Weight will be a MAJOR factor in your build.  Weight distribution and placement will also be a factor.  House batteries, water storage, tools, cooler. For example I mounted my house batteries and water tank in the cabin above my rear axil.  I cringe when I see some of the 4x4s with roof racks loaded to the max swaying back and forth. Spare tire, water, fuel, camping gear, you name it. This throws the geometry of the vehicle off and is a big issue with the handling and safety of the vehicle. Plus loss of mileage due to wind resistance. Another thing we learned along the way is pack light, think just like backpacking. If you don’t need it don’t take it. We learned this on our first trip to Co. I packed everything I could imagine that I would possibly need on our epic journey. After several white knuckle adventures like Slumgullion Pass with the truck in Low1, tapping the brakes and the distinct smell of other vehicles brakes burning up then struggling up the next Mtn. was not fun. When we got back I went through the van from one end to the other, if we didn’t use it, with the exception of emergency gear it stays at home. The gear requirements are fluid and change with the type and location of each trip. I did my first camper/van build in 1978!  New Chevy G20 with options……$4500. Through the years figured out what works and what dosent. Present van is best so far ultimate in comfort, practically, technology. All the comforts of home with an ever changing  view. The best part we saved thousands building it myself. I have a background in electronics/electrical so if any of you do it your selfers need advice give me a shout, I will be glad to help.     ... View more

First you are going to have to make a choice if you need to text in your emergency/ communication, if your looking at texting, checking in, then it will be a subscription service no matter which company and unit you choose.  If you are looking for a unit that is emergency only with no text, basically an SOS and your location, then units like the ACR  RescueME or the ResQlink. No subscription, NOT cellphone or internet dependent, communicates to satellite only.  When it comes to Marine Radios in a kayak you are probably going to have a limited range of several miles, if that, due to the short antenna with a handheld. Some handhelds and all fixed mount marine radios have a function called DSC/ Distress, I will just get into the distress part. You register the radio and apply for an MMSID# this info is your name, emergency contacts, medical info, make , model, color, registration of your vessel. You load the MMSID# into the radio. On the front panel there will be a red button under a cover. If you have an emergency you push the SOS button, the radio hails an emergency and transmits your location. The radio also has to be connected to a GPS for the location. When the Coast Guard receives the message they look up your ID #, mark the location and help is on the way. Our travels are usually out of cell range. So we opted for the ACR RescueME and Global Rescue for Emergency Medical Evacuation. Our skiff also has a Marine radio with DSC/ Distress, if it would come down to a breakdown or non life threatening it would be the radio. Life threatening, true emergency….. The PLB.  One more point. A PLBs battery is good for 5-6 years, then it has to be replaced by a factory authorized service center.      ... View more

Smart investment! ... View more

If your model has just the base map (no map), you have to purchase the download or chip from Garmin for the “detail” Some models come preloaded. Gaia is great for maps/charts you name it. You could plan your route and lon and lats for waypoints then create a route in the Garmin and load them in. The Garmin will only run Garmin mapping software. That’s the way it is with Garmin. I have several, I recently upgraded my Garmin GPS/Sonar. It was preloaded with all the navigation costal charts but dosen’t have any rivers and lakes. So I had to drop an other $125 for the River/Lakes chip so it covered everywhere we travel.  Bummer. I mainly use my iPad loaded with Gaia and a Garmin GLO II bluetoothed for the gps. I still carry my Garmin 76cs handheld loaded with topo for land or blue charts for water for back up. ActiveCaptain is Garmins mapping program for planning/storing data. ... View more

Thanks! It was one of those 5 star days for sure. The Manatee was a curious little fellow,  just swam right up to us to check us out. 5 miles of crystal clear water, Nature at its best. ... View more

I haven’t seen it, just told me about it in an email. He works with a local historian/author so I am sure it’s legit if that’s what it turned out to be. The Cemeteries I have visited were all Settlers, we always show the utmost respect and straighten up the graves that were disturbed by the weather or animals, seems the flowers get scattered around and pick up any litter and pack it out. The only thing we ever take is pix and litter along the trails. ... View more

I have done a lot of research/hiking/exploring in the land of the Cherokee. We have located the Fort locations where they organized the “Trail of Tears”. The night before the trip out west the Cherokee Tribes hid all their treasures in caves that are booby trapped. This was organized by a Settler in NW Georgia. In one case the Chief was too old to travel out west and was buried alive in his Tribes cave. A lot of the Cherokee returned and reclaimed their treasure after the Settlers stole their land when gold was discovered. I have done extensive research in the Fontana area bushwacking. I have discovered 4 locations of glyphs and trail markers. A Friend that lives in the area has recently found an Indian gravesite! I have acquired very old hand drawn maps of the area with not only homestead locations but also their names. I have a very promising location of an Indian Cave but it is going to extremely difficult hike in, 2 days, then the last mile off trail up a creek into a ravine with 3k’ walls and a huge waterfall. The Cherokee loved their waterfalls. 2 locations of Gold Mines, found one, boy was that exciting! 5 cemeteries,  I have the lon and lat of the other mine but it is an extremely difficult hike. Over 75 locations of Homesteads marked on GAIA. Heading back in 6 weeks to hook up with my Buddy to explore. ... View more

We have Advanced Elements. 5’8” and 5’4” Late 60’s no issues. Minutes to assemble and inflate. ... View more

Nikon AW 130. Waterproof to 99’, shock resistant 7’, freeze resistant. Definitely all weather. Shoots surprisingly well underwater snorkeling or diving. Backpacking, bushwacking off trail, even hurricanes. It’s been places you wouldn’t dare take a regular camera. Nice macro shots. Used to use a Nikonos IV in the days of film. Very nice 1080 video. What can you say…..it’s a Nikon.  ... View more

This is going to seem an odd answer. My Wife “borrowed” my 5.11 Tactical Pants. They fit her perfectly. Not too heavy ripstop material, super rugged. Made for Police, usable pockets everywhere, even pockets in pockets. Her favorite pants for hiking/camping.   ... View more