good Op-Sec: tell your friends where you're headed but be vague with everyone else.

Also, I make a ritual of the things I absolutely must have. You'd be surprised how often things like car keys go missing, so my research assistants and I follow a ritual when we arrive anywhere and when we break camp: we hold up our own set of keys so the others can see them, just so we know where they were last. If you're about to pull away and you haven't seen the spare keys in someone's hand, don't leave till you do. Sounds stupid but this has saved me more than once.

Clothes. I love REI as much as anyone and much of my field clothing comes from there. My major exception is that which I probably carry the most of - shirts. Shorts and pants have to be pretty dirty before I won't won't pull them on but after a day or two and any shirt becomes unpleasant. Time in the desert have taught me the value of long sleeves and 100% cotton so before you head out, drop by goodwill and pick up some old dress shirts. Odd yes, but they're super cheap and they're perfect, and they're gonna look like hell in short order anyway so pick up several. They're vastly better than the synthetic blend 'expedition' shirts outfitters sell which are always too hot, make me stink like a scalded monkey, and never seem to get clean.

 

[Mark W]

I take this approach (being selective who I tell ) because I have run into a lot of people who think that if they know where the trail head is, they are qualified to run the trail. It is not my business to tell then that they aren't... but I see no need to make it easy for them to find the trails that I have often re-opened or even created.

This is for completely different reasons than you mention... and there are other reasons as well that neither of us might have to worry about. Whatever the reason there is usually little gained by telling the entire world where you are going and how to get there.

I have a take on clothing that may differ from many here... When I see someone wearing brand new clothes in the latest "outdoors" fashion, I tend to assume that they spend more time in REI or perusing catalogs than they do actually working or even visiting the backcountry. And trust me a lOT of the folks that you will be rubbing elbows with in the less crowded areas of NA, in the fringes of the back country, or in the non-urban areas of other countries are going to be drawing the same conclusions.

We have touched on having your vehicle not stand out... it is a good idea to take a bit of this approach with your clothing too.



Edit: These comments are not for Steve... it is pretty clear that he understand how to fit in in places far from home.



Mark...

 

[crushers]

yah, i would be a bit leary of telling strangers where i am heading but leaving a map with the wife with the route outlined might be a good idea.

similar to not putting a "i'm not home" sign in the window of your house.

 

[Mark W]

We moved away from the original purpose of this thread... as usual.

The State Troopers up here have a form they provide to people... sort of like a pilot's flight plan for those heading out into the back country. It is a pretty good idea, either theirs or something like it that you just do yourself.


List who and how many are in the group, where you are going, how you are getting there, type of transport, rough plans, what sort of gear and provisions, experience levels... when you will be back, when to worry of you are not... all of the things that make a difference in deciding how well they can expect you to cope on your own, and where/how to search for you if it comes to that.

I always sit down with someone and show them on a map where I want to go, where I might go if Plan A falls through and stuff like that.

Many years ago I was hauled off a mountain out on the Alaska Peninsula by a pair of mushers and their dog teams Who had seen our lights the night before and (knowing thay we could not have wanted to be were we were) came up in pea soup fog to find us in the morning (they let the dogs have their head and the dogs found us once they got in the area).

Everything worked out okay... we were standing at a trail cabin with them waving as the troopers flew over on one of their routine flights to check on us after word had gone out that we were late.

But it brought home to me how easily things can go wrong and how narrow the line between routine and problematic can be.


Mark...

 

[crushers]

exactly my point
wheeling is a full attention sport, the difference between "cool" and dead can be a split second miscalculation...

 

[BC40]

Yup. I do a lot of single vehicle trips, sometimes solo, sometimes with a passenger. Usually in the fall during hunting season when I flat out won't tell curious 'people' where I'm headed, though I do have at least one contact person know where/how long.

I think I never would have got one myself, but got us a SPOT for my/our trips. Mostly for peace of mind. I'm not a big fan of reliance on electronics in the woods, but I have promised I'll be taking the thing on my travels .

On the note of things going wrong when least expected. I went on a spur of the moment winter day trip to some backcountry hotsprings with my . Easy 2wd trail for the most part. Light dusting of snow hid that the creek up the hill had been overflowing its banks and that the 50 yard incline was a cambered dome of ice. Made it halfway up the ice before traction broke and ended up almost rolling in a deep ditch. The stupid part was I had chains in the truck with us but hadn't bothered putting them on given the easy trail conditions. It was Sunday afternoon, we were hung up and stuck on a decent sideslope wedged against the far side ditch frozen bank. Nobody knew where we were. Were very lucky someone happened to be headed up to the same place and helped us out while I was working on coming up with a plan to get us out of the mess. Truck took some cosmetic damage but beyond that I got blessing to install a winch on that truck. I haven't really needed to use that winch since, but again peace of mind.

 

[SNLC]

Excellent points about security and things like keys. These are non-rig things but also very important.

Myself, I get in a routine. I don't have to do key checks because I train myself to not forget. When I first started taking trips down south I got a bunch of spare keys made. I also got the magnet holders and a couple of other holders. Plan was to stash them in different places in case I lost my keys. I never did it though because I was just to plain paranoid that somebody would find them. And if they did I am screwed, truck is gone. So insted I just got super intense about not forgetting, I made myself learn a routine. Just like taking a s*** in the morning or brushing your teeth before bed. A routine is just that, something you do without thinking about it. This has worked very well for me, I need wood to knock on but I have never lost my keys. Seven months spent driving through Latin America in the last 24 months.

Security is very important south of our borders. What is the fastest and worst way to ruin your trip? Get held up at gun point and lose your truck! Or just walk outside wherever you are staying to find your truck gone. I already mentioned personal security but vehicle security is nearly as important. I use street smarts and common sense for this. I also do my best to not let a bunch of people see where I park my truck. Hotels or RV parks with gates are best in urban areas. Camping within sight of other campers is good in rural areas. Anywhere that gets your truck off the street in a city. Once in a while though it has to be parked on the street at night. For that it has to be visable from the front of the hotel/hostel. More than once I have found accomidations that are within sight of armed guards and police. In these situations I also leave my dog in the truck at night. He always goes off if you get near my truck. Latin people are more scared of dogs then they are of guns!! If I am camping I just camp next to the truck. I keep everything out of sight 24/7 like cameras, ect ect ect. The key here with all of this is not to look like a target. If you look like a target you are one. I feel street smarts and common sense will take you around the world with very few problems. You also need to not look like or act like your average living in fear tourist. And show respect for people in how you hold yourself, talk and in your dealings with others. I had a few instances that were kind of bad experiences but things did not get nasty and I used my head. This only happened early on and in Baja which is known for robbery if you boondock camp alone. I also quickly learned to not get drunk with locals! A few beers is cool but then go on your way.

I have a nice truck. It is modified and lifted and decked out. Thing is I got rid of as much of the flashy crap as I could. I de-chromed the truck for this very purpose, plus I hate chrome! My truck is also dark green and so it blends in much better than say a red truck. Lastly, I don't wash it while down south. I let it get real dirty. Due to all these things at a glance the truck does not look flashy or nice. At a second look you can tell it is a sweet truck though. And I often get compliments from people while down south that it is a sweet truck. I disliked that when I first started driving down there because I was worried and paranoid. Now it doesn't bother me and I know 99% of people are just appreciating a nice Taco.

My points of view and experience are all coming from trips down south. When it comes to an Alaska moose hunting expedition I know nothing!

 

[Mark W]

If you are traveling for weeks and longer in out of the way places in Central and South America, THAT is an expedition. A couple of weeks in the field in Alaska is not.


Mark...

 

[alaskacruiser]

If you are traveling for weeks and longer in out of the way places in Central and South America, THAT is an expedition. A couple of weeks in the field in Alaska is not.

Mark...

Since many of us seem to have our own (often self-righteous) definitions of words such as "expedition", I thought I'd add some definitions from the Expedition Portal website for those who might take something from it:

Car Camping: Traveling in a vehicle to an established campground. If there is a picnic table there, it is probably car camping.

Backcountry Adventure: A one-day, or multi-day off-highway trip in an adventure motorcycle or 4wd.

Overland(ing): Vehicle-supported, self-reliant adventure travel, typically exploring remote locations and interacting with other cultures.

Vehicle-Dependent Expedition: An organized, vehicle-dependent journey with a defined purpose, often geographic or scientific in nature.

Expedition Vehicle: A 4wd or adventure motorcycle prepared for self-reliant travel over long distances, through unpredictable weather and over variable terrain.

I think it's awesome to see such great contributions to this thread from people willing to share their vast expedition experience with us instead of debating the definition of the terms above.

True to my nick, I was born and raised in Alaska for 23 years. When I used to see the ridiculously built up rigs with their mostly European-tourist owners-- used only to "trek" through the same trails of ice, mud, and snow which posed little problem for native, stock, 1/2 ton pickup trucks, and even our '92 Ford Aerostar E4WD minivan, I couldn't t help but smirk.

Tech content: I can only add a few layman's tips for expeditions which happen to be in very cold (< -40F), arctic climates: survival gear + arctic survival training can be quite handy, synthetic 0W-40 works nicely for most LCs and other rigs, spray down weatherstripping with silicone to prevent doors from freezing shut, use lock de-icer for the same reason, get wipers blades made for snow, .

 

[Mark W]

Since you choose to quote me as you make snide "self-righteous" comments.... I'll pretend I care what you think... oh... wait... never mind. I really really don't.


Interesting definitions you clipped from another website.


So... according to this "definition"... when my buddy swung by and we used his vehicle to go to lunch... lets see...

It was "vehicle dependent"... it was 'planned"... and it had a "defined purpose".

Cool... I went on an expedition today!

And we even did it without a roof top tent or an ARB refrigerator. Wow... how did we survive?

Oh... wait... I think the girl that handed me my burger might have been from Korea... so were we "overlanding" instead?

It feels so much cooler to have neato titles for the things you do doesn't it.

BTW... how do everyday Anchorage Soccermom tips have anything to do with "remote expeditions"?



Sometimes I feel like I am watching monkeys flinging poo through the bars because I won't agree with them that they are really lions.


Mark...

 

[alaskacruiser]

Since you choose to quote me as you make snide "self-righteous" comments.... I'll pretend I care what you think... oh... wait... never mind. I really really don't.


Interesting definitions you clipped from another website.


So... according to this "definition"... when my buddy swung by and we used his vehicle to go to lunch... lets see...

It was "vehicle dependent"... it was 'planned"... and it had a "defined purpose".

Cool... I went on an expedition today!

And we even did it without a roof top tent or an ARB refrigerator. Wow... how did we survive?

Oh... wait... I think the girl that handed me my burger might have been from Korea... so were we "overlanding" instead?

It feels so much cooler to have neato titles for the things you do doesn't it.

Mark...

Hi Mark- yes, definitions taken from Expedition Portal, as intentionally and very clearly indicated- I even included a link, as it's a well-respected, Expedition-related website. Ever visit the site? Yeah, didn't think so. If you did, then you might realize that a lot of people with a HELLUVA lot more REAL expedition experience than yourself (or me) tend to post there, lending these definitions some credibility. Oh wait, you have your own definitions and nothing else counts. Sorry, my bad.

As for your childish attempt at humor, I guess you didn't connect the dots to realize that an expedition requires an:

Expedition Vehicle: A 4wd or adventure motorcycle prepared for self-reliant travel over long distances, through unpredictable weather and over variable terrain.

So yeah, your post is pretty meaningless.

BTW... how do everyday Anchorage Soccermom tips have anything to do with "remote expeditions"?

Not many soccer moms I know have had arctic survival training. Have you? Again, didn't think so. But then you don't need it, do you? Of course not. From your post above, you probably define "arctic survival training" as hitting the drive-thru at Starbucks when it's snowing. Think again.

Sometimes I feel like I am watching monkeys flinging poo through the bars because I won't agree with them that they are really lions.

Sometimes I feel as though I am watching Ma...oops I mean Joe-six-pack who's been on a few wheeling trips (oops I mean "TREKS"-- I eagerly await your singular definition of this word, BTW) to AK act like only he can define terminology and anyone else who tries just wants to "sound cool". Oh wait- that's exactly what I'm watching- someone who assumes everyone is a "poseur" but himself because he's done some pompously-titled "Treks" within the USA. You made my day, Mark. We all agree you're the "lion", ok?? We could just do without all the poo. Thanks for a good laugh, though, and keep roaring...maybe it'll keep people from noticing you have no fangs.

 

[Mark W]

Okay... we took the Subaru to lunch... So, we go that requirement covered too.

Not sure why you think you know where I wander on the net. If it makes you happy, I an well aware of "Expedition Portal". And your point is?

I am pretty sure I have clearly indicated that what I do is NOT expedition travel. In fact I even pointed that out in the post you quoted. unlike some... I don't pretend that I do.

I guess that YOU did not understand that I am pointing out that "definitions" as broad as what you pasted here are meaningless... unless you are simply trying to include as many people as you can so that all the pretenders can feel included.

You do show that you know nothing about me and what my background and experience is. That's cool with me. But I do wonder... you learned these cool tips in your arctic survival course? Odd... we must have skipped the "How to drop the kids off at school" block of instruction.

It's funny to me the various people who take it personal and get all sulky because I don't take their posing seriously.


Mark...

 

[SNLC]

you guys are f'ing funny! The internet and forums are great for laughs sometimes!


Look who really gives a rats ass about the words used to describe something we do? I had a hard time with the word expedition and how it gets loosely used on ExPo daily. Then I realized who gives a s*** really!? That took all of about a day or two spent on that forum. An expedition in this day and age is difficult to do. Even climbing Everest is not such a big deal anymore. That is how the world is these days with all our technology, our need as humans to do everything and how small our planet really is.

I see it this way, an expedition is a trip be it on foot, bicycle, boat, motorcycle or in a tricked out $50k truck if it puts you at risk. And I do not mean you are at risk because you came unprepared and are ignorant to things like your own mode of travel. I mean you are out there in the boonies of Alaska where if you break down or get hurt or whatever you are screwed. Your own skill and ability is the only thing that will get you out of there alive. That is why driving through the Darien Gap to me is an expedition. And why driving to Panama along the Pan Am is just a super cool long ass road trip. Am I at risk in some hole in the wall in Latin America!? Sure, maybe. But many other factors come into play besides my own skill when it comes to life threatening. If I get bitten by a snake in that hole in the wall there are people around to help me. If that happens while on a 5 day river trip in the jungle of Central/South America it is a whole different story.

A good friend of mine just finished paddeling the length of New Zealand in his kayak, 1/3 of it solo. It took him well over three months, in that time he lived out of his kayak and he was doing 10-30 miles a day. He doesn't call it an expedition, rather he calls it a walk about in his kayak, a yakabout actually! He got bitten by a spider one night on the trip, he had to be evacuated to the hospital, his own skill got him out. He was in a remote place and had to use his satallite phone to get help. Now in my book you could call this an expedition but the guy who did it doesn't, and who really cares anyways!? It is the trip that is cool and amazing and inspiring so who cares what words are used to describe it?

I personally like the words overland or what the aussies use, touring. Really though it is just words and I am not all hung up about how they are used. And when it comes down to it, it is true that the journey is better than the destination!

I love ExPo, it is a GREAT froum. I do dislike somethings about it, the politeness gets old sometimes, if you can believe that. The fact that saying crap or damn on there is a bad word or that if a picture shows somebody flipping off the camera everybody gets there panties in a wad. Or the fact that 80+% of people on there think building an expedition vehicle is bolting on some ARB bars and hitting up the local KOA. That stuff is kind of annoying but really who cares!? Besides all that, there are some very informed people on that website. I have met, traveled with, argued with, hosted, laughed at, drank with, made friends and been amuzed by many people on ExPo and for that I plan to hang around there for some time to come.

 

[alaskacruiser]

Okay... we took the Subaru to lunch... So, we go that requirement covered too.

You forgot the "self reliant" and "long distances" part. (Hint: try reading ALL the words in ALL the definitions next time, and then put them together instead of picking and choosing) Keep trying- you'll get it!

Not sure why you think you know where I wander on the net. If it makes you happy, I an well aware of "Expedition Portal". And your point is?

Umm..the definitions I posted are from that website, from people with far more experience with REAL expeditions than yourself- and you don't understand the significance of the people who wrote those definitions...why?

I am pretty sure I have clearly indicated that what I do is NOT expedition travel. In fact I even pointed that out in the post you quoted. unlike some... I don't pretend that I do.

I am pretty sure I never implied you have been on an expedition, nor have I implied that about myself. I merely posted some arctic travel tips from having been born and raised in a climate colder than many have experienced- take it or leave it and call it what you want if it makes you feel better about yourself- you're obviously desperate for an ego boost, so take it.

I guess that YOU did not understand that I am pointing out that "definitions" as broad as what you pasted here are meaningless... unless you are simply trying to include as many people as you can so that all the pretenders can feel included.

And you don't seem to understand that not everyone with a different definition of the word "expedition" is simply here to "pose" or "prove" or "pretend" anything, unlike yourself. The very fact that you so vehemently defend something as trivial as YOUR definition of a word on the internet above anyone else's, and that you're so quick to assume that everyone who has a different definition is just a "poser"-- well, to put it politely, it's a little "sensitive".
Especially considering your own (mis)use of the word "Trek" in your pompously-titled "AlaskaTrek"- maybe I should start a new thread bashing anyone with a definition of "Trek" different from this one:

Trek: Trek or trekking is a long journey undertaken on foot in areas where common means of transport is generally not available.

...and then I can imply that anyone who doesn't share this definition is a "poser" wannabe. Hypocritical much?

But I do wonder... you learned these cool tips in your arctic survival course? Odd... we must have skipped the "How to drop the kids off at school" block of instruction.

No, I listed several suggestions, ONE of which was arctic survival training. The other items are NOT part of that training. Reading comprehension isn't your strong suite, is it? Tip: try googling "arctic survival training" and get back to us with what you find. You might just take a second to pause before shooting your mouth off about something you obviously know nothing about. And hey, maybe you'll even learn something you can use on your "SuperAdventureTREK (TM)" .

It's funny to me the various people who take it personal and get all sulky because I don't take their posing seriously.

I don't see any "sulking" (or "posing", for that matter) but feel free to point out specific examples. Good luck on that. And how can I take anything personally when 1. I've got a big smile on my face talking with Mr. AdventureTREK himself and 2. I've never been on an expedition so I have no skin in the game. Nice try though- keep practicing and you might start making sense. In case this isn't abundantly clear by now, I'm only pointing out your self-righteousness about the word "expedition", which you seem to be very touchy-feely and sensitive about, not to mention grossly hypocritical with your own (mis)use of the word "Trek".

It's amusing to poke the "lion" in its cage simply by mentioning the word "expedition" and then watch him roar (and fling poo) at anyone who dares defy his definition. "Trek" much, do you?? Why are you not similarly bashing people who "misuse" that word? Oh yeah, nevermind...

 

[Mark W]

I'm gonna apologize to anyone reading this thread for rising to the bait and responding to this BS. Should have simply ignored in the first place instead of letting myself be sucking in to a childish back and forth like this. Done with it now.


Mark...