Colorado B.S. Thread

That place is awesome
Wood fire pizza
Close to my house too!!

 

Yall can still afford pizza!

 

its called meal prepping

 

I prefer this type of meal prep

 

that is much better. 2 slices and hydration

 

Not to mention the topping upgrades

 

Discussion, for those who go outside and "touch grass" often.

I've been wheeling often and hard for the last decade. It may be outright gross and wrong, but until this summer (except for a winch 2 years ago) I never carried a single thing for recovery equipment. This summer I figured I'd pushed my luck long enough. And bought a snatch strap, winch extension, shackles, winch pulley, and just recently traction boards from one of the guys on here. They will be with me for all future adventures...

What is your recovery loadout on solo trips?
And how many times have you hooligans stranded/recovered yourselves?

 

I also used to also pack primarily luck and ignorance in my bag of youthful resilience, but I've scope creeped a bit and have traction boards, a strap and hitch recovery loop in case I get stuck in someone's way, a shovel for witnesses; and think twice before going where I might need them alone.


Heading to the big D next weekend - anything interesting going on (or anything to avoid)? Work trip and I ship out early Sunday, but I'm off leash Saturday afternoon/evening..so not much but didn't think I'd be back in CO again this year so

 

I’ve winched myself probably 10 times in the last 3 years, when I installed it. But I also intentionally get stuck in snow on trail doing dumb things. Snapped the line once on my own fault, and had to use a sawzall to cut the lock of my maxtrax. Those and a full size spade got me out.

Carry all the tools, highly recommend a sawzall with wood and metal blades. Get real traction boards, and a full size fiberglass handle shovel. I bought fancy d rings too instead of the cheap stuff, forget the brand but they make crane rigging stuff. I haven’t used my soft shackle yet but it seems nice.

And I always have my garmin in the truck, as well as spare food, water, and clothing obviously. Oh and a full size jack, wood blocks, saw, etc.

I tend to have multiples of everything as well, once read “Two is one, and one is none” and it’s the truth.

I should probably weigh this pig at some point…

 

I usually don't do anything dumb enough that I need rescued. I've been carrying a hitch receiver shackle mount, static tow strap, 4 MaxTrax, set of snow chains (for just rear axle) and some spare fluids and a toolbag. That's about it. I don't have a full Overland/Molle/Velcro first aid grab and go bag, guns, etc. I'm somehow survived.
I also have a very good spatial awareness - both a 3D model in my head and know when the wheels will be touching things as well as being observant to noises outside the truck to hear things that may be off and check them out rather than a "turn up the music" mindset.

I end up using my recovery gear for others, not myself.

EDIT: @Littles was with me off Switzerland a few years back on the only time I've been stuck, and I did it knowing 90% sure I may get stuck, but wanting to use the MaxTrax for myself for once and others had winches.

EDIT2 after reading TomTom's response. I forgot to mention the common-sense-to-me things.. In the wintertime I have a spare blanket, stove, water, food, etc. I attribute that to driving in Ohio since a teenager and just being safe. Never had to use it, but part of that is that I feel that if you are prepared, you won't likely need it.

 

You’ll be good. The Garmin for SOS piece of mind is real nice. And it’s a mini so I take it on the bikes too.

 

Oh also a winch block and a couple tree savers.

 

Sawzall is a good note to take here. I guess I excluded tools, shovel, food and clothing but those have always been on board as well.
I also need a curb weight check lol

@JasonLee I think that's 90% why I haven't gotten stuck. I've hardly ever got company, so I play it conservative when I think I should.
I think I've also got that spatial acuity.

Maybe I just need a trip with the boys here to get stuck and play recovery time lol

 

If you carry nothing else, keep a good sense of how long a walk it is to the nearest well-traveled road or cell service.

I don't often go too far off the beaten path so I don't have have much for recovery gear but I do keep a full tool kit, a Carhartt jacket, and an emergency blanket (the kind with fleece on one side and vinyl on the other) in the truck at all times. I also carry chains for all four wheels in winter*.

*I know that the owners manual advises against chains on the front wheels but I run 245-width tires so I have more UCA clearance than the factory 265s.

 

I make sure to bring extra water, but its an old habit from when I used to go deep woods camping

 

Same here, but my old habit was from growing up in the desert. It was a no brainer. If you can’t stay hydrated when things go sideways, you have some much bigger issues to address.

Nowadays, I keep an MSR gravity filter in the truck permanently along with extra water. I might die of stupidity, but I shouldn’t have to worry about dying of thirst!

 

This is prolly the most important thing next to having donuts and chocolate milk.
I carry a filter in the camper and it also rides with me on the bike. I use it all the time in the camper as the tank water is rancid, but filtered it makes decent coffee.

 

I bought a Grayl this summer. Perfect water bottle/filter for outdoor adventures.

Also, did you build your hardtail yet @jubei

 

Ham radio and the ability to text with APRS was the peace of mind I needed. All the other stuff is nice to have but being able to reach out and ask for help if needed is incomparable.