Wisconsin Tacomas and bad financial advice + guitar talk

You're kind of a pioneer in this, aren't you?

 

Posted on Midwest classifieds but I’ll put it in here too. Victory 4x4 mid height long bed rack and Tepui Autana 4 with Annex.

Both the rack and tent aren’t perfect, but still work great. I’ll come off the price for someone on here, I just need enough to buy a softtopper

 

When I camp in the summer I'll often throw a jug of iced coffee in the cooler, and I'm happy with that most mornings or for an afternoon caffeine bump. Quick and easy. For camping next weekend, however, I believe I'd prefer hot coffee.

I know a few of you guys have quick boil setups. I don't know a lot about these, but Jetboil seems to be a popular and highly rated brand. I was looking at

$139 Jetboil Flash Java Kit Cooking System, Ecto Green

this set. It ain't cheap, but I think it has everything I'd want and is the right size for me. Thoughts or opinions from those with experience with these?

 

I've been using a Camp Chef Stryker for a few years now, and I'm satisfied with it. It's basically a Jet-boil knockoff, for about 1/2 the price. There's certainly nothing wrong with the real deal. But, if you're looking to save a few bucks, it's a great option. I would 100% buy it again.

https://www.campchef.com/shop/porta...00/CC-Mountain-Series-Stoves-Stryker-200.html

 

I have an old jetboil, it's great for the size and convenience. Only major downside is the lack of refillable fuel, and a really bad hotspot...you can cook with a pan on it, but it's not really great at it.

I would say that my favorite back country stove setup is still the MSR whisperlite [international]. It's not as fast, or as efficient, or as small, but it's the kalashnikov of backcountry stoves. We used them exclusively when I was backcounty [cascades, rainier, alaska, africa] because they run on damn near any fuel, they're easy to fix/repair, and they're supported everywhere. Those tradeoffs were worth the inconveniences, in my opinion. To clean em you literally disassemble it and clean it with fuel and reassemble it....or at least that's what we did lol

just my 2 cents.

 

Oil change day! Got the solid maintenance light after ignoring the light reminders all week and figured I'd knock it out. Saves me one more thing to do during the 120,000 service. Currently around 117,000 and I use full synthetic so I should only have to check the oil during that next service.

 

Also take advantage of this and keep that red tide going https://www.acehardware.com/departm...ge-and-organization/tool-storage-bins/2837672

 

milwaukee m18 to really get that filter torqued on i see

 

I actually just bought this set up from Grayl to give it a try. It was cheap enough I could spring for their titanium water filter bottle and use that for smaller serving sizes/filtering water. It was definitely pricey but I'm a sucker for good advertising and multi-use items. Only drawback is it only takes Iso-butane. It does come with a replacement O-ring which is nice. 

 

Actually the opposite I jammed my left thumb pretty bad and don't feel like seeing if I can handle manually ratcheting the skid and drain plug off. Just need one good hand and a knee for a couple seconds with this bad boy to get everything off. Still have to do the wifes Kia after too.

 

Yeah, that's certainly cheaper, but what I like about the kit I linked is that it's set up for coffee specifically with the french press plunger included, and that would be the main purpose for me, other than maybe occasionally boiling water for some noodles or a dehydrated meal. Also, I happened to pick up a little extra cash for camping supplies yesterday.

I have a buddy who has a really old MSR Whisperlite that was his dad's. He brought it cvamping once and showed it to me. Yeah, that setup is solid and will last forever, but not the lightest or quickest for a cup of coffee. Ha!

Hmm... water filtration is also something I considered. For the coming weekend, with overnight temps below freezing, I'm guessing I'll have to keep water in the cooler so it doesn't freeze. May look into this more before the April Wayalusing trip.

 

One guy told me he used to boil water and put it in a thermos for the day. By the time lunch came around it would be room temp. If not he'd just let it sit opened to cool it down.

 

Yeah, it requires a bit more setup than the jetboil. If it's just me/im not using a pan, my jetboil is my favorite. Otherwise the ol trusty makes an appearance.

 

I’m headed over to Delavan now to pickup a Softopper for the second gen. My patience finally paid off with a guy selling one from Milwaukee that I think @Supr4Lo tipped me off too

 

It's not too glamorous, but I received some organizational goodies from the Aussies, specifically a company called Crashpad (@Camerasandcoffee probably recognizes this brand).

Behind the seat organizer, handy for frequently accessed stuff.



And some clear top canvas/vinyl organizers for storage cubbies or drawers, Potosi beer for scale.



Very happy with the quality of materials and stitching.

 

Love this thing already!

 

I’ve been using one of these for years

Optimus 8019743 Crux Weekend HE Cook System (Non-stick) Cook Systems

Optimus 8019743 Crux Weekend HE Cook System (Non-stick) Cook Systems

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M16WOF4

I usually use the cheap isobutane canisters from Walmart unless I pick up some small ones to pack nicely for a backpacking trip.

Coleman 15.5oz Butane/Propane Mix Fuel
https://www.walmart.com/ip/55283674

We use it for coffee, mountain house meals, etc. takes 1-2 minutes to boil water

note: these rocket stoves are designed to boil water quickly, not to use as a regular burner for cooking.

 

Looks great!

 

Thanks! Next time I see you, beer is on me as a thank you for posting the link to it!