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  1. Backroad Joe

    Making a Gear List?

    I use a master list (spreadsheet) that I've developed over the years. Most of my trips vary. Backpacking, jeeping, 10-day base camp, quick overnighter. established campground, boondocking, etc. I find it very helpful. I'm also a person that is big on planning and understands the reasons for...
  2. Backroad Joe

    Star Chart or App?

    I have Star Walk loaded on my iPhone 4S. It's light years beyond the cardboard star chart I used to use. Being able easily direct the user to a specific star, constellation or whatever is great. I like the way I can now identify passing satellites, even the Russian ones.
  3. Backroad Joe

    Washing Clothes?

    Mmmm, I've tried many methods based on circumstances. All served there immediate purpose. The most delightful method I've come across for washing has come from John Steinbeck. He elaborates in his wonderful book, "Travels with Charley". And no I'm not going to tell you...... you'll just have to...
  4. Backroad Joe

    Camping with a CPAP

    Hey Slim. Yea the tennis ball trick. Get a t-shirt with a pocket, put it on backwards and put the tennis ball in the pocket. Even half asleep you'll roll back onto your stomach. What I have experienced with my sleep apnea seems to depend on where I am, elevation wise. When sailing offshore I...
  5. Backroad Joe

    Prized Outdoor Possesions

    Well after thinking about I'd have to say my most prized outdoor possession is my 1968 Jeep CJ5. It is the reason I have so many enjoyable memories of time spent outdoors. It has taken me to many, many very remote and wonderful places. And it always gets me back home.
  6. Backroad Joe

    Full Metal Cookware!

    I'll agree there is lots of overpriced junk out there. Too many companies have equipment designers that have never set foot off pavement, let alone actually use the equipment. The way I look at it, if you need titanium to cook... you're not a cook. Back when I was backpacking I cooked with...
  7. Backroad Joe

    OK, it is time for a new tent...suggestions please?

    Newanderthal posted some good examples. Personally I would not get one like the North Face Flint shown at the bottom. I have an older model of that tent, the Pebble. Although it has served me faithfully for many years in the worst of weather i don't like the end entry. Newer designs of smaller...
  8. Backroad Joe

    Are You Ever Afraid To Tent?

    Further from population the safer i feel. I often travel alone and usually only use a tent if the weather demands it. Had bears in camp numerous times, but the food was properly stowed. The worst scare I ever had was when camping with the wife and two kids as guests on private land behind a...
  9. Backroad Joe

    Smoke/Fire/Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Tent

    Without getting into the whole heater source inside a tent debate I'd say you don't need a detector for the simple reason you should have plenty of ventilation. A tent zipped up tight will be dripping wet in the morning. The colder the wetter. Typically one person will exhale about one quart of...
  10. Backroad Joe

    Fleece or Thermal?

    Carmen, It's a good thing you're used to the layering part. That is important. I would also reinforce what other are saying about synthetic wicking fabrics. Yea, I was raised wearing thermals. Of course, back then there wasn't much else beside wool. Thermals can be your worst enemy when...
  11. Backroad Joe

    Why Don't Some People Like Inflatable Beds?

    They don't work for me for a couple of reasons. First, and most important is they are cold. Not an issue in the summer but I the winter I do a lot of desert camping and temps can get into the low teens at night. Second is they don't hold up. Most of my use is out of a jeep. Have to pack light...
  12. Backroad Joe

    Anyone Looked for Air Mattress Leaks from Inside Out Using Water?

    May not be the answer you were looking for but in a lifetime of camping I've found air mattresses to be the worst choice. I have tried everything. Eight years ago I bought a Therma-A-Rest pad and would never consider anything else.
  13. Backroad Joe

    Hello from the SW corner of the Great Southwest

    Hi, I'm Joe and I live in North San Diego County. I love camping and the outdoors. I've been camping all my life and am always looking forward to the next trip. I have an old jeep and enjoy exploring the Southwest. The further from pavement the better. I prefer primitive camping, often solo and...
  14. Backroad Joe

    Pie iron problems

    First I'll assume they are iron. The only kind to have! Iron will not wear out. I have some iron cookwear about 100 years old and it is the best. You need to "season" your iron at least once before initial use. A good coating all over with oil and put it in your oven at home. 250-300 degrees for...
  15. Backroad Joe

    Camping with a CPAP

    Like you, I use my CPAP while camping. Have been for about eight years now. I'm always primitive camping so I rely on my vehicle. Primarily that would be my jeep. It has two batteries so running the inverter overnight has never been a problem. Occasionally I take my truck (single battery) and...
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