Northology Adventures February 2023

IN TENTS

Ground and rooftop tent owners sound off on their choices

ADVENTURE SURVEY

Results from our community on their preferences for travel and fun

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES

SNOVERLAND

Wisconsin Overland annual event draws folks from five midwestern states

FEBRUARY 2023 ISSUE 2 VOLUME 4

IN THIS ISSUE

EDITOR'S NOTE

The first month of 2023 is in the books and we are thrilled to see everyone ' s plans and trips for this year develop. We hope that in the coming month's issues, we can inspire or help you plan your journey with ideas, places and the things that help you enjoy the trip when you get to camp

This month's issue focus is tent camping- both ground and rooftop tenting is highlighted in the article starting on page 8 There is also a nice review of a Body Armor 4x4 rooftop tent on p14 by regular contributor and friend, David Zemla Please join the Northology Adventures facebook group to join in discussions on this topic and any other you feel would be interesting or help you on your quest for adventure and fun in the outdoors

Our first real outing of 2023 will be at the MOORE Expo in Springfield, MO in April. Our team will be volunteering onsite to check in campers, hand out camper swag and help the expo give the camping experience that compliments the event and that you come to expect from MOORE Be sure to get your tickets to the expo (we strongly suggest the VIP ticket) and get a camping pass to join us on the grounds and around the campfire at night.

We also invite you to check out our events calendar (new events added!) and see the new items in our online store Thanks so much for your support, and please share this magazine with your friends!

-Cindy & Chad, Northology Adventures

SHARE YOUR STORY

Creators- Drop us a line at or submit content on our website We love stories and photos of trips, events, gear reviews, destinations and outdoor activities

Advertisers- Get in touch to learn about our current promos and how a presence here can help you tell your story to this amazing community. info.northologyadventures@gmail.com

A D V E N T U R E S A F E T Y

T R A I L T R A U M A

by

Northwoods

Overland Adventures

We started teaching adventure safety and trail trauma clinics at events this year. Alex is a registered nurse who works in an ICU at a level 2 trauma center Because of this she has to keep up multiple certifications in order to be qualified to administer care Please see our blogs for more detail on the topics we cover in the clinics.

-Alex & Cody Eschen

C A R B O N

M O N O X I D E

P O I S O N I N G

This time of year, we are all trying to keep warm in cold weather, those of us that winter camp often relies on an external heat source such as Mr. Buddy heaters, diesel heaters, propane fire pits, running vehicles, etc If you ' re asleep you wouldn’t have anything to alert you to a problem so carrying a carbon monoxide detector with you when running your heating source can ensure if levels get too high you can remove yourself from the area You still want to always be aware of your exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel Improperly ventilated appliances and engines, particularly in a tightly sealed or enclosed space, may allow carbon monoxide to accumulate to dangerous levels

Signs and Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be subtle and include headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, vomiting, chest pain, blurry or double vision, weakness, shortness of breath, confusion, mental status changes, convulsions, and loss of consciousness This condition is a life-threatening medical emergency If you think you or someone you are with may have carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air and seek emergency medical care

Signs and symptoms: headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, vomiting, chest pain, blurry or double vision, weakness, shortness of breath confusion, convulsions, mental status changes, and loss of consciousness

Latest blog posts-

Safety & Communucations

Administering First Aid

Heart Attack & Stroke

Frost Bite & Hypothermia

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

· Be aware of anything that burns gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel · Move person away from area, airway support, oxygen therapy

Sources: https://www mayoclinic org/diseases-conditions/carbon-monoxide/symptomscauses/syc-20370642

Continue reading on the Northwoods Overland Adventures blog.

TENTOWNERSSOUNDOFF

I doubt anyone would call Abraham Lincoln a peasant, but that insult is good-naturedly (?) tossed at folks using a ground tent, mostly by roof top tent owners This article will not settle the debate between proponents of these two forms of camping shelter It is merely an honest look at both forms of camping. If you are new to camping, new to rooftop tents, looking for a ground tent or just want feedback from actual users, read on Thanks Northology community members for participating!

"I pass my life in preventing the storm from blowing down the tent, and I drive in the pegs as fast as they are pulled up."

Abraham Lincoln

WeaskedRTTownerswhattheylikedanddidnot likeabouttheirsetupsinourAdventureSurvey.

THEGOOD

Itstaysdryinheavyrains,eveniftheareaaround usfloods.

Abilitytocamponuneven/wet/snowyground. Easeofsetup,allseasondurability. Itbeatssleepingontheground. Tri-layertentmaterialandcomfortablebaseto sleepon.

THENOT-SOGOOD

It’sheavy,makesvehiclestaller,andlimitsthe amountofstuffyoucanstoreontop. Soundslikeahurricanewithwindsover10mph. Mywifedislikesusingaladder,andoftenopts foragroundtent. Setup/takedowninfreezingweather. Ifelloutofit.Didnotlike.

RTTPROS&CONS

WehavetheGen2SmittybiltOverlanderXLrooftop tent Wehaveuseditonthejeepandonthetrailer

Pros: high-quality material and zippers It has neverleaked Easytosetup-canbedonebyone person, but it's faster/ easier with 2 people Cost: it's on the lower end of the cost spectrum for rooftop tents Optional: annex room, great for changing and storing gear our of the elements Sleeps 3 adults comfortably, or 2 adults and 2 small children You can store your blankets/beddinginitwhilefoldedup(notpillows)

Cons:Closingitwhenwetrequiresextracareonce you return from your trip It needs to fully dry to avoid mold The mattress is thin, we added yoga mats under the mattress and a memory foam layerontopofthematress Whenmountedontop ofyourvehicleitDOEScreatewinddrag,whichhas a slight impact on mpg and when windy yoy get pushedaroundmoreonthehighway

-JillCarr

"I'd rather be in a

than in a house."

Mary Leakey

I have the Gazelle T4+ It's big, it's bulky But I like having two sides in the tent I can use one side for sleepingandtheotherforcookingandgearstorage

If the weather is krudy I can leave dirty clothes and shoes/boots in the front section and keep the sleeping area clean When I bought this tent it was claimed that the front area could be used for sleeping,Idisagree Iftheweatherisreallybaditcan get some rain water in it with the way the panels were designed I think this has been fixed on the newer versions The first time I took it out I had a stormwith50-60mphwindsandrain,Istayeddryin thebacksleepingareaandthetentheldupjustfine.

-MitchRundle

I’mdownsizedallthewaytoatentaswell.I’mfairly happy with the Gazelle as far as fast setup. It’s heavy and bulky when it’s in its bag however. Still notasheavyasmyoldRTTwas.Ilikeitforeaseof use of a Buddy Heater. Tons of space for cots, nightstands the whole nine yards. Plus changing clothesinoneislightyearseasierthanarooftop -SteveBotsford

GROUNDTENT OPTIONS

Dome tents: popular for their stability and ease of setup. They typically have a dome shapeanduseflexiblepolestocreatetension andsupport.

Cabin/family tents: larger tents that often have straight walls and a rectangular shape, whichprovidesmoreinteriorspaceandoften have multiple rooms or dividers. They are generally more spacious and can accommodatemorepeople.

Swagsortunneltents:lightweightandeasyto setup,andtypicallyhavealongandnarrow shapeandusuallymeantforoneperson.

Teepee tents: tall, conical tents that are supportedbyacentralpole.Theyarepopular fortheirtraditionaldesignandareoftenused bybackpackersandhikers.

Backpacking tents: These are designed to be ultra-lightweightandeasytocarry.

"It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent."

Dave Barry

RTTS-HARDSHELL VS.SOFTSHELL

Hard-shell rooftop tents: These tents have a hard, fiberglass or composite shell that protects the tent and its occupants from the elements. They are generally more durable than other styles of rooftop tentsandoffermoreprotectionfromtheweather.

Soft-shellrooftoptents:Thesetentshaveafabricor canvas shell that is more flexible and lightweight than a hard-shell tent. They are generally easier to setupandtakedownthanhard-shelltents,butthey maynotofferasmuchprotectionfromtheelements.

WehaveaBodyArmor4x4Skyridgerooftop tent.For the price point it is amazing, super high quality withoutitbeinganextremelybigname.Welikebeing up off the ground for safety and the temperatures seem to regulate better since the ground is not pulling the warmth away from you. We also love the colorschemefitsperfectlywiththerestofoursetup.

-CodyEschen

Kodiak Canvas 10x10 deluxe- it's quick to put up or down Solid as a brick house once up all steel and heavy canvas construction High winds or bad weatherarenobigdeal AsaconIt's125poundstakes uphalfthecargoareaanditHAStobeonasurface thatstakescangoinotherwiseitcan'tgoup

-BenWicklund

ROOFTOPV GROUNDFINAL THOUGHTS

Ground tent advantages: They are cheaper than rooftop tents, they can be set up on any flat surface, and they offer more interior space than rooftop tents. Disadvantages: They are more difficult to set up, they are more affected by the ground conditions, and they are generally less weatherproofthanrooftoptents.

Rooftoptentsadvantages:Theyareeasytosetup and take down, they are more weatherproof than ground tents, they offer protection from animals andinsects,andtheyprovideamoreelevatedand comfortable camping experience. Disadvantages: They are more expensive than ground tents, they require a vehicle with a roof rack, they limit the accessibility of your vehicle, and they have less interiorspacethangroundtents.

"Anyone who has spent a few nights in a tent during a storm can tell you: The world doesn't care all that much if you live or die."

Anthony Doerr

A MONTHLY REVIEW OF PRODUCTS TESTED IN THE FIELD BY

DAVID ZEMLA

SKY RIDGE PIKE

Roof Top Tents have come a long way in the last decade, although images show usage back to the 20’s and patents as early as 1962 I’d still give Smittybilt the credit for the current pop culture boom in RTT usage Their Gen 1 khaki units hit the off-roading crowd with a low buck, easily accessible solution to sleeping with a rock wedged in your back That being said, the market is now flooded with RTT options, hardshell, three person, fun colors, Annex rooms and LED lighting. Prices have also expanded and even the venerable Smitty-bilt is nearly 3x what it could be had for in its early years. So, what are your options for RTT life on a budget? How about Body Armor 4x4’s Sky Ridge Pike, 2 person tent for just over a grand? Lot of words, but a solid tent for the dollar. The 108lb tent comes in at 10 lbs lighter than the equivalent Smittybilt, but with that comes a 200+ lb reduction in people capacity (420 vs 660 lb respectively). Construction is very similar, so I’m not sure I trust either of those numbers

Body Armor uses a 280gsm ripstop reinforced polyester/cotton canvas for the roof and sidewalls of the tent GSM is Grams per Square Meter and 280 is fairly standard for tent construction. Thule’s entry level tent comes in at 260gsm and both are ripstop fabric (cross hatching at specific intervals with a combination of polyester and cotton threads to help prevent tearing)

Interestingly Smittybilt shares their fabric as 600 Denier (measurement of the individual thread weight, not the fabric), but most sources put it in the 260 gsm range

The Body Armor tent sits at 48” (L) x 43” (W) x 12” (H) closed and 48” x 110” x 50” fully open Slightly longer and a noticeable 8” narrower than the Smittybilt which comes in at 95" (L) x 56" (W) x 51" (H) Zipper quality is good and window netting is of similar quality as other tents Rain fly includes a window that’s aligned with the zip open vent in the tent for a lovely skylight effect while still keeping the rain at bay

Let’s talk ladders There seem to be two ladder styles that pervade the RTT world, the telescoping units (which Body Armor uses) and the extruded aluminum units that slide on each other Smittybilt uses the slider unit and requires an extension if your vehicle is tall, making ladder deployment a bit clumsy, but the selection of available lock pin holes allows it to adapt to varying ground to tent heights. The tele-scoping ladder style leaves this reviewer cold Fiddly and less than intuitive, I seemed to always end up with mismatched step gaps in order to position the ladder correctly Both seem to tolerate weight well and pro tip, your ladder is also responsible for load bearing the cantilevered section of your tent and should be positioned so that it is firmly on the ground and the tent floor does not bend down when you are in it

Setup and tear down is pretty standard, although the extra heavy duty rubber cover runs a perimeter zipper to attach to the tent assembly, which seems to make for a more positive closure than the velcro on some others I’ve pulled it through torrential rain and the tent was bone dry when deployed. Mattress thickness is pretty standard at this level with a 2 5” thick high density pad and removable cover Pro tip is to add a mattress topper under the mattress on these things for ultimate comfort without impacting the folding height of the tent

So, is the savings of the Body Armor RTT really a savings? Feature wise it’s on par with tents $300-$500 more, has proven durable (season one was 5000 miles and 14 states, with two people and a dog) and has effectively done all the things an RTT promises to do

Complaints?

Well, the 8” width hit when compared to my previous Smittybilt was noticeable with full sized adults and a 60lb Labrador and it does not include, nor do they make a shoe bag for it. The Body Armor was easy to set up and tear down and stayed dry in both positions. Overall, I’d give it a Torture Test rating of 7.5 out of 10 and am looking forward to another season of overlanding

Pro tip is to add a mattress topper under the mattress on these things for ultimate comfort without impacting the folding height of the tent.

GIVING BACK to the places we love

COPPER HARBOR, MI MAY 19-21

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

JOIN US FOR A WEEKEND OF FUN & GIVING BACK TO THE KEWEENAW

DONATION TO KORC

GROUP CAMPING & LIVE MUSIC

CAMPER SWAG PACK

DOOR PRIZE DRAWING ENTRY

DISCOUNT ON SUNSET PADDLE WITH KEWEEAW ADVENTURE CO

50% OF TICKET SALES TO BENEFIT

ADVENTURE SURVEY

We here at Northology are curious about travel trends and preferences, methods of travel, camping preferences, and especially opinions of folks in the midwest A short, non-scientific survey was posted, 42 replied and here we are sharing selected responses with you (purely for entertainment purposes) as well as some things pulled from other sources, as noted

"JUST CHECK EVERYTHING ABOVE"

BIGGEST TRAVEL TRENDS IN 2023

According to Southern Living Magazine these are the general, industry hot travel trends for 2023 Our take- these obviously overlap into the adventure/ overland travel segment

1. Off-the-Grid Vacations

2. Off-the-Beaten Path Destinations

3. Family and Multigenerational Travel

4 Nostalgic Getaways

5 Embracing the Great Outdoors

6 Small Town Travel

So what kind of campers do we have in this community? What do they drive? Where do they like to camp? What kind of camping setup do they use? We were a bit surprised that the offroad camper/trailer setup was the most popular among the respondents, but not surprised that a whopping 66% prefer dispersed camping over all other locations.

SURVEY SAYS

2005 Chevy Tahoe z71

2013 Ford F150

2001 Nissan Xterra

What best describes your camping setup?

What type of camp location do you prefer?

F550 Adventure Bus

10 Toyota FJ Cruiser

2018 Jeep Wrangler JLU Sahara

2016 4Runner

2015 jeep wrangler

Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road

2019 Toyota Tundra

2020 Ford F150

2022 Ford Maverick

2021 JLU

2017 jeep

2010 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT 4WD

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

2022 Ford Bronco

2020 Jeep Gladiator

2016 Toyota Tacoma

2007 Chevy Tahoe

2010 Subaru Outback

2020 Subaru Ascent

2022 Jeep Wrangler

2015 Ford F150

1995 Land Cruiser and 2019 4Runner

2017 Toyota 4Runner

1990 Land Cruiser / 2006 4Runner

2005 Toyota 4runner

Toyota tacoma

2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S

2022 Ford F150

07 Chevy Tahoe- 06 Ford E350 Van

2019 Chevy Colorado Bison

2021 Ram 1500

F350

2012 Subaru Forester

Stock 04 Jeep WJ

2018 Toyota 4Runner

2016 Toyota 4runner

Jeep

Some of the 42 respondent rides-

Activities you like to do on trips

Do you use any of these apps or websites to find camping?

How many of the following items do you bring with or have in your camping setup?

What communication devices do you take with on trips

What do you use to cook with at camp?

How far do you typically travel for an adventure event?

The results for this question did not surprise us, most of our readership would count themselves among the adventurously mobile, remote touring sort of traveler The overlanders With all the events popping up all over the country in the past few years, there is no shortage of fun to be had on any random weekend and people in our community have traveled the corners of the country to participate in overland expos, rallies. rendezvous and gatherings

Also not surprising were that 80% of our readers are from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota and Iowa

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET DANIEL BOONE HIAWATHA HOOSIER HURON-MANISTEE OTTAWA SHAWNEE SUPERIOR

Again, this survey was super UNscientific, and had a small sample pool, but we had fun reading the results and getting to know this readership better Thanks to all who participated, we aim to do this survey annually and hope to have more participation in the future to examine a greater cross-section of our community with a bit more accuracy Till then, may your coffee be warm, your campsite level and the wind blow the bugs back into the woods. Cheers!

EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF WINTER: A RECAP OF WISCONSIN OVERLAND'S ANNUAL EVENT

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, located in northern Wisconsin, covers over 1.5 million acres of stunning wilderness and offers breathtaking views of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, icy creeks and rolling hills. Winter camping in this forest provides a unique and peaceful experience that is perfect for off-road and remote camping enthusiasts. The forest has miles of two-track that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning landscape and take in the breathtaking views of the snowcovered forest. The forest roads are suitable for off-road vehicles of all levels, from beginner to experienced, and provide a thrilling way to experience the beauty of the forest.

Wisconsin Overland has been hosting Snoverland annually, with the 2023 event being its fifth incarnation. The idea is a casual campout with some two-track riding on snowy national forest roads. Over the years, participants have gotten a lot of practice using their recovery gear- traction boards, kinetic ropes and winches in a sortof practice environment with the support of the other attendees who are there to lend a hand, give safety and operational pointers, and try out new equipment

Snoverland 2023 had the biggest turnout to date, with about 30 or so rigs. The campers met some day trippers in Lakewood, divided into smaller groups and headed out to different corners of the forest.

Storms moving through the forest over the last weeks and heavy snow loads left branches hanging and occasionally the groups had to clear those or small trees that had fallen across the trail. Many hands made light work but there were a few trails with tangles so large the groups turned around for easier paths.

KNOW WHERE TO GO IN THE NATIONAL FOREST

Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are the only way to know if you are on an open route in the National Forest "The MVUM is an enforcement tool to ensure individuals are on the correct route It is the responsibility of the user to determine if they are on a route designated for the motor vehicle being used "-USFS

Trying out new gear is a big theme at Snoverland as well. Diesel heaters, sleeping systems, tents and personal gear is put to the test and the discussions around the fire go well into the night. Speaking of night, it comes early in the winter and is a great time to test your offroad lighting on the trail.

elebritites" at camp this year. Returning to Snoverland eys on the Side- you can see his video recap below Also teve Truax of Adventure Over-landing and Jason ngs Overlanding, who's video teaser is viewable here.

BEN WICKLUND

If you carry a chainsaw volunteer to be behind the lead truck. Trees are down all the time and it's a mess if the chainsaws crew has to walk.

The trail is more difficult the closer to the lead truck you get. The trail flattens, widens and packs in with each passing rig.

If you park in the undriven deep snow for a long duration, you may consider backing up before going forward again This lifts the warm tires from the melted divots and allows for a momentous attack on the wall of snow in front of the tires before just digging in.

If stuck it's probably best to just ask for help while ahead. If you spin and spin and spin it's only going to be harder to recover as the rig inches deeper in the snow. Know when to hit the gas as well. Many traction control systems cut engine power when momentum is most needed. Keep momentum up on the uphills. If you can just avoid stopping on them altogether.

Do your best to practice 4 wheel engine braking, stay in control on the downhills. Better to descend at a constant pace in control than to skid and slide down. When you skid you lose traction in all directions.

Try not to aggressively spin on peoples traction boards. Feel free to help shovel or assist with board recoveries.

If you have to turn around on a trail, back into the undriven snow. The back of the vehicle is lighter than the front so it's best to leave the side with the most mass on the firmest base of trail if possible.

If you have no heater preheat yourself and your bag in the truck prior to jumping into the cold tent. It's so much easier maintaining heat when your gear is already hot.

If you're deathly cold while camping there is no shame in just sleeping in a idling truck. Just make sure your exhaust is clear of blocked snow and the door seals are in good shape.

Bring a blanket or insulated pad for your chair. When you sit all of the insulation you are wearing is compressed and becomes a lot less effective.

USE CODE "BOREAL" FOR 15% OFF YOUR PURCHASE

NO CAMPING ALLOWED

"Dispersed camping is the type of recreational experience that is outside the confines of a developed campground setting. It’s just you and the woods without latrines, fire rings, or any other type of amenities you’d find in a campground." -CNNF website.

Is this the end of dispersed camping as we know it?

"In the past few years, several national forests and other public lands across multiple states have moved to a system of designated dispersed camping, where campers must use designated sites, or have otherwise limited camping entirely in certain areas. " states a 2022 article on Camping.tools.

Dispersed camping numbers doubled from 2020 to 2021 according to data from the BlueRibbon Coalition. Public and private options have been increasingly crowded, making dispersed camping a necessity and fortunately for us, the freedom, solitude, and spontaneity is exactly what draws us to it

"In the past few years, several national forests and other public lands across multiple states have moved to a system of designated dispersed camping, where campers must use designated sites, or have otherwise limited camping entirely in certain areas. Some of the popular dispersed camping areas affected include near Crested Butte in the Gunnison National Forest in Colorado, parts of the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, parts of the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho and areas near Moab and Zion National Park "

According to the Blue Ribbon Coalition, "Agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and Forest Service are implementing reservation systems, fees, and restrictions to where people can dispersed camp." Fees, reservations and restrictions are the antithesis of the definition of dispersed camping. Ok, I will hand it to you that there already are rules to follow regarding this activity but draining the essence of the experience is unacceptable to us Closing camping areas when the demand is so high seems counterproductive and likely to put more pressure on areas the traffic gets funneled to

A plea for users to organize and show up

We acknowledge the impact that dispersed camping can have, and especially when people abuse the land, leave trash and create unsafe environments. "impacts can be managed through a combi-nation of education and more active land management. It is our experience that land managers often choose closure as the easiest option – especially if no organized users show up to recommend the other alternatives" says the BRC. "Closure is not management," says American Adventurist. Our goal is to sound the alarm and rally the (dispersed) troops.

A friend once commented sarcastically that he will end up working his whole life in preparation of a retirement full of travel and dispersed camping experiences across the USA only to find that by the time he reaches that age, the option will no longer exist We encourage those who want to "show up" and prevent this to join organizations like The BlueRibbon Coalition's Dispersed Camping Access Alliance, American Adventurist, Tread Lightly! and get educated on local issues that you can make a difference with

By Cindy Pope

I squinted through the wind-driven snow squalls and wondered if that was a Nissan Xterra with a rooftop tent ahead of me on the highway. It sure was. My next thought was to wonder if they were headed to the same gathering I was If they were, did they have their radio on and tuned to the GMRS channel we had chosen for the group? The mere presence of the rooftop tent in the middle of a Wisconsin winter told me the probability was high. I turned on my handheld, sent out a hello and hoped for the best.

The answer I received over the radio was the one I suspected. Steve Truax of Adventure Overlanding had RSVP'd to the event in the weeks prior and now here we were, running into each other on that blustery day on our way across Wisconsin to the campout We spent a few minutes discussing the event, the absolutely awful road conditions and other pleasantries. And now the comforting thought of another human on the other end of the transmission were something to go awry gave me a sigh of relief.

A fair number of our readers are new to either car camping or overlanding and the subject of remote communications is always of interest. The days of tuning CB radios are coming to an end in favor of the FRS & GMRS radio reliability, ease of use and range License-free FRS radios can have a range from 5 to 5 miles or more and are a great option for the casual user. If you need to keep in touch with others over a larger area, GMRS could be a better way to stay in touch with your convoy or basecamp.

Gas and firewood stop coordinated on the radio. Great time to catch a shot of Steve's Xterra.

Note that there is compatibility between FRS & GMRS radios, which comes in handy when groups run both types- check your user manuals for more info.

According to the FCC, a personal GMRS license costs $35, is good for ten years, covers your whole family and can be obtained online here There are also a few other rules you should investigate but there is no test for the license and use is fairly straightforward.

Upon arriving at the meetup for the Saturday trail

rides, we broke the approximately 30 vehicles up into three groups to set out to separate corners of the forest. Trail leaders chose different channels so the groups would not be speaking over each other and to avoid confusion Being able to warn your convoy of approaching traffic, hidden obstacles and growling tummies in need of lunch stops makes for a safer and more enjoyable outing. There was a mix of handheld and dash-mounted units in the vehicles that day and most of them were from MidlandUSA

Handheld versions of the radios come in handy when spotting, directing recoveries, backing vehicles up or during other out-of-vehicle activities.

The unit in Nate's Jeep is the Midland MXT275 This 15-Watt GMRS two-way radio has what Midland calls a "Fully Integrated Control Microphone" that is great for vehicles with limited space in or around the dash and the idea is for you to stash the base or hide it.

The MXT275 is compatible with FRS radios and the transmissions from our convoy were clear and staticfree all day The mic feels substantial without being too heavy and the readout is clear and bright.

These radios are not just for use in vehicles and can be valuable additions to your basecamp, while hiking, keeping track of kids or giving a sense of security on scary walks to the outhouse in the dark They are easy to use, pretty rugged and are required for some club and organization activities

There are several other types of radio services regulated by the FCC in the US such as CB, MURS and Amateur (ham radio) but GMRS comes out on top for the average citizen for the reasons stated previously Take the plunge and stay in the loop, the safety and security of staying connected is worth it.

overlandingAI?

open-source text-to-image model

Don't quote us on ANY of this, we just thought it would be fun to see a few text-toimage versions of rooftop tents and overlanding items Enjoy the hilarity We are probably completely ignorant of the potential for AI to effect the design world but are pretty sure we are not the ones who should be in charge of the prompts or queries

We asked for "rooftop tent on a pickup truck" drawings. The results are... interesting.

We then switched to concept art and asked for "pickup trucks with rooftop tents." What are the support arms are attached to?

Half Skinny Guy + a Flippack?

Weird and completely impractical.

"offroad camper with an awning" seemed like a good question to ask.

The answers are mailbox shaped...

So much confusion here.

We typed in "overlanding vehicle" and AI rocked this one. It's as if we asked for roof racks, tents, big tires and stance. Too bad the images don't all fully reveal, that military looking transp t l k l it A d note the tiny drone-lik to the right. It's like th

...or protect the hood of the car...

...the tongue of the trailer...

the camper itself.

"awning attached to a pickup truck."

BOONDOCKING THE MIDWEST

BringingyouthedownlowonfreecampsitesacrosstheMidwestthatwehavefirst-personintelon.Subjecttochange withoutnotice.Pleaseconsultlocaljurisdictionalinfotoconfirm.Thisresourceisnotintendedtobelegaladvice. Alwaystreadlightlyandpackitout!Ifyouhavesitestoshareorupdatedinfoonsiteswehaveposted,letusknow!

SouthBranchOcontoDispersed WISCONSIN

45.14816,-88.59709

Forest Rds 2316J & K are short spurs off of Mountain Lakes Rd (2316) that run down to campsites on the South Branch OcontoRiver.Thosesitesareconnectedbyatwotrackthat runsbetweenthemalongtheriver.

The good: Free Creekside camping that is private and spacioiuswithpicnictableandfirepitineachsite Roomfor 2-4rigsateachsitedependingonspacing.

The bad: Sites are within earshot of Cty Hwy W so you will hear the occasional car. No toilet facilities and these are popular sites so plan to have a backup in the area just in case NOTE, in winter access ONLY from W from the south, as Mountain Lakes Rd is a snowmobile trail from Blue SprucenorthtoHwy64.

SchlatterLake MICHIGAN

47.43167,-87.73381&47.42805,-87.74510

Coordinates listed in order-"Light" and "dark sides" as the local sheriff referred to them. Beautiful lake sites, the first is a small landing with a very steep approach and the second hasmorespaceandiseasiertogetto.

Thegood:Freecamping,don'tforgetyourfree MI DNR camping permit. Great sites if High Rock Bay is too windy or crowded Safer paddling option as well (there is a campsite ontheisland,too!)

The bad: Anything by the water in Michigan has the potential to be outrageously buggy. And yes, it's camping on a lake, but being so close to Superior, you may find Schlatter Lake alittle,inferior.

SILENT REMINDERS OF CHANGE

Ghost forests in the upper midwest Ghost forest Does that phrase send a chill down your spine? Ghost forests are areas of dead trees in former forests and can be found in various locations throughout the Upper Midwest. They are the result of various factors such as climate change, insect infestations, disease outbreaks, severe weather events, and human activities like clearcutting, agriculture, and urbanization.

In the Upper Midwest region, ghost forests have been observed in areas that have been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect species that has caused widespread mortality of ash trees. Other areas in the region have ghost forests as a result of severe drought or other weather events. Locations of ghost forests can change over time as new forests die and new ones grow

Wisconsin's Ash Trees: A Guide to Emerald Ash Borer and Ash Management. (n.d.). University of WisconsinExtension. https://learningstore.uwex.edu/Assets/pdfs/G3654-15.pdf

Emerald Ash Borer. (n.d.). Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestHealth/emeraldashborer.html

Wildlife in Wisconsin: Emerald Ash Borer. (n.d.). Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/emeraldashborer.html

The Emerald Ash Borer in Wisconsin: A Guide for Homeowners. (n.d.). University of Wisconsin-Extension. https://learningstore.uwex.edu/Assets/pdfs/A3654-13.pdf

Join the Northology Adventures Facebook group to continue discussions on topics& articles each month

SUBSCRIBER DRAWING

SWAG PACK WINNER

Hooray! You found the drawing winner name for February! If this is you, email us to confirm that this is your email and we will send your prize! If this is not you, check the next issue to see if you won All magazine subscribers are automatically entered in the monthly drawings so sign up for your free subscription today! Email us to claim prize at info northologyadventures@gmail com

"Sam and his crew are awsome they know the trails well and have good eye for what your jeep is capable of "

"Sam was awesome. Give us exactly what we wanted and then some. HIGHLY RECOMMEND him if you want to explore some awesome trails "

justiceexplores@gmailcom

"Sam is amazing! He knows his area, his spotting, is conscientious of what he’s bringing you through and is extremely patient!! Excellent and I would give 150 stars!!! You need to be able to trust your spotter and I would follow him anywhere!!" justice explores JusticeExplores

Welcome to the CABIN

We don't always camp and we definitely have standards when it comes to non-camp lodging. Chain hotels? No Haunted log cabins? Maybe Never-remodeled-or-upgraded-in-60-years? Only if it's kitschy enough! We do love the rustic, the quirky, the historic, the off-the-beaten-path stays In this monthly feature we review some of the places we have stayed and give you an honest opinion

We are compiling a listing of our favorite Hipcamps, Air bnbs, cabins, lodges, yurts, whatever- if its fun, fresh or funky, we will let you know.

If you are an establishment owner, please reach out and let us know about your place, we want to find the unique and share it with other adventurous travelers! If you are a traveler who wishes to submit review, please email us immediately!

NORTHWINDS ADVENTURES

Four beautiful vacation homes, all located on our 220 acre property, just minutes outside of Houghton MI in Stanton Township All units have fully stocked kitchens with everything you need to prepare meals during your stay and grills for your evening cookouts. They also have wood stoves to take the edge off of those cool Keweenaw nights. Accommodations don’t get too much nicer than these, and they sure beat your standard issue hotel room! Northwinds can also accommodate large groups using various cabins, counselor bunkhouse and wall tents! They also have space for travel trailers and RVs with electric and water hook ups.

LODGING HIGHLIGHT- FEBRUARY'S SUGGSETED STAY

Rockford Ski Club

ILLINOIS Callie's Lake & Campground KENTUCKY

MICHIGAN

Fresh Coast Cabins Eagle Harbor

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Copper Harbor

Trails End Copper Harbor

The Outpost Big Bay

CALENDAR

February 9-12 Truck Camper Adventure Rally

March 3-5 Southeast Overland & Outdoor Expo

April 21-22 MOORE Expo

May 5-7 Midwest Women's Off-road Weekend

May 19-21 Overland Expo West

May 19-21 Cleanup Campout for KORC

July 7-9 Overland Expo Pacific Northwest

August 25-27 Overland Expo Mountain West

September 29-30 Big Iron Overland Rally

September 14-17 Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat

October 6-8 Overland Expo East

October 12-14 Rendezvous in the Ozarks

October 19-22 Overland the Red

Monthly Rigs & CoffeeIllinois/Wisconsin - second Saturdays Michigan Missouri

To submit events for this calendar, email info.northologyadventures@gmail.com

A monthly feature bringing you our favorite YouTube videos from some great creators- check them out and be sure to subscribe! To watch the videos featured, click on the thumbnail on the right.

YOUTUBE FAVES

If you have an affinity for cabin life, nature, forest ASMR or just like watching people work, put this on your playlist. Erik says "after seeing the documentary "Alone in the wilderness" by Dick Proenneke, I became completely obsessed with the idea of just packing a rucksack of hand tools and wondering off into the vast forest of Sweden to create my own life, living off the land and build a log cabin " Beautifully shot, with lots of wildlife, scenery and log cabin construction.It is 90 minutes of cabin bliss. You're welcome.

Some of you may say we are biased to include this video in our monthly roundupand you would be right. The video starts with a solid three minutes of Hunter's 2500 Ram "Moose" tackling trails from the upper peninsula of Michigan to the hollers of Kentucky at the Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat and Overland the Red events. Hunter's easygoing demeanor behind the camera is like an old Carhartt Jacket, warm, comfortable and with little surprises in the pockets. Bonus points for giving us the low-down on a popular tire choice in this piece.

Jiaojiao Tian's videos have captivated us since we ran across them in a local facebook group. Expect nice scenery interspersed with time-lapses of camp set up, meal prep and other tasks. These are usually an end-to-end recap of a trip or activity. Here Jiaojiao takes us along to the 12th annual Frozen Butt Hang, an annual winter hammock campout hosted by Now Outdoors. These videos are more of an observation of life than instructional or informational, perfect for relaxing with a hot cup of tea while the snow slowly falls outside.

Bill and Deb Reed are just some of the nicest folks you'll want to meet, and Bill narrates their travels with a warm, comfortable Kentucky flavor. The crew sets out for the Florida Adventure Trail with friends in this first installment. The morning drone views of their misty camp by the lake are just stunning. Ride along as the convoy winds through the sandy trails and tall pines. The group visits the gulf and finds plane wreckage from the 60s on Eglin AFB recreational land. Be sure to watch the follow-up video addressing the cliffhanger ending!

This one was a bit of a selfish pick...but we think you will enjoy this little romp in the woods with Wisconsin Overland through the eyes of Matthew Frey. We think Matt has discovered the number one reason to camp in the winter. Follow along as Matt travels to the Nicolet National Forest, with his TC Teardrop trailer in tow for weekend of camping and trail riding in the snow, bonfires, coffee and good times with friends. Joining him on this adventure are Jason Fletcher of All Things Overlanding and Steve Truax of Adventure Overlanding. Watch and enjoy!

CAMP GEAR PICKS

WARM UP YOUR LOVE

How did hand warmers get so cute? Fellas, I am telling you, if your lady spends any time outside in the cold, this will be a really neat little gift. And you know you were looking for a little something extra to tell her "I get you, I am listening " Full story and details on the Northology Adventures website.

STAY ON THE RIGHT TRACK

With Gaia Premium, you can download offline maps, access all maps, layer maps together and print custom maps. There are so many useful features that make this version worthwhile, and we have a hefty discount for you that can be found here.

FILL YOUR CUP

With so many ways to make coffee, sometimes the simplest way makes the most sense. Check out our camp coffee tips and methods, including this Stanley Classic Pefect-Brew Pourover on our adventure blog.

HEAT UP THE NIGHT

Another great little Valentine's Day extra to heap on top of the shower of gifts you will undoubtedly be piling on, this 12v 60x40 blanket is small enough to keep around for traveling in the car, snuggling by the fire or staying warm overnight Read more about this item and winter camping hacks here.