2018
JANUARY/FEBRUARY ISSUE
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G U I D E
T O
A U T O M O T I V E
A D V E N T U R E
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O U T D O O R
L I F E S T Y L E TECH GEAR GUIDES HOW TO TECHNIQUES
70 Series Maltexplorer
REVIEWS
DRIVEN FROM GERMANY TO MONGOLIA
Winter Camping THRIVING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Big Bad Wolf ‘67 TOYOTA FJ40 LAND CRUISER
Colorful Colorado TRAVERSING THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
CONQUERING CHALLENGES
From The Editors Of Maximum Drive U.S. $8.99
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DISPLAY UNTIL 02/13/18
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
CONTENTS Eleventh Issue January/February 2018
FEATURES 28 POWER COOKER
58 TUNES TO GO
34 BIG BAD WOLF
72 ALWAYS PREPARED
BIOLITE CAMPSTOVE 2 BUNDLE
REBIRTH OF A ‘67 TOYOTA FJ40 LAND CRUISER
48 THE COLORADO TRAVERSE
DESCENDING ON THE FOUR WHEELING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
BLUETOOTH PORTABLE SPEAKER BUYER’S GUIDE
DAILY DRIVEN EMERGENCY RESPONSE JKU
84 WINTERING IN WONDERLAND HOW TO THRIVE DURING A WINTER CAMPING EXCURSION
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TREADMAGAZINE.COM
94 GOT A LIGHT?
138 SHOP TALK
106 DAILY-WEEKENDER
146 HAVE TOURIST VISA WILL
KEYCHAIN FLASHLIGHT BUYER’S GUIDE
‘16 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD OFF-ROAD
124 TIRE BUYER’S GUIDE
FIND YOUR RIG’S PERFECT TRACTION
INTERVIEW WITH DOUGLAS DAVIDSON OF THE BROWN BUFFALO
TRAVEL
70 SERIES MALTEXPLORER
160 MAKE FRESH TRACKS
SCORE MORE POW TURNS THIS WINTER
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TECH 116 AIRING DOWN IS EASY
AIRING BACK UP IS THE HARD PART
DEPARTMENTS 8EDITOR’S LETTER 14 OUTFITTED
A ROUND UP OF THE LATEST AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES
16 ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
20 GEAR BOX
SUPPLIES FOR LIFE OFF THE BEATEN PATH
22 MADE THE CUT
TANTO BLADE FOLDERS
26 REC
ONEWHEEL+
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
THE PHALANX FULL SIZE PACK WITH HELMET CARRY
“Love the Craftsmanship” “Amazing Value” “Easily a Favorite” “Expert Design” “Durable and Strong” “Best Damn Quality” “Great Functionality"
Cannae and Bat tle Ready are both registered trademarks of Mission Critical Designs LLC
LEGION ELITE DAY PACK AND PHALANX FULL SIZE PACK
THE CANNAE LOGO BALL CAP, THE CANNAE VICTORIOUS T SHIRT & THE LEGION DAY PACK
THE LEGION ELITE DAY PACK WITH HELMET CARRY
BACKPACKS / DUTY BAGS | APPAREL | POUCHES AND ACCESSORIES
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EDITOR'S LETTER
Editor’s Letter
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s one year ends and another begins, I find myself scratching my head wondering where this past year has gone? I suppose time does fly when you’re having fun. It’s been both a thrilling and challenging time maintaining and growing Tread to be a magazine that like-minded enthusiasts can enjoy. As regular readers of Tread may have noticed, the magazine is growing in terms of content and page count. We’ve added about 30 pages into Tread compared to a year ago. In a time when they say, “print is dead,” it’s really something special and a testament to the popularity of automotive adventure and outdoor lifestyle. Many of you may have also noticed that Tread’s website [treadmagazine.com] has really grown into its own with constantly updated, original and exclusive web content. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’ll want to do so—and regularly. In this issue, we get an inside look at an amazing JK built for disaster rescues. Al DeOrleans is an experienced off-roader and emergency response volunteer. We see how his Jeep is built to take on more than just off-road trails. Another amazing vehicle we get to check out is Matlec’s ‘88 Toyota 70 Series Land Cruiser. It’s seen some
amazing trips, including one from Germany to Mongolia! The great state of Colorado is known for its grand vistas and incredible off-road trails. We ride along with a group of friends and get to see just how beautiful its views are and how arduous its trails really can be. From there, adventurist Bryon Dorr hits the slopes and does some powder skiing and snowboarding in Make Fresh Tracks. When temperatures dip, you’ll want to read how to make your winter camping trip a success. Outdoorsman Ryan Lee Price shows us what we need to know before heading out into the snow in Wintering in Wonderland. We also sit down with Douglas Davidson of The Brown Buffalo to see what inspires him to create the great handmade bags that he is known for. Of course, what would an issue of Tread be without the gear? Choose your next set of tires wisely with our annual Off-Road Tire Guide. It’s larger than ever. We also tell you what we think about the latest crop of Bluetooth capable outdoor speakers in Tunes to Go. Thank you for joining us for the ride. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions. Let us know what you’d like to see in Tread by visiting and contributing to our Facebook page. [facebook.com/TreadMagazine] Until next time, Jerry Tsai Editor
TOYOTIRES.COM/OPENCOUNTRY
IN EVERY FOREST THERE’S A BEAST.
ANY VEHICLE. EVERY TERRAIN. ALL OR NOTHING.
TREAD TEAM
EDITORIAL Jerry tsaI/ EDITOR Kelly Nomura/ EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR matt scott/ EDITOR-AT-LARGE Bryon Dorr/ FEATURE EDITOR
DESIGN
Katia Sverdlova/ DESIGN DIRECTOR nadia sverdlova/ ART DIRECTOR
CONTRIBUTORS Danny Chang, Henry Z. DeKuyper, Joshua Elzey, John Pangilinan, Bryant Panyarachun, Tony Pham, Ryan Lee Price, Victor Nguyen
ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel/AD SALES DIRECTOR
(714) 200-1930 GFRIMMEL@ENGAGEDMEDIAINC.COM tom “Mongoose” McEwen/ MOTORSPORTS DIRECTOR (714) 200-1936 Chris Crispell/ SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (714) 200-1935 Andrew Demiar/ ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (714) 200-1903 becky maas/ ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (714) 200-1959 John Bartulin/ ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (866) 866-5146 EXT. 2746 John Cabral/ ADVERTISING DESIGN Gennifer Merriday/ ADVERTISING TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Eric gomez/ ADVERTISING TRAFFIC COORDINATOR
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OPERATIONS
Robert Short/ IT MANAGER
Parveen kumar/ NEWSSTAND AND CIRCULATION ANALYST Shailesh Khandelwal/ SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Alex Mendoza/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT SAMANTHA MENDOZA/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT surajpal singh bisht/ PREPRESS MANAGER
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE 17890 SKY PARK CIRCLE, SUITE 250 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92614 (714) 939-9991• FAX: (800) 249-7761 TREAD (ISSN 2475-3114) IS PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY, SIX TIMES A YEAR (JAN/FEB, MAR/APR, MAY/JUN, JUL/AUG, SEPT/OCT, NOV/DEC.) © 2018 BY ENGAGED MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF ANY MATERIAL FROM THIS ISSUE IN WHOLE OR IN PART IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $44.95/1 YEAR, $74.95/2 YEARS. OUTSIDE THE U.S., $70.95/1 YEAR, $126.95/2 YEAR. SINGLE COPY PRICE, $8.99. PLEASE ALLOW 6 TO 8 WEEKS FOR NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS TO BEGIN.
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www.treadmagazine.com
BALANCE // Designed to raise the bar, our flagship RAZR MT was designed from the ground up to deliver a new level of balance between on-road refinement and off-road performance.
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REFINEMENT // To improve driving refinement, the RAZR MT features an all-new tread design with minimized pattern noise, allowing the driver to focus on the road ahead.
PERFORMANCE //
To maximize off-road performance, engineers used our racing experience to design innovative sidewall armor blocks and dual-cord body-ply construction for superior off-road performance.
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TECHNOLOGY // The RAZR MT also features a new tread compound with new chemical fillers for
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improved tear/chip resistance as well as tread life. With so many new technologies, the RAZR MT is the perfect weapon to unleash your vehicle’s potential.
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New off-road compound featuring new chemical fillers for maximum tear resistance and tread life
2 New pattern design featuring deeply sculptured center blocks that maximize off-road traction while retaining a quieter ride
Maxxis dual-cord casing ply features intertwined reinforcement fibers, dramatically improving casing strength for superior durability and toughness
Traditional compound
HSR Filler compound
3 Innovative armor sidewall design
maximizes sidewall traction and puncture resistance
Mileage Warranty // 40,000 SIZES 3 2 X 1 1 . 5 0 R 1 5 LT
3 5 X 1 2 . 5 0 R 1 8 LT
3 7 X 1 3 . 5 0 R 2 0 LT
LT 2 6 5 / 7 0 R 17
LT 2 8 5 / 7 0 R 17
LT 2 9 5 /6 5 R 1 8
LT 3 1 5 / 7 0 R 17
3 3 X 1 0 . 5 0 R 1 5 LT
3 5 X 1 2 . 5 0 R 2 0 LT
3 7 X 1 3 . 5 0 R 2 2 LT
LT 2 6 5 / 7 5 R 1 6
LT 2 8 5 / 7 5 R 1 6
LT 2 9 5 /6 5 R 2 0
LT 3 1 5 / 7 5 R 1 6
3 3 X 1 2 . 5 0 R 1 5 LT
3 5 X 1 3 . 5 0 R 17 LT
3 8 x 1 3 . 5 0 R 2 0 LT
LT 2 7 5 /6 5 R 1 8
LT 2 8 5 / 7 5 R 1 8
LT 2 9 5 / 7 0 R 17
3 5 X 1 2 . 5 0 R 1 5 LT
3 7 X 1 2 . 5 0 R 17 LT
4 0 X 1 3 . 5 0 R 17 LT
LT 2 7 5 /6 5 R 2 0
LT 2 9 5 / 5 5 R 2 0
LT 2 9 5 / 7 0 R 1 8
3 5 x 1 2 . 5 0 R 17 LT
3 7 X 1 2 . 5 0 R 1 8 LT
4 0 X 1 3 . 5 0 R 2 0 LT
LT 2 7 5 / 7 0 R 1 8
LT 2 9 5 /6 0 R 2 0
LT 3 0 5 / 7 0 R 17
800.4.MAXXIS MAXXIS.COM
BE ROGUE. BE BOLD. BE PROUD.
ROLLINGBIGPOWER.COM 1-877-519-9090
JUST A HUNK, A HUNK OF BURNING LOVE MIDNIGHT GRILLES ROCK RAILS FENDER ARMOR LIFT KITS RX-7 STEP BARS RX-7 EXHAUST TIPS WHEELS Come and see us at the SEMA Show in Booth 20113 in Central Hall, and at our Rig outside the South Hall, October 31 – Nov 3!
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OUTFITTED
OUTFITTED A Roundup of the Latest Automotive Accessories BY TRE A D STAFF
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O1. MISHIMOTO JEEP WRANGLER JK BAFFLED OIL CATCH CAN
O2. TIMBREN ACTIVE OFF-ROAD BUMPSTOPS
While it’s easy to get carried away having fun in your Jeep, it’s important to pay attention to its engine and make sure it’s in good working order. Mishimoto’s JK 3.8L V6 Baffled Oil Catch Can kit uses a 2 ounce can to help reduce the amount of harmful blow-by oil that coats your intake tracts and cakes your valves with carbon deposits. Internal air diverters slow incoming air for more effective air/oil separation.
Increase control and smooth out your vehicle’s ride with Timbren’s Active Off-Road Bumpstops. Made of durable, natural rubber, they smooth out the ride while supplying tough control to your suspension. These Active Off-Road Bumpstops are available for Jeep JK and TJ, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Xterra and Frontier, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Raptor SVT. Includes a U-bolt flip kit giving you an additional benefit: More ground clearance.
MSRP: $260
MSRP: Starting at $253
mishimoto.com
timbren.com
O3. ARB LINX Want to de-clutter your dashboard and reign in all your vehicle’s electronic devices under the control of a single, easy to manage device? The ARB Linx promises to help you do just that. Control your lights, front and rear lockers, onboard air compressor, battery charging system and more with an intuitive and completely customizable touch screen system. Optional modules can be added to customize the system to your specifications.
MSRP: Starting at $695 arbusa.com
O4. FAB FOURS GRUMPER TRUCK BUMPER This 13-piece Grille/Bumper is completely customizable with inserts and mesh that you can then colorize to make it even more unique. The slots in the lower wings allow up to four Rigid Industries Radiance Pods for added light. There is winch installation space for up to a 12,000-lb Warn Zeon winch and the bumper provides plenty of tire clearance. Its lower cut-outs increase air flow. Available in January 2018 in either Bare Steel or 2-Stage black matte powder coat for: ‘17 Ford Super Duty, ‘15-‘17 Chevy 250-3500, ‘10-‘17 Dodge 2500-3500.
MSRP: varies fabfours.com
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O5. WARN DRILL WINCHH
O M O6. MIDLAND RADIO MXT275 M 5
Need N dah hand dp pulling ll g and d rigging gg g winch? h Turn a cordless drill into a 500-lb capacity winch with the help of WARN’s remarkable Drill Winch. Rugged, versatile, and easy-to-use, simply attach any cordless drill to the WARN Drill Winch and you’re ready to pull a rolling load up onto a trailer and other hard-to-handle heavy-lifting tasks. Its free-spool clutch makes rigging quick and simple. Includes 30 feet of wire rope, integrated hawse fairlead and both front and rear rigging hooks.
T e new The e MXT275 5 from o Midland a Radio o combines the features and benefits of the popular MXT115 GMRS MicroMobile, into an even more versatile package with a fully integrated control microphone for vehicles with limited dash or console space. The high-power base unit can be mounted out-of-site in the vehicle, allowing easy access to functions through the corded mic. With 15 watts of power, the MXT275 offers excellent range and clarity with the ease-of-use and simple installation that Midland products are known for.
MSRP: $130 warn.com
O7. AIRAIDD MXP AIR INTAKE SYSTEM FOR JK
O8. BDS SUSPENSION HD COILOVER CONVERSION
The AIRAID MXP Air Intake System delivers higher levels of horsepower and acceleration gains for your ‘12-‘17 JK. The intake is a simple-to-install, yet extremely sophisticated, system that increases airflow while maintaining proper air-to-fuel ratios. No recalibration after installation required, just bolt it on and go. Some AIRAID air intakes are not legal for sale or use in California. Check AIRAID’s website to determine the legal status of this item for your vehicle.
MSRP: $150
MSRP: $345
Take your ‘11-‘18 Chevy/GMC HD to the next level in performance, capability and ride quality with BDS coilover conversions to eliminate the stock rough riding torsion bars. Designed as complete 2.5-inch and 6.5-inch coilover conversion systems or coilover upgrades for 6-7-inch lifted trucks, these new options convert over to FOX factory race series 2.5 coilovers with remote DSC adjustment. New heavy-duty upper and lower control arms are supplied along with a new upper coilover mounting bracket and weld-in support brace. ‘01-‘10 HD version coming soon.
midlandusa.com
airaid.com
MSRP: $4,245 bds-suspension.com
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ROCK ’N ROLL
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
Put Your Best Foot Forward BY TRE A D STAFF
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hat kind of wheels are you rolling on right now? If you answered stock, you just failed this pop quiz. It’s time to step it up and give your ride what it deserves—some well-deserved upgrades in the style department. This selection of new wheels are made to not only turn heads and earn you the nod of respect from fellow drivers, but also enhance your truck, Jeep or SUV’s performance and durability on the rough trails ahead. Which rims will you choose?
Stealth Custom Series/Ray10
Mamba/M19
Mamba’s M19 features a rugged and precise 6 -“D” shaped window design with drill holes along the rim edge. Available in 5-Lug, 6-Lug and 8-Lug options, the M19 comes in 15x8, 16x8, 17x9 18x9 and 20x9 sizes. mambawheels.com
Cali Off-Road/9107 Obnoxious
Most of us can agree that the “bullet hole” wheel design is synonymous with off-roading. To fine-tune this notion, SCS included a steep break in the beveled holes to project a concave impression and a thick, simulated beadlock-style rim flange for strength.
With industry leading load ratings, which exceed 3,600 lbs per wheel, the 9107 Obnoxious is designed for leveled or lifted trucks, Jeeps and SUVs. Available in 20x9, 20x10, 20x12, 22x12, and 24x12. Available in satin black with precision milled accents or chrome finish.
stealthcustomseries.com
calioffroad.com
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TREADMAGAZINE.COM
ICON Alloys/Rebound
The Rebound combines sharp lines, a concave spoke design, and “ICON-optimized” dimensions. Available in satin black, bronze, and titanium finishes with color-matched rock ring bolts, the Rebound has a style that is anything but ordinary. iconalloys.com
DV8 Offroad/882 / Beadlock Wheel
Rolling Big Power/71R Avenger
The RBP 71R Avenger features a sporty 7-spoke design with uniquely aggressive detail treatments. Available in chrome, full gloss black and gloss black with CNC-machined accents. Custom wheel offsets and array of custom colors and finishes available. Sizes include 20x10, 20x12, 22x12, and 24x14. rollingbigpower.com
Vision Wheel/ 416 Se7en
Th 882 Beadlock The dl k is a true b beadlock dl k that h ffeatures an extra thick h k 356-T6 5/8-inch h beadlock beadloc ring, g, recessed bolt holes with tapered edges g to avoid breaks, and a 3,500lb load rating. The DV8 beadlock is ready for the rocks. It comes in 17x8.5 and 20x9.5 and is available in 5-, 6-, and 8-lug bolt patterns.
The 416 Se7en features a concave open 7-spoke design with removable/customizable Rock Rash ring. Run with the ring or without it, it’s your choice. Available in satin gray with black ring (shown), also available in satin black with black ring, gloss black milled with black ring in 17x9, 18x9, and 20x9 sizes.
dv8offroad.com
visionwheel.com
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GEAR BOX
GEARBOX
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Supplies for Life Off the Beaten Path BY TRE A D STAFF
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O1. UST SURVIVAL BLANKET 2.0 The versatile, lightweight UST Survival Blanket 2.0 provides all-weather protection by reflecting your own body heat back to you. Windproof and waterproof, it can also be used as an emergency lean-to shelter, ground cloth, additional warmth for sleeping bags, and for wrapping cold or frozen food during transport. It’s ideal for carrying in a daypack for emergencies, or as part of an emergency kit for your car or home.
MSRP: $20 ustbrands.com
O2. NO. 4 ST. JAMES BROWN & O3. BLACK DIAMOND CREEK BLUE AROMATIC SMOKING FUEL TRANSIT 22 PACK Are you a BBQ fan? Experience smoke flavor like you’ve never tasted before. Brown & Blue is an aromatic smoking fuel for the BBQ pit or backyard grill. BBQ masters have known the secret of smoking using pecan shells for some time. Others have known about the unique smoke derived from wild harvest juniper berries. Brown & Blue combines these two secrets into one simple—yet special—recipe.
MSRP: $12 fourstjames.com
Inspired by life on the trail and built for life on the move, the Black Diamond Creek Transit 22 Pack is a modern commuter-style pack that provides sleek and functional storage for your daily gear. Built with a durable, waterproof shell fabric that offers rugged toughness, the Creek Transit sports a zippered top lid with internal pocket storage, as well as an exterior-access laptop sleeve that secures a 13-inch computer.
MSRP: $100 blackdiamondequipment.com
O4. MECHANIX FASTFIT CR5A5 FastFit CR5A5 cut-resistant gloves protect working hands with CE level 5 and ANSI A5 cut resistance on the trail and at the campsite. An internal layer of high-tenacity Armortex on the glove’s palm and fingers prevents abrasions and lacerations when working with sharp tools and sharp materials. It features touchscreen capable palm and fingers and breathable TrekDry material that helps keep working hands cool and comfortable.
MSRP: $25 mechanix.com
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08 O5. MOUNTAINSMITH COOLOIR 12
O6. KEEN MEN'S TARGHEE EXP WATERPROOF MID
O7. GRUNDÉNS STORMLIGHT JACKET
O8. LIONG MAH DESIGNS LANNY BROWN CANVAS MICARTA
Who wouldn’t want an ice cold drink three days into their trip? Mountainsmith’s Cooloir 12 delivers maximum leak-resistance and up to 72 hours of cold storage (with ice) when appropriately packed. With enough room to pack a dozen 12-ounce cans with ice and additional dry storage, this soft-sided cooler combines portability with spacious storage. Features durable construction, convenient daisy chain webbing, a bottle opener, and shoulder strap and tote-style handles for multiple carry options.
The Targhee boot's fit, durability, and performance have earned it a loyal following. With a bold new design, this update is tough, lean, and ready for the next chapter of epic adventure. It features a KEEN Dry waterproof, breathable membrane and a polyurethane-coated leather mud shield for durability and easy cleaning. Reinforced eyelets provide easy lace adjustment and an injected TPU heel-capture system increases stability.
This superlight jacket keeps adventurists dry during light squalls or heavy downpours. Tailored from nylon neostretch material that is waterproof and breathable, Stormlight delivers comfort and freedom of movement whether you’re rigging gear or hiking a tough trail. Features like a fully adjustable hood, waterproof zipper, adjustable hem and hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs help seal out rain and spray.
Famed knife maker Liong Mah’s Lanny folder features a 3.25-inch hand ground Tanto blade made of S35VN steel. It is equipped with a titanium pivot as well as anodized hardware. The pocket clip with clip plate is reversible for alternate carry preferences. This is a limited production knife weighs 3.9 ounces.
MSRP: $140
MSRP: $180
MSRP: $120
keenfootwear.com
shop.grundens.com
mountainsmith.com
MSRP: $425 liongmah.com
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MADE THE CUT
MADE THE CUT Tanto Blade Folders BY TRE A D STAFF
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eeping a folding knife in your backpack, glove box or even pocket is something we recommend for any outdoor enthusiast or off-roader. Through real-life experience, we find that the capabilities that a compact knife affords you far outweigh the space it takes up. The question isn’t if you should have a knife, only which knife should you invest in? Inspired by ancient Japanese swords, the modern Tanto-style blade provides an undoubtedly cool look to most any knife. Aside from aesthetics, the Tanto’s tip is known for its strength and power. The blade’s shape results in a chiseled tip and reinforced blade that allows the knife to pierce hard surfaces with greater ease than with other style blades. Tantos are known more for its piercing, scraping and prying strength over its slicing action. Here’s a selection of the latest Tanto’s out now, which would you choose?
01. SPYDERCO/VRANGO TITANUM
Overall Length: 6.02” Blade Length: 2.5” Blade Material: Cpm S30v Stainless Blade Thickness: 0.098” Handle Material: Titanium Weight: 3.0 Ounces Msrp: $370 spyderco.com
02. CRKT/LCK TANTO
Overall Length: 7.50” Blade Length: 3.375" Blade Thickness: 0.12” Handle Material: Grn Weight: 7.3 Ounces MSRP: $40 crkt.com
03. KERSHAW/LINK-TANTO
Overall Length: 7.6” Blade Length: 3.25” Blade Material: 420Hc Stainless Blade Thickness: 0.110” Handle Material: Glass Filled Nylon Weight: 4.0 Ounces MSRP: $60 kershawknives.com
04. BENCHMADE/MINI LOCO FAMILY
Overall Length: 7.62” Blade Length: 3.38” Blade Material: Cpm-S30v (58-60Hrc) Blade Thickness: 0.145” Handle Material: G10 Weight: 4.47 Ounces MSRP: $225 benchmade.com
05. EMERSON BY KERSHAW/CQC-8K
Overall Length: 8.1” Blade Length: 3.5” Blade Material: 8Cr14mov, Black-Oxide Coating Blade Thickness: 0.120” Handle Material: G10 Weight: 5.3 Ounces Msrp: $60 kershawknives.com
06. BUCK KNIVES/MARKSMAN TANTO Overall Length: 8.25" Blade Length: 3.5" Blade Material: 154Cm, Stonewash Blade Thickness: 0.118" Handle Material: Aluminum Weight: 4.3 Ounces Msrp: $155 buckknives.com
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7.0" 3.42 oz
02 8.7" 3.0 oz 3
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TREADMAGAZINE.COM
04 9.9" 7.3 oz
05 10" 7.4 oz
06 10.5" 10.4 oz
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XD128 MACHETE SHOWN IN MATTE GRAY W/ SATIN BLACK RING
SATIN BLACK
KMCWHEELS.COM
MATTE GRAY W/ SATIN BLACK RING
SATIN BLACK W/ MACHINED FACE
@KMCWHEELS
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TRAIL BOARDER
ALL-CONDITIONS
Onewheel+ BY TREAD STAFF
Range 5-7 miles
Top Speed 19 mph
Recharge Time 20 mins.
URL
onewheel.com
much H winlyiat? ru
* 9 9 4 , $1 *Shipping and taxes vary.
A
re you the type that isn’t happy unless you’ve got a board under your feet, riding on whatever surface you find yourself on? Whether it’s water, snow or asphalt, boarders of all kinds can appreciate the new movement in board sports. Onewheel+ takes board riders to a place that they rarely tread…off road.
Onewheel+ caught our attention at the last Overland Expo. What can we say? We’re suckers for anything that rolls, especially anything that can take us off the beaten path. The electrically powered single-wheeled board is motivated by a
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O1
O2
TECH
PERFORMANCE
MOTOR
SPEED
The new Hypercore motor technology provides incredibly smooth power and torque to climb over anything. It features quieter operation with a better top speed.
Maximum speed is rated at 19 mph or 30 kph. Uphill or downhill, Onewheel+ provides incredibly smooth, controllable power.
RANGE
Onewheel+ range is listed at 5 to 7 miles or 8 to 11 kilometers per charge. That’s plenty of fun on the trails or wherever your journey may take you.
LIGHTING
Bright LED headlights and taillights automatically reverse when you switch direction.
TIRE
The board’s single wheel is an Italian made go-kart racing slick, a scaled down version of a Formula 1 racing tire.
REGENERATIVE
Onewheel+’s regenerative braking recovers up to 30 percent of total power output.
APP
Fine-tune your ride. The iPhone, Watch and Android enabled app lets you tune your Onewheel+ with Digital Shaping 2.0. The app offers advanced customization, enabling riders to select different ride feel and performance characteristics.
O3
O4
RIDE
POWER
CONTROL
Controlling the Onewheel+ is as intuitive as standing. Lean forward to go, back to slow down, it’s that easy.
SELF-BALANCING
Solid-state inertial sensors and carefully tuned algorithms balance the board to provide a hands-free experience.
powerful, yet smooth performing brushless hub motor that can take riders over some seriously uneven terrain. Control of the board is completely intuitive. To go forward, lean forward, to slow down, lean back. It’s that simple.
The latest Onewheel+ features a completely redesigned Hypercore motor that offers power and more speed than previous models. Its improved Surestance footpad provides the flexibility to customize your stance coupled with
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The Onewheel+’s safe LiFePo4 batteries last for years of everyday use with no decrease in range.
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the comfort and control of its CNC-machined hardwood nose and tail kick. With a top speed of 19 mph and a range of up to seven miles, the Onewheel+ is sure to take you places, even if there are no roads.
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POWER COOKER Biolite Campstove 2 Bundle T EXT AND I M AG ES BYJ ER RY T SAI
P J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8
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The Bilolite Campstove 2 Bundle comes with everything you need to cook, boil and power your mobile devices.
Grill and KettlePot attachments along with a FlexLight USB Lantern and USB charging cable. The grill is generously sized and the KettlePot can brew up 1.5 liters of your favorite hot beverage. The stove uses wood found around the campsite for fuel, but can also use other fuel sources as well. With help from BioLite’s own BioFuel Pellets, which are pellets made from a premium blend of all natural, foodsafe hardwood, we used the KettlePot to help cook up a pasta meal. See the sidebar to this story to see how it turned out. Perfect for multiple day trips into the wilderness or even small-scale backyard grilling, the BioLite CampStove Bundle 2 gives you everything you need to cook and power devices in a bag roughly the size of two shoeboxes.
The legs of the Portable Grill fold to save on space. A Flexlight USB Lantern helps illuminate the cook surface.
T
h first BioLite CampStoves he mpStoves hit the m market only about five years ago. SSince then, the littlee stove has made i waves in both the outdoor some giant sstove andd sustainable i bl energy gy worlds. The porttable bl bi es thermoelectrics biomass stove lleverages to create a smokeless fire that simultaneously ccreates electricity l i i that h can be used to charge ppersonall ddevices. i .
upgrade features 50 percent more power, an integrated 2600 mAh capacity battery, and an updated LED dashboard for better control and feedback. Fueled by small scraps of wood like bark, twigs and sticks, the stove can be used to grill, boil, cook, and as mentioned before, charge devices like your smart phone. This means you don’t need to worry about packing or running out of gas canisters.
Flat out, the CampStove works, and works well. If you’re looking for a wood burning stove that can be easily packed into a small bag, that also generates energy to charge devices, this is what you’re looking for. If you never heard of BioLite or CampStove, today’s your lucky day.
The CampStove 2's self-powered fan not only helps stoke a smokeless fire but controls its output too. A simple pushbutton control on the LED dashboard allows you to control the fan’s speed. The higher the speed, the more heat is generated. The panel also gives you real time feedback on fire strength and power output to the USB outlet too.
The BioLite CampStove 2 Bundle includes the newest version of the stove. The latest
The bundle also includes BioLite’s Portable
BIOLITE CAMPSTOVE 2 BUNDLE MSRP: $240 bioliteenergy.com
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JUST ADD WATER
We put the CampStove 2 to the test by cooking up a quick dinner. We were recently turned on to Grizz Grub’s line of compact, pre-packaged camping meals that only require boiled water to cook up. We chose to go with “Aunt Karen’s Pasta Marinara.” The instructions are simple, only requiring five cups of boiling water, frequent stirring and 25 minutes of cook time. The CampStove 2 is rated to boil one liter of water in about four and a half minutes. Our five cups of water quickly boiled in about six to seven minutes with the help of a third of a pack of BioFuel Pellets. After the water was fully heated, we poured the entire contents of the package in and began stirring. About thirty minutes later, we had ourselves a meal. The pasta was a touch over cooked but the flavoring was good and not too salty. There was a lot of “soup”; we would use about a cup or two less water in the future. Each package is rated to make two servings. For a portable, non-refrigerated meal, it’s perfect to keep in your backpack or truck for a meal anytime, anywhere.
Biolite's BioFuel Pellets are made of premium hardwood and provide a clean burning fuel for the stove.
GRIZZ GRUB Aunt Karen’s Pasta Marinara http://bit.ly/2jvVq00
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Rebirth of a '67 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser T EXT AND I M AG ES BY J OS HUA EL Z EY
P J A N U R AY/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8
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H
aving been an auto enthusiast since he could scoot a Hot Wheels die-cast around, it was then no surprise Herbert Langlois III would own his first car even before obtaining a driver’s license.
During these same teen years is when Langlois spotted a strange Jeep on his way to school. It stood out sitting on a major street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, surrounded by small compact cars. Since it didn’t have any notable emblems, it was hard for him to identify or even describe it when he asked his father what it might be. After a week of driving past it, he finally had to get off the bus and take a closer look. As luck would have it, the owner spotted him admiring
BIG BAD WOLF
his tan FJ and proceeded to tell him all about it. The owner stated that his FJ was the most reliable vehicle he had ever owned and that he even drove it down from his home in Vermont. From that point on Langlois decided that one day he would own one also. Many years later, Langlois had rebuilt and restored various autos including a ‘57 Willys CJ-5, a ‘72 Chevy K10 short bed, and an ‘89 Wrangler Sahara with SBC overdrive transmission pushing a Ford 9-inch rear and Dana 44 front diff. Langlois currently has a couple of ‘69 K10’s underway to which one was a support vehicle in the Baja 500/1000 races, and he is restoring to stock a red ‘73 FJ40 at Procision Industries located in Walpole, Massachusetts. This FJ soon earned the nickname “Little Red
Riding Hood.” Over time, the hobby of searching for project vehicles to work on evolved from the days of Want Ad magazine and Uncle Henry’s to internet listings and classifieds like eBay and Craiglist. This optimized looking for restoration projects beyond the salt belt of New England, increasing his chances of finding the best possible candidate that was hopefully far from cancerous rot–like conditions that most are accustomed to in this region.
Much brighter LED units replace the FJ40’s classic halogen headlamps.
“IT WASN’T LONG BEFORE LANGLOIS WAS ITCHING FOR SOMETHING ELSE TO PUT IN THE QUEUE AND DECIDED TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THE FJ40 OF HIS CHILDHOOD DREAMS. "
It wasn’t long before Langlois was itching for something else to put in the queue and decided to look for something similar to the FJ40 of his childhood dreams. After a six-month nationwide search, first by looking
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was being worked out for transportation to the opposite coast.
“LANGLOIS DIDN’T THINK TWICE ABOUT BRINGING HIS NEW OFF-ROAD TOY OVER FOR A FULL RESTOMOD AT PAT O’BRIEN’S CUSTOM SHOP, PROCISION INDUSTRIES." local (you never know!) then on to Hemming’s, Mecum, Barrett Jackson, and the usual internet route, he found what he was looking for in Southern California. The goal was to keep the iconic roots of the FJ40 while bringing it into the modern era.
There was a rust-free original black plate ‘67 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser with a completed
V8 swap being used in the desert. Sweetening the find, it just so happens it was the same color combo as the first one he saw. The twodoor short wheelbase version was a hardtop model. This led to a short call with a friend, Rick Dreher, who resides out in California, to inspect the new find. Not long after, the FJ
When the ‘73 was at a good spot in its restoration process, Langlois didn’t think twice about bringing his new off-road toy over for a full restomod at Pat O’Brien’s custom shop, Procision Industries. This new project was quickly dubbed, “The Big Bad Wolf.” Langlois had seen O’Brien’s work on several builds around the Boston area, and the quality work coming out of the shop was impressive. Langlois was extremely confident with having O’Brien on the Wolf. They both decided to have the Toyota ready for the following year’s World of Wheels custom car show. The goal was to keep as much of the original, iconic roots of the FJ40 as possible while bringing it into the modern era with improved technology, drivability, reliability and comfort to where Langlois would be able to go to any auto parts store to keep it on the road. That means no more need to look for 50-year-old parts!
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“THE POWER PLANT THAT MOTIVATES THE WOLF WILL HAVE SOME TOYOTA PURISTS CALLING BLASPHEMY; LANGLOIS CALLS IT PRACTICALITY WITH A HEALTHY DOSE OF POWER AND RELIABILITY." Langlois needed this 4x4 build to work in the traffic cluttered city of Boston, on the highway at speed, and capable of being taken off-road. It was critical to Langlois that he can safely maintain highway speeds and not overheat sitting in big city traffic jams. This is one reason they opted to not install a snorkel and roof rack, keeping road noise to a minimum. The power plant that motivates the Wolf will have some Toyota purists calling blasphemy; Langlois calls it practicality with a healthy dose of power and reliability. A look under the hood reveals a completely rebuilt, well-blueprinted, fuel-injected Chevy 350 with factory-style GM electronic fuel injection that is sparked by an HEI ignition, all of which was expertly crafted by Viking Custom Works. The motor is cooled by a Ron Davis Radiator system while cast RamHorn manifolds were used for longevity and allowed enough clearance to mate a custom three-inch exhaust to the system. A Toyota H42 four-speed transmission from a later FJ model was used utilizing the authentic factory shifter. The later model transmission and T-case were rebuilt by Mark’s Off Road using OEM parts before installation. Mike Downey then came by with several wheel and tire combos to try out. Originally 35-inch tires were desired, but that would have required unwanted body modifications. On the other hand, 30-inch tires were too small and provided less clearance typically desired, so 33-inch Generals ended up providing the perfect solution utilizing the classic 15-inch wheel. Although the tread pattern was fairly aggressive, it would be relatively quiet at highway speeds. A Saginaw power steering box with custom mounts was utilized on the factory reinforced frame to easily turn the four-inch Spector Off Road suspension. The brakes were converted to a later model FJ40 disc set-up to help the FJ stop on demand. It is propelled by a custom Double Cardan driveshaft from an FJ60 that was provided by 1021 Driveline.
Procision Industries fabricated the front bumper to incorporate recovery D-rings, a Smittybilt winch mount and winch.
A look under the hood reveals a completely rebuilt, well-blueprinted, fuel-injected Chevy 350.
An auxiliary fuel tank was placed under the rear bumper and is protected by a protective skid plate.
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“PROVING THAT IT'S THE DETAILS THAT MATTER, TOYOTA’S ICONIC FJ HOOD SPEAR AND TRIM PACKAGE WERE INSTALLED, SURELY TO THE DELIGHT OF MANY AN FJ ENTHUSIAST. " Attention to every detail was given to the body which was painted with U-POL Raptor, a protective coating often used for truck bedliners, in the subtle uncommon factory color that Herb had seen many years ago. The paint is very durable giving Herb quite a head scratcher the first time he gave the FJ a wash. All you need is a hose and water, and not all the polish and wax typically needed to clean up caked on dirt. The newly coated body was complemented with NOS (new old stock) taillights near the large rear-mounted spare tire and factory NOS emblems.
The dash was kept mostly factory by restoring the original gauge cluster while only adding switch clusters, vintage air controls, and an auxiliary 12V power source.
An auxiliary fuel tank was placed under the rear bumper and is protected by a protective skid plate that connects into the factory tank located under the passenger seat and feeds via a transfer pump. The characteristically known blunt face of the FJ, with its close-set headlights and central grille opening, are still present, albeit much brighter LED units replace the classic halogen headlamps. For increased nighttime visibility, an LED bar was placed over the windshield. Proving that it's the details that matter, Toyota’s iconic FJ hood spear and trim package were installed, surely to the delight of many an FJ enthusiast. Procision Industries fabricated the front bumper to incorporate recovery D-rings, a Smittybilt winch mount and winch, and flush mounted LED corner lights that aid lighting up trail perimeters. Lindsey of Touchless Glass provided new glass for the FJ since originals were unavailable. The interior uses a variety of treatments to keep it retro looking, but adds a decidedly modern look including U-POL coating, plating, and a custom mix of Billet Silver paint. The interior details thoughtfully follow with the original factory colors to help restore various components and creates an old-meets-new look. The dash was kept mostly factory by restoring the original gauge cluster while only adding switch clusters, vintage air controls, and an auxiliary 12V power source. Factory seats were removed to accommodate a pair of Recaro’s on custom frames and the old temperamental factory wiper motors and linkage
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“LANGIOIS BEING AN ALL-OR-NOTHING-TYPE BUILDER, ALONG WITH O'BRIEN'S VALUABLE INPUT MEANT THERE WASN'T ONE THING LEFT UNTOUCHED ON THE FJ40, WHICH GIVES HIM COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND THAT NOTHING WAS OVERLOOKED."
were swapped out for custom servo motors. The original vacuum dash mounted transfer case actuator was refreshed and brought to like-new condition. Because music is important for any road trip, Mark McGrath of Bubba’s Custom Audio provided a Bluetooth enabled sound system. Mark used a Planet Audio waterproof enclosure, which he upgraded with new speakers and an 800W amplifier. The easy to remove sound system also provides LED illumination to the cargo bay and some added in-vehicle storage. As with most projects, this one went right up to the deadline for debuting at World of Wheels in Boston. Completing the Big Bad Wolf lead to many late nights and the supportive understanding of Pat’s newlywed, Amanda. (She’s a keeper!) Langlois being an all-or-nothing-type builder, along with O’Brien’s valuable input meant there wasn’t one thing left untouched on the FJ40, which gives him complete peace of mind that nothing was overlooked. The work and attention to detail was well rewarded at WOW, as the Wolf came back with the 2017 Street Achievement Truck ISCA award. Well done.
After a six-month nationwide search, Langlois found his two-door short wheelbase ‘67 FJ40 on the internet.
1967 ToyotaJ40 Land Cruiser F ENGINE:
VIKING CUSTOM WORKS FUEL-INJECTED CHEVROLET 350 V8, FACTORY STYLE GM ELECTRONIC FUEL-INJECTION, CAST RAMHORN MANIFOLDS, HEI IGNITION, CUSTOM 3-INCH EXHAUST, RON DAVIS RADIATOR SYSTEM
SUSPENSION:
4-INCH SPECTOR OFF ROAD
DRIVETRAIN:
TOYOTA H42 4-SPEED, 3.73 REAREND, CUSTOM FJ60 DOUBLE CARDAN DRIVESHAFT
WHEELS & TIRES:
33-INCH GENERAL GRABBER ON 15-INCH WHEELS
ARMOR:
CUSTOM FRONT BUMPER, CUSTOM SKID PLATE
LIGHTING:
CUSTOM LED HEADLIGHTS, NOS REAR TAILLIGHTS, NOS EMBLEMS, LED LIGHT BAR, LED CORNER LAMPS
ACCESSORIES:
CUSTOM AUXILIARY FUEL TANK, SMITTYBILT WINCH, FJ40 DISC BRAKES, SAGINAW POWER STEERING, U-POL RAPTOR COATING BY PROCISION INDUSTRIES, FACTORY WITH ADDITIONAL SWITCH PANELS AND VINTAGE AIR CONTROLS, PLANET AUDIO BLUETOOTH ENABLED CUSTOM SOUND SYSTEM, RECARO SEATS, NEW GLASS BY TOUCHLESS GLASS
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T H E CO L O RA D O T RAV E R S E
P J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8
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THE COLORADO TRAVERSE
Descending on the Four-Wheeling Capital of the World T E X T BY V I C TO R N G U Y E N I M AG ES BY V I C TOR NG UYEN, B RYA NT PA N YA RAC H U N , A N D TO N Y P H A M
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At 13,114 ft, Imogene Pass is the highest mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains and the second highest in all of Colorado.
W
hat’s better than adventuring your way through hundreds, or better yet, thousands of miles of rough terrain in a dialed-in rig? Doing it with a group of good friends on incredible trails while discovering the most beautiful places imaginable. If that sounds good to you—and it should—meet a group that does it at least a few of times a year.
Embarking on new off-road journeys any chance they get, a group of friends that go by the moniker of twentyfour adventure oftentimes explores new terrain on courses that take them days or sometimes even weeks, when time provides, to complete. Colorado is home to incredible off road trails and some of the most beautiful views imaginable.
“TWENTYFOUR ADVENTURE OFTENTIMES EXPLORES NEW TERRAIN ON COURSES THAT TAKE THEM DAYS OR SOMETIMES EVEN WEEKS TO COMPLETE.”
Usually their journeys take them across multiple states, always in search of adventure, new challenges, unbelievable experiences and always making good memories. We caught up with the members of twentyfour adventure as they came back from their most recent trip. Join us as they recount the trip for us.
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appropriately named. We settled down just after sunset along the Red Dirt Reservoir, too tired to notice that we had camped alongside some particularly inquisitive guests. Some freerange cattle had decided that our campsite was also an ideal grazing ground, and created land mines of fertilizer for us to navigate around throughout the night. We broke camp early the following morning, and set out shortly after sunrise. Our schedule was tight, and we needed to hit over 200 trail miles to our next camp in the San Isabelle National Forest, which would take us the better part of the day. Our route took us right alongside the Colorado River for several hours, before finally leading us through Hagerman Pass just outside of Leadville, Colorado.
Continental Divide
Colorado. Home of stunning vistas, vibrant forests, towering mountain peaks, and historic mining towns. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque backdrop as you put your vehicles to the test on some of the country’s best four-wheeling trails and mountain passes.
Colorful Colorado Our journey across the state began at the Wyoming/Colorado border, where we set up camp in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. It was there that we shortly found the spectacular landscapes for which “Colorful Colorado” is so
Hagerman Pass is a rocky, moderate trail that passes through several scenic overlooks, reaching just under 12,000ft elevation before crossing the Continental Divide.
Hagerman Pass is a rocky, moderate trail that passes through several scenic overlooks, reaching just under 12,000ft elevation before crossing the Continental Divide. Remembering what our history classes taught us (and maybe some help from Google), this line separated the continental water drainages between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Any water drainage west of the divide flows into the Pacific Ocean, whereas water east of the divide flows into the Atlantic; a sound piece of information in case you find yourself needing a topic starter around the campfire. After descending Hagerman Pass, we found a campsite nestled deep within the San Isabelle National Forest, and settled in to our million-star hotel beneath the Milky Way.
Alpine Loop Lake City was our next destination, and another full day of trail driving was ahead of us. We arrived about mid-day, immediately noticing that there were a lot more off-road vehicles than we had seen all trip. As one of the three cities nestled deep in the “Alpine Loop” of the San Juan Mountains, Lake City sees its fair share of off-road recreation, which garners much of its tourism income. We stopped for a quick gas and lunch break in Lake City, and headed out towards Cinnamon Pass. Cinnamon Pass, by itself, is a fairly easy trail to navigate, and we reached its 12,640ft peak encountering plenty of other rental Jeeps and off-road rigs along the way. We opted not to continue on the Alpine Loop through Engineer
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As one of the three cities nestled deep in the “Alpine Loop”, Lake City sees its fair share of off-road recreation, which garners much of its tourism income.
The group opted not to continue on the Alpine Loop through Engineer Pass and decided to take the more difficult way through Poughkeepsie Gulch.
“WITH THE RAIN QUICKLY TURNING THE MODERATE TRAIL INTO A DANGEROUSLY SLIPPERY ONE AND THE DAYLIGHT QUICKLY FADING, WE OPTED TO CONTINUE DOWN THE MOUNTAIN." Pass, deciding to take the more difficult way through Poughkeepsie Gulch. It was here that we suffered our first failure of the trip, a wellplaced rock sliced through the sidewalls of our Tacoma. As further luck would have it, as soon as we’d reached the final difficult obstacle, aptly named “The Wall”, the weather began to turn, and with it brought high winds and rain. The obstacle, challenging enough when dry, was near impossible to scale while wet with our heavily laden vehicles. With the rain quickly
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Mounting Challenges A good night’s sleep was just what was needed to refresh our mental states and help fuel our moods for our next trail. As one of the more difficult trails in the San Juan Mountains, Black Bear Pass is particularly well known for its steep descent along a narrow mountain shelf, and its numerous off camber switchbacks—frequently claiming vehicles of those who are inattentive or make just one wrong move. Rounding the bend of the first switchback, we crossed Bridal Veil Falls, which fell directly across the trail and into the striking valley below. After 10 miles and another series of tight switchbacks, we finally reached the bottom of Black Bear Pass, the historic city of Ouray, Colorado, nestled between three towering mountain peaks, one of which we had just descended from. After a quick lunch stop, we again hit the trail, ascending the other mountain pass that surrounds Ouray. At 13,114 ft, Imogene Pass is the highest mountain pass in the San
T H E CO L O RA D O T RAV E R S E
THE SWITZERLAND OF AMERICA Any respectable off-road enthusiast would be remiss if they passed up on a chance to visit Ouray, Colorado, especially if you’re already driving through the area. Known as “The Switzerland of America” for its scenic views and architectural charm, the town of approximately 1,000 people is home to what vehicle-bound adventurers like to call “The Jeeping Capital of the World” due to its wide and numerous variety of vehicle-friendly (and sometimes unfriendly in a good way) trails. Located in southwestern Colorado, Ouray is a prime basecamp for not only off-road explorations, but any number of activities such as hiking, biking, or camping. Visit ancient Native American ruins or even ride on a historic steam train, Ouray has plenty of attractions to pique your interest. If you need a break from the road, Ouray is also home to many charming bed & breakfasts and unique hotels, as well. For more on Ouray, Colorado, visit these online resources: ci.ouray.co.us ouraycolorado.com
Juan Mountains and the second highest in all of Colorado. Despite also being a narrow shelf road, we found it to be relatively easy, compared with the white-knuckle experience we had encountered only hours before on Black Bear Pass.
Low Oxygen, High Morale We reached the peak and snapped a few photos, the effects of high altitude apparent with our low amount of energy. We descended into our final mountain town, the city of Telluride, aptly known as the “Four-Wheeling Capital of the World”. We spent our final day nestled between the base of Imogene and Telluride, before making the final trek back home. For images from their latest adventures, follow twentyfourseven adventure on Instagram: @TFS.ADV
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Bluetooth Portable Speaker Buyer’s Guide TEX T AND IMAG ES BY JO HN PANGILINAN
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one are the days of portable cassette players, minidisc players, and CD players. Technology has evolved making it easy to play your favorite tunes through your smartphone, laptop, or even through your vehicle, and with the rise of Bluetooth—a wireless short-range communications technology—it’s become even more convenient to enjoy music on the go.
Whether you prefer to listen to music through your own playlist via iTunes, stream it through Pandora, Spotify, or any of the other apps available, or if you prefer to listen to a good Audible book, podcast or just want more sound for that Netflix show or movie while camping, tailgating, spending a day on the lake, or any other outdoor activity, a good portable Bluetooth speaker comes in handy. Available in all shapes, sizes, and with a host of various features, portable Bluetooth
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into as we review each unit.
Durability What type of protection does the speaker provide and to what degree? There are several factors to consider for toughness and protection. First off, there is a big difference between water “resistant” and water “proof.” For most instances, water resistant will do just fine to protect your speaker from rain, a quick dip into the pool or drop in the snow, however, most aren’t able to withstand long durations submerged under water. The device’s IP rating (Ingress Protection rating), is a standard set by the International speakers have evolved and with many options on the market we narrowed down our favorites for all your entertainment needs. Ranging in price from very affordable to serious investment, these speakers have been selected for the following features to help you in your decision: portability, durability, sound quality, and “wow” factor.
Portability The size and weight of the speaker is a factor as you plan for trips, events, and more. Factors to consider: Where you plan on taking the speaker and what is the use? Do you need it fit in a pocket or backpack? Or do you simply just want tunes for the outdoors
where no AC outlet is readily available? If you’re prepping for a hiking trip, you may want the smallest and most lightweight option available, but if you’re looking to provide entertainment for a tailgate party, then you may want something a bit larger that often provides more sound. One more thing to consider, especially for the larger speakers, is ease of portability. Does the speaker come with handles or straps? Does the design and shape help with carrying? Top handles are key as the speaker gets larger. Additionally, thoughtful design can provide convenience, which we will get
GUIDE TO IP RATINGS You may have noticed that many electroincs feature IP ratings. Just what is an IP rating you may wonder? IP, or Ingress Protection, ratings are used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against mechnical and moisture intrusions. The first number indicates how much protection there is from physcial intrusions, such as from touch all the way to dust, and the second number rates how much moisture protection an item has. Below is a chart that covers IP moisture ratings. IPX0 NO WATER RESISTANCE AT ALL. IPX1 MINIMAL WATER RESISTANCY Protection from dripping water (vertically falling drops) when object is oriented normally for a short amount of time. IPX2 MINIMAL WATER RESISTANCY Protection from dripping water (vertically falling drops) when the object is at an angle of 15 degrees from the normal orientation. IPX3 MODERATE WATER RESISTANCY Protection from water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60 degrees will not have any harmful effect on the object from the normal orientation. IPX4 MODERATE WATER RESISTANCY Protection from water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. IPX5 MODERATE WATER RESISTANCY Protection from water projected by a 6.3mm nozzle against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. IPX6 MODERATE WATER RESISTANCY Protection from water projected by a 12.5mm nozzle stream against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. IPX7 WATERPROOF Water protection against ingress of water from submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. IPX8 MAXIMUM WATERPROOF Water protection from continuous submersion in water over 1 meter (depth dependent on manufacturer).
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tested and would have the letter “X” in place of the first or second number. Other things to consider for durability is the material the speaker is made from. Is it shock proof? Will it withstand a drop, major fall, or even getting run over by a truck?
Sound Quality This category is personal as each individual has their own specific tastes and preferences when it comes to their music. Some prefer higher high’s, while others prefer deep bass. Things to consider are what type of sound will you be playing out of your speaker and at what level. Do you prefer country, rock or bass-heavy hip hop? Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to classify the degree of protection for enclosed electrical equipment. The first number in the rating code is the degree of protection from solid particles, such as dirt and dust, and ranges from 0 to 6. The second number is the degree of protection against liquid with a range of 0 to 8. Some devices aren’t fully
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Sound quality was judged based on an overall performance from the speaker. Was there distortion at higher volumes? Was the speaker capable of producing deep bass at all? Another factor to consider is how much space do you plan on filling with sound. Do
Braven/BRV-XXL WEIGHT: 18 lbs DIMENSIONS: 20.25in x 18.25in x 9.5in MSRP: $300 URL: braven.com TREAD’S TAKE: This is the grand daddy of them
all. The largest portable speaker, by far, that we tested—closer to the size of a boombox (remember those), but unleashes big and bold sound. If you prefer music with bass, this speaker definitely delivers. The sound quality is clear and crisp and enough to fill an entire campground, a beach party, or a tailgate. The BRV-XXL has a highly durable shockproof exterior and a waterproof rating of IPX5 to help protect from water, dirt, sand and just about anything you can throw at it, however, it is not waterproof and should avoid submersion at all costs. Conveniently, the speaker paired very quickly to my iPhone. The massive 15,600mAh built-in battery takes a bit to fully charge, but then provides up 14 hours of uninterrupted playtime and can charge other devices including smartphones. Additional features make this really stand out including the adjustable EQ—so you can customize the sound to your liking—speakerphone, and the ability to plug in a microphone using the provided jack to become the life of the party. The downside is the portability of the huge speaker as it is quite large, measuring 20.25 inches by 18.25 inches by 9.5 inches and heavy at a whopping 18 lbs, although the top handle and included carry strap do offer some convenience. At $300, the speaker is a sound investment (pun intended) and for those looking for smaller options, Braven has other a full collection of portable speakers.
you plan on listening to music within a small personal space, such as a tent or on a hike, or do you want to provide enough sound to be heard throughout a campsite or at a noisy tailgate?
Wow Factor Design and innovation can help separate a speaker from the rest. A main thing to consider is how you plan on using the speaker and how it can make your life a bit more convenient. Some speakers offer the option to charge other devices so you don’t have the need to bring additional chargers with you. Others provide an app for even more sound customization or to act as a remote. Battery indicator lights help to keep you informed of how much juice you have left rather than be surprised by the sudden lack of sound.
The Guide We took a look at seven portable Bluetooth speakers that can help bring a bit more sound to your daily life and outdoor adventures.
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Kicker/Bullfrog BF400 WEIGHT: 8.6 lbs DIMENSIONS: 10.6in x 6in x 7.7in MSRP: $400 URL: kicker.com TREAD’S TAKE: Kicker is known for their robust
car audio systems, specifically their Solo-baric line of subwoofers with bass so deep it can instantly change your heartbeat. The Bullfrog BF400 is the flagship speaker for their new outdoor lifestyle line. The unique shape makes it easy to carry by the top handle as it is on the larger and heavier side of things. The rubberized exterior offers additional protection from drops and is rated at IP66, which offers protection from debris and maximum water resistancy to protect from a heavy downstorm, but not submersion. The speaker was easy to pair via Bluetooth to a smartphone and can pair directly to a second speaker for even more sound. We found the sound to be well balanced especially when using the ConnectbyKicker app, which features five presets. One highlight was the included FM tuner, and when using the app, local radio stations are just at your fingertips. The speaker is equipped with a 3.5mm aux input, but lacks the cable. The battery life is up to 20 hours, but requires the included 15-volt power adapter in order to get a charge. The speaker has a USB port to charge other devices and also battery indicator lights. It’s quite a bit of an investment for the Bullfrog BF400, as it is the most expensive of the bunch, but it is a durable and powerful speaker made to tackle the outdoors. Other size options are available from Kicker as well.
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Fugoo/Tough XL WEIGHT: 4 lbs, 15 oz DIMENSIONS: 13.18in x 4.37in x 4.64in MSRP $330 URL: fugoo.com TREAD’S TAKE: A mid-sized option packed with
features, Fugoo speakers are uniquely designed to fit your needs and style with three available sleeves, Style, Sport, and Tough, that have a different look for various uses. We reviewed the Tough XL, which is the most durable and rugged of the bunch. The speaker is portable enough to stash in a backpack, but does have some weight to it. An optional hand strap or shoulder strap can be added for additional portability for $7.99. The Tough XL case is strong and offers plenty of protection. With an IP67 rating, the core speaker is able to be submerged in water, dropped, and even covered in mud. A couple small issues we found were the speaker took a bit longer to pair with a smartphone and the hard plastic power button took some effort to push. The sound quality is crisp and immersive with enough power to fill a room, but we’re not convinced it would be enough for a loud tailgate. For some songs we found slight distortion at the highest volume, but the sound was satisfying out of the 4 tweeters, 2 mid-woofers, and 2 bass radiators. A major highlight is the long lasting battery life of up to 35 hours off one single charge. The speaker also includes a USB port to charge a phone or tablet and doubles as a speakerphone. The Fugoo Tough XL includes an AC adapter, USB cable, audio cable, and hex wrench to switch out sleeves. This is a very versatile speaker and a great value if you’re able to take advantage of the lower price found on their website.
RHINO-RACK BACKBONE • • • •
Stylish & aerodynamic design Minimize wind drag & noise, on & off road Non-corrosive materials will never rust or fade Strong & durable, to allow maximum carrying capacity
• Massive dynamic & static load ratings (please visit rhinorack.com for exact load ratings with our Pioneer Trays) • Compatible with a large range of Rhino-Rack accessories • Additional rail kits available
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Goal Zero/Rock Out 2 WEIGHT: 12 oz DIMENSIONS: 6in x 5in x 3in MSRP: $50 URL: goalzero.com TREAD’S TAKE: The most affordable speaker
that we tested, the Goal Zero Rock Out 2 is a solid portable speaker option at a budget friendly price. The speaker itself is built into a carrying case that can hold a smart phone and other small items, such as a wallet. The case itself also adds a bit of protection to the speaker and also has a bungee system on the back to help attach to various things, such as a backpack. Not as durable as the other speakers tested, the Rock Out 2 is merely water resistant from splashes of water. The sound was standard and not as dynamic as audiophiles may want. The bass is minimal and at high volume there was a bit of distortion. The volume is nice for small spaces. The speaker has up to 20 hours of battery life and can be fully charged in about 2 hours via USB. It can also connect directly via the attached audio output jack to your device. One unique feature is the compatibility with Goal Zero solar panels to charge using just the power of the sun. The speaker comes in five bold colors for variety. For those looking for a simple solution for portable audio needs at a great value, this is the speaker for you.
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Scosche/ BoomBottle+ WEIGHT: 1 lb 8 oz. DIMENSIONS: 218mm x 72mm MSRP: $150 URL: scosche.com TREAD’S TAKE: The most versatile speaker that
we tested. The unique design and shape allow for easy carry either by hand, in a backpack, or in the water bottle cage on a bike. The durable exterior is shock absorbing and provides additional grip, even if the speaker becomes wet. The speaker has an IP67 rating for protection in the elements including submersion in water. Additionally, the speaker floats for peace of mind and tunes at the river, beach, or by the pool. We found the 360 degree sound to be well balanced and rich. Even at the highest volume, the speaker maintained its sharpness. Achieve stereo sound by pairing with another unit with the ability to designate one as the left channel and one as the right channel. One low point is the pairing mode is a bit difficult and can prove to be frustrating. However, once connected you won’t need to repeat this process. The Scosche BoomBottle+ is packed with extras including an internal 6200mAh rechargeable battery for up to 15 hours of music and the ability to charge other devices via the USB port. The speaker also includes a ¼-inch thread on the bottom to attach to a tripod and other mounts. The packaging comes with a carabiner to attach the speaker to your pack or inside a tent, and a USB wall charger and charging cable. This is a great value for the quality and versatility of a single speaker.
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Lifeproof/ Aquaphonics AQ9 WEIGHT: 8.96 oz DIMENSIONS: 5.6in x 3.2in x 1.3in MSRP: $100 URL: goalzero.com TREAD’S TAKE: The smallest and lightest speak-
er that we reviewed helps make this the most portable option. The Aquaphonics AQ9 features a built-in carabiner to attach to backpacks, belt loops, and even the rope or webbing of a kayak or boat, while doubling as a carry handle. Built tough to withstand drops, dirt and dust, as well as waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The AQ9 unfortunately doesn’t float like its larger AQ10 and AQ11 siblings. Bluetooth pairing was easy and quick and allows to pair with up to 8 devices. We found the sound to be ample and bold from the small speaker. There was a little distortion at higher sound levels, but overall the sound was sharp. There is also a built-in microphone to work as a speakerphone. The battery lasts up to 16 hours and can charge with the included USB cable. At only $100, this is a great value for those looking for quality sound in any environment.
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Ecoxgear/ EcoCarbon WEIGHT: 1 lb, 14.4 oz. DIMENSIONS: 4.2in x 9.1in x 3.1in MSRP: $130 URL: ecoxgear.com TREAD’S TAKE: A mid-sized speaker that is
highly durable for the outdoors. The speaker features a rubberized exterior for extra grip and a carry handle for portability, while being impact resistant. With an IPX68 rating, the speaker is waterproof and floats for water activities. The speaker’s sound was average and didn’t get as loud as the others even at the highest volume. However, the mid range is where the sound shined and was deep with bass. At higher volumes there was some distortion. The speaker has a 12-hour battery life, which is on the lower end compared to the other speakers, but sufficient for a day’s travel or activities. Additionally, the speaker has the ability to charge other devices. It also includes a ¼-inch thread on the bottom of the device to attach to a tripod and other mounts for versatility. One unique feature that separates this speaker from the bunch is the built-in flashlight, which is perfect for the outdoors and camping trips.
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ALWAYS PREPARED Daily-Driven Emergency Response JKU TEX T AND IMAG ES BY B RYON DOR R
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“THE TRIED AND TRUE MOLLE PLATFORM IS UTILIZED THROUGHOUT THE JEEP, WITH ATTACHMENT POINTS ON THE REAR TAILGATE FOLD DOWN TABLE, UNIVERSAL HOLSTER MOUNT IN THE DRIVER’S FOOT WELL, DOOR POUCH MOUNTS AND FRONT AND REAR OVERHEAD PANELS.”
S
ure, this Jeep JKU just looks like a super-clean military themed build, but there is SO much more than meets the eye! The attention to detail, especially when it comes to functionality on this vehicle, is second to none. Al DeOrleans built this impressive Jeep as a daily driver, family wheeler/overland vehicle, emergency response vehicle, to attract charity donors and eventually to be his son’s, age eight, first vehicle. DeOrleans knows a thing or two about building and using off-road vehicles around the globe, and this build is a culmination of his extensive knowledge and experience.
There is little that can stand in this Jeep’s way.
DeOrleans is a volunteer for two really special organizations doing great things, and this Jeep is a big part of the work he does with them. The first, OVERT (Off-Road Vehicle Emergency Response Team), is an organization that supports first responders during extreme weather and natural disasters, making sure they can do their jobs,
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Experienced This Jeep build is perfectly suited to handle just about any obstacle or weather condition that it might face, especially because DeOrleans is behind the wheel. Each and every part on this build was chosen, and many times refined, from DeOrleans’s many years of doing extreme off-road adventure competitions around the globe. The best known has to be the Camel Trophy (Patagonia), but he has also done most of the other similar style competitions as well: Rainforest Challenge (Malaysia), Outback Challenge (Australia), Croatia Trophy, Vermont Overland Trophy and the Warn Challenge (Morocco). DeOrleans has used his years of international competition, and specifically learning from all the other highly experienced teams along the way, to build the ultimate do-everything emergency-response off-road machine. Sure that’s a tall order and a major balancing act, but he has managed to pull it off to great success.
It Begins This build started with a clean ‘16 Mojave Sand Jeep JKU Rubicon, with a manual transmission. Mojave Sand is a factory color that DeOrleans searched out, and then color-matched most of the parts on the Jeep in a matte version. DeOrleans has the strong conviction that automatic transmissions have no place in off-road vehicles, and also wanted his son to learn how to drive a manual for his first vehicle. The main objectives of this build were to create a super reliable vehicle that could execute both daily daddy duties as well as emergency response ones with equal ease. It was never meant to be a heavy-duty rock crawler or competition rig, as DeOrleans already has a fully built Hummer H3 on ProRock 60s and 40-inch IROKs for those purposes.
Down to Business With reliability and capability, the top orders
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Flex is something this Jeep has plenty of.
of business for this build, DeOrleans made sure to first tackle the Jeep’s known weaknesses. He first upgraded things like the steering system, ball joints and axels—even though the Jeep comes with Dana 44s, the factory ones are known to be quite weak. Because of this, DeOrleans plans to limit his tire size to 35 inches, has gusseted and sleeved the axels and upgraded the drive shafts, mainly to handle the extra weight of recovery gear and emergency supplies. In order to fit the larger tires, improve ground
clearance and handle all the extra weight, a Teraflex lift kit was fitted, consisting of a LCG Long Arm Kit, 3-inch Outback springs and Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks. To protect the Jeep even further, especially for those off-road obstacles that inevitably sneak up on you, Fox hydraulic bumpstops were grafted into the framerails.
Up Armored Another key component of reliability is durability, and DeOrleans has addressed this with a plethora of quality and highly tested armor
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It’s pretty impressive how every component on this Jeep is protected from impact. Armor protects just about every part.
Hutchinson dual beadlock wheels are wrapped in super aggressive Interco IROK ND tires. This combination is perfect for running extreme low psi in order to tackle even the toughest trails.
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The classic WARN 8274-50 winch has been refined even further.
DeOrleans has learned that big heavy full coverage skid plates accumulate debris and don’t let air circulate to vital components, so while everything is protected the armor that he chose still allows fresh air to cool hot parts. It’s pretty impressive just how protected from impact every component on this Jeep is— engine skid plate, manual trans skid plate, evap skid plate, trans cross member exhaust skid plate, fuel tank skid plate, control arm skids, diff skids, blocker beam skid, rock sliders, light protectors and rear corner protectors—all from a mix of trusted quality brands. Compact fitted Warn Rock Crawler front and rear bumpers provide quality protection and recovery points, while improving approach and departure angles. Even the fenders and fender wells have been upgraded, with River Raider 2-inch metal fenders and Crawler Concepts aluminum fender liners for protection and to allow full-wheel articulation.
Only basic quality mods were carried out under the hood, to retain reliability and field repairability.
Making it Work Now that the vehicle weaknesses have been addressed, and all the major components are protected, it’s time to get the Jeep rolling, stopping, breathing and performing just right. Hutchinson dual beadlock wheels are wrapped in super aggressive Interco IROK ND tires in a 315/70R17 size. This combination is perfect for running extreme low psi in order to tackle the toughest mud, sand, snow, rocks and anything else this Jeep might find in its way. This wheel and tire combo adds up to some considerable rotational weight, and along with the not so lightweight, fully outfitted and loaded-with-supplies Jeep, it was important to upgrade the stopping power. DeOrleans installed a Teraflex Large Rotor Kit, which utilizes a 13.5inch slotted rotor at all four corners, allowing this heavy machine to stop quite quickly. In order to make sure the Jeep could cross streams and traverse deep flood waters without ingesting water into the drivetrain, DeOrleans installed raised breathers on the differential, transmission and transfer case, and an engine snorkel. The snorkel’s pre-fil-
Secure load handling and passenger ergonomics define the inteiror modifications.
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ter also keeps clean cool air flowing into the engine, a necessity when rolling in convey in dusty conditions, or when high winds are contaminating the air with debris. In order to utilize that clean air and move this loaded Jeep over tough terrain more efficiently, a Superchips Programmer has been installed to optimize the engine performance.
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“Automatic transmissions have no place in off-road vehicles,” says DeOrleans.
The next order of business on this Jeep build was to address the electrical system, as lots of extra lighting, coms and navigation gear require more power. First a Genesis dual battery kit was installed, utilizing two Odyssey 34-PC1500T batteries, and feeding a Painless Wiring auxiliary fuse block to handle all the accessories. The entire lighting system on the Jeep has been upgraded with quality JW Speaker LED units—everything such as headlights, fog lights, taillights marker lights and strobe lights for emergency response duties were addressed. Coms are handled with a Cobra 75WXST CB
unit while nav is taken care of with a tablet and smart phone. Ram mounts are used throughout to provide secure and adjustable mounting points for all the coms and nav gear. DeOrleans is proud of his creation, and uses it daily.
Recovery is Key While it is unlikely that you’ll see this super
capable Jeep stuck, especially with DeOrleans behind the wheel, it is always important to be ready for such a situation, and maybe more importantly in DeOrleans’s situation to be at the ready to help others. A full complement of recovery gear is always on board, including everything from a full winching kit, Hi-Lift and
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RECOVERY & RESCUE READY
VEHICLE RECOVERY: Built Warn 8274-50 Winch w/ 200 feet of Master Pull 5/16" Superline, Warn 3/4" Epic Shackles, Warn Tree Protector, Warn Winch Damper, Factor 55 Flatlink Expert, 3x Master Pull Snatch Blocks, Master Pull Super Yanker Kinetic Rope, Master Pull Superline 100’ 5/16” Winch Extension, 48” Hi-Lift X-Treme Jack, Hi-Lift HA-500 Handle-All Multi-Purpose Tool, Hi-Lift LM-100 Lift-Mate, Reese Jack Foot Plate, ARB Bushranger X-Jack Air Jack, Pull-Pal 11K lb Winch Anchor, Maxtrax EMERGENCY SUPPLIES: Extensive Trauma Kit (in MOLLE pouches on tailgate fold down table), Blackhawk Fast Attack Litter, MS-2000 Distress Maker Strobe Light, 3x Fire Extinguishers, Stihl MS-211 Chainsaw Mounted on Bug-Out-Rack
accessories, Maxtrax, ARB Bushranger X-Jack, Pull-Pal winch anchor and so much more.
the ultimate in safe, closed-system winching.
A great example of how particular and knowledgable DeOrleans is about outfitting his vehicles just right is the classic Warn 8274-50 winch mounted on the front bumper of this Jeep. DeOrleans has fully customized and upgraded this winch to meet the harshest demands it might encounter; the industrial contactor has been relocated inside the engine bay, winch gears have been shimmed to avoid shifting and loosing 100-percent contact surface between gears, the circlip on the main shaft has been replaced with a threaded cap to avoid it popping off and losing all internal parts, the brake friction discs have been replaced with larger units that cover the entire rotor surface for better braking and drain and fill plugs have been added to avoid full disassembly to change the oil. The winch also uses 200 ft of 5/16-inch Master Pull Superline and a Factor 55 Flatlink Expert, for
Besides having the gear to self-rescue the Jeep and help other vehicles out while off-road and in disaster zones, it’s also important to be able to help the people that might be in need of medical care during these situations. An extensive trauma kit is spread out in quickly deployable Molle pouches throughout the vehicle, with a full kit located on the tailgate fold down table. A lightweight and compact Blackhawk fast attack litter is mounted on the roll cage in the back of the Jeep to quickly and securely transport the injured.
Rescue Ready
On the rear of the vehicle a Teraflex HD Tailgate Hinge/Tire Carrier is mounted. This unit is much stronger than stock, which is required to handle the extra weight of the beadlock rims and large tires. DeOrleans also chose it over the swing out option on the rear bumper, as it is more
secure, keeps the wheel closer to the vehicle for better weight distribution and is a much more durable option overall. Attached to the spare tire is a Bug-Out-Rack, which carries a Stihl MS-211 Chainsaw, a necessary tool when forging new off-road routes or clearing roads during natural disasters. The interior of the vehicle has been designed to ergonomically and securely handle the wide range of gear onboard. The tried and true Molle platform is utilized throughout the Jeep, with attachment points on the rear tailgate fold down table, universal holster mount in the driver’s foot well, door pouch mounts and front and rear overhead panels. Raingler Safety Nets are also used throughout the interior to keep gear secured. To secure weapons, documents and other valuables Bestop under seat lock boxes, a Tuffy JK Center Console Lock Box Insert and a rear Tuffy Deluxe
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Further Down the Road Even though this Jeep is already highly modified, and ready for just about anything, DeOrleans has no plans to stop here. Since the photo shoot, Interco released a 35x12.517 IROK ND tire, the bigger tire that DeOrleans has been craving since building this beast, which have already made their way on to the Jeep. DeOrleans will be installing limb risers and some windshield protection very soon as well, mostly to protect the glass from hail, hurricane debris and the like. To create more interior room for emergency supplies, a Pull-Pal rack will be installed on the tailgate hinge. DeOrleans also plans to install fuel can racks atop each of the rear fenders, in order to further the range of the Jeep and transport spare fuel to those in need. With those few further modifications, this Jeep will be even better equipped to carry out the missions it’s pressed into service for regularly in times of need.
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WINTERING IN WONDERLAND
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How to Thrive During a Winter Camping Excursion T EXT BY RYAN L EE P R I C E
W
ith Alpine meadows, rolling hills, sheer mountain walls and glacier carved valleys, you pretty much have your pick of terrain when heading deep into the Big Horn National Forest in central Wyoming. With over 1,500 trails and 32 campgrounds, there is ample opportunity to explore the backcountry. The summer season at elevation is a delight all by itself, but traveled in winter—with the landscapes blanketed in a layer of snow and ice—can be a breathtaking experience. However, Old Man Winter is an unforgiving jerk if you roll even one wheel into his domain unprepared. Proper winter camping can be a very rewarding experience, as long as you always err on the side of caution. The key to a successful winter camping trip is having the right gear and becoming an informed winter camper.
Plan Ahead Whether you’re an old hand at winter camping or if this is your first time trekking off of the snow-covered roads and into the backcountry, there is a host of things you need to accomplish long before you put the truck in gear. For starters, never go alone; in addition to adventure loving company, sharing your experiences is greatly enhanced by a small group of like-minded people. Plus, the body heat they provide will be appreciated later.
Study maps of the area you plan to go into, and even talk to people who have been their before. Are there services nearby? Established campgrounds? Any amenities? Check the road conditions and the weather for the time you plan to be there. Be mindful of avalanche conditions (any slope greater than 20 degrees), and make sure everyone in your group is prepared for them. Have a formal plan ready for each member of your group: where you are going, how long you’ll be there, when you’ll be home, and a list of goals for the trip (climb Mt. Whatever and visit frozen Schweitzer Falls), vehicle information and names of all in your party. Leave this trip plan with friends not going, and it wouldn’t hurt to check in with a local forest ranger to let them know you’ll be in the area (and you may need permits anyways). Most importantly, plan for the unplanned: have extra food and clothing just in case the weather changes, you get lost, or your trip makes any unexpected detours or delays.
Maintain Your Rig Since your truck or Jeep is your only safe way of egress from the snow-laden backcountry, make sure it is in top-notch condition for such a run. You won’t get anywhere if your rig isn’t ready for the adventure. Recovery Gear: Much of the same recovery
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The most important thing to consider when looking for an appropriate campsite in the winter months is that you have enough daylight left to find one and set up camp.
Watch your radiator as snow may accumulate on it and decrease its ability to cool the engine.
gear you would take with you during a trail run during in any other time of the year is the same for wintery terrain. The usual tow hooks, snatch straps and winches will all find employment in a snowbound situation. However, consider adding a snow shovel, ice scraper and a stiff brush to your gear to clear away snow buildup from radiators, windshields and tire treads. Tires: Tires are one of the most important elements to traversing the snow, and time and again, Dick Cepek Fun Country tires are recommended for their wide section widths, mild tread patterns and high flexibility. Having the means to air down and air up your tires will be helpful too. Lower pressure tires put more tire in contact with the snow, which means a larger footprint. Of course, you’ll need to return them to their recommended air pressure for the drive home. Don’t Overheat: Watch your radiator as snow may accumulate on it and decrease its
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WINTERING IN WONDERLAND
Basic recovery gear like a shovel can help you dig out your vehicle out of the snow.
Drive Appropriately Since getting there is half the fun, make sure you get there by taking precaution when wheeling through the wintery wonderland. Driving through dry or wet snow in different consistencies and conditions is a learned skill that takes some experience and practice. Travel Light: You’ll want to stay on top of the snow, so your very choice of vehicle to get you there may be dependent on its weight. A '01 Ford F150 weighs around 5,000 pounds, whereas a '01 Jeep Wrangler tips the scales at just over 3,200 pounds. Discard gear you won’t need (not every rig in your party needs a jack or a full tool kit, right?), and keep the weight down by leaving home any unnecessary equipment (are you using the roof rack on this trip?). Tire Size: If you are driving on snow-covered paved roads, you’ll want narrower tires to cut through the snow to the pavement below, but when trying to climb over and above the snow, wide tires with a large footprint will better offset the weight of the vehicle so it won’t sink down as much. Locking Differentials: To help keep tires from spinning in slippery snow and ice, a locking differential is a must. Off-camber slopes are a challenge in the snow, but by allowing power to only one wheel per axle,
Off-camber slopes are a challenge in the snow.
the other two will act as anchors to keep the truck from sliding. However, when engaged in deep snow, you’ll want all four wheels turning at the same speed. Slipping is especially bad in the snow because the snow can melt under the friction and then refreeze in your tire lugs, rendering them somewhat useless.
The Right Personal Gear If your weekend getaway will include any hiking, consider taking along a couple of extra things that will make your trek that much more enjoyable. A pair of snowshoes will keep you on top of the snow, giving you the ability to travel farther quicker. A small sled (a simple plastic one can be had cheaply) can be pulled behind you; this not only holds more hiking gear and reduces the weight on your back, but
it means that you will take lighter steps and will be less likely to sink into the snow. To be comfortable while winter camping, the right camping equipment is important. Make sure to select a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature of your destination or warmer. An extra foam pad or down air mattress can help with the cold air coming up from the ground and a four-season tent is imperative in extreme winter weather conditions. If you are snow camping, consider bringing an extra stove for melting snow into drinking water and be sure to pack extra fuel for your camp stove.
Dress for the Occasion The simple rule of winter camping is to stay dry and warm. Wet clothes (or not enough of them) is a killer in sub-freezing temperatures.
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WINTERING IN WONDERLAND
hands warm, while a pair of gaiters will keep snow out of your boots.
jacket and/or a goose-down jacket. Outer: The outer shell needs a waterproof/ windproof/breathable layer. Shells made from such materials as Gore-Tex or eVent offer premium protection from wetness while allowing moisture inside to escape. Less expensive alternatives use polyurethane-coated fabrics that are equally waterproof but somewhat less breathable. Look for core vents and underarm vents that expel excess heat and moisture.
To protect your eyes from the glare of the sun, glasses or goggles should be with you at all times.
Socks and boots should be approved for winter hiking, but traditional hiking boots on the market these days provide ample warmth for your needs. Always wear synthetic or wool socks (a thin layer next to your skin and a thick sock over that), however. Take extras.
Warm Sleeping Bag: A cold sleeping bag can take some time to warm up with just your body heat, so pre-warming your bag is a nice way to quickly get warm at night. Boil water and put it in a watertight container. Let the water cool down a little and then place in in your sleeping bag 20 minutes before going to bed. The heat will make getting into bed at night more enjoyable and help maintain your body temperature while sleeping. The same thing can be done with warm rocks if they’re not too hot (to damage your bag or tent).
Additional Clothing: Though it is a myth that you lose a significant percentage of heat through your head, you do lose some, so a warm hat that can cover your ears is a must. As well, gloves or mittens will keep your
Firewood: It can be difficult to find firewood on the ground in the winter. By the time winter rolls around, summer campers have scavenged the forest for wood or the winter storms have made most of the wood too wet
A warm hat that can cover your ears can help you retain body heat.
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THE 10 ESSENTIALS A
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there), and then add a layer of clothing. Winter storms can crop up at any time, so foremost, pick a campground spot that is not along a ridgetop or apex of a hill, instead, find a dell or depression with protection from the wind. Regard camping under any types of trees as dangerous, for two reasons: 1) Shedding snow can immediately bury your tent; and 2) The weight of the snow can easily break thick branches which might kill you.
With you at all times (even when not wheeling during the winter) should be the 10 Essentials, a concise grouping of gear that will see you through even the most trying of times. The fluidity of this list means that you can augment it with additional items depending on where you are going. For example, an emergency shelter in the summer could mean a simple tarpaulin, but an emergency shelter in the winter should equate to a four-season tent. 1.
Navigation/communication (map and compass and GPS/phone)
2.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
3.
Insulation (extra clothing)
4.
Illumination (flashlights, headlamps, and extra batteries)
5.
First-aid supplies (an ample first aid kit)
6.
Fire (redundant ways to make and maintain a fire)
7.
Repair kit and tools (that are appropriate for your rig)
8.
Nutrition (extra food)
9.
Hydration (extra water and the ability to procure and clean more)
10.
Emergency shelter (tarps, tents, sleeping bags)
to burn. An evening campfire will keep you warm at night and make cooking outside more enjoyable in cold weather.
Choosing an Apt Campsite The most important thing to consider when
looking for an appropriate campsite in the winter months is that you have enough daylight left to find one and set up camp. Once you reach what you consider a perfect campsite, sit down for a while, recharge with a snack, cool down from your hike (if you walked
The dangers of avalanches after a snowfall is especially high, so avoid camping at the base of a hill, while south-facing areas with clear line of sight (not blocked by mountains or trees) will provide you with the most exposure to the sun.
Setting Up Camp
South-facing campsites with a clear line of sight will provide you with the most exposure to the sun.
When you first get into camp, leave on your snowshoes (if you wore them) and begin to tramp down areas for tents and your kitchen. If possible, let the snow set up for 30 minutes or so to re-harden. Organize your tents with the doors at 90 degrees to the prevailing winds, but for an especially cold night (or if a blustery storm is approaching), you can build snow walls on the windward side of the tent. Mound the sides of the tent with snow (have someone inside pushing out on the tent to keep it from collapsing). When the snow sets up you will have a hybrid tent-snow shelter which will have better insulation than the tent alone. The Kitchen: If the snow is deep, you may want to dig out a pit for your kitchen. Dig a pit at least six feet in diameter (for 4-6 people), and two to three feet deep (if you don’t hit ground before that) and pile the excavated snow around the perimeter. Pack the snow at the perimeter of the hole with your shovel, as this will give you a 4-5 foot deep area well protected from the wind. Camping during the winter can be a rewarding experience, provided you plan ahead, make rational decisions about your trip, maintain a proper rig, pack the essentials for the environment you’ll be in, and prepare for the worst case scenario. Of course, if you get too cold, you could always sleep in your truck. It has a heater, remember?
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TREADMAGAZINE.COM
Keychain Flashlight Buyer’s Guide T EXT A ND I MAG E S BY J E RRY T SA I
T
he right tool for the job.” The old saying, as cliché as it might be, still rings true today. Using the right tool for the job, such as the correct sized wrench or screwdriver, is paramount when it comes to any repair or install job, but it doesn’t stop there.
Flashlights are also invaluable tools not only at night or in low light areas, but in the bright sunlight as well. If you’ve ever crawled under your truck to check out the undercarriage and realized that the bright surrounding light drowns out what you’re trying to look at, you’ll know what we mean. Carrying a flashlight everywhere you go can be handy, but sometimes it just isn’t practical. For those times, a compact keychain flashlight can do just the trick. These types of flashlights may not shine as bright as larger ones, but many times you need just enough light to see what you’re doing or looking for. In this guide, we examine a dozen of the newest and most useful flashlights that are fit to hang from your keychain.
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Nite Ize Radiant Microlight MAX LUMENS: 6 MAX RUNTIME: 22 hours LENGTH: 1.85 inches WEIGHT: 0.35 ounce MSRP: $8 URL: niteize.com NOTES: Powered by two 2016 Lithium coin cell batteries, the Radiant Microlight packs some surprisingly powerful performance. With an effective range of up to 50 feet, and onemile signal visibility, the Radiant Microlight features four lighting functions including High Power, Low Power, Strobe, and Signal Mode. It also features a water-and-crush-resistant body and a stainless-steel universal clip that attaches to keys, zippers, purses, backpacks and more.
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Maglite Solitare LED MAX LUMENS: 47 MAX RUNTIME: 1 hour 45 minutes LENGTH: 3.19 inches WEIGHT: 0.8 ounces MSRP: $17.50 URL: maglite.com NOTES: Maglite’s been in the flashlight game for longer than most. Their updated Solitaire LED takes the styling from their 1988 classic, but ups the ante with modern LED technology. What you get is a classic look with up-todate performance. Simply twist the head to it turn on, turn it off and from focus spot to flood. This light promises to light up an object at the far end of the parking lot. Keychain included.
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Pelican 1810 Keychain Light MAX LUMENS: 16 MAX RUNTIME: unlisted LENGTH: 1.5 inches WEIGHT: 0.4 ounces MSRP: $11 URL: pelican.com NOTES:
Compact and a color that’s easy to find, the Pelican 1810 is turned on and off with a twist of its tailcap. Flat tires, missing headphones, needle in a haystack, you name it; this everyday personal flashlight will keep you moving through the day or night. With 16 lumens of light and a keychain attachment—it's always handy.
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Fenix UC02 MAX LUMENS: 130 MAX RUNTIME: 3 hour 50 minutes LENGTH: 1.7 inches WEIGHT: 0.39 ounces MSRP: $25 URL: fenixlight.com NOTES:
Don’t let the Fenix UC02’s small stature fool you. A twist of its bezel will unleash an impressive 130 lumens for up to 25 minutes. At its lower setting, it will shine 10 lumens for almost four hours using its Cree XP-G2 S2 white light LED. It is Micro USB rechargeable with an incredibly small body. Its single 10180 Li-ion battery delivers high performance and reduces traditional battery replacement costs. It is IPX-8 waterproof and is polarity protected from improper battery installation.
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Streamlight Keymate USB MAX LUMENS: 35 MAX RUNTIME: 2 hours LENGTH: 2.88 inches WEIGHT: 0.5 ounces MSRP: $28 URL: streamlight.com NOTES: A perfect fit on your keychain, the Streamlight Keymate USB features 35 lumens of maximum light output on the blade of its “key.” Press a button on the body of the key to activate the bright white LED light in one of three modes, high, low and emergency flash. The Keymate is fully Micro USB rechargeable in only three hours. Its spring-loaded clip attaches to key rings, zippers and more. In fact, it’s convenient to attach to a jacket zipper for no hassle, hands-free lighting.
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LED Lenser P2BM MAX LUMENS: 16 MAX RUNTIME: 7 hours LENGTH: 3.78 inches WEIGHT: 1.34 ounces MSRP: $23 URL: ledlenserusa.com NOTES: Activated by a push button switch on its tail, the P2BM mini flashlight is a small, attachable strong light keychain flashlight. It weighs just over one ounce and features LED Lenser’s Blue Moon Focus System lighting for excellent definition of the reading area. The Blue Moon system separates parts of the light’s blue spectrum from its white spectrum. The result is an excellent, clean white light to read by with a mellow blue circle to frame the reading area, easing eye fatigue.
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Thrunnite Ti3 EDC Cree XP-L MAX LUMENS: 130 MAX RUNTIME: 120 hours LENGTH: 2.75 inches WEIGHT: 0.42 ounces MSRP: $20 URL: thrunite.com NOTES: Powered by a single AAA battery, the Ti3 EDC has an impressive 130 maximum lumen rating that will run for 30 minutes or a 0.8 lumen rating that will run for 120 hours. Other modes include a 10-lumen setting that runs for 6.5 hours and an emergency strobe mode. The Ti3 EDC’s light comes from a powerful Cree XP-L V6 LED that has a lifespan of over 20 years of run time. The light is activated by twisting its head. Comes with a removable pocket clip.
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SureFire Titan Plus MAX LUMENS: 300 MAX RUNTIME: 7 hours LENGTH: 3.375 inches WEIGHT: 2.0 ounces MSRP: $100 URL: surefire.com NOTES: Building upon their groundbreaking Titan keychain light, SureFire added several useful features to Titan Plus including more than twice the maximum output taking it to 300 lumens of blinding white light. It also can be switched to 75 lumens at its medium setting and 15 lumens on low. The small and stylish light is constructed of durable nickel-plated brass that resists scratching and corrosion. This rugged light features a removable pocket clip and a stainless steel split ring for your keys.
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Mecarmy X2S MAX LUMENS: 130 MAX RUNTIME: 6 hours LENGTH: 1.85 inches WEIGHT: 0.76 ounces MSRP: $30 URL: mecarmy.com NOTES: This micro flashlight is not only handsome, but is capable of a very respectable 130 lumen light output rating. Its rechargeable 10190 Li-ion battery ensures its Cree XP-G1 LED light has a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. To charge it, unscrew its head to reveal a USB charging port. Charging time to fully charge its battery is listed as only one hour. The X2S’ body is made of durable, 304 stainless steel which results in a nice, solid feel.
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Coast Products G5 MAX LUMENS: 18 MAX RUNTIME: 45 minutes LENGTH: 2.45 inches WEIGHT: 0.4 ounces MSRP: $6 URL: coastportland.com NOTES: By far the most affordable light in our guide, the G5 is no slouch either. The G5 flashlight is a great keychain companion when you need just enough light to help find a keyhole or something that you dropped on the floor of your vehicle. A mini-flood optic produces a diffused beam with a central hotspot making it useful for close-up illumination. The G5 is impact resistant, weather resistant and its LED is virtually unbreakable.
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Prometheus Beta QRv2 Solid Copper MAX LUMENS: 80 LENGTH: 2.95 inches WEIGHT: 1.6 ounces MSRP: $79 URL: darksucks.com NOTES: Specialty flashlight maker Prometheus Lights clearly spares no expense in making their lights. Only using high quality components to construct their lights, the QRv2 not only looks great, but performs up to its looks too. Its Nichia 219B High CRI LED is capable of 80 lumens on high mode and 15 and 1 in medium and low respectively. Aside from its killer look and solidly durable build, the light features a quick release split ring so you can easily use it independently from your keys.
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Olight I3E EOS MAX LUMENS: 90 MAX RUNTIME: 1 hour 10 minutes LENGTH: 2.38 inches WEIGHT: 0.68 ounces MSRP: $10 URL: olightstore.com NOTES: Running off of a single AAA battery, the i3E has a maximum 90-lumen output thanks to its high-performance Philips LUXEON TX LED. A PMMA TIR lens focuses the light to reach a distance of 44 meters. The lightweight and compact i3E can be connected to a keychain without adding significant bulk or heft to your keys. The I3E is activated by twisting its bezel. Available in several colors including silver, black, blue, purple, green, and red.
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‘16 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
DAILY WEEKENDER
T EXT BY J OHN PANG I L I NAN | I MAG E S BY H E N RY Z . D E KU Y P E R
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The Tacoma checked off all of the boxes for what Longstreth wanted in off-road capability, from accessibility to aftermarket components.
W
hat do you do when you get older, start a family, get a dog and have a passion for the outdoors? You buy a truck. Then the problem becomes which truck to get, as you justify your needs and wants and get realistic with your budget.
Luckily, for Corey Longstreth, the decision to select the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road as the platform for his project was an easy one. “It’s the complete package.” The truck checked off all of the boxes for what he wanted in off-road capability, from accessibility to aftermarket components—and with good looks to boot. After all, as the art director for Rotiform wheels, design and style matter. Having owned a plethora and impressive list of different vehicles over the years, like Volkswagens with hard-to-come-by European parts, Audis slammed with air-ride suspension, and a few other trucks, Longstreth claims he’s a “car guy with a short attention span.” As he got older, he realized that lowered cars become a bit of an inconvenience and lack the utility he really needed.
Impulse Buy
“THE WHEELS WERE DESIGNED, PROTOTYPED, AND FINALLY PRODUCED WITH HIS TRUCK AS THE GUINEA PIG. THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, LONGSTRETH SHARED THE INITIAL DESIGNS ON PUBLIC FORUMS TO GAUGE INTEREST AND SHOWCASE THE NEW WHEELS.”
His impulsive streak lead to his decision to purchase the Tacoma TRD Off-Road from his local dealership. As he drove past the lot and saw the white truck on display, he then turned around and bought it on the spot. He was in the market for a truck after a friend sold his and the ability to transport their dirt bikes was needed.
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TREAD 01.A Bedslide Cargo tray holds a Rotopax fuel carrier, Power Tank air system and other off road essentials.
D A I LY W E E K E N D E R
Quickly after making the purchase, the transformation began. There are perks to most jobs and Longstreth took full advantage of his position at Rotiform to help develop their new line of off-road wheels. The wheels were designed, prototyped, and finally produced with his truck as the guinea pig. Through the development process, Longstreth shared the initial designs on public forums to gauge interest and showcase the new wheels.
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02. Each compartment of the SnoMaster TR42 Fridge can be set independently from -8ºF to 50ºF. 03. Toyota’s 3.5 liter V6 power plant is the motivator for this adventure rig.
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Rotiform is traditionally known as automotive wheels with aggressive fitments for the tuner crowd, so of course the internet trolls were in full force with their opinions on the new design. Yet, once the two-piece welded forged 17x9 Rotiform LAS-OR wheels in an amazing Stage 2 Brushed Gloss DDT finish were finally released and showcased along with the 285/70 Falken Wildpeak MT03 tires, many of the haters quickly changed their tune.
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Pour It On
04. The Tacoma is decked out with a Free Spirit Recreation High Country rooftop tent and a Renogy roof-mounted solar panel on a custom enclosure.
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As with most project vehicles, decisions are made that eventually lead to more customizations that then lead to replacing and changing parts to accommodate for those new upgrades. This dance can go on for awhile as you search for the proper balance and ultimately settle on those modifications until that is... the next shinier and new product comes out. Longstreth is no stranger to this vicious cycle having already switched out the suspension, exhaust, bumpers, and bed rack until things were just right.
Daily-Weekender Longstreth’s main reason for building an overland style truck was for the functionality as it serves as his daily driver and weekender for trips to Big Bear and beyond. He wanted a capable vehicle to escape the city and serve as an excuse to spend more time with his wife and dog in the great outdoors. Unlike many of his past project vehicles, he felt that his wife could enjoy this truck with him as there is a more practical side to this build versus the lowered vehicles outfitted with rare parts that only fellow auto enthusiasts would admire.
“AS WITH MOST PROJECT VEHICLES, DECISIONS ARE MADE THAT EVENTUALLY LEAD TO MORE CUSTOMIZATIONS THAT THEN LEAD TO REPLACING AND CHANGING PARTS TO ACCOMMODATE FOR THOSE NEW UPGRADES.”
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The Taco’s handsome face is composed of a Pelfreybilt front bumper, Baja Designs lights and SmittyBilt winch.
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The interior received the Katzkin treatment with re-wrapped black leather and perforated inners with black stitching.
Helping to add a bit of juice while off the grid is a Renogy roof-mounted 150 watt solar panel on a custom enclosure, which is controlled by a Renogy MPPT 40 amp solar controller that can self-diagnose itself with error codes and appears on the LCD screen. The bed of the truck is fully utilized with a Bedslide Cargo tray that holds the essential SnoMaster TR42 Fridge—stocked with ice cold brews, of course. Front Runner Outfitters Slimline cab and bed racks were added to equip the 1.4M Easy-Out awning, tent mount, and Rotopax mounts with Rotopax water and fuel containers. For camping adventures with his wife and dog in tow, Longstreth opted for the Free Spirit Recreation High Country medium rooftop tent.
Next Up
“THE TRUCK CHECKED OFF ALL OF THE BOXES FOR WHAT HE WANTED IN OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY TO AFTERMARKET COMPONENT—AND WITH GOOD LOOKS TO BOOT.”
Once he began the build and felt the camaraderie from the outdoor automotive world and the many brands that jumped on the opportunity to support the build, he was hooked. The overland collective has felt like an extended family with members often willing to offer advice and always open to going on an adventure.
Added Capability Through trial and error with the suspension that was needed to help tackle rough terrain, fit the larger tires, and handle the increased weight added from the host of aftermarket goodies, Longstreth eventually opted for Fox 2.5 3-inch DSC coilovers with 700 pound springs along with Icon Vehicle Dynamics control arm skid plates and Icon upper control arms in the front. The rear features an Icon Vehicle Dynamics RXT leaf pack with a custom mid-weight configuration and custom mounted Fox IFP 2.5-inch hydraulic bypasses. To help with the bit of clearance and re-plating, BAMF cab mount chop plates were installed. Another self-realization was made after Longstreth installed a MagnaFlow cat-back exhaust. The small displacement, high-output of the V6 sound from the exhaust combined with the highway gear-hunting transmission was a combination that he didn’t want to deal with
so, he removed the exhaust, and he quickly became aware that the older version of himself doesn’t find the same thing interesting as his younger version when it comes to vehicles. Beefing up the Tacoma is an assortment of Pelfreybilt parts that include: a front bumper, high-clearance rear bumper, sliders with kickouts and top plates, and a front/mid and gas tank skid plate. Complementing the front and rear bumpers are a collection of Baja Designs lights to help provide visibility in the dark. A SwitchPros 100 amp power panel helps control the exterior lighting. The front bumper is also outfitted with a SmittyBilt XRC 12K Gen2 Winch with synthetic line and Warn hook. Finally, completing the look and providing an in-case-of-emergency resolve is a spare Rotiform wheel and Falken tire attached to a Wilco Hitchgate spare tire swing arm.
Further Enhancements The interior received the Katzkin treatment with re-wrapped black leather and perforated inners with black stitching. Longstreth opted to keep the factory headunit, but with the use of a Hondo Garage–mounted iPad equipped with apps, such as Toop Maps, Rever, Magellan TRX and ROAM, he’s able to navigate trails on the go.
Two-piece welded forged 17x9 Rotiform LAS-OR wheels are shod with Falken Wildpeak MT03 tires.
Having only owned the vehicle for a little over a year and a half, the amount of modifications is quite impressive, but Longstreth and his short attention span coupled with an innate urge to tinker with things still has a few more upgrades on his to-do list. First he plans on a Nitro Gear and Axle regear to 4.88 and then once Pelfrey Bilt finishes a new swing-out high-clearance rear bumper and tire carrier, he will be sure to swap that out.
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“HE WANTED A CAPABLE VEHICLE TO ESCAPE THE CITY AND SERVE AS AN EXCUSE TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH HIS WIFE AND DOG IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS.”
On his wish list is the much anticipated Magnussen supercharger, as he looks to add more power with all of the additional weight to the truck. He also plans to switch things up by adding a SnugTop, A.R.E. or Leer shell to the truck and position the rooftop tent on the cabin’s roof to gain more storage capacity. Ironically, he lost the ability to travel with his dirt bikes after much of the cargo space in the bed of the truck was utilized. So to solve this problem he will have Adam at Unique Fabrication build him a custom trailer to carry the bikes and gear, and of course, it will have matching Rotiform wheels and Falken Wildpeak tires. Then maybe he’ll consider this project complete, that is until he gets the urge for something new.
As complete as the truck is, Longstreth still has a few more upgrades on his todo list.
oma 2016 Toyota TacO TRD ff-Road
PLATFORM: 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD OFF-ROAD ENGINE: 3.5 LITER, V6 SUSPENSION: FOX 2.5 3-INCH DSC COILOVERS WITH
700 POUND SPRINGS, ICON UPPER CONTROL ARMS, ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS RXT LEAF PACK, FOX IFP 2.5-INCH HYDRAULIC BYPASSES
WHEELS & TIRES: 285/70 FALKEN WILDPEAK MT03 TIRES ON 17X9 ROTIFORM LAS-OR IN STAGE 2 BRUSHED GLOSS DDT FINISH ARMOR: ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL ARM SKID PLATES, BAMF CAB MOUNT CHOP PLATES, PELFREYBILT FRONT BUMPER, PELFREYBILT HIGHCLEARANCE REAR BUMPER, PELFREYBILT SLIDERS WITH KICK-OUTS AND TOP PLATES, PELFREYBILT SKID PLATES, BEDSLIDE CARGO TRAY, FRONT RUNNER OUTFITTERS SLIMLINE CAB AND BED RACKS LIGHTING: BAJA DESIGNS LIGHTS ACCESSORIES: SWITCHPROS 100AMP
POWER PANEL, SMITTYBILT XRC 12K GEN2 WINCH, WILCO HITCHGATE SPARE TIRE SWING-ARM, KATZKIN BLACK LEATHER INTERIOR, HONDO GARAGE MOUNTED IPAD (WITH APPS: TOOP MAPS, REVER, MAGELLAN TRX AND ROAM), RENOGY ROOF MOUNTED 150 WATT SOLAR PANEL, RENOGY MPPT 40 AMP SOLAR CONTROLLER, SNOMASTER TR42 FRIDGE, FRONT RUNNER OUTFITTERS 1.4M AWNING, ROTOPAX MOUNTS AND CONTAINTERS, FREE SPIRIT RECREATION HIGH COUNTRY MEDIUM ROOF TOP TENT
VISIT WWW. DV8OFFROAD .COM TO SEE OUR 2017 PRODUCT LINE
Bumpers Lights Rock Sliders Winches Tops FENDB-01
Wheels
Armor Fenders Pa tent Pending
Fenders Grills Hoods Mounts Electric Steps Tire Carriers Suspension
RDSTTB-01
Ranger FB
Rock Doors
TC-1 Tire Carrier Pa tent Pending
Removable Door Inserts
421 MAIN STREET, RIVERSIDE CA, 92501 UNITED STATES (951) 680 9595
WWW.DV8OFFROAD.COM
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AIRING DOWN IS EASY
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AIRING DOWN IS EASY Airing Back Up Is The Hard Part T EXT BY M AT T HEW S COT T | I M AG ES P R OV I DED BY T HE MA NUFAC T U RE RS
f we could have one modification on an overland-style vehicle—just one—it wouldn’t be lockers or light bars. It wouldn’t be a snorkel or a roof tent, and it definitely wouldn’t be blingy suspension.
I
returns poor fuel economy, bad handling, and increased wear. Let’s not forget about the fact that a blow-out is almost inevitable if you’re running low pressures for extended distances on the highway.
It would be access to compressed air.
Onboard Air
Why? Because airing down and being able to fix a flat in the middle of nowhere is more important than anything else, without air, you’re dead in the water. An aired-down tire is not only more durable in most off-road scenarios, but it is also the number one thing that affects the ride quality of your vehicle off-road. Airing down also plays a huge role in the amount of traction you’re able to put down to the ground. So there’s all this talk about airing down, but that’s the easy part. Whether you use an EZ deflator that removes the valve core to quickly release air, or whether you use a stick that you found on the trail to push in your valve core, it’s airing up that’s really the hard part. Unfortunately the benefits of airing down your tires off road do not translate to on road. An under-inflated tire
Simply put, when it comes to airing up tires, permanently mounted onboard air is king. When done correctly it allows you to mount a powerful compressor in disused space aboard your vehicle, and it’s always there when you need it to be, without worrying about the need to pack anything. Onboard air compressors are, these days, almost exclusively powered by a 12V power source and come in all shapes and sizes. There was once a day when belt-driven compressors were popular, and while they worked great they typically required removal of your air-conditioning system—no thanks. The most common off-road specific compressors on the market are being offered from ARB and Viair who offer a massive range of models, including kits that come standard with air tanks and mounting kits
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Air tanks such as the one shown here are ultra portable and do not take up precious storage space.
close to the battery as possible as they have the potential to draw some serious power. If that’s not possible, use large gauge wiring to make the power transfer more efficient. Air tanks can be added to onboard air systems to allow for the use of power tools, while decreasing the load placed on the compressor (these things can get hot!). If you have the room, even a one or two gallon tank can make a world of difference when it comes to the usability of your onboard air system, and sometimes allow you to get by with a smaller, cheaper compressor. The other benefit of adding an air tank comes with the fact that it then makes sense to add air chucks at different locations around the vehicle to make airing up even easier. We’ve seen people run one connection at both the front and back of the vehicle, and even more custom setups that put an air nozzle at each wheel.
Portable Systems While we regard onboard air as the king of solutions for airing up your 4x4, we’d like to think of portable systems are being the practical choice, and if we’re being honest— the solution we’ve always used.
Being able to change your tire’s inflation on the fly can mean getting unstuck or waiting for help.
for a range of popular models—a massive bonus. ARB’s high-end twin compressor is the fastest on the market and can supply enough air without a tank to run most air tools, in addition to filling up your tires quickly. The most important choice you’ll make with an electric air compressor is effectively choosing the right model that will work for the size of tire you’re currently running— and the one you’d like to run in the future. Larger tires require a larger volume of air, which some smaller compressors just aren’t up to the task of doing effectively. Generally speaking, those with 35-inch tires or larger will need the larger and typically more expensive models. It’s best to mount these air compressors as
Portable systems have come a long way in a short amount of time, especially with the introduction of ARB’s Portable Twin Compressor a few years back, which even has a built-in air tank. It’s capable of filling tires just as quickly as their onboard system,
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and is perfect for those vehicles that don’t really have the room under the hood to mount it. Portable air compressors are perfect for the weekend warrior who wants to be prepared, but doesn’t get out enough to justify spending a bunch of money permanently mounting an air compressor to their daily driver. Options go from mild, like Smittybuilt’s offerings, to the mid-priced Viair systems, to the absolutely wild as mentioned with ARB’s Portable Twin Air unit. Typically, these units will be sold as a kit with everything you need to confidently air up after your trail run, but you’ll want to ensure that the air hose is long enough to reach all four tires (we’re looking at you, fullsize owners). It’s also important to consider if the included alligator clips will work with your battery’s location. If you’re experienced with automotive electrics, one of the best upgrades you can make to a portable compressor is to wire in a quick-release power plug that goes direct to your battery, personally I use Anderson connectors as they’re durable and safe.
Portable compressed air systems can be useful by powering air tools used in on-thespot repairs.
Compressed Air Systems For the more hardcore users that need to air up or run tools without hesitation or chance of failure on the trail (we’re looking at you, rock crawlers), then the go-to is compressed air or C02. Power Tank has made a name for themselves of offering an easy-to-mount solution that requires no wiring and is immensely portable. Let’s say your vehicle is fine, but your buddy’s rig just broke and they’re further down the trail in a place you can’t get to. An air compressor isn’t going to do you much good—but a Power Tank can be carried to the spot where it’s required. The downsides to these systems are obvious, they require refilling, and when they’re out, they’re out. So if you’re doing an extended trip down Baja, or you’re going somewhere that will require a lot of repeated airing up, this might not be the solution for you. We’ve used and abused these systems in the field and they’re top-notch when it comes to filling times for tires and their compatibility with air tools.
Onboard air systems allow you to air up your tires anywhere, anytime.
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TREAD If you’ve looking to add air-up capability to your rig, you have undoubtedly noticed that there are many systems for you to choose from. Some are built-in, some are portable, and some even create their own compressed air. We sorted through the many available models and singled out the most popular ones being used on the trail today. If you’re on the prowl for an air system, here’s the short list to help start your search.
01. ARB ON-BOARD HIGH PERFORMANCE 12 VOLT TWIN AIR COMPRESSOR If you’re looking to do more than just fill up air in tires, take a look at this robust built-in unit by ARB. ARB's CKMTA12 twin on-board compressor kit is considered by many as the unit to own. It is powerful enough to fill the high volume airflow needs of most air powered tools, and also suits the actuation and control needs of the ARB Air Locker, let alone tire inflation. Let there be air!
AIRING DOWN IS EASY
LEADERS OF THE PACK 04
ARBUSA.COM 02. POWER TANK CO2 TANK 10 LB. PACKAGE B SYSTEM W/POWER FLOW II POWER TANK The 10lb Power Tank Package B System is Power Tank’s bestselling system. It is the most versatile size for trail vehicles, capable of handling up to 37-inch tires. Included in this package are a Super Coupler which, instantly allows you to interchange air tools and is compatible with four other plug styles and an HD Tire inflator which makes tire inflation fast and easy.
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POWERTANK.COM
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03. SMITTYBILT 2780 AIR COMPRESSOR If you’re looking for portable air, Smittybilt has two popular options for you. A portable compressor, and a portable compact air system. The 2780 compressor is a luxury that most off roaders will want. With the added convenience of being able to air-up or airdown your tires to accommodate various types of terrain, Smittybilt claims that the 2780 is the most powerful compression unit in its class. This portable unit can also be permanently mounted and hard-wired. SMITTYBILT.COM 04. VIAIR HEAVY DUTY OBA Viair’s most popular Onboard Air (OBA) System is their Heavy Duty OBA, geared for tires 35 inches and under. The Heavy Duty OBA features their 400C compressor, a two gallon tank, and all the needed need accessories to have a fully working onboard air system. If you’re looking for a portable compressor, Viair’s most popular portable unit is the 450P-Auto. With its 100-percent duty cycle rating, it can fill any tire you throw at it, and have time to fill your buddies’ tires too! VIAIRCORP.COM
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Put an end to the harsh “jolt� when your bump stops bottom out on the axle. Easy-to-install Active Off-Road Bumpstops absorb the shock of rough conditions. The result: A smoother ride, and greater control of your vehicle.
Timbren.com
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TIRE BUYER'S GUIDE
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TIRE BUYER'S GUIDE Find Your Rig’s Perfect Traction COM P I L ED BY DANNY C HANG I M AG ES COUR T ESY OF T HE M ANUFAC T UR ER S
T
here’s no question that the off-road industry is on a record trajectory. Look around your neighborhood and you’re bound to see at least a couple of off-road capable trucks, jeeps and SUVs around, if not more. As we walked down the aisles of the south hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center (temporary home of many truck accessory and tire manufacturers) during the 2017 SEMA Show, we were inundated with the incredible selection an off-road tire shopper has at their disposal. As off-road enthusiasts, we are truly fortunate to have so many different kinds of tires to choose from. Tires vary from one another in just about every
aspect, from tread pattern and rubber compound, to sidewall construction and even seasonal rating. Especially for those who go off-road, finding the right tire for your truck and driving situation is critical. Everyday drivers might require the quieter on-road performance of a hybrid-type tire, while those who only bring their trucks to the trail to take on aggressive paths would find mud terrains more suitable. Let’s take a look at what tires are out there for your rig for 2018. Some classic models are tried and true performers while some others are brand new to market. No matter which you choose, you’re bound to find that perfect tire for your ride
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Terrain 01AMP Gripper A/TG
Mud Terrain 02 AMP Attack M/T A
Comp 03A/TProSport
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SEASON
SEASON
SEASON
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
TREAD DEPTH
TREAD DEPTH
TREAD DEPTH
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
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General 04Grabber X
05General Grabber
Toyo Open 06Country R/T
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
All-Season
All-Season, Winter
Mud
All-Terrain
19/32, 21/32
15/32
16, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches
16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches
amp-tires.com
amp-tires.com This heavy-duty A/T tire for light trucks, jeeps, and SUVs is designed for exceptional off-road traction and on road performance in all types of weather. What distinguishes Amp Terrain Gripper A/T G from others is its meticulously designed tread pattern and winter snowflake rating. This makes the terrain gripper suitable for high altitudes, northern latitudes and severe weather conditions.
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SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
As an off-road enthusiast, there are many challenges that you may encounter. From deep mud and slippery rocks to impossible trails, you need a tire that can conquer it all. Amp’s oversized Mud Terrain Attack M/T A tires feature an aggressive tread design with maximum traction—especially in aired-down driving situations. The massive tread grip on these tires offers both on and offroad durability whether you’re driving on asphalt or sand.
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
All-Season All-Terrain 14/32, 15/32, 16/32, 17/32 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches procompusa.com The Pro Comp A/T Sport can take you wherever you want to go. Whether you are trying to navigate to that killer kayaking spot, seeking to make the first tracks on a fresh powder day, or just want to get away from civilization, Pro Comp’s A/T Sport is the tire to get you to your next adventure. The A/T Sport is capable in any terrain while maintaining quiet on-road manners.
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SEASON
SEASON
SEASON
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
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DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
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All-Season Mud
18/32, 21/32
15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches generaltire.com General Tire's mud-terrain tire line delivers outstanding off-road performance, coupled with strong street manners. Grabber X3 offers aggressive styling and is engineered for durability, with innovative performance features. A series of deflection ribs protect the upper sidewall area. Objects are deflected away to protect penetration into the sidewall. The tread design gives aggressive, open pattern for high traction in mud, dirt, sand, and gravel, while the evacuation channels provide quick and efficient self-cleaning action.
All-Season All-Terrain 18/32
15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches generaltire.com General brings unmistakable quality with this extreme traction all-terrain tire with exceptional off-road capability for light trucks and SUVs. Race proven 3-ply construction provides driving confidence under the world’s most extreme conditions. It features multi-angled sidewall protectors to help prevent punctures, and competition inspired red letters. The Grabber’s sound wave suppression works to reduce road noise while providing even tread throughout the life of the tire.
All-Season Hybrid
16/32,18/32
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches toyotires.com Off-road performance meets on-road comfort with the all-new Open Country R/T. High turn-up, 3-ply polyester construction contributes to excellent durability, impact resistance, and handling. Optimized pattern arrangement reduces noise for improved driving comfort. The Open Country R/T has two distinct looks that allow for customization with dual sidewall designs.
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07Goodyear/Wrangler M/T R with KEVLAR
Nitto Terra 08Grappler G2
RAZR 09MTMAXXIS MT-772
2-Ply Polyester, 1-Ply Aramid
2-Ply or 3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SEASON
SEASON
SEASON
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
TREAD DEPTH
TREAD DEPTH
TREAD DEPTH
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
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Goodyear 10Fierce Attitude M/T
Geolander 11A/TYokohama G015
Nitto Trail 12Grappler M/T
3-Ply Polyester
2-Ply or 3-Ply Polyester (depending on tire size)
3-ply polyester
All-Season Mud
18/32, 19/32,21/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 inches goodyear.com Goodyear's best tire designed for extreme off-road expeditions, featuring Dupont Kevlar that helps resist punctures when powering over rocks, mud, and sand. Dupont Kevlar reinforced sidewalls help increase sidewall puncture resistance by 35 percent. Hardworking wraparound tread helps to deliver sidewall traction in deep mud, sand, and rocks. Innovative asymmetric tread design helps provide aggressive off-road traction and enhanced handling on the road.
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
All-Season All-Terrain 12/32, 13/32, 15/32, 16/32, 17/32 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches nittotire.com Through the introduction of new materials, Nitto was able to maintain the versatile all-terrain compound while increasing the longevity of the treadwear. The Terra Grappler G2 features two distinct and bold sidewall designs. One side features a thunderbolt pattern which has been raised to give it a more aggressive look than its predecessor. The other side features a brand new aggressive “blade” design.
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
All-Season Mud
18/32, 19/32, 20/32 15, 17, 18 and 20 inches maxxis.com The Razr MT was engineered with know-how gained from our involvement in off-road racing. The tire features a new off-road compound with new chemical fillers for maximum tear and chip resistance, as well as tread life. The new pattern features deeply sculpted center blocks which maximize mud traction, while the Razr MT's stone and mud ejectors improve self-cleaning performance and minimize rock retention.
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SEASON
SEASON
SEASON
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
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TREAD DEPTH
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DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
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All-Season Mud
19/32
16, 17 and 18 inches goodyear.com
Drive in style on highways and trails with an aggressive all-terrain tire built for both adventure and looks. Rugged mud-terrain tread pattern helps provide traction in deep mud conditions. Staggered shoulder blocks help enhance grip for off-road driving. Contemporary sidewall design enhances on-vehicle appearance, and the rim flange protector helps protect rims from accidental curb damage.
All-Season, Winter All-Terrain 11/32, 12/32, 13/32, 16/32, 17/32, 18/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches yokohamatire.com Go beyond where the road ends with the Geolandar A/T G015. This all-terrain tire has been engineered to give you ultimate traction across conditions, whether you're rolling down the highway or leaving the pavement behind. Every size received the severe snow service designation. Edgtec grooves create more void to help expel dirt and mud.
All-Season Mud
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches nittotire.com The Trail Grappler M/T blends performance of the Mud Grappler with the on-road comfort of the Terra Grappler to create an off-road tire that is both aggressive and quiet. The 3-ply sidewall and thick rubber construction increase puncture resistance. The tread blocks provide additional biting edges that command lateral stability and enhance forward traction. Noise levels are reduced through the use of advanced sound analysis equipment.
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Road 13Kumho Venture MT KL71
Wildpeak 14Falken M/T
Kumho 15Road Venture MT51
2-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
2-Ply or 3-Ply Polyester
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION
SEASON
SEASON
SEASON
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
TREAD DEPTH
TREAD DEPTH
TREAD DEPTH
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
DIAMETERS AVAILABLE
URL
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Wildpeak 16Falken A/T3W
Bravo 17MAXXIS Series AT-771
Toyo Open 18Country M/T
2-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
All-Season Mud
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches kumhotireusa.com The road venture MT KL71 is a race-proven, ground-pounding, mud-slinging, off-road tire with surprisingly good on-road manners. The Kumho MT is an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts or individuals who require a high-traction tire for their work environment. The extra deep cut-and-chip resistant directional compound will withstand the most brutal of environments while the tread design is engineered to promote self-cleaning.
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18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches falkentire.com Trusted by the pros to take on the harshest conditions, the tough Wildpeak M/T is built to get you there and back whether you’re on the pavement, mud, snow or rocks. The M/T features Falken’s proprietary 3-ply duraspec sidewall technology developed to sustain the most punishing off-road conditions. The Wildpeak M/T also features exceptional road manners thanks to an optimized variable three-pitch tread pattern and precision manufacturing technology.
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15,16 and 17 inches
kumhotireusa.com The road venture MT51 is an off-road 4WD tire capable of handling the harshest conditions while being just as comfortable on the road as off. So, whether it's off-roading, camping, mining, farming, or even the school run, this great all-around tire will exceed expectations.
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All-Season, Winter All-Terrain 13/32, 14/32, 17/32, 18/32, 19/32, 20/32 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches falkentire.com The Wildpeak A/T3W is engineered for adventure, anytime and in any weather. It combines aggressive off-road ability and rugged terrain driving without compromise on the pavement. An optimized tread design combined with a silica tread compound enable the A/ T3W to excel in wear, winter, and wet performance. Designed for severe snow conditions, every A/T3W tire is qualified by the rubber manufacturers association for the three-peak mountain snow flake (3pmsf) symbol.
All-Season All-Terrain 13/32, 14/32, 16/32, 17/32 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches maxxis.com The Bravo series AT-771 was engineered to provide the confidence to tackle your favorite local trail or your everyday urban work route. The unique tread pattern and sidewall lug design offers excellent all-terrain traction, while reducing pattern noise with multi-pitch noise reduction technology. The overall construction utilizes a stiff but conformable carcass with several key reinforcements to improve stability and handling while offering a refined ride on smoother surfaces.
All-Season Mud
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches toyotires.com The Open Country M/T is legendary for durability, offroad performance, long tread life, and an aggressive tread pattern. Aggressive tread design with hookshaped blocks delivers excellent off-road traction while maintaining great on-road performance. High turn-up, 3-ply polyester construction contributes to excellent durability, impact resistance, and handling. Deep siping in the tread blocks helps maintain grip on wet surfaces.
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Mickey Thompson 19Baja ATZ P3
Cepek 20Dick Fun Country
Dick Cepek 21Extreme Country
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
2-Ply “Next Generation” High Tensile
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22Toyo Open Country A/T II
Thompson 23Mickey Baja MTZ P3
Comp 24Pro Xtreme MT2
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
All-Season Hybrid 18/32
15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches mickeythompsontires.com The Baja ATZ P3 has a unique ‘hybrid’ design between an all-terrain and mud-terrain to give you the grip you need for your weekend adventures and the smooth ride to get you down the road in comfort. Features an extra wide footprint and beefy tread blocks for great all-around traction. All sizes feature the PowerPly 3-ply sidewall construction.
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All-Season Hybrid 18/32
15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches dickcepek.com The Fun Country was developed using unique technology and engineering to deliver excellent off-road traction, a quieter ride and superior durability. A unique tread pattern and design, circumferential grooves, stone ejector ribs, and a tough shoulder and sidewall design make this tire one of the best all-terrain tires in the line.
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All-Season Mud
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20 inches dickcepek.com The Extreme Country mud-terrain tire has been designed with a proven tread compound for excellent traction, responsive handling, even wear, longer life and a quieter ride. Delivers stability and responsive grip on irregular surfaces. Heavy-duty carcass enhances sidewall strength, and wide outer tread voids and angled shoulder scallops provide better traction in mud and loose soil.
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All-Season All-Terrain 12/32, 13/32, 15/32, 16/32, 17/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches toyotires.com This versatile all-terrain tire offers excellent traction and tread life along with a blatantly aggressive tread design and quiet ride. Delivers tough looks and even tougher performance in dirt, mud, or snow, while maintaining a quiet ride. The Open Country A/T II is available with three distinct shoulder designs, depending on construction and size. Xtreme sizes also feature a deeper tread depth.
All-Season Mud
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32, 22/32, 23/32 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches mickeythompsontires.com The Baja MTZ P3 carries on the legacy of a legendary and proven construction and design. To fulfill the ever-changing needs of today’s demanding consumer, a proprietary compound and innovative design elements have been incorporated to deliver a versatile mud terrain which provides both excellent on-road and off-road performance.
All-Season Mud
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 22/32 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches procompusa.com The Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 radial is designed for fullsize trucks and SUVs that see a combination of on and off-road use. No matter if it’s hauling heavy loads or exploring rugged terrain, the Xtreme MT2 delivers the toughness and traction needed to get the job done. The aggressive open tread design was optimized using computer modeling to deliver unsurpassed grip and control without excessive noise.
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Nexen 25Roadian MTX
Thompson 26Mickey 27Bridgestone Deegan 38 ALL-TERRAIN Dueller AT/2 Revo
3-Ply Polyester
2-Ply Polyester
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28Nexen Roadian AT Pro
BFGoodrich 29All-Terrain T/A KO2
Firestone 30Destination M/T
All-Season Mud
18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 inches nexentireusa.com The new Roadian MTX from Nexen tire features an aggressive design that is extremely versatile for on and off-road driving. The construction of the tire has been improved to maximize your load and towing capabilities without sacrificing any of the rugged traits or highway driving comfort one would expect from the Roadian line of tires.
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2-Ply Polyester
All-Season All-Terrain 12/32, 13/32, 14/32, 16/32, 17/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches mickeythompsontires.com With its open-void all-terrain tread pattern, proprietary compound, and durable construction, the Deegan 38 all-terrain tire is an excellent upgrade for today’s pickups and SUVs. Silica-reinforced tread compound and siping for all-weather performance, cut/chip resistance, and longevity make this tire a hit. It also features angled shoulder scallops and twopitch sidebiter pattern for off-road traction.
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2-Ply Polyester
2-Ply Polyester All-Season All-Terrain
11/32, 12/32, 14/32, 15/32, 16/32, 17/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches bridgestonetire.com The Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2 features a balanced tread design, helping deliver a quiet and comfortable ride. The tire performs reliably as an all-season light/medium truck tire. Open shoulder tread design helps evacuate water and improves wet traction and handling. Dual layer tread minimizes the effect of wear on wet tire performance by exposing high grip rubber as the tire wears.
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3-Ply Polyester
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All-Season All-Terrain 12/32, 13/32, 16/32 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches nexentireusa.com The Roadian AT Pro all-terrain tire from Nexen tire is designed for driving on even the roughest of off-road terrain, while being mild-mannered enough for regular highway use. Made for drivers who want total freedom regardless of the weather or where they’re headed. The Roadian AT Pro is a heavy duty all-terrain tire with a focus on dependability, long tread life and performance.
All-Season All-Terrain
15/32
15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches bfgoodrichtires.com The All-Terrain T/A is an on and off-road all-terrain light truck tire developed to meet the needs of jeep, pickup truck, and sport utility vehicle drivers who want confidence and control on and off road. The All-Terrain T/A KO2 was designed to deliver go-anywhere traction along with outstanding durability, great wear and year-round traction, even in snow.
All-Season Mud
18/32,19/32, 20/32, 21/32, 22/32 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches firestonetire.com The destination M/T is Firestone's off-road maximum traction tire developed to meet the needs of pickup truck and sport utility vehicle drivers who desire the looks and performance associated with rugged, off-road driving. The Destination M/T was the first Firestone light truck tire to use UNI-T technology to combine off-road traction with enhanced on-road capabilities.
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Fuel Off-Road 31Gripper A/T
Off-Road 32Fuel Gripper M/T
RBP 33Repulsor M/T
2-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
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34Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
35Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
Nitto 36Mud Grappler
2-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
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All-Season All-Terrain 13/32, 14/32, 16/32, 17/32 17, 18, 20, 22 and 28 inches fueloffroad.com The Fuel Off-Road Gripper A/T features all-terrain siping to keep you grounded in a variety of road conditions. Gripper A/T also integrated their classic "F" logo into the central tread pattern, which not only looks awesome, but provides traction both on and off-road. These tires also feature two-ply sidewall construction and up to an "E" load rating on their ten-ply designs.
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17, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 inches fueloffroad.com The Fuel Off-Road Mud Gripper M/T goes great with your Fuel Off-Road wheels. The Fuel Gripper M/T features a three-ply sidewall with full width steel belts. Like the Gripper A/T, the M/T also integrates their classic "F" logo for great looks and better traction.
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15/32, 16/32
15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches rbptires.com The Rolling Big Power Repulsor M/T is ready, willing and able to eat up the terrain. All out maximum traction provides off-road drivers the ability to scale just about anything nature can throw its way. Unsurpassed off-road performance in rain, sleet, mud, or snow with its beefedup sidewall and tread protection. This tire also provides minimal noise and a comfortable ride.
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All-Season, Winter All-Terrain 16/32, 18/32
15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches goodyear.com A workhorse tire for rugged off-road terrain—including snow—that still offers a quieter ride on paved roads. The bold aggressive tread design is great for work truck towing and hauling. Tractivegroove technology offers enhanced traction in deep mud and snow. Highly angled center tread blocks enhance traction and lateral stability while reducing road noise. Self-cleaning shoulder blocks clear the tread of debris for enhanced dirt, gravel and mud traction.
All-Season Mud
17/32, 18/32, 19/32, 20/32, 21/32 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches yokohamatire.com You can't off-road with tires you don't trust. That's why the all-new Geolandar M/T G003 is engineered with rock-solid, geo-shield technologies from casing to tread. Delivering crushing performance, intimidating looks, and an industry-leading tread life, the Geolandar M/T G003 inspires confidence—even in the most brutal terrain.
All-Season Mud
19/32, 20/32, 21/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches nittotire.com The Mud Grappler extreme mud-terrain tire provides traction over various off-road terrain, whether it’s dirt, rocks or mud. The massive side-lugs and 3-ply polyester sidewall construction add more protection to help prevent sidewall punctures when facing the most challenging off-road obstacles. The Mud Grappler tire can handle anything you throw at it.
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37Nitto Ridge Grappler
38Kumho Road Venture AT51
Hankook 39Dynapro AT-M
3-Ply Polyester
2-Ply Polyester
2-Ply Polyester
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40Atturo Trail Blade M/T
41atturo trail blade x/t
Atturo 42Trail Blade Boss
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
3-Ply Polyester
All-Terrain Hybrid
16/32, 18/32
17, 18, 20 and 22 inches nittotire.com
The Ridge Grappler represents the next generation of the Nitto Grappler family of products which provides the best of both worlds from the mud-terrain and all-terrain product offerings. Featuring a revolutionary dynamic hybrid tread pattern, the ridge grappler provides a quiet and comfortable ride while the deep, aggressive sidewall lugs and tread pattern provide capable off-road performance.
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All-Season, Winter All-Terrain 13/32, 15/32
15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches kumhotireusa.com The legendary Road Venture AT51 offers world-class traction on soft terrain, and surprising comfort on the road. It's well-adapted to deep snow, muddy job sites and wet highways, with a ride that rivals many touring tires. It meets the severe snow service requirements and branded with the three-peak mountain/snowflake (3PMSF). It has superbly balanced on and off-road performance, with exceptional efficiency.
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All-Season All-Terrain 12/32, 13/32, 15/32, 16/32 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 inches hankooktire.com The Dynapro AT-M is Hankook's premium on and off-road all-terrain light truck tire developed for light trucks, vans, and SUVs. Introduced as original equipment on ‘15 model year Ford F-150 pickups, Dynapro AT-M tires are now available in a range of sizes that offer Hankook's best all-terrain grip and acceleration both on and off-road.
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All-Season Mud
17/32,19/32, 20/32 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 22 inches atturo.com For too long, quality M/T tires were a high-priced luxury. Now, Atturo provides an affordable option that really performs. This is a tire that is a proven winner in short court course off-road racing. Atturo uses a specialty crafted aluminum segmented mold to build the Trail Blade M/T. This type of construction creates a higher degree of uniformity throughout the tire.
All-Season Hybrid
4/32, 15/32, 18/32, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches atturo.com The Trail Blade X/T is a new type of multi-terrain tire. As another collaboration with Quartermaster Knives, the X/T cuts into the segment between traditional M/T and A/T tires. It offers the open shoulder and sidewall tread lugs of a mud terrain, combined with the off-road ability of an all-terrain and the road feel of a highway tire.
All-Season Mud
22/32
17, 18 and 20 inches atturo.com
Atturo Tire releases the fourth tire in its Trail Blade series with the most intimidating tire design to date. The tread is designed from the Quartermaster QSA-1 Boss Hog Knife, a blade made for heavy duty, hard-core use. Alternating shoulder blocks follow the outline of the knife handle tread. The tread’s high void ratio provides superior grip across the varied terrain. Smaller center tread blocks are linked for stability from the high abrasion abuse of rocks.
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Interview with Douglas Davidson of The Brown Buffalo T EXT A ND I MAG E S BY J O H N PA N G I L I N A N
I
f you’ve ever owned a bag from The North Face, Burton, or countless other brands, there’s a good chance that Douglas Davidson of The Brown Buffalo played a role in the creation of that bag. He’s the creative mind behind some of your favorite bags and accessories. With over 15 years of experience few designers can rival his wealth of bag making knowledge. Years of working alongside many brands has culminated to the launch of his own label, The Brown Buffalo, named after his design firm, where he’s able to create products without compromise that fit his style and standards.
SHOP TALK
As you walk inside the The Brown Buffalo studio located in Costa Mesa, California, you’ll first come across their brand new showroom with the latest products on display. Through a small window you can watch the bag making process first hand, but if you’re lucky enough to be invited inside the workshop you’ll see a handful of sewing machines, tools, and a diverse collection of over 300 bags hung individually from the ceiling. We caught up with Douglas at his studio to talk shop about his illustrious career, the decision to build his own brand, and what the future holds for The Brown Buffalo. TREAD MAGAZINE: How did you get your start in this industry? DOUGLAS DAVIDSON: I’ve been designing bags for almost 17 years now. I’ve been working in products since the mid ‘90s. Up until about 2005, I would say, it was more like the first days of trying to explore and understand what product design is, the different disciplines that fall within that realm. So, those first ten years were really exploratory. I was introduced to apparel design, footwear design, and the motor sports industry designing motocross gear and F1 driving shoes and gloves in the beginning.
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An inside look at The Brown Buffalo studio located in Costa Mesa, California.
The Brown Buffalo’s mission is to produce unique pieces using premium materials.
TM: When did you find your calling was in creating bags? DD: Being able to have my hands on quite a few different pieces of product, I was introduced to bags, probably in the mid ‘90s originally through skateboarding. A friend of mine owned a backpack company and he was making product. He really inspired me because I was just green as green can be and seeing a friend of yours making something and then being able to go and actually create a business out of it, especially being young, made an impression on me. It helped developed a framework of possibly what I wanted to do. But at that time, I really had no idea. So from there it took about ten years to develop a point of view and throughout that time I focused on bags and that’s where I really got my start. I am really blessed with the opportunity I got to work with Burton Snowboards from 2003 until about 2015. I think that’s pretty rare these days, to have that ´opportu-
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The Brown Buffalo/ conceal pack in Black Multicam Built tough for daily use and unassuming enough for travel. Brown Buffalo’s Conceal Pack features handcraftsmanship combined with quality materials and hardware. Perfect for a rugged adventure or the daily grind, the pack is crafted of 1000D Nylon Cordura, which is tear and abrasion resistant along with water resistant to help protect internal valuables from the elements. For additional protection, the base of the bag features Signature 500D Stormproof fabric, which is both rugged and waterproof. A concealed side zip pocket allows for quick and easy access for your passport or smart phone. The Conceal Pack’s interior features two pen slips, a slip pocket that fits a tablet or 15-inch laptop, a second slip pocket, key clip, and two velcro pockets for additional storage and organization.
nity. Within that time I took a couple of years off to go work specifically at The North Face and focus on that product and be able to go into that category and really explore.
Before starting The Brown Buffalo, Davidson created products for some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry.
TM: Walk us through your design process? How do you select the materials you use? DD: Purpose, function and quality. It starts off with the function and purpose of the bag. Is it going to be used for business or for travel? Depending on that, it helps determine the durability level. As far as aesthetics, we also make sure our materials are wearable. We are functionally rooted in utilitarian and function, inspired by vintage workwear clothes and military goods. Our mission is to produce unique pieces using premium materials.
The Conceal Pack is rugged enough for the trail yet stylish enough for city life.
DIMENSIONS: 18.5” H x 5.0” D x 12.0” W DROP: 1.5" VOLUME: 15.5 Liters MSRP: $139 URL: thebrownbuffalo.com
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Davidson says, “Making our products here in the U.S.A. allows me to be involved in the process from start to finish and gives me the opportunity to build product with purpose and a proven attention to quality and detail.”
TM: Your products are all handmade with only a couple people working on each bag which is pretty rare these days. What are your thoughts on this process? DD: I’m able to be heavily involved in production. I sew bags in the factory. I’ve worked on so many projects over the years and you create a tech pack, send it to the vendor and your vendor sends a first prototype, but you miss out on so much of that development process. Being on this side of the business, I get to be a part of so much and see where the efficiencies aren’t right. A small example is the Dopp Kit and Porterpen Pouch that we made out of excess materials. TM: How important to you is the fact that your products are Made in the U.S.A.? DD: Most products are commercialized for the masses, but we want to focus on product craftsmanship over mass production in Asia. Making our products here in the U.S.A. allows me to be involved in the process from start to finish and gives me the opportunity to build product with purpose and a proven attention to quality and detail. TM: How do your products connect with the outdoor audience? DD: Our bags are always designed with the traveler, the person that engages in the outdoors, in mind which circles back to our focus on function and purpose and the solid craftsmanship which supports both. We need to carry certain things with us wherever we
are going. How do we support that? How do we make that more efficient? How can we make a bag that we can trust? Each and every piece undergoes tried and true development that ensures durability and sustainability in all outdoor elements.
“We want to be the smallest bag company in America. I’m not chasing a materialistic dream.” - Davidson
TM: Finally, let's talk about your plans for the brand, workshop, and design house. What do you have in store for the future? DD: This is the first phase for us. We want
to grow the factory but make small batches of bags that are really unique. When I say small, I mean really small. We want to be the smallest bag company in America. I’m not chasing a materialistic dream. I want to create an environment that I can teach my children how to run a business or learn a trade and teach them about problem solving. My personal objective or goal is that I want to pay my employees well and have them enjoy working here. We’re not all trying to break our backs over some invisible goal.
THIS IS MY P320 *)('&%*#"!&'* * ! ( MODEL
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P320 X-Carry
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HAVE TOURIST VISA WILL TRAVEL 70 Series Maltexplorer
TE XT A ND I M AG E S BY BRYO N D O RR
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This vehicle’s natural habitat is wherever you take it.
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“YOU’LL NOTICE THAT A LOT OF THINGS ON THIS BUILD DON’T LOOK ‘RIGHT,’ OR ACTUALLY LOOK BETTER THAN THEY SHOULD FOR A ‘88 BJ75 MODEL VEHICLE.”
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“AS FOR BEING ABLE TO BE IMPORTABLE INTO THE U.S., IT IS YET TO BE SEEN. TECHNICALLY THE VEHICLE MEETS THE 25-YEAR-OR-OLDER IMPORT RULE,…””
M
altec, in Germany, created this truly exceptional overland vehicle build. It is based on a ‘88 Toyota 70 Series Land Cruiser single cab pickup, which has been updated with many parts off a ‘14 model. That upgrade process is worthy of discussion itself, but what puts this rig truly over the top is the full carbon fiber camper mounted to it. While this incredible rig is currently in the U.S. with a tourist visa, you might just see it—and many like it—on our roads more permanently soon. This 70 Series Land Cruiser build debuted in the U.S. at the 2017 Overland Expo East event in Asheville, North Carolina, alongside a similar 200 Series Maltec overland camper build. Both builds featured Scheel-mann Seats, also a German import, who shared the booth at the show. This was Matlec’s first showing to the U.S. market and it’s purpose was to gauge interest for the product and learn American consumer expectations and desires. The reactions from the show were nothing short of exceptional, so there’s a good chance Maltec will bring their products to the U.S. market soon.
Maltec Company Maltec Leichtbautechnologie launched in 2007 as a two man business building and equipping rally-raid vehicles. Alongside the race vehicles the company built service vehicles to support their racing efforts. Their first expedition camper build was a customer who purchased a Maltec fast assistance service vehicle based on a 79 Series Land Cruiser pickup, which was upfitted with a full
overland style interior. That one build started the ball rolling as more and more customers requested lightweight off-road expedition trucks that could travel off the beaten track. Maltec works hard to build durable vehicles that are safe and easy to drive for everyone. While these vehicles are extremely capable, they are also comfortable enough for long range travels. Maltec has grown a lot from those early days. In it’s tenth year, it now employs 14 people in Menden, Germany, and has delivered 388 expedition vehicles all over the world, on top of continuing to build and service a large volume of Rally Raid vehicles. These vehicles have been tested around the globe, in the harshest environments our planet has to offer.
70 Series Maltexplorer This specific vehicle was built as Malte Asmus’s, owner and founder of Maltec, personal travel vehicle. It was built in 2014-2015 to go on some big trips, which it has; Germany to Mongolia one way, round trip through NE Mongolia, two trips to Tunisia and a trip to Morocco. In other words, it’s been around and been thoroughly proven. Price is always the first question asked, as this is a truly unique vehicle, especially on U.S. shores. To build a similar spec vehicle like this 70 Series Maltexplorer model it would cost about $145,000. If you have a vehicle already that you’d like to build out, it would cost you $60,000 plus for a similar style camper.
Prepared with the tools for whatever lies ahead.
Vehicle Conversion When talking about this vehicle you have to start with the truck build itself. Especially if you’re a Land Cruiser enthusiast, you’ll notice that a lot of things on this build don’t look “right,” or actually look better than they should for a ‘88 BJ75 model vehicle. The quick and dirty answer is that while it started as an ’88
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single cab pickup, most of the vehicle has been replaced with parts from a ’14 Saudi Arabian HZJ79, with the engine coming out of an early ‘90s 80 Series Land Cruiser. The metal body panels, dashboard, airbags, front coil springs, axels, disk brakes, ABS brake system, front and rear factory e-lockers, and so on all come from a ‘14 70 Series Land Cruiser single cab pickup that Maltec brought in from Saudi Arabia. These upgrades greatly improve the ride, safety, styling and comfort of the ‘88 base vehicle. The main reason for all this effort is to truly create one of the finest examples of a 70 Series Land Cruiser possible, at the most economical price point. It’s less expensive, at least at scale, for Maltec to buy new base model trucks from the Middle East as parts bins, than it would be to refurbish the original parts of the base ‘80s or ‘90s vehicle or buy
This truck was built for the road less traveled.
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the new parts separately.
Just as at home in the jungle as the open deserts of Mongolia.
As for being able to be importable into the U.S., it is yet to be seen. Technically the vehicle meets the 25-year-or-older import rule, according to the VIN on the frame, but the modified suspension on the front end of the vehicle is where things get into the gray area for U.S. imports. If not this specific truck, I’m sure that trucks like it, maybe with the original ‘88 front leaf spring suspension, will be registered permanently on U.S. shores soon.
Vehicle Upgrades Once the old Land Cruiser has been fully refurbished and upgraded with ‘14 parts it was time to replace its old powertrain with something more spirited. A Toyota 1HD-T 4.2L direct-injection turbo-diesel, out of an early ‘90s 80 Series Land Cruiser, was installed. To further up the fun level the intake manifold was ported,
This rig has classic lines and screams adventure.
the turbo internals upgraded and high output injectors along with a performance injection pump were installed. The new power plant was then mated to the origi-
nal Toyota 5-speed manual transmission. The entire truck is painted in Dark Grey Metallic, a factory Toyota color, and then vinyl
“WHAT SETS THIS BUILD APART FROM ANYTHING ELSE YOU’LL FIND ON U.S. SHORES...IS HOW TRULY LIGHTWEIGHT THIS COMPLETED VEHICLE IS...”
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“WHILE THESE VEHICLES ARE EXTREMELY CAPABLE, THEY ARE ALSO COMFORTABLE ENOUGH FOR LONG RANGE TRAVELS.”
Factory e-lockers are put to use on this build.
wrapped in a tribal themed graphic. To complete the looks, besides the sheet metal facelift to ‘14 spec, this old Land Cruiser also received a full carbon fiber vented hood. Lightweight and functional is a theme carried throughout this build. A custom stainless steel side pipe exhaust was fitted for durability, performance and to keep the exhaust heat away from the camper body. To give this truck the range it needs to explore remote places like Mongolia a 46-gallon aluminum auxiliary diesel tank was fitted, upping the vehicle’s fuel capacity to a whopping 70 gallons.
Fully tuned 4.2L Turbo Diesel power.
Along with the conversion to a front coil spring setup, the suspension has been thoroughly upgraded. An Eibach 2.2-inch coil spring lift is fitted up front along with a parabolic 3-inch
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Scheel-mann Vario-F Seats provide long range comfort.
sheet metal with a high tech mastic. This makes it look like the camper was always supposed to be a part of the vehicle, and allows for a watertight connection. The big benefit being that there is now a pass through from the truck cab to the camper. The connection between the frame and camper is made with special rubber stands/ mounts, which are engineered to perfectly work with each vehicle’s specific cabin height and overall weight. This allows the camper and truck to move together as a unit, not fighting each other and causing damage in extreme off-road situations. This system has never failed on one of Maltec’s many builds, even after a roll over.
All the comforts of home in a tidy little package.
rear leaf spring lift in the rear. Koni heavy track raid shocks are fitted at all four corners. Braid Winrace wheels are wrapped in BFG AT (285/75R17) tires, for the perfect balance of durability, capability and on-road performance. All of these upgrades combine to provide a superb ride over the harshest terrain, even with a full load of fuel, water and a loaded camper. The exterior of the vehicle is armored up with a Maltec aluminum front bumper and aluminum HD front skid plate. A custom stainless steel roof rack carries the spare tire and is the mount for Vision X LED driving and area lights. The interior looks like what you’d expect to find in a ‘14 truck. The major upgrade is the crazy comfortable Scheel-Mann Vario F Seats. For ex-
tended journeys, both on and off road, these are the seats you want to be in. To update the interior further a Pioneer 7-inch NAV/Stereo/Backup Camera infotainment system was installed.
Camper Build Sure the base vehicle has now been elevated to all new heights of refinement, comfort and capability, but what truly makes this vehicle different than anything else seen on U.S. shores is the next level “Maltexplorer” camper body. This expedition cabin is spacious, at 8.4 x 6.2 x 4.8 feet, has a hinged pop-up roof and is crazy light weight, at only 180 pounds for the shell. It is a full carbon composite shell, which makes it stiff, durable and insanely light. The camper is bonded to the factory truck
The interior can be custom designed to your specifications, but is made with the same high quality Dibond materials. All the surfaces/structures in the interior are made of this material, which is a polyethylene core sandwiched between sheets of aluminum. This system makes for a strong and durable interior that can be customized easily and finished with a variety of looks to suit each client’s taste. In this build there is an upper roof bed in the pop-top and a lower bed that is created with an insert next to the lower seating. This layout has an outside shower and an inside kitchen, featuring a sink, double gas burner stove and a good amount of counter space. A 35L top-load Isotherm fridge is integrated cleanly under the seating, along with a Webasto air heater and warm-water boiler. The camper electrical system is isolated from the truck’s systems and has it’s own AGM battery, roof mounted solar, solar controller and inverter system. The interior is also fitted with a super efficient LED lighting throughout.
Completed Build What sets this build apart from anything else you’ll find on U.S. shores, besides the impressive 70 Series Land Cruiser that we were never able to buy from the dealership, is how truly lightweight this completed vehicle is, at just over 6,000 pounds wet. The difference between a stock Land Cruiser pickup and this completed overland camper build is only about 1,200 pounds. That difference includes everything wet; extra fuel, full water tanks, oversized tires, and so on. Less is more in an
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The Future Maltec has built expedition overland campers on Toyota 70, 80 and 200 Series Land Cruisers, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes G-Wagon and IVECO Daily already, and is currently working on new builds on the Mercedes X-Class and 4x4 Sprinter pickup chassis. After receiving quality feedback from the U.S. market at Overland Expo East 2017 the company plans to work towards bringing their vehicle building expertise to products that will appeal to the U.S. overland consumer. Don’t be surprised when you see Maltec builds on U.S. vehicle platforms, featuring new floor plans and features that might include interior showers, toilets and more storage for adventure gear. The U.S. overland vehicle option future is looking good!
Maltexplorer 70 Series Expedition Vehicle PLATFORM: ‘88 TOYOTA 70 SERIES SINGLE CAB PICKUP (BJ75), ENGINE: 4.2L TURBO-DIESEL (1HD-T), HIGH OUTPUT INJECTORS,
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EXTERIOR: MALTEC POWDER-COATED STAINLESS STEEL ROOF RACK W/SPARE TIRE CARRIER, FACE LIFT TO ‘14 SHEET METAL, TOYOTA DARK GREY METALLIC PAINT (1G3), CARBON FIBER VENTED HOOD ADDITIONAL MODIFICATIONS: VISION X LED DRIVING LIGHTS & AREA LIGHTS, MALTEC ALUMINUM FRONT BUMPER, MALTEC ALUMINUM HD FRONT SKID PLATE, MALTEC SIDE PIPE STAINLESS STEEL SYSTEM, 46 GALLON ALUMINUM AUX DIESEL FUEL TANK (174 L), MALTEXPLORER CARBON FIBER POP-UP EXPEDITION CAMPER, ALUDIOND CAMPER, ISOTHERM 35L FRIDGE, WEBASTO AIRTOP, PROPANE COOK TOP, WARM WATER BOILER, ROOF MOUNTED SOLAR, OUTSIDE SHOWER, UPPER & LOWER SLEEPING PLATFORMS, LED LIGHTING
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MAKE FRESH TRACKS Score More Pow Turns This Winter T EXT AND I M AG ES BY B RYON DOR R
G
rowing up in the mid-Atlantic I wasn’t introduced to snow sport culture until my senior trip in high school, by way of an icy hill in southern Pennsylvania, which they called a ski resort. From that day forward I’ve been hooked on letting gravity pull me down hill on snow. While the icy hills of man-made snow in the Eastern U.S. were my initial training grounds, I now regularly chase steep and deep fresh powder turns around the globe. Powder skiing/snowboarding is a magical thing, no matter your ability level. Even as a stark beginner it’s hard not to laugh and play as you fall your way down a mountain in soft deep snow. As an intermediate or advanced rider powder is what fills the dreams of so many year round, as there is nothing quite like floating down a mountain on what feels like a cloud under your skis/board. While the crashes can be spectacular, they usually
result in little more than wet cold snow down your back. The following are a few key concepts that are sure to help you score fresh tracks the next time Ullr unleashes his fury, no matter if the mountain is just around the corner or on the other side of the country. Will you answer the pow god’s call? If you crave fresh deep powder turns like I do, you will!
Empowered Employment Most of us spend a large majority of our days working to pay the bills and saving up for future adventures. If at all possible, be sure to have a job that encourages snow days, or at the very least allows you the flexibility to get work done outside the traditional nine-to-five. The snow gods don’t work on a weekend only schedule. If a pow day falls on a weekday, and you can get to the mountains, you’re pretty much guaranteed more
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Jumping is SO much more fun when the landing is in deep soft powder.
Sharing the steep and deep stories with friends at the end of the day is half the fun!
fresh turns than a similar day on a weekend. As Yvon Chouinard famously said, “Let my people go surfing.�
Capable Four-Wheeled Friend Your choice in four-wheeled transport can mean the difference between getting out of the driveway and up the mountain, to staring out your bedroom window watching the snow accumulate. Pick an adventuremobile that can get you there and back again, no matter the conditions. Be sure to have your vehicle of choice well appointed for the winter adventures ahead. At a minimum you should have some snacks, a space blanket, some road flares, a shovel, a recovery strap and two shackles. A set of tire chains, MAXTRAX, a warm sleeping bag, headlamp, camp stove, spare fuel and extra warm clothes are also all really good ideas. Bonus points if your vehicle has room to sleep, and double bonus points if it has heated sleeping accommodations, like diesel or
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MAKE FRESH TRACKS
Fresh lines are what all powder hounds crave.
Get Informed If you’re visiting a mountain you’re not familiar with, you are going to want to know beforehand which trails/areas offer the best terrain for your style and the conditions of the day. I’ve found that the best resource to find those secret stashes is the people at the customer service desk at the resort. I always go there to buy my ticket and chat them up. They probably know what was closed and what was open the day before, and can point you in the direction of the fresh stuff. They are also there to make you happy, not hide the pow stashes like the locals, lifties and ticket counter employees who might be inclined to do.
The Early Bird Gets The Worm If the storm dumped overnight, the first few runs of the day are going to be the best, especially at a busy resort. Yes getting up early sucks, and yes it’s hard to prepare your body to be at its best so early in the morning, but first chair/tram/gondola is worth it! Go for the obvious fresh turns first, before they are tracked out, and then go explore those hidden stashes.
Dump Early You’re not going to want to miss that first chair that you got up so early to snag, so be sure to take care of your daily constitutional
Be sure to share the fresh lines with friends.
at home, or give yourself plenty of time at the resort. It’s important to get to “comp weight” for optimal performance and uninterrupted downhill flow.
Provision Stocking up on all the things that will keep you on the mountain making turns is key to maximizing pow-turn volume. Carry hand warmers and snacks on you, and have a prepared lunch, water and possibly a few adult beverages ready to go at the car. There is nothing worse than spending crazy money on resort food, while waiting in long lines and staring out the window at the snow falling, knowing others are tracking out all those fresh lines that you’ve been dreaming about. Stocking the hotel fridge with some meals and frosty beverages will also save you a ton of money, and optimize your rest and recovery after a day of powder hunting.
Gear Matters The right gear in the right shape will make all the difference. No you don’t need the latest and greatest monster fat skis and newest color ski jacket, but you do need gear that fits you well, keeps you warm and is setup/tuned correctly for the conditions. If it’s super deep, cold, dry snow, a narrow carving ski with spring wax on it isn’t going to optimize your experience!
Body Work Fresh turns take lots of strength and flexibility to enjoy fully, which means you should be in shape and prepared when the snow gods answer your prayers. It’s also key to take care of your body after a big day in the mountains, as you’re probably going to want to do it all over again soon. Hot tubs are awesome, foam rollers are lifesavers and stretching WILL help.
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MAKE FRESH TRACKS
times while on the way to the resort.
are good for a certain amount of days at each participating resort, and significant discounts after you’ve used those days. You’ll have to look closely at the resorts within each pass and where you plan/hope to travel to find the pass that best fits your needs. The Epic Pass is also an option, as it is a season pass that covers all Vail Resorts properties around the globe. While it only works at Vail owned resorts, which there a ton of, it can be a great value if you plan to put in a good number of days at these properties. The third option is to just wing it and chase the snow where ever it falls. The best way to save money on this program is to purchase lift tickets online from discount outlets like Liftopia.com and GetSkiTickets.com. The earlier you buy the tickets the generally cheaper they are, but I’ve saved 50 percent or more on same-day lift tickets by purchasing them through these outlets online, many
Out of Bounds With all of that said, you can also spend even less money and find even steeper and deeper terrain by getting into the backcountry, away from the resort. Backcountry skiing requires some specific skills, fitness and emergency preparedness, but can produce some of the best turns of your life. Be sure to have the correct training, knowledge of the conditions, quality riding partners and proper gear when heading out into the backcountry.
Once the fresh lines are tracked out, be sure to kick back and appreciate your time in the mountains.
Now go wax those bases, tune those edges, pre-load the adventuremoible with supplies and keep a close eye on the forecast. Powder hunting season is upon us and a little preparedness will go a long way at maximizing your season, smiles and satisfying your pow dreams.
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