First camping trip of 2015. Spent a few days cruising to Black Rock Desert and Soldier Meadows in northern Nevada and got to test out a few new goodies (all seen in this section of 'MUD). Of course it was sunny and 75* last weekend, and with typical Nevada spring weather, was cold, windy, and snowing the weekend we decided to go. Luckily we found a nice little backcountry cabin that had a wood stove in it. Kept us plenty warm... Few new items tested were the Frontrunner Slimline 2 rack, Yamaha EF2000is generator, and Camp Chef shower.
Rack was nice as it is lightweight, well built, and really helps free up space in the cruiser. Got a few large duffel bags from the local army surplus store (used 50gal HD trash bags to waterproof moisture sensitive gear) to hold sleeping bags, pads, pillows, towels, etc. No noticeable difference in noise or gas mileage (feels like below 12mpg wind resistance or weight no longer matter).
Never owned a generator before and after doing a lot or research and reading a few threads on them, settled on Yamahas 2000W inverter. Nice size, semi light (40lbs) and pretty quiet. Having power makes my wife much more inclined to go to remote spots and I'll have to agree that it was pretty nice being able to watch a few episodes of Game of Thrones on a laptop, power up a few electronic goodies, and take a hot shower (ran 12v pump). Ran 5+hrs on a full tank of fuel and still has 1/4 left.
Last item was the Camp Chef shower. Runs off propane (just ordered a small 6lb tank as the standard 20lb bbq tank is a little large) and puts out plenty of heat and water. Nothing like a hot shower in the middle of nowhere! On the lowest flow setting, a 5gal water jug gives you a 5 min shower. With unlimited water supply, the 6lb tank should last hours. Used a small 12v 3gpm pump to push the water.
Here are a few pics:
Loaded up on the playa. Nothing like driving 80mph on dirt and having it feel like a freshly paved road.
Found this nice backcountry cabin
First night got down to 22*, but with the wood stove it was 80*+ inside.
Stove made breakfast easier
Area is full of hot springs
Actually this whole creek was 100*
Saw all of 3 other people out there in 4 days
Shower set up
Definitely ready to get out and explore some new areas this summer!
Rack was nice as it is lightweight, well built, and really helps free up space in the cruiser. Got a few large duffel bags from the local army surplus store (used 50gal HD trash bags to waterproof moisture sensitive gear) to hold sleeping bags, pads, pillows, towels, etc. No noticeable difference in noise or gas mileage (feels like below 12mpg wind resistance or weight no longer matter).
Never owned a generator before and after doing a lot or research and reading a few threads on them, settled on Yamahas 2000W inverter. Nice size, semi light (40lbs) and pretty quiet. Having power makes my wife much more inclined to go to remote spots and I'll have to agree that it was pretty nice being able to watch a few episodes of Game of Thrones on a laptop, power up a few electronic goodies, and take a hot shower (ran 12v pump). Ran 5+hrs on a full tank of fuel and still has 1/4 left.
Last item was the Camp Chef shower. Runs off propane (just ordered a small 6lb tank as the standard 20lb bbq tank is a little large) and puts out plenty of heat and water. Nothing like a hot shower in the middle of nowhere! On the lowest flow setting, a 5gal water jug gives you a 5 min shower. With unlimited water supply, the 6lb tank should last hours. Used a small 12v 3gpm pump to push the water.
Here are a few pics:
Loaded up on the playa. Nothing like driving 80mph on dirt and having it feel like a freshly paved road.
Found this nice backcountry cabin
First night got down to 22*, but with the wood stove it was 80*+ inside.
Stove made breakfast easier
Area is full of hot springs
Actually this whole creek was 100*
Saw all of 3 other people out there in 4 days
Shower set up
Definitely ready to get out and explore some new areas this summer!
