Part II

Cabela’s 12 LED Lantern with Remote

The remote is cool if you want to climb into bed then hit the remote to turn the lantern off.
However this really does not put out sufficient light to read with unless you have it right next to you.

But if you have to wake up in the middle of the night due to a full bladder and have to relieve yourself, it provides enough light to see to get out of your bedding/sleeping bag and exit your tent to find your bush or portapotty.

Can not really give this two thumbs up either, but it works OK in an enclosed area such as a tent.

Pros:
* Compact
* Remote control is very cool.
* Lit up the inside of my roof top tent pretty good.

Cons:
* Not enough light output to read by for this old mans eyes.

Sorry, I forgot to snag a picture of it up in the roof top tent.
Here is a picture I found with Google though.

Maggiolina AirLand Roof Top Tent (my penthouse)

This root top tent rocks!
I slept nine hours almost both night in it.
Way more sleep than I get at home.
The nice thing about the AirLand is it sets up much like a tent trailer does by inserting a crank to deploy the roof.

Simply undo three latches on the roof, insert the crank handle, and crank it up.
The whole tent is setup in less than one minute.
After the roof is raised, you reach inside and pull out the adjustable aluminum ladder.
Set the ladder up against the tent with the hooks on the top, and you are all set to climb inside for a good nights sleep on the 3.1” mattress, or for a quick nap.

All the bedding is already setup if you packed it away that way.
I have the medium size AirLand, and it takes full sheets.
I am using fitted flannel sheets.
The down comforter is a twin size.
The brand I got is cut larger than most comforters, so even a twin is a little big, but it works out very well.
It came with three pillows too, and with the sheets and comforter setup, you would swear you were at home in your bed instead of out camping.
It is extremely comfortable.

Mine is mounted to four Yakima crossbars on my FJ Cruisers roof rack, and it is very stable.

Also since you are up in the air, you do not have to worry about tracking dirt or water into your tent.
Your sleeping quarters stay a lot cleaner than if in a tent on the ground.

These same tents are used around the world on expeditions, and they do very well in rain and windy situations.

While some campers next to me were cold when they got up, I was toasty.
I slept in my undies, and was not cold at all.
I did touch the comforter top a few times early in the morning, and it was very cold.
It gets cold early in the morning before the sun comes up at Mt. Rainier.
However, I was toasty under the covers.

I give it two thumbs up

Pros:
* Hard shell design with insulated roof.
* 12v light inside.
* Cranks up like a tent trailer, see a video I made setting it up at my home.
YouTube - Setting up the Maggiolina roof top tent
* Tent material is pretty much water proof from reading other reviews online.
* Very comfortable.
* Having all the bedding setup is so cool.
* If you like to gab a lot with other campers, surprise, you are in for showing many what the tent is all about.

Cons:
* The price may scare a few off, but like most fine things in life, you get what you pay for with this AutoHome tent.
* I was constantly bugged my whole trip by curious campers.
They would drive by my site, even walk by, and everyone just had to ask me what it was, and how did I like it.
Being the good camping ambassador that I am, I obliged and answered all of their questions, I even let some go up the ladder to take a peak inside.
Be prepared if you get one and are in a public campground, you will draw lots of attention.

Camping Lab Awning

Owner Fernando hand crafted me some custom mounts to mount the awning to my Yakima crossbars.
The awning is setup on the drivers side of my roof rack.
The awning is very easy to setup, and once deployed gives you a nice area to sit under to get out of the sun or the rain.

It sprinkled my first night up at Mt. Rainier, so I ducked under the awning for awhile in my camp chair.
I am glad I had the awning.

I give it two thumbs up

Pros:
* Fairly easy to setup by oneself.
* Seems stable in the wind when staked out with the included guylines and stakes.
* Offers a substantial amount of shade and relief from the sun at the elevation I encountered up at Mt. Rainier at the White River campground.

Cons:
* A little hard to take down with one person.
Take down is easier with two.

Zodi Hotman Extreme S/C Shower

Nothing like getting a warm/hot shower in camp when all you have nearby is a cold river/creek/stream to bathe in.
Been there done that many a time.

The water pressure is not great of course like a home shower, but it helps get the dirt off of you.
I have read that some replace the simple on/off head on it with a kitchen sprayer.
I may end up trying that.

I give it two thumbs up

Pros:
* Compact little unit.
* Easy to operate.

Cons:
* Could use more water pressure, but then I am use to being a water hog at home when taking a shower with the water pressure on at a good pace.

Battery powered water drinking pump from Jacks Toolshed

I saw this pump mentioned on Expedition Portals forum by member SOCALFJ.
Battery Operated Water Pump - Expedition Portal Forums

This pump fits into the water cooler bottles like you have at the office or at home.
I find it kind of a drag to fill up jugs at home from my Pur water faucet filter in the kitchen.
I do stock my ARB fridge with the 12 oz water bottles you buy at the grocery store, but those would go to quick when you want fresh water for cooking or just a cool quick drink of filtered water.

You can get the five or three gallon water bottles at some supermarkets, and also fill them there with filtered water.

Set a bottle on your picnic table, insert the pump, and you have fresh water for a weekend of camping at the touch of a button.

I give it two thumbs up

Pros:
* Easier than a hand pump that can be had for these bottles.
* Other campers are intrigued by it, and ask for more information.

Cons:
* Mine did not screw onto the five gallon water bottle like it should.
Perhaps the bottle is not threaded correctly, I do not know.
It still worked just fine though.

ARB Fridge/Freezer

Very cool, no pun intended.
I have taken this on outings to Greenwater and served up frozen ice cream bars to the group.
Nothing like having your food at the right temperature just like your home refrigerator.

Virtually silent this piece of fine workmanship is outback proven around the whole globe.
Once you use one of these things, you will wonder why you put up with the mess of using ice for years.

You can buy an add on for this called the “Two Zone” which replaces the lid on it with another compartment.
So you can use one for refrigeration, and one for a freezer.

I highly recommend one of these for your next camping/expedition trip.

I give it two thumbs up

Pros:
* No more soggy food!
* Room for plenty of food, and you do not have to shift the food around a block of ice.
* Can be used as a freezer too, but not at the same time when in refrigeration mode.
* Draws little power (extremely energy efficient) from the vehicles battery, as you can go close to five days on a healthy battery.
* Temp gauge included to keep an eye on the temperature.
* High tech to keep your perishable food fresh for days.

Cons:
* Temperature gauge is in Celsius, no option to set it to Fahrenheit.

Foxhill Oven

Not a new item for me, I have had this oven since 1991 or so.
Back before I was introduced to the Internet, I think I saw the ad for this hot little item in Trailer Life magazine or some camping magazine.
I put up a review on this several years ago on YotaTech.
It works as advertised.
Set it on top of your camping stove, and watch the temp gauge go up.
Level off your flame when you get to the desired temp setting, and cook away.

Anything you can cook at home in an oven you can cook in the Foxhill oven, within reason.
It contains a non stick baking pan, so the volume of what you can cram into it will be limited.

They also now offer a dual pan oven, so that offers you twice the baking capacity of the one I have.

I use mine to cook up my Morningstar sausage, and Boca chicken patties for dinner.
You can also use it to heat up French bread.
I am sure you will find this oven very handy around the campsite on your next outing.

Pros:
* You can bake, warm up leftovers, and do much more with this oven.
* Has a built in temp gauge on the front so you can time how long to cook your grub.

Cons:
* I can not think of any.
I have had this oven since the early 90s, and have been very happy with it.

I hope these reviews can be of help to you if you are thinking if getting new camping/expedition gear soon.

Here is a link to my vacation at Mt. Rainier where I did these reviews:
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...ction-gps-coordinates/67333-my-summer-vacation-mt-rainier-national-park-wa.html

 

nice write up but I must say this is much to fancy for camping!!! what happened to taking a *&%$ behind a tree?

 

For starters, that is illegal.
They have public restrooms there at the campgrounds, it is illegal to crap in the bush.

You can not pay me to sit on a public toilet, hence why I have had my own for around 25 years.
This new one by PETT is one of the best, no water to put into it, it uses chemicals, and you throw away the bag in the trash afterwards which is approved of up there.

Thanks a lot Corey!!! :bigthumb:

Good reviews and good idea!

I wish Cabelas will open a store up here (Canada). :mecry:

Thanks!
I had a great time up there with the stuff.
The only disappointing item was the small PETT tent.
Not big enough to double as a shower hut too.

 

Thanks a lot Corey!!! :bigthumb:

Good reviews and good idea!

I wish Cabelas will open a store up here (Canada). :mecry:

 

Cabela's bought out SIR Outdoor Supply, and they've converted the main branch in Winnipeg into a Cabela's. Although the store here is not as huge nor as extensive as the US branches, I'm sure Cabela's will expand out to you sometime.

 

Nice review! You live very well in camp.

I use a combination of old backpacking and car camping gear and don't have near the things you do. I use a couple of backpack stoves (one white gas and one propane, which I use to boil water for old fashioned backpacker food), an old Coleman white gas lantern and just got a new REI backpack tent. I've seen the hot shower device, ARB frig, roof top tent and other items you've reviewed, but have no need for them personally, although I am considering the purchase of a Tentrax or Adventure trailer, which would change all that.

I also have a roll up camp table and a folding sling chair and stool. I seldom use the camp table (opting to use the picnic tables normally available at camp sites), but I do use the chair and stool. I carry 2 gallons of water (in one gallon jugs) for each day I expect to be out and also have a water filter for emergency use. So, we have very little equipment in common, except for the personal waste disposal system and the use of Cutter's Advanced Sport Insect Repellant (which I use on clothes and large skin areas in conjuction w/deet for smaller skin areas). I also carry a yard fogger and bug insecticide, when I go car camping, just in case I need them.

In any event, I like my privacy when I'm taking a dump and, like you, I think the pit toilets at most campsites are just atrocious. So, finding a suitable personal wase disposal system was important to me.

I passed on the PETT system as too expensive and instead bought a cheap 6" privacy tent ($45) that I use w/a cheap folding toilet ($15) and Wag Bags, which are the business end of the PETT system and all you really need. The tent is kind of a pain to set up, but easy to take down. The Wag Bags fit well in the folding toilet seat, just touching the ground when the bag is fitted over the seat. I also bought some air tight bags (intended for food to keep bears away), but they work very well to store filled Wag Bags (no smell escapes from the bag), in case you have no place to dispose of them right away.

I also have the Eco Safe Toilet System that I can use in the privacy tent in conjuction with an odor and waste eliminator called BioMagic that works great when you're out in the woods for an extended period of time or with a group involving higher volumes of waste (up to 5 gallons/50 uses) that need to be disposed of, which I carry in two 20mm ammo cans (the seat goes in one and the waste tank in the other), but I haven't had the "pleasure" of using the Eco System yet. Just bought it in case I "might" need it -- like if I go on a month long expedition.

 

Nice review! You live very well in camp.

Thanks, I still have some very old stuff.
Not seen was a very old REI nylon water sack around 2 gallons I think, hanging on a dead tree.
Works great still.
I use to take it backpacking up at Rainier back in the mid 80s.

That propane stove from Sears has the click starter on it, I picked that up around '96 I think after selling my tent trailer in '95.
Sold that due to a layoff back then.
Kids and I took it out about ten times each season from '89 to '94.

Friggin' awesome post(s)!!!!

I haven't even had a chance to read/digest it all, just wanted to say.

Thanks!
Wish I had taken some shots of the interior of the roof top tent, just so much going on there and people to yak with, I ran out of time to take more pics.

Everyone up there was having a blast with the great sunny weather.
Traditionally WA. states summer sucks until about this week and then it is good until October.

Corey,

Thanks for the reviews. They are very informative.

Thanks, it was fun testing out the new stuff.

I have gone with bare minimum too since I use to backpack long ago.
Then when I had my two tent trailers I thought that was pretty luxurious.
Not so much as com,pared to a big RV though.

But I do like to have good gear to get me by for a week if I want to stay out that long.
That was my goal to stay up there until Saturday morning, but this sunburn is not feeling so well that I got.
I should have known better, but it fel so good kicking back in the lounger, that dang sun snuck up on me.
And it only took a few minutes to do its damage.

 

Friggin' awesome post(s)!!!!

I haven't even had a chance to read/digest it all, just wanted to say.

 

Corey,

Thanks for the reviews. They are very informative.

 

Excellent review Corey. I like a lot of the items listed. You are Sir, a man who knows comfort! How do you pack all that in?

 

Thanks.
I use to rough it, as I backpacked for years.
Now that I am older I like a few comforts.

Actually it all packed in pretty good.
First pic shows it from the rear.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...ction-gps-coordinates/67333-my-summer-vacation-mt-rainier-national-park-wa.html

I still had room too for more, but I already had enough clothing (dang, forgot to review the Cableas duffel bag ) for an entire week up there as well as food.
It is amazing how much you can pack in an ARB/Engel type of fridge since there is no ice to fight for space.

I would have stayed until tomorrow or Saturday if I had not gotten sunburned.

 

NIce write up !! thanks for the taking the time for... I agree about Cabelas !! Great place...

 

Nice thread Corey. I think I will have to go get one of the ovens.

 

Corey:
Nice reviews, and alot of the stuff you show are things that I did not existed. We camp alot with FJ, but we use a POPUp camper. I am re-thinking that with the roof top tent system you show!!!
Enjoy and keep up the review for the rest of!!!!
Any tips on good fishing spots???

 

Thanks for the reviews. Nice kit for "car camping" and a few items I hadn't seen and/or wondered about. I love the penthouse and think that'd be one hell of a cool addition to the FJ, but I thought the stock roof rack could only hold 150lbs... You print dangerous info my friend. I have a Cabelas 5 miles from the den. :lol:

Howls,
FJ Wolf

 

Great write ups.

Cabelas rocks, products and customer service!

A word of caution about the water jug. Bottled water when left in direct sunlight & high temps can leach from the plastic containers.I know this to be true of the liter sized bottles, it may not transfer to the larger size you took with you.

 

Thanks Joe.
Hey, is it the same chemical release that the old Nalgene bottles have been in the new as of late?

The bottle was out in the sun for awhile up there.
Next time I will try to position it under some shade from a tree or something.

It was sure nice though not having to drink from the smaller bottles or even open up my jerry can water container you can see in a few pics.

Just flip that switch to fill up a pot for boiling water for coffee or dinner, or to drink your days supply of water.

 

Nice writeups Corey-
You guys inspire me to get back to camping. It's a little hard to get my wife to go camping since we live on a 3 acre parcel in the woods already, in fact you could have taken that picture just up my driveway.
I guess we'll just have to head over to the coast and camp on the beach instead.
I love this forum, there is some much good info.

 

great thread fun to read what others find handy

now you need a offroad trailer for the next level of comfort like you as I got older I got to wanting more comfy

3 years of my life out of a two man tent was enough I will still sleep under canvas though no motor home camper thingie for me

 

About the shower... I used 1leglance's on the Continental Divide Expedition and was also really not enthused with the pressure. I am also a HUGE person (i.e. lots of surface area :lol: ) so that didn't help.

What I did that I really liked was to heat up a pan of water and use that "Rinse free" shower stuff... you mix some of the goop in hot water, spread it on with a cloth, and then towel dry and you're done. It lets you get a much more satisfying coverage of water since you just slop it on with whatever abandon you desire, rather than being limited by the poor water pressure problem of the Zodi.

 

apparently Walmart sells a similar but cheaper table:

Walmart.com: Portable Picnic Table: Camping

And it's either Made in the USA or imported! (got a laugh out of that)

and apparently there's a wood version, too:
Folding Picnic Table - Wood

 

Thanks for the post Corey. I'm sold on the table...got to get one of those.







...

 

Thanks for the post Corey. I'm sold on the table...got to get one of those.
...

You are welcome.
Looking at the Walmart one it does not seem quite as rugged as the Cabela's one.
The legs also swing in differently.

I am also thinking of getting one of those roll up tables to use to store stuff on.
I used the parks table for that purpose since I did not dine on theirs, and when I dry camp later next year in just the woods and not a real campsite, an extra table will help.

Cabela's has them as well as other sites too.
Some have adjustable legs for height to help level it more on not so level of ground, so that is a plus on the Cabela's one.
I will wait until I see it go on sale...
Cabela's Deluxe Roll-Top Tables

Large

Half size

 

I use the half size table (picked it up from Eddie Bauer's for $20) - works great.
Great for food prep - even put my Cobb BBQ on it.
Only issue is that it is not very sturdy in the wind.

 

I found the one on IH8MUD I had seen before.
Guide Gear Large Aluminum Roll-Top Table, Camp Furniture, Guide Gear at Sportsman's Guide

But it does not have the adjustable legs to level it.
I will probably get the Cabela's one then.

That is a good price on the one above though.

 

Corey

On your recommendation, I purchased the Cabelas table prior to camping with the family at Oceano Dunes. It was a hit with the family and definitely well worth the money.

FYI, I have one of those 1/2 size roll up tables from REI. I use it for my kitchen setup. It is a good size to place you stove on and still have room for food prep.

 

Glad you like the table.
It looks small, but once you really sit down at it, it looks bigger.

My Extra Large rollup from Cabela's should show up after Labor Day.
They were not sure when it would go on sale, but I went for it.

 

Great reviews all Corey. I will make sure to come back to this thread the next time I need some gear. I also see you are reading my favorite computer mag; CPU

 

Thanks Landrover.

Yes, by far one of the better PC mags out there.
Lot of good tips, and great reviews on the latest stuff for gaming rigs, as that is what I am into when building my PCs.

I have some more new fresh gear, but not sure if I will get out again this year to try it out.
Looking forward to next spring to really get back into camping again.

 

Corey, did you get your Cabala shower tent yet? How well does it pack up?

 

Yes, I got it.
It came Friday, and it is still in the box in the dining room

Come this long weekend I will open it up and see how it sets up.
The box it is in in not as big as I thought it would be.
It must pack pretty tight/small.

I was going to order the Zodi shower pole, but I changed my mind after reading the reviews on it.

I think I will look at what size loop is on the can of the Zodi shower, and mabe see about a wood dowel instead.
Or, I can look at the interior of the new shower tent and see if there is a good way to hang it.

I did order one of these too along with the table
I sure thought I was going to need to make a trip down the ladder each night I was camping to go water the bushes, but I did not have too.
I chalk that up to being super warm with the flannel sheets and down comforter.

I may not be so lucky next time, and the above would sure be faster, as long as I "got my aim on" target :rocker:
That would suck big time to miss and mess the comforter.
Down does not do to well when wet

 

Thanks appreciate it. I see a shower tent in the future. There's precious little space in the FJ. With 2 kids, I have even less room then those who travel alone or have use of the back seats.

I don't know about the red bottle...I just can't see myself sleeping next to one! :lol:

 

Dude - I need one of those - maybe two of those - :cheers:

-

 

The urinals?
Good gosh man, how much do you drink before turning in