Tag: forest

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A Better Way to Leave No Trace

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve tried them all. From the venerable “wheelie bin” offerings from South Africa and Australia to the old Trasharoo, we’ve seen and tested them all. Truth is, they all work. Many people just use them for trash and other light duty items, but we wanted a bag that could carry more and do more. We needed one to last longer outdoors while also giving us options for mounting beyond just the spare tire.

The search for something better started with a discussion over on our forum. What did our members want? What features are they interested in? We reached out to several companies in the US as well as Australia and South Africa with our crowd sourced inputs. After months of emails and lip service, one company actually listened. And they didn’t just listen or talk, they actually went to work.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”10454″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Enter the Last US Made Bag Company:

“The Last US Bag Company was founded in Portland, Oregon in 2001 as an OEM soft goods manufacturer for military and commercial purposes. Over the years, LUSB has developed a proprietary brand of products that spans the retail and industrial markets, including renewable energy, aerospace, tactical, and commercial markets. LUSB’s products can be found globally and have even orbited the Earth. Our commitment is to building quality manufactured products in the USA, employing as many as we can at living wages, and reducing consumption of textiles through responsible design engineering.

Today, LUSB resides in a 30k square foot manufacturing facility in Vancouver, WA and employs roughly 30 people, give or take. We like to work hard and encourage each other to grow both personally and professionally, and we love the Northwest corner of the US and enjoy the many outdoor activities this area affords. If you are ever in town, come by and see us! We love to have visitors!”[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”10442″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]What Last US Bag came up with is something they’re calling “Oscar’s Mobile Hideout”. The concept is straightforward, yet complex in execution – provide a solution to the demand signal for an all-purpose spare tire/ladder/rack attached utility bag for anything you might need on the trail. Firewood hauler, recovery gear, tools, nerf guns, slain deer, camp chairs, chain saw, kitchen sink, wag bags, extra children. Whatever.

It needed to be made out of something strong in case you decide to throw a 5 gallon fuel or water can in there. And it had to be able to be left out in the sun, able to get dirty, and ready to hose out and go again. So they listened to all those crazy ideas and made it happen. And they made it out of a heavy duty 18 oz poly reinforced vinyl that is highly durable, won’t absorb odors, resists fading, and is resistant to chemicals.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”10440″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]They sent us a test mule for this review and we drug it from Florida to Arizona and back again over a nine day trip. We used it on Padre Island and Big Bend National Park in Texas, and it made a public debut at the 2020 Desert Rendezvous in the Arizona desert. Features on this current iteration include:

  • 22w x 24h x 8d
  • Poly-no-stretch webbing attachment with ITW buckles
  • Poly vinyl mesh outer pockets
  • Poly vinyl mesh interior lid pocket
  • BIG dual vertical front locking zippers for easy access to inside of bag
  • Top cinch retention gasket
  • Interior loops for securing a trash bag with carabiners
  • Center strap closure
  • Bow saw sized slip pocket with cutting board/frame sheet
  • Side compression straps
  • Reflective trim
  • D-Rings for exterior lashing
  • Grab handle on top for carrying, or hanging from a tree in bear country
  • Bottle opener. Yes, you read that right!

 

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1585249871671-78419230-fa84-7″ include=”10453,10452″][vc_masonry_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1585249871673-1fa9b04a-4cc6-8″ include=”10443,10451,10450″][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1585249871675-d5055f14-9b42-9″ include=”10444,10441″][vc_masonry_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1585249871676-df97d21a-d776-8″ include=”10442,10448,10447″][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1585249871678-34e55bbc-41bb-2″ include=”10446,10445″][vc_column_text]What would we change?

#1 is bomb proof metal buckles and strap mounts. Most of us would appreciate the option to upgrade those at checkout. More diversity in colorway options like black, gray and desert tan would be appreciated as well. The evolution of the mounting system to include a way to mount to tailgates like the Jeep Gladiator etc. Maybe a quick detach system across all mounting types. Being able to clip it on or off rather than wrangle straps when it’s go time would be a major edge over other offerings.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The bottom line:

For an “early iteration”, they came close to hitting every check box. This bodes well for the future of this bag, and for the Last US Bag Company. Their goal is clear here: A bag that provides utility across the spectrum from SUV to pickup to vans, or even traditional campers.

Everybody needs a bag like this on trips to pack out more than you packed in!

Please Tread Lightly because if we don’t there will be locked gates ahead for all of us and Closure is not the Answer!

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1585249871680-515fae7f-0973-4″ include=”10438,10437″][vc_column_text]Full disclosure: This bag was provided at no cost to the author or American Adventurist for the purposes of an independent review, and to provide feedback for inclusion in the development of future versions.

Photos by Richard Soohoo[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10436″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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2018 SoCal Mountain Rendezvous

2018 SoCal Desert Rendezvous

Thursday, Day 01:

Our day started with the American Adventurist team already on-site and prepping for the slew of members to arrive for check-in at our 8th Annual SoCal Mountain Rendezvous. We’d arrived a around 3:00pm after loading up and making logistics stops along the way. Traffic was light, the weather was very pleasant but warm, and we finally arrived to Camp Tahquitz with not a cloud in the sky. The entire team was there at the check-in station, along with our founder, Dave Bennett, who had flown in from the Midwest the day before to see everyone. We got our camp setup and joined the team already on duty. It was a day to unwind and get into the Rendezvous mindset!

Friday, Day 02:

It was a wonderful morning as the sun began to rise and shine between the many trees throughout Camp Tahquitz. The camp slowly began to come to life as breakfast was being prepared and cooked, and others were preparing for the day’s activities to come.

 

After having breakfast and coffee, the check-in station reopened and we began to gather the members who were interested in a trail-run to the Holcomb Creek Trail led by Falken Tires. Brandon and Don of Falken Tire gave the drivers meeting and safety brief before they saddled up and hit the road.  We had people coming from as far away as the east coast for the Rendezvous again this year, so we manned the check-in area as members and vendors alike began filtering in throughout the morning.

 

 

 

At 11:00am, a first-aid class was hosted by Dave Bennett. A great turnout from our members to soak in the knowledge from his many years of Navy medicine and real world field experience with the Marines.  Staff member Stuart also advised on information regarding CPR with his 25 years of EMT experience.

 

 

The rest of the day on Friday was left to relaxing and socializing, saying hi to old friends, and meeting new ones. At 5:00pm, a social hour was hosted by Goose Gear. One hundred and fifty burgers and hotdogs were cooked up for everyone to come and eat around the main fire pit. All the folks in camp from all corners came down to enjoy the delicious food. Thanks Goose Gear for providing a ton of food for everyone to eat!

 

 

As everyone lounged about the fire pit, the group that had left this morning on their trail run finally began to arrive at home base with the guys from Falken Tire. During the afternoon, we had comms that they had encountered a broken down Jeep YJ that had a broken belt. After a little bit, it was decided to send our good friend Tim out on a mission to pickup a fan belt and deliver it to them on his KTM motorcycle. Unfortunately comms were very spotty, but it turns out that the shop had already sent someone out to meet the stranded Jeep and Tim’s rescue wasn’t needed. He had returned after raising Brandon and getting the update. Brandon and Don literally returned to camp as the remaining “campfire” loungers were about ready to head to bed. They had a long day and long night and also decided to turn in as well. Friday had been a very eventful day.

 

 

Saturday, Day 03

Another clear and crisp morning greeted us as we all awoke from our nights’ slumber on Saturday morning. Today’s event schedule consisted of a Gear Science class hosted by Adam from Step 22 Gear, and a Recovery 202 Class hosted by I4WDTA Certified Trainer Dave Bennett with help from Deadman Offroad.  A Scavenger Hunt for the kids was also hosted by American Adventurist which had the kids running all over the place looking for items and key people. Saturday evening would bring the main event: the Potluck Dinner and Camp Cooking Competition, which gets bigger and better every year.

 

 

Step 22 Gear began their Gear Science class at 11:00am. Adam gave us a rundown on how to properly choose recovery gear, what the materials are really meant for, and what the differences are. He shared lot of great information we all should know, and made it easy to understand the mysteries and importance of things like working load limits, safety factors and independent testing. Thanks again Adam for taking the time to teach the class!

 

 

After a lunch break, it was I4WDTA Certified Trainer Dave Bennett and Deadman Offroad to host the Recovery 202 class. This was an advanced class which built upon the basics of recovery that most of us should know. The idea of this class was to simulate clearing a blocked trail by moving a large log via a 9,500 lb winch. A layout was made using a tree strap and single pulley block to redirect a VERY large log 180 degrees from where it lay to it’s new position out of the way. Careful consideration was given to the approximate weight of the deadfall (6K lbs), the rating of all gear used, and also the weight of the vehicle doing the winching.  A great instruction of what to do, and what not to do in regards to winching skills and setting up the lines properly. Safety is always number one!

 

 

After a successful and educational afternoon, it was business as usual in camp, with the days’ schedule left up to you. That’s a Rendezvous tradition after all – do as much, or as little, as you like!

 

 

Meanwhile, the younger Adventurists had a fun event coming up, the American Adventurist Kids Scavenger Hunt. An awesome prize was given out to each participant for finding the listed items on their hunt. Every year is always a different prize! The kids had a blast with the hunt and even more fun using their prize at night fall.

 

 

As the afternoon wore on, preparations began in earnest for the Potluck Dinner and Camp Cooking Competition. Participants had been planning their meals for this main event for months, and now it was show time. The issue of open flame and heat is always a concern given the fire restrictions in the San Bernardino National Forest in the latter days of summer. Unfortunately, the winds had picked up so charcoal was a no-go this year.  Luckily the participants weren’t strictly limited to Dutch Oven cooking and they had arrived well prepared with a variety of camp cooking tools at their disposal. Our members are truly the Kings of Camp Cooking!

 

 

At 6:00pm, the tables were filled with dishes of all kinds, from main dishes to sides and desserts. It was awesome to see how many different dishes there were. Not only the variety, but mostly just because of how many of you participated in this event, which included both contestants, and also the Adventurists who contributed to the Potluck. A huge thank you to everyone who brought a dish to the table. Team efforts like this are what American Adventurist is all about!

 

An AMAZING variety of dishes, and quite delicious all around! Congratulations to the winners of the Potluck Dinner and Cook-off Competition!

In Third Place:

 

In Second Place:

 

In First Place:

 

A big thank you tour friends at Tembo Tusk for sponsoring the Camp Cooking Competition, but more importantly, a massive thank you to everyone who participated in this delicious event!

With full belly’s and smiling faces, we all kicked back and enjoyed the rest of Saturday night, sitting around our faux campfire lanterns. The night sky this entire weekend was so clear, no moon and a flooded with stars. A perfect clear night.

 

 

Sunday, Day 04

Sunday was a nice and leisurely morning as everyone was readying up for the huge raffle. After everyone gathered around the main fire pit, Brent Haywood Photography rallied everyone together for the always happening Rendezvous group photo. Thanks Brent for coordinating the photo!

 

With the photos taken and everyone settled in around the main pit, everyone was ready for the raffle. This part of the event cannot be successful without the endless list of devoted sponsors who continue to donate items to the raffle to help support American Adventurist with our cause and purpose.

We want to give all our sponsors a huge THANK YOU!

 

 

With the Sunday afternoon approaching, everyone returned back to their campsites to pack, clean up and head home. The staff stayed behind to wrap up, debrief and say our goodbyes to everyone who attended this always great Rendezvous event at Camp Tahquitz in the mountains of Southern California.

At our Mountain Rendezvous we raised over $3,300 to help support Camp Tahquitz and the Scouts at this event. Another BIG thank you to all our donating sponsors, and of course, to every member of American Adventurist for continuing this annual tradition. Until our next Rendezvous event!