Northology Adventures July 2023

THE LONGEST ROAD

An epic road trip on Route 20 from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest

SUMMER ADV CAMP

Fun on the river and on the trail with Wisconsin Overland

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES

UBERLANDER

Northwoods Uberlander expo debut in Cable, WI

JULY 2023

2008-2023

If you wanted a pint in Copper Habor, you probably stopped in to Brickside Brewery. We asked proprietor Jason Robinson a few questions about the brewery&hisskooliebuild.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you became interested in brewingbeer?

I'mJasonRobinsonfromMilwaukee,I grewupalloverthegreatlakesandthe mideastcoast IhavelivedinCopper Harbor,MIforthepast21years I startedbrewingaftermysisterinlaw boughtmywifeandIahomebrewkitin theearly2000s

What inspired you to open Brickside Brewery in Copper Harbor, MI, and what sets your brewery apart from othersinthearea?

Homebrewersdreamofopeninga brewery,andwhenmywifeJessicawas finishingupnursingschoolsheasked mewhatIwantedtodo.Isaidopena breweryhereinCopperHarbor.Othersin thearea...umweareoneofonlyafew thatdoesopenfermentation,Itrytodo avarietyofstyles,ESBs,Saisons,Sahti, Belgians,soursaswellasAmbers, Browns,IPA,Pales,andlighterstyles duringthesummerlikeKolsch,German Wheats,WitsandBlondes

Whattypesofbeersdoyouspecialize in at Brickside Brewery, and what is yourpersonalfavorite?

Iliketryingdifferentstyles Wehavefour beersthatareregularlyontap;FineDay Pale,SomeIPA,JackpineSavageESB, andalighterstoutorbrown Theother fourtapsusuallyhaveacoupleof seasonalbeerslikeSuperiorWitandthe lastfewtapswejustmakeupsomething.Wehavegreatwateruphereand itlendsitselftomakinggreatstoutsand alsoroundsoffthebitternessonIPAs. PersonalfavoriteiseitherUphillBoth WaysDouble-IPAoraIBelongSaison.

Can you walk us through the brewing process and how you come up with newbeerrecipes?

Firstyougetthewateruptotemp,then youthrowinthegrainsthatmakeupthe beer.Thenitstransferredtotheboil kettleduringthesparge.Onceithitsboil youaddthehops.Afterthatitgets cooleddownto68-70Fonthewayto thefermentor.Whenthefermentorgets fullyouaddtheyeast,andwhenthe

yeastisdoneitgetsputintokegsviathe britetank (Idon'tknowhowmuchyou wantmetowriteforthis Icangivemore details Howmanywordsdoyouneed?)

Asfornewrecipes,itstryingnewthings withbeersIhavemadebefore,orwetry anddoastylewe'venotdonebefore,or somethinggoeswrongbutcanbe saved;Itriedsomethingnewandwant tomakeaversionofit,orsomeonebugs youfornearly10yearstomakeacertain beerwithacertainingredient.

Tellusaboutyourbusbuildandhowit cametobeapartofyourlife.

Ourskooliebuild.previouslywehada JeepLibertyCRD2003thatwetook campingabunchoftimeswithourkids atHighRock,TheMouthoftheHuron, PicturedRocks,andapaddlingtripon theMiddleBranchoftheOntonoagon River,andafewotherremoteNational ForestsitesintheUP.Itgottotalledina earlyspringblackiceincident.Andright aboutthattimewaswhenmywifes familywasrefreshingafamilycottage outintheGeorgianBay,ON Sowegota Mazda5minivanasforthenextfew yearsweweredoing14hrdrivestogoto thecottage Thencovidhit

Awinterofwatchingbuildvideoson youtubeandinFebof2021,wefound andboughta2009ChevyExpressbased Bluebird Itsa4+windowshortbus We drovedowntomilwaukeeandpickedit up.WeplannedatripdowntoThe CraterofDiamondsParkinArkansasfor springbreak.Weguttedtheseatsand rippeduptherubberandparticleboard gettingdowntothealuminumfloor puttingdowninsulation,plywoodanda fake woodfloor.Iinstalledthreescar seatsforthefamilytositinandafoldup frameforourbed,thekidssleptwhere

everwiththethreedogs.Itwasagreattrip,withplansto improvethebus.ThatsummerIremovedandsealed upthebuslights/extrawiring,toreoutthemetalceiling, andframedinthekitchenarea,animprovedbed,putin lightsandasimplehousebatterychargedoffofthe alternatorandinstalledmultiplecabinets

ThenexttripwasdowntotheOuterBankswhichwas greatumtilthewayhomewhenwehadanelectrical issue.Thatgotfixed.ThisyearbeforeourspringtripI madeabunkbedforouryoungest,installedapropane 2burnerstovetop,dieselheaterplummedintoourmain fueltank,revisedsomewiring,andournew12vsmall fridge ThislasttripwasdowntoKentuckyfortheRed RiverGorgeandMammothCave,withastopoveratthe IndianapolisZoo 99%ofthewayhomeandoursteering boxblewandafewglowplugsdied.SorightnowI'm fixingthatandmakingplansforasmall bathroom/shower,hitch,andalargegreywatertank underthebus.ThewifeandIwanttogetacoupleof smalldsbikesandbringthosewithus,butthatsafew yearsdowntheroadwhenthelastkidmovesout.

BoatTourscanprovide

Enjoyanapproximately25hourcruiseoneither our24ftSouthbayLuxuryseriespontoonor cabincruiserforoneoftheseexcitingtours-

We ran across this page while doing research for the Brickside Brewery feature. Of course we couldn't help but share it with our readers. Imagine a transU P trip on trails to sample the local libations. Who wants to go?

"Wherever you go in the Upper Peninsula – Michigan, you’ll find different styles, different tastes, and a common Yooper bond. And with every new taste, you’ll get to know the flavor of our Peninsula a little better. From the masters who led the way, establishing our craft, to a new generation of breweries waiting to be discovered

The purpose of the U P Brew Trail is to support the U P ’s burgeoning brew industry by establishing a branded marketing program to promote the Upper Peninsula’s craft microbreweries, brew pubs, tap rooms, and wineries " -U P Brew Trail

Midwest Women's Offroad Weekend, Spring Cleanup Campout, Free ADV Weekend, Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat, Overland the Red

HAMBLOCK FORD

FORD PERFORMANE PARTS

THE BRONCO NATION

WILD HORSES 4×4

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES

ROCKTOWN ADVENTURES

TACKFORM

PANDA MOTORWORKS

METAL TECH 4X4

AUTO ACCENTS BY GINA

AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS

GREAT LAKES

UNDERCOATING

MIDWESTTREAD COM

JILLY'S JERKY

VOLCANO FALLS

BRIGHTER FOCUS

PHOTOGRAPHY

RV PERFORMANCE

AMERICOLD-BELVIDERE

LASHES BY LAYCI

BIRD DOG OVERLAND

CODY THE BRONCO

KONA THE BRONCO

HAMBLOCK FORD, BELVIDERE IL

2-5PM

FREE SWAG BAG FOR FIRST 100 BRONCOS CAR SHOW WITH PRIZES

RAFFLES, FOOD TRUCKS, DJ & MORE

ROCKY GLEN OHV ROCKFORD IL

5-10PM

OFF ROAD NIGHT RIDING ($50/VEHICLE)

Mosquitoes, high winds and cold June temps…. oh my!

But not even the challenging elements could stop the fun at the inaugural NorthWoods Überländer held June 9-11, 2023 in Cable, WI

This event was held in conjunction with the Epic Bike Fest, which is run by the American Birkebeiner While cheering on over 1,000 mountain bike racers, NorthWoods Überländer participants got to tour a variety of off-road vehicles, discuss off grid power systems, listen to live music, eat good food (the waffles!), camp together, learn from one another and deepen the roots of the overland community and who could forget the evening shenanigans with epic rounds of Hammerschlagen!

Submitted by Kelly Brand

With only six weeks of lead time to prepare for this event, we are grateful for our vendors and exhibitors: NoWhere Vans, Ewald Airstream, Van Van Overland, Rover Vans, Orion Motors, Open Road Upfitters and Epic Vans We can’t wait to see you next year! We are excited to include more vendors and exhibitors at our 2nd annual NorthWoods Überländer to be held in June 2024!

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, exhibitor or sponsor, please visit us at https://www nwuberlander com/exhibitors

To all who want to join in the fun next year….stay tuned for additional information coming soon!

https://www.nwuberlander.com/

If you have epic ideas for the NorthWoods Überländer or want to join our mailing list, please email Kelly at hello@nwuberlander com

budget

campinghacks CAMPSITES

Freesites

Shawn Ray

"Best way to save on expenses, hands down, is making use of free camping Whether we have epic spots with a view or an interstate rest stop, being able to pull over for the night and camp for free has allowed us to travel further, for longer periods of time, and for less money. "

Kevin

Lee

iOverlander for boondocking campsites If on a extended trip, slow down and enjoy your favorite sites and views

Jacqueline Buttigieg

"I do a lot of backyard camping and camping close to home to save on gas I usually do one or two trips further away a year "

communityfeedbackfeature

"Best budget camping hack involves higher levels of discomfort" says Northology Community facebook group member Shawn Ray We wanted to hear your best secrets for making camping affordable and to share these tips with our readers Thanks for particlpating!

GEAR

Repurposing

Jen Banks

I took an old metal ironing board, painted it black and now use it for my camp kitchen table

Tony Pompa

We buy almost everything used I get a lot of used equipment off marketplace I know what I need and what I want and keep looking till I find it at good price The newest piece of gear we have is our propane fire pit.

Nate Goodwin

We repurpose and save almost everything I try and buy used gear and parts to save cost on exploration Im pretty sure i have Ducati hardware holding one of my awnings on our trailer

CAMPCOOKING

Sarah

Michals

Cooking at camp or visiting the grocery store on the road vs dining out helps reduce costs

Christina Goodwin

Last summer we used a meal delivery service to budget and plan our camp meals. the pre-portioned ingredients kept food waste to a minimum This also allowed for a good variety of dishes w/o buying a ton of spices and ingredients that would go bad at home

Ethan Wolfe

Dollar General is my go to when I'm just making food for myself A can if ravioli, soup or chili, jab some vent holes in the top, then stick the whole can right in the fire Then it's a guessing game on how long to leave it in

Jason Letcher

I like to wander around camp trying everyone else's food that way I don't have to buy my own. That's how I save money.

Jake Middaugh

Depending on how long our overlanding trip is, we try to make premade meals for our trip. They are easy to cook and you don’t have extra food waste to throw away when done eating. We pack them in reusable containers that are labeled for organization. A cost effective option compared to a freeze dried meal and they taste better. This method also saves time worrying about food prep and more time to play, relax and enjoy the adventure outdoors

Jacqueline Buttigieg

I do all of my meal prep at home and a lot of times will eat peanut butter and jelly because they are quick, easy and cheap at camp. I also use some of the food that I already have in my fridge at home to save money. I have been camping for over 40 years so I have pretty much all of the gear that I need. My big expense is fuel and food. I will also pack sandwiches for the road to avoid eating out. Sometimes it’s nice to pull over at a roadside park and relax and enjoy the views.

LISTOFPOPULAR CAMPINGHACKS

Use a tarp as a groundsheet: Instead of buying an expensive groundsheet, use a tarp to protect your tent floor from moisture and dirt

Make DIY fire starters: Collect dryer lint and store it in a waterproof container Stuff the lint into empty toilet paper rolls and soak them in melted wax These homemade fire starters will help you start a fire easily

Utilize natural light: Instead of relying on battery-powered lanterns, plan your activities around natural light This saves energy and money

Use a headlamp: Invest in a good-quality headlamp for hands-free lighting at night It's much more convenient than carrying a flashlight

Cook simple meals: Instead of buying expensive camping food, opt for simple meals that require minimal ingredients and preparation. One-pot meals or foil packet cooking are great options

Bring reusable water bottles: Reduce waste and save money by carrying reusable water bottles You can refill them at water sources in camping areas instead of buying bottled water

Pack multipurpose items: Choose gear that serves multiple functions For example, a bandana can be used as a towel, pot holder, or even a makeshift sling

DIY lanterns: Make your own lanterns by placing a headlamp inside a water-filled translucent jug The jug will diffuse the light and create a gentle glow

Bring a portable phone charger: Invest in a portable phone charger to keep your devices powered up. This can be useful in case of emergencies or for capturing memorable moments Use natural bug repellents: Instead of purchasing expensive bug sprays, use natural repellents like citronella candles, essential oils, or even simple lemon slices

Use frozen water bottles as coolers: Freeze water bottles before your trip and use them to keep your food and drinks cool in the cooler As they melt, you'll have cold water to drink Go off-peak: Camp during weekdays or in shoulder seasons to take advantage of lower rates and fewer crowds

Borrow gear: If you ' re new to camping or trying out a specific activity, consider borrowing gear from friends or family instead of buying everything upfront

Buy camping gear off-season: Shop for camping gear during end-of-season sales or look for secondhand options to save money.

Learn basic repair skills: Knowing how to repair simple gear issues can save you from buying new equipment. Learn to sew, patch holes, or fix broken tent poles

Opt for free camping options: Research free or low-cost camping areas, such as national forests or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites, instead of expensive campgrounds

Use solar-powered lights: Invest in solar-powered lights for nighttime illumination around your campsite They charge during the day and provide ambient lighting at night

Make your own camping stove: Build a DIY camping stove using a tin can and rubbing alcohol This can be a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to traditional camping stoves Share camping supplies: If you ' re going camping with a group, coordinate and share camping supplies to avoid duplicating items and save money collectively

L O N G E S T R O A D

EHTSpanning over 3,365 miles from coast to coast, US Route 20 proudly claims the title of the longest interstate highway in the United States. As we embarked on our adventure, we couldn't help but appreciate the significance of traversing this iconic road From the bustling city streets of Rockford, Illinois to the serene coastal beauty of Newport, Oregon, US Route 20 offered us an immersive experience of America's diverse landscapes & towns The highway became more than just a means of transportation; it became a symbol of the vastness and endless possibilities that lay before us, inspiring us to embrace the journey and cherish every moment along the way.

Did I tell you we were towing a UHaul trailer to our destination? And I had never driven mountain passes before? Buckle up, its gonna be a bumpy ride!

2000 MILES WITH A UHAUL BY CINDY POPE

My best friend of 25+ years, and my dog Daisy and I embarked on an unforgettable cross-country journey from Rockford, Illinois to the breathtaking coastal town of Newport, Oregon. Toni had some things to retrieve local to me after moving west a couple of years earlier She flew in and the road trip was on We chose to follow the historic US Route 20

The highway stretched out before us, promising beautiful scenery and the thrill of the open road This is the story of our overland adventure a tale that would forever be etched in our memories.

Leaving Rockford, we were filled with excitement as we hit the road. The vast landscapes of the Midwest unfolded before our eyes, painting a picturesque scene of rolling hills and endless farmlands We couldn't help but be captivated by the quaint villages and the boundless expanse of open spaces that seemed to stretch to the horizon Ok, that's total B S and you know it Iowa is boring and the cornfields seemed endless And it was HOT

After many hours of driving, we needed to stop for the night and scored our first iOverlander victory. We stopped at a Nebraska Wildlife Management Area with a lake, free camping and some rustic amentites. And coyotes.

There was a little lake and about a dozen first-come-first-served campsites with picnic tables, a fire ring and there were pit toilets that weren't too bad for, well, pit toilets We had a warm nigh't sleep but thanks to my new $9 batter powered fan I picked up on Amazon last week, it was tolerable There was a bit of traffic but the campground was about half empty Except for the aforementioned coyotes and a deer walking the creek, it was quiet.

The next day started out with Pony Expresso coffee and some snacks to go We ended up skirting the Wind River Range and I was super excited to see them despite the snowy peaks being hidden by clouds. Instead of heading north to Yellowstone, we detoured around the south, went over Togwatee Pass and were surprised by the panorama of the Tetons in the distance. We then rounded Idaho via the Snake River Plain and to the high desert of Oregon

Cruising along the twisties on 20 as it snaked over the Malhuer River between ancient hills at sunset, we made it to our final camp We found this one on iOverlander, too To learn the finer details of getting your truck stuck while trying to turn around with a UHaul on a single lane dead-end, see our membership site. Not my best moment, for sure.

We continued the next morning on through Nebraska and into Wyoming Early rain gave way to moody skies over the sand hills that became bluffs that led to canyons and then mountains

Our decision to take US 20 was a good one, we remarked The slower pace was worth the scenery and the isolation At times the spaces between signs of life were astounding... nothing for miles but cows and the occasional windmill or remnants of who-knows-what manmade structure.

We decided to hotel it in Riverton, Idaho and get a shower and bite to eat in town (Highly recommend the Rusty Truck for a burger The Super8 meh, not so much )

Random dog park stop in Correctionville, IA.

Reflections in Riverton, the Rendezvous Town

Set up for the night near Royal, NE

The Rusty Truck in Riverton, ID, so much YES

An adventurer "is never late nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to," borrowing a quote from Gandalf We arrived at the coast pretty much when we had planned Which was pretty good considering the delays, and the fact that we only roughly laid our route out and relied on campsites that we were not able to confirm the viability beforehand.

This is also just the beginning of the trip We dropped the UHaul off and enjoyed some area sightseeing on the coast and then headed for the mountains Next up, Overland Expo Pacific Northwest!

US Route 20 Points of Interest from Rockford, IL to Newport, OR

These ten points of interest along US Route 20 offer a diverse range of experiences, from cultural attractions and natural wonders to charming towns and outdoor adventures Each stop provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local flavors on your cross-country road trip.

Rockford, Illinois: Known for its cultural attractions, including the Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Coronado Performing Arts Center

Galena, Illinois: A historic town with beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture Stroll along Main Street, visit boutique shops, and learn about Galena's connection to President Ulysses S Grant

Mississippi River: The iconic waterway which divides the eastern and western United States.

Great Plains: Experience the vastness of the Great Plains and the seemingly endless fields of wheat, corn, and soybeans, as you drive through Iowa and Nebraska

Togwotee Pass, Wyoming: Instead of venturing through Yellowstone National Park on 20, opt for the scenic Togwotee Pass route Traverse the rugged Teton Mountains, enjoying panoramic views, alpine meadows, and the thrill of high-altitude driving.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho: Explore this otherworldly landscape of volcanic craters, lava flows, and rugged terrain

Sun Valley, Idaho: Indulge in outdoor activities in the stunning resort town of Sun Valley

Deschutes National Forest, Oregon: Discover the beauty of Deschutes National Forest, with its dense forests, scenic rivers, and picturesque hiking trails.

Bend, Oregon: Bend is a haven for beer enthusiasts Visit local breweries, enjoy outdoor activities like rafting or hiking along the Deschutes River

Newport, Oregon: Arrive at your final destination, the charming coastal town of Newport. Explore the historic Bayfront, visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and revel in the breathtaking ocean views as you celebrate the end of your journey

GO PREMIUM WITH NORTHOLOGY

TRAILS END CAMPGROUND TRAILS END CAMPGROUND Campsites & Rustic Cabins

14203 M26 Copper Harbor, MI

A REGULAR REVIEW OF PRODUCTS TESTED IN THE FIELD BY DAVID

HARBOR FREIGHT OFF-ROAD JACK

If you’re doing lifted and big tired correctly, you’ve probably thought about a jack You may even have one of those black and red farm things bolted to your rig. Let’s hope you never have to use that deathtrap of a jack You know what they do well? Pull fence posts out of the ground Maybe you’ve stepped up and carry a floor jack Have you ever used it in loose dirt or sand? Does it even lift your rig high enough off the ground to be useful? These and other jack conundrums are what has driven the creation of an “Off-Road” jack category This mythical creature is purpose built to tolerate challenging terrain, unlike its humble cousins, an errant zip tie will not stop its forward motion. In fact these floor jacks sport oversized wheels and a proper jack pad extension with a big truck friendly lift of just under thirty inches

Who makes this lovely solution to all your jacking problems? Better sit down, this creation comes to us from our friends at Harbor Freight Here’s the thing with Harbor Freight, they make a fair amount of really decent tools and this jack is certainly one of them. Assembly is fairly quick with wheels and a couple of small parts quickly bolting on The extension is stored in a clever pocket in front of the pump mechanism and it includes an allen wrench that secures the extension to the jack pad. Other features include a pump arm lock that holds things still while in transit and a quick release handle that breaks down into stowable lengths. The entire underside is a one piece skid plate and it has side handles as well as a center strap to help with heaving it out of your rig That may be this tool's one downside, it weighs in at a porky 72 pounds and heaving is a necessary part of the experience

Three pumps and the wheel of my 35” tired Gladiator was off the ground The unit is stable in spite of easy to roll wheels and the thick pad was gentle on the undercarriage. Construction is beefy and the hardware appears to be all stainless steel Storage presented an initial challenge, although it seems to have lived pretty comfortably strapped to the front of the bed of the Gladiator Although, since its launch an entire aftermarket has spawned and various mounting systems are available through Ebay and even Etsy. .

Hats off to Harbor Freight for a solid solution and a tolerable price point of $300 Only downside and that may be a stretch, is beefy construction translates to a pretty heavy tool Considering it may be preventing a 5000 pound truck from crushing me, I suspect a little hefting is worth the peace of mind Northology Torture Tested scale rates the HF Badland jack at a 9 out of 10 losing that point for what I’m sure is only a minor hernia.

ZEMLA

SUMMER ADV CAMP

An annual Father's Day gathering in the Yoop.

For the last few years, we have headed up to Norway, MI for a rafting and truck trail campout over Father's Day Weekend We invited Wisconsin Overland group to join us for the fun this year and had a blast.

Norway Truck Trail

The Norway Truck Trail is a Michigan DNR ORV & OHV Route and Trail The ORV portion ranges from wide gravel to narrow two-track and is suitable for most vehicles with high clearance No MI DNR permit or pass required for secretary of state licensed vehicles on the Route portion

Rafting the Menominee

"Piers Gorge is the deepest whitewater gorge in the Midwest and has large flowing western style rapids, most notably the thrilling 10+ foot drop on Mischicot Falls to start off the ride

The Menominee River is one of the wildest and most scenic rivers in the Upper Midwest, and whitewater rafting in Piers Gorge with our friends at Northwoods Adventures is consistently referred to as a world-class whitewater experience

The volume of the Menominee River rapids boasts characteristics similar to those found on the

Colorado River Late in the summer, when other rivers are low and some may be even un-runable, the dam-released Menominee River will continue to produce a high volume of whitewater and outstanding rafting experiences all the way from our put-in in Wisconsin to our take-out in Michigan "

-True North Outpost

We were lucky enough to be invited to camp on private land high up on a ridge above the Menominee River and Piers Gorge. Thanks to our friends at True North Outpost and our new and old friends in Wisconsin Overland Check out the YouTube recap linked in our YouTube faves page

"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

NorthologyResources

CampsiteHunting101

"HarnessingthePowerofGoogleMaps,GaiaGPS,andNFSMVUMsforDispersedCamping"

"How did you find that campsite?" We get asked that a lot and the answer is to look for possible dispersed campsites using Google Maps, Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad and the National Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps (NFS MVUMs )

Research the Area-

Identify the public lands where you want to camp. Resources like the National Forest Service website or other outdoor recreation websites are a great way to investigate and gather information about the area, including regulations and restrictions related to dispersed camping Be aware that not all National Forest unit rules are the same, you will need to research the specific forest unit you want to camp in.

Gather Maps-

Visit the National Forest Service website or contact the local ranger district to obtain the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) for the specific national forest These maps show the designated roads, trails, and dispersed camping areas within the forest.

It's Google Time-

Open Google Maps on your computer or mobile device and search for the general location or national forest you plan to visit Zoom in to get a detailed view of the area Many times you will see clearings and some with fire rings. It is always a good idea to camp in an area that has been used before instead of making a new camp.

NorthologyResources

Pay close attention to topo lines for elevation changes and to wetland layers that may be deceiving to the Google satellite view.

Layer MVUMs in your apps-

If you have a Gaia GPS subscription, you can overlay the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) onto the Gaia GPS app or website. This will help you see the designated roads and dispersed camping areas more clearly. Remember that the MVUM is the legal document that lets you know what roads are open and what vehicles are permitted to travel on them Watch for seasonal closures as they are different for every forest and road. OnX will also have open and closed dates as well as other related information.

Look For Dispersed Camping Areas-

With the MVUMs overlaid in Gaia GPS, you can now identify the dispersed camping areas and the designated roads or trails leading to them. Some MVUMs show symbols or specific colors to indicate dispersed camping sites. Look for areas on the map where dispersed camping is allowed according to the MVUMs Pay attention to any camping symbols or color codes that indicate dispersed camping areas. If there is a place you want to camp that is not indicated as dispersed camping, go back and refresh yourself on the dispersed camping rules to make sure you are following the guidelines.

Plan a Route to your Site

Once you ' ve identified dispersed camping areas, plan your route. Consider factors such as distance, road conditions, weather, and accessibility when selecting a suitable dispersed camping site Remember that it may take a lot longer to get to depending on road conditions so give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Verify your Site Onsite-

Conditions can change, and the accuracy of the maps may vary so verify the information on the ground When you arrive at the national forest or public lands, consult any posted signs, check with the local ranger station, and adhere to any guidelines or restrictions related to dispersed camping in your chosen area.

Have a Backup Plan

When investigating a new dispersed campsite, it is always a good idea to have a backup site or two in case you need one Your site may be full, closed, destroyed or otherwise unusable Happy camping, and remember to leave no trace!

Looks interesting, right? This is the area we wanted to traverse, but is there anything there? Not on Google Maps!

Now we are getting somewhere. The satellite imagery with the MVUM layered over it tells us there are USFS roads there We need to consult the MVUM info to make sure these roads are open All MVUMs have a table with route dates and usage details The circled area is about the halfway point, and the arrow indicates a spot to investigate.

The details tell a story Zooming in, we can see a clearing and the road is off the main route but not too far, now it's time to check it out We did select a couple of backup spots but got lucky with a great dispersed site

coffee fuels adventure

USE CODE "BOREAL" FOR 15% OFF YOUR PURCHASE

CAMP GEAR PICKS

"Built for rigorous transport, the Coho Pack and Carry Storage Box is tough and can withstand everyday use Made with heavy duty latches, this storage container will be an organizer for everything from sports equipment to camping supplies or a tool chest "

Exploration Engineer

We love just about everything from Dead Miners This is a "sketchbook or passport wallet featuring two large pockets, two card pockets, and a pen sleeve Saddle stitched with flat waxed polycord for maximum durability " Perfect for notes, storing small documents or use it as a wallet Can you imagine the patina and character this will develop over time?

Kelty Sideroads Awning Shelter

This awning is a great budget alternative that continues to impress every time we see it Our friends, GoGoGoodwins have this on their Jeep It looks really easy and simple to set up, especially for one person This floorless tarp system boasts a universal mount and fiberglass poles for a solid skeleton, 68D Poly fabric construction, and sharkmouth duffel carry sack A great alternative to a permanently mounted awning

Coho Pack and Carry Box

These are affiliate links and we may receive a small commission from purchases at no cost to you.

July 7-9 Overland Expo Pacific Northwest

July 13-16 Crawl for the Cure Gilbert, MN

August 25-27 Overland Expo Mountain West

September 29-30 Big Iron Overland Rally West Mineral, KS

September 14-17 Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat Copper Harbor, MI

October 6-8 Overland Expo East

October 12-14 Rendezvous in the Ozarks

October 19-22 Overland the Red Stanton, KY

Please notify us if you want your event listed at 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, click on the video thumbnail on the right.

YOUTUBE FAVES

It's summer time, and the humidity in the midwest is real. In this video, Fletch walks you through the Zero Breeze portable AC unit., the various configurations you can buy it in, how it all works and some use cases for camping and Overlanding "plus a few tips that I've picked up while using it on my last few trips."

Israel and Lis take their new Mission Overland Summit to Upper Michigan for a quick meet up with the Wisconsin Overland Facebook Group. Enjoy the trail run and drone shots as they camped for the night on a beautiful overlook.

We love it when parents are confident enough to take their kids camping, and the younger the better, we think. In this video, Rob shares some great tips and products that make overlanding and traveling with infants easier. The baby bloopers were also fun, good job, Millers!

Matt gives some great tips for teardrop camping in this video, but these points definitely apply to many different types camping. Here Matt talks about leveling the camper, knot tying and awning tie-downs and more. Give Frey's on the side a follow as they leave soon for an epic family road trip.

tate which posses remains of Wisconsin's , g y y y j yment of bikers, hikers and motorists." This video follows Scott on one of the Rustic Roads, one of a series where he explores the roads less traveled.