Overland Journal - NEW MAGAZINE!

[BajaTaco]

Glad to hear you and your wife are enjoying the Journal Thanks for the comments.

To all: You will see some teaser shots of the annual Gear Guide posted here very soon. Now is a good time to subscribe if you'd like to get the Gear Guide as your first issue. (Note: Sleeping bags are featured in one of the articles )

Also, if you have subscribed just recently, and would like to get all of the back-issues including the tech reviews on Roof tents, Fridges, GPS units and Expedtion Stoves, we are offering 2007 Field Sets so you can get all of them at a 10% savings over the individual issue prices. Click here to see a preview of what the back-issues look like and what articles each issue has.



2008 is going to be FUN!

 

[Ducks]

I have all the back issues now. Great magazine.

 

[Dazza]

giving scott the benefit of the doubt...

I was at first shocked at the cold ratings of some of the gear that the winter arctic expedition brought. I am from the colder climates (49 degrees north born in Chewelah, WA and it gets a lot colder in the arctic than where I am from)

Then I started thinking about where these guys are from, the desert. It seems to me that they made the same sort of assumptions / mistakes about arctic travel that I would make about desert travel. It certainly is hard to trust to others' advice on what to bring. I would just say to be more critical of the advice and plan for worst case scenario, if you will be travelling solo especially, as your life literally depends on it.

Someone made a good point earlier that gear is usually overrated by the manufacturers. It is important to 'over pack', and come prepared for the worst, that way you know that no matter what you will sleep warm.

I have to commend their courage for braving those cold nights in naught but a safari tent. I might have brought something with better insulation, but I have slept in a tent in the snow before, and I tell you what: next time I'll make a snow cave instead and stay warm and snug! (if snow conditions allow, or I'llj ust get the cold weather insulation for my Hennesy hammock tent)

I use a North Face snowshoe bag(my second actually , 0 degrees farenheit rated), slept in up to -10 degrees farenheit and was very warm. A few years later my bag was cold at 32 degrees, as it lost it's effectiveness with age, and having been compressed too long on a couple of trips. My new snowshoe bag is just as warm as the first. I would never have thought it would keep me warm anywhere near -50, though (I probably would have gone for the north face 'Darkstar(?)' which I believe is rated to -50 farenheit, or another comparably rated bag....)

Having said that, I don't know how many of you have tried to pack a bag like that around... they are mammoth, and take up some serious real estate in a cramped cabin.


The boots are a tough choice, don't know what I would have done there. I have worn Sorels forever, but again I have never been in these kind of extreme low temps. I know that for me having a pair of boots large enough to wear with extra socks ( i suggest blends of silk/wool, or polypro type for warmth)... I find that a boot that is too tight will constrict bloodflow and won't allow for the extra socks that I need to keep warm.

I appreciated the tips you guys shared about winter travel that you got from the locals, such as staying bundled up in the cab, with cooler cabin temps, and having a dry bag for safety, etc.

I also felt like you were very well prepared in the vehicle department, I would like to think my 83 landcruiser fj60 would be able to do the same, but I would need to sink a lot of cash into old 'Savage Henry' first...

Anyways, much ado about nothing, you all came home safe, have all your toes and fingers, and you were transparent about your mistakes. Maybe if you take the antartctic trip you will be more prepared...

 

[BajaTaco]

Dazza, thanks for the detailed comments. I am enjoying reading the feedback on the Arctic piece. If I could do it all over, I would definitely bring a better sleeping arrangement. My perspective pre trip: 1. I wanted to test the new bag that I took (Alps synth bag, explained on the Arctic blog at Expeditions West) and I took another bag as a back-up. You must understand that the prosepect of spending hundeds of dollars on the best Arctic-rated sleeping bag is not a very attractive option for a desert guy who may never need the bag again after the trip. (Hindsight: maybe I will - I loved the Arctic and wouldn't mind going back again - or Antartica!) So, I took everything into consideration (including risk) and ended up taking my Moonstone Mountaineering down bag with Gore Dryloft shell, which has an optional snap-in down liner that brings the mfg. rating down to about 0 to -5F, as a back-up. That Alps bag was cavernous (and thick, as you described the monstrosity of these heavy synth bags). So on the very coldest night, I ended up sleeving the Moonstone bag inside the Alps bag. I wore my Minus33 wool underwear, plus insulated pants, plus a wool sweater and fleece jacket, wool socks, and NorthFace down booties, wool mittens, a fleece neck gaiter, OR Gorilla balaclava, and NF Gore/fleece hat. I felt like a mummy in a tomb... a wickedly cold tomb. My body temp was slow to retain and build heat despite being inside of all that insulation, but I was in the positive (not negative, which was good) for heat retention, and after about 4 hours I overcame the uncomfortable cold and was able to slumber peacefully and deeply... until I got the call from Scott that Pasquale could't feel his legs

One of the things I learned on this trip, is that when you stop to camp in this kind of environment, you don't want to fuss much with gear or any kind of elaborate camp activities. I suppose I could have built a snow-cave if absolutely necessary, but in that kind of cold all you want to do is get the tent up and get inside the bag. That's where the Eezi-Awns were a godsend. We could go from driving down the road to laying inside the sleeping bags in about 10 minutes. I'm sure this attitude would change when you are a person that lives and plays in this environment regularly. But for a desert guy like me, that would be an acquired talent

 

[Ducks]

I would like to think my 83 landcruiser fj60 would be able to do the same, but I would need to sink a lot of cash into old 'Savage Henry' first...

Yeah, I wonder how you get a 2F to start in temperatures like that.
EDIT: Whoops. I forgot. You are doing an engine swap.

I can't remember if I mentioned it and don't want to harp on things. My underlying real issue is that I know almost nothing about vehicle-dependent overland travel. What I do know something about, is what you had trouble with. So that festered some doubt about trusting your evaluation of things I know nothing about. Since reading the back issues, I do trust your judgment in a responsible way.

 

[Dazza]

Chris,

I hear what you are saying about the quick setup. My snow caves have taken longer than 10 minutes, although the energy exerted usually gets me good and warm, and all it takes is a candle to keep it warm inside. Snow is an amazing insulator. For instance, I have seen elk dig through feet of snow to eat a plant buried under it, and the plant is relatively soft and ingestible, whereas it is -20 F without wind chill... food for thought.

I would consider finding an insulation layer for the eezy awn, just to help, and maybe a heating solution to keep interior temps up without asphyxiating from petrol fumes.

i have no real hope that my diesel swap will be good for the arctic... mostly a joke. But I still love ol' savage henry more than life herself.

I have to say that I have enjoyed reading about you and your colleagues travels, also in 4wd toyota owner magazine. It has certainly fueled my wanderlust and got me the racing bug!

I hope to someday race in the baja 1000, (or taupo 1000). I have this pipe dream of driving my landcruiser the entire 1000 miles and just taking it slow and hoping to finish, even if I am a week late in doing so...

I have a deep respect for people who push the limits of where to go in a vehicle, an am slightly jealous of your chance to drive the peel(?) river near aklavik. I love the idea of being somewhere that nobody goes...

Can I ask, how does one get into professional driving? It seems like a pipe dream right now, but I recently almost died and am looking for some adventure to spice things up...

p.s., the real name's Don.. mucho gusto

 

[spressomon]

Once you get a western mountaineering or feathered friends you'll never go back to those average bags.

Nother nice issue Scott! I'm jonesin for the next though

I have 2 Western Mountaineering bags that have seen LOTS of use. And I have owned and used Marmot & North Face bags too among others. The difference is amazing actually. You could say they are expensive if you think you can find the same (or better) level of quality and performance elsewhere for less...I don't think you can.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

We spent six months researching and preparing, including consulting with the manufacturers on performance. Since we live in the desert, we needed to rely more on the advice and recommendations of others than with things on the vehicles, which we knew and could test. We had no way to (reasonably) replicate -50.

Some gear met that expectation, some did not. We were transparent about that in the article...

I highly recommend the Feathered Friends Snowy Owl sleeping bag over any other out there. Built truly for Arctic and Antarctic conditions. The Snowy Owl was built to withstand -60 to -70 temperatures, outside of a shelter. That's freakin extreme.

I have been debating getting a subscription etc for quite some time. I know it's the best magazine available, and my rover friends agree too. I think I'm probably gonna bite the bullet and subscribe, and maybe even buy all the back issues. Should have subscribed from the beginning, but oh well...... Gotta figure out the cost and make a decision!

 

[spressomon]

I highly recommend the Feathered Friends Snowy Owl sleeping bag over any other out there. Built truly for Arctic and Antarctic conditions. The Snowy Owl was built to withstand -60 to -70 temperatures, outside of a shelter. That's freakin extreme.

I have been debating getting a subscription etc for quite some time. I know it's the best magazine available, and my rover friends agree too. I think I'm probably gonna bite the bullet and subscribe, and maybe even buy all the back issues. Should have subscribed from the beginning, but oh well...... Gotta figure out the cost and make a decision!

Its a great read. I especially like the human interest stories...like hunting with Eagles in Mongolia...that one's a classic for sure in my book! Many others just like it in OJ.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

Looking forward to it. I ordered the 2007 issues the other day... still waiting on em to arrive though.

 

[BajaTaco]

Chris,

I hear what you are saying about the quick setup. My snow caves have taken longer than 10 minutes, although the energy exerted usually gets me good and warm, and all it takes is a candle to keep it warm inside. Snow is an amazing insulator. For instance, I have seen elk dig through feet of snow to eat a plant buried under it, and the plant is relatively soft and ingestible, whereas it is -20 F without wind chill... food for thought.

I would consider finding an insulation layer for the eezy awn, just to help, and maybe a heating solution to keep interior temps up without asphyxiating from petrol fumes.

Hi Don, sorry for the late reply... I've been traveling quite a bit and away from the forums. There are definitely many ways to skin a cat. We just happened to choose a "quick and dirty" method for this particular trip. It worked, we had fun (and a bit of adrenalin infused excitement) and we've moved on to the next adventure. If/when I go back to the arctic, I'll likely try a few different things.

I have to say that I have enjoyed reading about you and your colleagues travels, also in 4wd toyota owner magazine. It has certainly fueled my wanderlust and got me the racing bug!

I hope to someday race in the baja 1000, (or taupo 1000). I have this pipe dream of driving my landcruiser the entire 1000 miles and just taking it slow and hoping to finish, even if I am a week late in doing so...

Great! I'm glad we can take part in your inspiration. Regarding racing your LC in the 1000, I imagine you saw the recent efforts of Kevin (Boston Mangler) and the Baja Overland crew with their 80-series. It's a huge investment of $, time and sweat, and not to be taken lightly. But the cool thing about it, is that it IS there if you want to do it - just surround yourself with friends that believe in the effort and make it happen. Be dedicated and go for it.

Can I ask, how does one get into professional driving? It seems like a pipe dream right now, but I recently almost died and am looking for some adventure to spice things up...

I'm sorry to hear of your ordeal. I hope all is well now. Regarding your question: Remain dedicated and diligent, learn absolutely all that you can, practice, practice, and practice some more. Resolve to be a lifetime student. Build relationships within the respective community you wish to be a part of, and perhaps most importantly, absorb some phenomenal luck from the universe.

Note to spressomon and LandCruisers4Life: Thank you for your support!

Stay tuned for the Spring 2008 issue - it's off to the printer.

 

[pint]

Coolest magazine out there. Just ordered all back issues and new subscription. Keep up the great work!!!

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

I just got my back issues (2007 Package)..... man I shoulda ordered sooner. However I was pissed! I thought the 100 article was in one of the 2007 mags, but recently found out it's in the first issue of 2008!! DAMN IT !!!

 

[expeditionswest]

Spring is on the way!

Our Spring 2008 issue is at the printer and will ship in a few weeks.

All subscriptions received through this Friday 4/25 will receive this issue.

Overland Post
Editor's Column
Editor's Project
Outdoor Retailer Showcase, by Sinuhe Xavier
News from the Trade
Diesel News
Overland News
Malverns Mud: Land Rover Experience, by Jonathan & Roseann Hanson
Sahara Empty Quarter Expedition, by Chris Scott
Latitude (Worth 1,000 Words)
Compressor Test (10 units for 4WDs and Motorcycles), by Jonathan Hanson
Long-term Test: Technitop Roof Tent, by Jonathan Hanson
8 in 8: An African Motorcycle Odyssey, by Adam Jeske
Feature Vehicle: 2008 Sportsmobile, by Scott Brady
Solo on the Continental Divide, Part II, by Bob Hazel
Conservation Vehicle Project: Toyota 60-Series Land Cruiser, by Roseann Hanson
Overland Medicine Department: Eye Injuries
Skills: The Ditch Bag, by Scott Brady
Classic Kit: The Barbour Jacket, by Jonathan Hanson
Tail Lamp: Running from the Law, by Chris Marzonie

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

Guys I read the stove review. Very nice..... Would like to suggest a compact stove which I feel you may want to have a look at. The Primus Omni-Fuel. It will use just about anything for fuel. Excellent in high altitudes and proven on K2 and Everest and other such himalayan climates.

Not recommending this site, but here's a place that carries them so you can have a look -

Primus Omni-Fuel Stove

 

[pint]

Bye the way Overland Journal guys...BEST MAGAZINE EVER!!! I recently received the 2008 gear guide and all 2007 back issues. Good stuff! Keep up the awesome job.

 

[Ducks]

I also think it is the best magazine ever. But they don't claim perfection. Is there some room in this thread for constructive criticism? The more I like something, the more I want to make it better. By simply saying it is the best thing ever, I am sure the producers get a well deserved pat on the back. But can't we also serve them well by doing our own work. Thinking about what could be done even better. Instead of just saying how great it is (which it is), maybe we could add what we liked or didn't like? How an article could be improved to even more awesomeness. They do not claim perfection, so there is room for constructive criticism.

 

[pint]

I also think it is the best magazine ever. But they don't claim perfection. Is there some room in this thread for constructive criticism? The more I like something, the more I want to make it better. By simply saying it is the best thing ever, I am sure the producers get a well deserved pat on the back. But can't we also serve them well by doing our own work. Thinking about what could be done even better. Instead of just saying how great it is (which it is), maybe we could add what we liked or didn't like? How an article could be improved to even more awesomeness. They do not claim perfection, so there is room for constructive criticism.

O.K...nothing is PERFECT, but this mag is damn sweet! Keep up the good work guys.

 

[BajaTaco]

The Summer 2008 issue is out now. It will be available as a back-issue in the store soon. There are a bunch of good articles in this one. Of particular interest is an article I did on a 1998 middle-east spec 75-series cab chassis, turbo-diesel Land Cruiser that is legally registered in the U.S. If you go to the home page of Overland Journal you can see a good pic of it in the flash movie. I'm sure some of you may know of the pulitzer-prize winning photographer Jack Dykinga. Jeff Scott, another exceptional photographer and pro photo-journalist that contributes to our publication, goes out on a desert expedition with Jack, to El Camino del Diablo along the mexican border, and interviews him. He writes about their trip and they both have some great shots from the adventure. There's also a cool piece on jaguar cats from Mexico that have been coming up into southern Arizona. (These cats are so bad-to-the-bone that they hunt mountain lions.) And another epic road trip: To the end of the road in James Bay, Canada (the cover shot). We also have some detailed testing and reviews on off-highway expedition style camping trailers (5 models) and lots of lightweight ground tents. The tent article is particularly good, as our executive editor Jonathan Hanson conducted the tests. He's a veteran tent tester having been a regular equipment tester for Outside magazine. He has a nice collection from over the years Anyway, he offers some really good insight into what makes a tent good (or bad) and tests some cool new models (one of them has no poles!)

This issue:

Overland Post
Editor's Column
Editor's Project
News from the Trade
Diesel News
Overland News
Journey to the end of the road in James Bay, Canada, by Jim Young
Comprehensive test and review of overland-worthy trailers, by Chris Marzonie
Latitude, North America
Lightweight tent test, by Jonathan Hanson
Long-term Test: National Luna fridge, by Scott Brady
Feature Vehicle: 75-series Land Cruiser, by Chris Marzonie
A Desert Journey with Jack Dykinga, by Jeff Scott
On the Jaguar Trail, by Roseann Hanson
Discoveries: Nipton, Clifornia, by Roseann Hanson
Conservation Department
Overland Medicine Department: Cuts and Scrapes
Classic Kit: The Naturalist's Gun, by Steve Bodio
Tail Lamp: Falling in Love with a Motorcycle, by Christine Jeske

 

[clarkrw3]

Can't wait Chris thanks for the heads up!! Will be watching the mail!