TURAS Camping and 4WD Magazine - Issue Fourteen

&

ICELAND

SPECIAL EDITION

EXPLORING

NORWAY

ISSUE

14

CAMP LIGHTS

LITHIUM BATTERIES CAMP COOKING & MUCH MUCH MORE

V T .

S A R U T .

W WW E COPY E R F R U O Y R O F SUBSCRIBE

EDITORIAL W

elcome to issue 14 of the TURAS Camping & 4WD Touring Magazine. For those of you reading this in the Northern Hemisphere we hope the winter was not too harsh, and for our Australian readers we can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for the communities affected by the bush fires, heart-breaking to see so much devastation our thoughts are with you. We have another action packed magazine for everyone, with a special feature on Iceland that also includes our first touring webisode on YouTube. If you are looking for a four-wheel drive experience unlike anywhere else in the world that resembles driving on another planet then put Iceland at the top of the list for your next adventure.

Also in this issue we also catch up with Compass Adventures, recently returned from an amazing trip in search of the Northern Lights in Norway.

We also have a closer look at the evolution of camping lights and batteries. This issue also sees us cooking up some tasty camp grub. And, as always, the magazine contains plenty of interactive videos and features about the latest camping and 4WD products available. We do hope you enjoy this issue. A big thanks to our brand partners who make it possible for us to produce this magazine and make it available to you.

Marie

Ali

Russ

Mark

Paul

Trish

ICELAND

e r u t n e v d A

INSIDE

Photo: Geko Expeditions

WWW.TURAS.TV

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Campi 4WD G

ing & Gear

G N I DRIV r o f s p i t e m o S e f a s g stayin

D

riving outside of the ring roads or main paved roads in Iceland can be challenging. The weather can change very quickly and it is very important to be aware of and to keep up to date with wind and weather warnings in Iceland. Many of the roads in the interior are not spanned by bridges Wand fording a river in your vehicle can be very dangerous if you are not aware of the changing weather conditions, where your vehicle (and you) could potentially be taken away in flood waters. Don’t try to do too much in the time you have allotted, there is so much to see in Iceland but if you try to see too much , you might find that you have spent most of your time driving. If you don’t want this experience and cannot stay long enough to see what you want to see at leisure, perhaps you should plan a return trip.

Iceland is too beautiful and interesting for you to be stuck in a car all day, only catching short glimpses of its sights before having to move on in order to fit in a ‘too ambitious’ itinerary.

Its important never to stop in the middle of the tracks, this apparently is an all too common sight in Iceland, and it might seem safe,

are sparse and the distances between them great. All of the F-roads in the interior require a 4x4 to traverse. The speed limits on the gravel dirt tracks is 80 kmh | 50mph. Most mountain roads are closed until the end of June, or even longer, because of snow and muddy conditions, which make them impassable.

When these roads are opened for It is completely illegal to drive traffic many of them can only be off the marked tracks in Iceland and the fines for off-road driving navigated by four-wheel-drive veare significant. There are lots of hicles. It is strongly advised that gas stations in Reykjavik and on two or more cars travel together.

Also, before embarking on any Iceland’s south coast, but they become more rare if you are vis- journey into the interior collect as much information as possible iting the West Fjords, North Iceregarding road conditions from a land, or the East Fjords. When travelling in the interior it is also travel bureau, tourist information good advice to either carry addi- office or the Icelandic Road Adtional cans of fuel or else to nev- ministration (ICERA) er pass a garage without topping www.vegWagerdin.is/english/ up your tank, as petrol stations as often you will spend many hours driving and will see no other vehicles. But other vehicles there are, and they are not expecting stationary traffic or people to be parked up in the middle of a track, people have died while taking pictures from the middle of the road.

Iceland’s F-roads require a 4-wheeldrive to travel these roads can get very rough and require deep river crossings

Since 2015 wild camping is mostly prohibited in Iceland. Visitors are encouraged to camp in registered campsites. The Icelandic Camping Card is a smart card that gives two adults and up to four children access to around 40 campsites around Iceland. The Camping Card has been a huge success with tourists and Icelanders since it first came out in 2007.

If you are not camping in a campsite, and are not a camper who has hiked to your campsite with your ground tent on your back, then you need to get the written permission of the land owner on whose land you wish to camp. So to emphasise this point, if you are camping in a 4x4 vehicle with a rooftent or campervan, caravan, tent trailer or something similar, you must camp each night in a campsite no matter where you are in Iceland, unless you have the ‘written’ permission from the landowner.

As great as camping is, it is important also to be aware again, like for driving, of the predicted weath-

CAMPING Know the law, and respect nature

er. Even during the summer months there is the potential for high winds, heavy rain and flooding. Campfires are not permitted anywhere in Iceland unless a designated campsite has a pre exisiting facility to have one. In any case, trees, and therefore wood are a rarity in Iceland and firewood is not available in the country.

Most campsites will have drinking water, restrooms, waste facilities and showers, and some also have kitchens and laundry facilities.

Another option for accomodation while travelling is to stay in a Mountain Hut, which may be a better option on very cold nights or during

very poor weather conditions.

Ferðafélag Íslands, The Iceland Touring Association (FÍ) runs 40 mountain huts all around Iceland. The huts are usually in high demand and thus it is essential to book places in them beforehand.

When staying in an Icelandic hut, you have to bring your own sleeping bag as neither sleeping bags nor blankets are provided. The huts are warm, so the sleeping bag does not have to be of arctic quality. Most of the huts are open and manned with wardens during the summertime but closed during the winter months when the roads are closed.

n Mountai c i d n a l e An Ic

Hut

S G N I TH E E S O T

..

s n o i t s e g ug s e m o s Here are

Canyon r u f u j l g Fjadrar

S trokku

r at Ge ysir

There is so much to see in Iceland, and we advise you not to try to see to much in one trip unless you have sufficient time, and instead to plan another trip. Having said that here are some recommendations of things to see when visiting this amazing country. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in southeast Iceland, on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park.

Situated at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, it developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of melting of the glaciers. It is now 1.5 km away from the ocean’s edge and covers an area of about 18 km2 . In 2009 it was reported to be the deepest lake in Iceland, at over 248 m , as glacial retreat extended its boundaries. The size of the lake has increased fourfold since the 1970s. Fjadrargljufur canyon is a 2 km long canyon in the South-East Region of Iceland. The canyon is about 100 meters deep and through it runs a small freshwater stream. It is known to be one of the most picturesque places in Iceland and has appeared in movies and music videos.

Þingvellir National Park is an important location in Icelandic history as the oldest existing parliament in the world first assembled there in 930 AD. Þingvellir has designated it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within Þingvellir is Silfra, a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The rift was formed in 1789 by the earthquakes accompanying the divergent movement of the two tectonic plates. At Silfra it is possible to scuba dive or snorkel right where the two continents meet and drift apart about 2 cm per year. Silfra is the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel directly in a crack between two tectonic plates. Geysir is a geyser in southwestern Iceland. It was the first geyser described in a printed source and the first known to modern Europeans. The English word geyser (a periodically spouting hot spring) derives from Geysir.

It is mostly dormant today, however its ‘little brother’ Strokkur is nearby

Jö

lagoon r e i c a l g kulsárlón

NATUR beauty everywhere ..

and erupts every few minutes. It is actually Strokkur that you see in most of the photos of Geysir. Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in south-west Iceland.

The wide Hvítá river flows southward, and about a kilometre above the falls it turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step “staircase” and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 metres , and 21 metres) into a crevice 32 metres deep. The crevice, about 20 metres wide and 2.5 kilometres in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river.

RAL

the The most average difficult amount on the ofisland. water running Geko down Expeditions the waterfall is well is known 140 It cubic is the metres original(4,900 track crossing cu ft) per second to theinguards the summer of the Vatnajรถkull and 80 cubic in particular to rangthe metres country perfrom second eastintothe west winter. Park Askjaand is an active volcano situatand ed was in a created remote well part before of the central the ers highlands present of in Iceland. this region.

The They region know the year. expertise the Geko F910. is only Crossing accessible the island for a few along months of the Beingofsituated in the the northern rain shadow foot of to the the huge northeastguides of the Vatnajรถkull and know they glacier, can be the Vatnajรถkull area receives Glacier onlyhas about always 450 mmrelied of rainfall upon annually. to enforce The thearea rules openingto a track forasthe been wasconsidered used duringdifficult training and for the while Apolloreprogram prepare dangerous. tronauts for With thean lunar altitude missions. of Askja first time was of virtually the season unknown : Respect unthe original the track , over til the 1200m. tremendous It is usually eruption one which started onlayout Marchof 29, 1875. ofEspecially the last tracks in theto eastern open in fjords ofincluding Iceland, the when ashfall the latter was heavy is covered or obscured intephra snow. from And summer. enough There to poison are years the land when and kill livestock.

Ash, or it this remains eruption impassable was wind-blown , still to Norway, that it isSweden, forbidden Germany to make and a detour through an area of open covered Poland.in snow. The team at

When touring Iceland it is difficult to prevent yourself from continually pulling over to enjoy another amazing and unique vista

In Iceland the conservation of its delicate environment is of increasing concern. Iceland is one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in Europe and has many natural features that are unique. In recent years development pressures both from Tourism and also from energy production (geothermal and hydroelectric) have placed increasing pressure on wilderness areas. Iceland is famous for its natural beauty and unspoiled vistas and the country does encourage tourism and the exploration of its vast and mostly untouched interior.

However there are a number of important problems that it must combat. One of these is soil erosion, and the Icelandic government has been fighting this problem since 1907. e biospher e l i g a r f Iceland has also been a strong as a ance celand h s rugged appear I voice internationally in the fight ies it that bel

T N E M N O ENVIR re , u t a n t c e e p v s a e e l R d n a e be saf ce .. a r t o n

‘‘

‘‘

ICELAND IS OFTEN USED AS A FILM LOCATION TO REPRESENT ALIEN PLANETS

Iceland is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers against the pollution of the oceans. Icelandic waters are among the cleanest in the world.

Iceland has taken an active role in international fora on the issue of peristant organic pollutants.

From the point of view of visitors to Iceland and of our readers, one very important thing to note is that all off-road driving is illegal in Iceland. There are no exceptions to this rule. Camping in camper vans RVs or vehicles with Rooftents is only allowed on designated camping spots.

There is a zero tolerance policy on this law and if anyone sees you driving or camping illegally you will be forced to stop your travels and report to a police station and pay a large fine. Visitors to Iceland that have been caught off road driving have

WHEN EXPLORING THE HIGHLANDS IT IS ADVISED TO A LW AY S U S E AT LEAST TWO VEHICLES FOR SAFETY

sometimes also found themselves on the cover of the national Icelandic newspapers. Iceland is full of fantastic tracks, most of which are well marked with signs telling you what to expect ahead, and what kind of vehicle is needed to go further. If a track is not passable you should not drive outside the track in order to bypass an obstruction. Instead you should either wait for the obstruction to be removed or retrace your route and plan another route across approved and open tracks. Driving across the vast expanses of Iceland and across these mountain tracks is an amazing experience, and there is no need to travel outside of the marked tracks to enjoy the interior of Iceland.

U O Y E BEFOR ant rt .. o p GSOome ismto know g n i th

PASSPORT AND VISA REGULATIONS Iceland is an associate member of the Schengen Agreement, which exempts travellers from personal border controls between 26 EU countries.

For residents outside the Schengen area, a valid passport is required for at least three months beyond date of entry. For information on passport and visa requirements as well as the Schengen area regulations, visit the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

LANGUAGE Icelandic is the national language. English is spoken widely and Danish is the third language taught in schools in Iceland.

MEDICAL ATTENTION Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open during normal business hours. Only a few are open at night. Medical Care can be obtained by visiting a Health Care Centre, called “Heilsugæslustöð” in Icelandic, during opening hours.

For information, call +354-585-1300 or visit the website about Health Care.

Medical help: There is a medical centre or hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland. The emergency phone number (24 hours) in Iceland is 112.

Health insurance: Citizens of EEA countries must bring their EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card), otherwise they will be charged in full. Non-EEA citizens are not covered by the EEA regulations and will be charged in full.

ICELAND WEBISODE

OUT NOW

Well we finally got our first travel webisode finished, having had some old tapes sitting in the office we eventually dusted them off and used the footage in collaboration with Geko Expedition, Scott Bradley and Venture 4x4 to bring you our take on camping and exploring Iceland in a 4WD. If you are looking for a four-wheel drive experience unlike anywhere else in the world, that will both allow you to traverse across a land that resembles driving on another planet and experience a unique culture, put Iceland on your list. In this webisode we have a chat about what you might experience, things to see and general information on camping and touring in the land of fire and ice. We do hope that you find this useful should you be thinking about visiting. With a total area of 103,000 square kilometres, and a population of only 320,000 people, Iceland is the most sparsely populated Country in Europe and has so much to offer when it comes to getting off the beaten track. We plan on releasing some more travel webisodes over the next 12 months including a trip to the Southern Hemisphere and throughout Europe so do stay tuned. If you want to subscribe to our new you tube channel for notifications of new posts just click here.

EXPLORING ICELAND

NEWND

ICeEbLiAsode

w N O I S R E V FULL

With thanks to..

SCOTT BRADLEY

S

ometimes, it’s really cool to mix up your camping routine, particularly if you only camp with your 4WD. As much as we love camping with our 4WD vehicles, we left them behind recently and we took the tinny and swags up river to do a bit of river camping.

It’s such a great way to get up close with nature and of course squeeze in a bit of river fishing in while you’re at it. And, as great as river camping is, like any big trip it does require a fair bit of planning and caution when doing it, particularly when you are not used to or experienced in negotiating a river in a small boat. Water should always be treated with respect no matter how harmless it may look to the naked eye. Here’s a couple of tips that we think should help make your river camping experience a safe and enjoyable one.

power etc. Know your boat and your engine, if you are not used to using a small boat and an outboard engine, best advice is to take somebody along who does.

We certainly have learned the hard way over the years and have a story or two to tell around the campfire. An important question to ask, for example, is whether your engine is powerful enough to take your boat and gear up river against an incoming tide.

Pick your campsite in advance, if you don’t have local knowledge, study maps and make sure your campsite of choice is on ground that is higher than the river. If the river is tidal you could get into all sorts of problems if you underestimate the tides.

Tides

Tides simply are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun and the rotaFirst of all, safety is key, make tion of the Earth. We often think sure you are familiar with the rivthat tides are just relevant to er you are about to tackle, if you the seas but this is not the case are unsure, do your research and rivers are also tidal and it is imask locals for advice. You need portant to be well informed beto be familiar with tides and suitfore you do a river camping trip. able areas to camp before headWhen educating yourself on tides ing off. Also, be sure to wear life and tide times you will also need jackets and other safety equipto take into consideration the ment, e.g. Satellite GPS distress weather e.g. rainfall, wind etc. units, waterproof cases for your mobile phones, battery packs for

RESPECT THE

RIVER

River Currents

Currents should be respected in rivers and it’s important that your boat has a strong enough engine to beat the current. We have had incidents over the years where our onboard engine just was not strong enough to beat the head on current. One thing for sure is that if this is the me lunch on case you will not be going anyCooking up so where fast. Currents are caused by k the river ban the force of gravity, which makes the water flow downward, creating river currents. River currents are influenced by the volume or amount of water flowing in a river. A river’s steepness as it flows toward its destination can affect its currents. The steepness of a river is called its stream gradient.

Choosing your River Camp

It is very important that you have researched where you plan to camp along the river. First of all, you should make sure that you have permission to camp at your preferred spot. Secondly, you will need to ensure that the campsite is not affected by the tide. Last thing you want to experience after setting up your camp and getting

X A M O R T E P

o e d i v

ALWAYS CHECK THE TIDE TIMES

es in handy The Alubox com able as a camping t

The DAR CHE Du sk to Da on the s wn tretcher

setup is to find that the river is rising and encroaching on your camp. At that stage it might be getting dark and the last thing you want to do is be searching for another location. So make sure you always camp higher than the river when the tide is fully in. You want to get a good night’s sleep and not be worrying if the tide might take you down river in your swag in the middle of the night.

Dry Bags

Keeping your gear dry. Good drybags are essential in our view for any river trip, nothing worse than arriving at camp with your gear wet. Dry bags are not just great for keeping your gear and cameras etc dry but also, they keep your stuff clean. Also, should they fall overboard you can be confident that your gear will be protected. We have been taking the larger DARCHE Nero bags of late 60, 190 and 240. Made from 500D PVC they have fully waterproof seems that are ideal for carrying the swags and other gear. These are also perfect for throwing on the top of your 4WD and not having to worry about the elements etc.

Fire Pits

We always bring a portable fire pit on river fishing trips. Portable fire pits are great for cooking on and keeping you warm all year round. In keeping with the leave no trace principles you should take care when placing your fire pit on the ground, particularly in places where you are not allowed to e on the have an open fire including along rivAlways keep an ey er banks. Keeping this in mind, many tide times

RIVER CAMPING

of the new fire pits now on the market are designed to ensure that the ground underneath the fire pit is well protected.

When looking at purchasing a fire pit this should be considered but also storage of your fire pit should be an important factor, we have a small boat so flat packed is king. eat when r g s e st ta s y a Food alw rs cooked outdoo

Swags and Stretchers

We love sleeping in swags on stretchers and have become recent converts to this type of camping that has been very popular in Australia for years. Even though swags are bulky when placed in the small boat they are manageable and the reduction in the amount of space taken up with them on board is worth it given the great comfort they give when slept in on a stretcher by the side of the river. Some of the benefits experienced by us include being raised off the ground, this gives you easy access to your sleeping quarters but also it makes it a breeze to take off your shoes or get access to your clothes and items from your travel bag.

Comfort is also a big plus, with new swag designs like the DARCHE Dusk to Dawn and the Dirty Dee and with huge improvements in the materials now being used, they are a great way to camp along the river. And lastly, the improvements in design

NOT A FISH IN SIGHT BUT HEY...WHO CARES

of stretchers make these bigger stretchers more manageable when it comes to transportation and packing away. The cross-leg system allows you to open and close these stretchers very quickly.

All up-river camping in our opinion is also a great way to relax and enjoy the surrounding wildlife. That married with a bit of fishing and a few cold beers around your fire pit really does make for an excellent break away from it all.

.

Chilli

ng by the riv er

Lunch

The cleverly designed Petromax ATAGO can be used in combination with a Petromax Dutch Oven or a Griddle and Firebowl. All you have to do is place the cast iron pot/Dutch Oven into the Atago when the fuel source is hot enough to use.

The Petromax Dutch Ovens are made of durable cast-iron and have a pre-seasoned finish ready for immediate use.

With the Petromax Dutch Ovens one can prepare delicious and healthy food for family friends and the beauty about these is that they can be integrated with the Atago, giving you plenty of additional cooking options.

ith the w t s a o r a g Cookin tago Petromax A

CAMP

LIGHTS OVER VIEW

EVOLUTION HT G I L G N I P M A C OF THE

I

n recent years, we have all seen an explosion in the number of camping and touring accessories available on the market. Some of these products have evolved gradually while other products have made huge and very obvious improvements in a relatively short period of time. One of these categories of products is camp lights. Having a well-lit campsite after the sun goes down has huge benefits, particularly if you have a young family. We take the types of lights we use very seriously as we spend a lot of time on photo shoots and hours in the evening and nightime are spent uploading footage and working at our campsite.

We have seen huge changes in the last twenty years in the type of camp lights that are available on the market and this revolution has predominantly come down to improvements in the use of basic materials used in camplight products e.g. ABS bases for durability and silicone body for collapsible designs, solar power, USB charging, LED and battery (e.g. lithium) technologies.Many years ago, when we first got the camping bug, we started using the older gas powered lights before moving onto the battery operated lights, and we are now very happy to be using solar powered LED lights. Sure, the

choice r o f t l i ow spo g We are n omes to lightin c when it

gas lanterns and heavier battery operated camp lights did the job at the time but when we look back now, we can clearly see that they certainly had a number of disadvantages.

Some of these included the size of the units, their weight and the expense of keeping them powered by either using gas or expensive and bulky batteries, and of course how limited they were when it comes to the amount of light they projected.

When off the grid for extended periods, it’s very useful to have an independent source of light and power. Dual Battery systems are a great solution and are covered elsewhere in this issue, and while it is possible to charge dual battery systems using solar power, they are normally best charged while driving your vehicle. If you plan to stay in a location for several days (or weeks) then an alternative and reliable source of power and light can be very useful. Solar Lighting is a great option.

Using a solar panel to charge a power hub during the day, enables you to have a reliable source of light and power in the evenings on

o

The older range of camp wer mechao p s e p ty s u o i Var lights required large batteries available nisms are now

an ongoing basis. The advancement in Solar and LED technologies in camp lights has really been a game changer. You can now source a modern, compact and very durable solar powered light that is a fraction of the size of the older camp lights and that projects a lot more light. Also, solar power is one of the cleanest forms of energy on the market with sunlight being a natural renewable source of power, and of course it ‘s also environmentally friendly and free. From a safety perspective LED bulb technology does not get hot, unlike the older generation of camplights particularly the ones powered by gas, we now have much safer options that make the new lights safer to handle and use, particularly around children.

With all of these advancements we have never had as much choice when it comes to using, compact, portable, efficient and safer camping lights, but it’s like everything, you get what you pay for.Let’s have a closer look and a couple of products on the market

Darche Portable Lights

The DARCHE portable camping lights are a relatively new addition to the market, like all DARCHE products this is a very practical bit of camping gear, it’s compact, durable and made from high quality materials. One of the things that we love about this camp light is that you have the option to charge it during the day by facing the built-in solar panel towards the sun, but also the clever built in USB interface allows for the internal battery to be recharged from a vehicle, dual/portable power system, computer mains or any other power source. The battery life can be between 5hrs - 20hrs depending on the brightness mode being used.Before a camping trip we normally fully charge these lights using the USB option and then while camping we let the solar

PORTABLE

LIGHTS

so be l a n a c s ht portsT B These lig S U e sing th u d e g r a ch

The pract ical folda ble carabinee rT

THE BATTERY LIFE CAN BE BETWEEN 5-20 HOURS DEPENDING ON THE BRIGHTNESS MODE panels do their job and keep the lights topped up during the day. Other interesting features include the dual light modes, having the option to reduce the amount of light is a great idea for illuminating internal sleeping areas, this also reduces shadows visible from the outside of your tent. When outside you can change to the bright-light mode which is perfect for lighting up your campsite, preparing your night time camp feast or reading your favourite book, while sitting around your fire pit. The light modes incorporate bright white, warm white and warm white low giving you plenty of options.

The portable nature of these lights with no permanent leads attached, means that you can carry them with you should nature call in the middle of the night or should you want to look for something in the back of your vehicle before you hit the sack.

These lights are small in size which allows them to be used as a hand held torch.

Another simple but very practical feature includes the foldable carabineer which allows you to easily hang your light in your preferred location, e.g. under your awning, in your swag, to one of the loops in your roof top, under the bonnet of your vehicle should you have an unexpected breakdown, or simply attach it to a branch on a tree should you need to go to the loo in the wild in the middle of the night. Constructed with an ABS base also known as

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene which is a durable thermoplastic that is very popular in the injection moulding industry, they are rugged and perfect for camping.

These lights also have a silicon body which gives a collapsible design allowing them to be easily stored when not in use. Like all DARCHE products if looked after, these lights will stand the test of time.

These ligh ts have a solar panel bui lt into th e Light

gives a y d o b n o The silic le design b i s p a l l clever co

Features & Specifications

Expanded: 108mm H x 87mm W Compact: 57mm H x 87mm W USB charging cable Dual light modes - bright white, warm white, warm white low Battery Life - 5hrs - 20hrs Composition: ABS base and silicone body

NEWeo

vid

ves out i g ff u P r The Sola light of y t n e l p

SOLAR PUFF LIGHTS SPECIFICATIONS

– – – –

Compact shape 210x105x15mm folded No batteries Charges with sunlight in 8 hours When fully charged up to 12 hours of light

Solar Puff Light (DRIFTA)

Here’s a product that looks more like a piece of artwork than a camping light and certainly will prompt a conversation about its unique design around the campfire. The SolarPuff is a solar-powered self-inflating lantern that is durable, flexible, waterproof and can even float. Made from a hybrid PET sailcloth, it claims to be the lightest solar lantern on the market. The oriental design is inspired by origami, the Japanese art form. This award-winning solar light now available through the DRIFTA European website www.drifta.eu is engineered with an origami inspired, self-inflating design and a clean light in 3 colours: bright white, warm and multicolour. Made from eco-friendly, recyclable PET sailcloth, the SolarPuff™ is lightweight, collapsible, waterproof and durable, even in extreme weather.

Made with the latest eco-friendly, fabric and material technologyUtilizing the latest in recyclable, biodegradable fabric and material technology, this product is engineered to be lighter for ease of travel and to be stronger and more durable to withstand the most extreme weather conditions.

RECHARGEABLE SOLAR LANTERN: Battery life up to 12 hours with a 12-hour charging time. Ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, emergency kits, backyard decoration, pool lighting, survival gear and more–These lights are made by SOLAR PUFF in Japan.

SOLAR HUB LIGHTING

SolarHub 64 from Solar Technology International Another interesting product includes the SolarHub 64 from Solar Technology International, this is a complete lighting and power kit in a box. These Solar Hub lighting kits provide easy to fit lighting and power for a variety of locations. Solar Technology kits are used in stables workshops, sheds, garages –anywhere there is no grid connection. These kits are also ideal for pro-

g Kit

ightin L b u H r The Sola

The Bonlux S trip Light ing

no grid connection. These kits are also ideal for providing power or light when touring off the grid. The kit contains a high efficiency Solar panel, an advanced lithium battery hub and 4 x super bright 300 lumen led Strips (bulbs are also available as an option) the SolarHub 64 kit provides enough light to illuminate an area of 8m x 8m (64m2) The system is also expandable, allowing for additional solar panels and led strips or bulbs to be added into the hub setup. The SolarHubs solar panel can collect enough energy during the course of the day (even in cloudy climes) to power its lights for between 2 and 7 hours every day of the year (2 hours in the winter – 7 hours for the rest for the year based on the 3w LED bulb).

In addition to powering the included LED strips, the Hubi Hib can also be used to power a wide variety of electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets, Laptops, tyre inflators, portable showers and more. For more information click here.

Bonlux Strip Lighting

We also use the Bonlux 12V LED strip light when camping and it has certainly done the job, the main downside is that you need to have a power source, e.g. dual battery system to operate it without worrying about it draining your main battery. The benefits of LED strip lighting are that it’s easy to install and the power output compared to weight is pretty good.

introducing the

TRIPOD

LASHING from

D

utch Ovens and tripods have been used for hundreds of years, both by pioneers exploring new lands and were also found hanging over open fires in homes where bread, and hearty meals were cooked for the entire family. The Petromax Dutch Ovens are ideal companions for outdoor activities such as travel, camping etc.

Perfect for cooking over an open fire and in the home kitchen, they allow cooking food such as vegetables and meat very gently in its own juice. A very popular option used when cooking with a Dutch Oven includes using a tripod .

When we talk about campfire tripods we normally refer to a three legged stand which is placed over your open fire using

a chain with a hook that is used to hold your Dutch Oven in place, these chains are adjustable allowing you to lower or higher your Camp Oven depending on the heat from the fire and what you are cooking. The Tripods on the market today are normally made from steel and can be a bit bulky to carry. If you are looking for a lighter option well check out this very clever alternative from The German based camp cooking gurus Petromax.

With this very clever Tripod accessory simply called the Tripod Lashing, all you now need to build a tripod is adjusted branches that will fit into the openings of the stainless-steel disc, all you then need to do is lock them by twisting slightly and hey presto!. The hooks and steel chain provided are used for hanging cookware such as a Dutch Oven or a coffee pot, teakettle or a Billy. The distance to the fire can be individually adjusted via the length of the chain.

Weighing 450 g the Tripod Lashing can also be used for building a shelter or a tipi, what a cracking yet very simple idea for more information click here.

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Riverng i p m a C

Fire Bowl

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LITHIUM

BATTERIES z z u b e h t s ’ t a h w

Image Aleksandar Veljkovic

F

or many of us one of the most useful modifications we can make to our off road vehicles is the fitting of a dual battery system to enable us to run two batteries and have the ability to stay ‘off grid’ for longer whilst using fridge freezers and lighting systems etc. Up to now most of us have made use of a traditional lead-acid Leisure battery, alongside our vehicles existing battery to run such extra pieces of kit, but these old tech batteries are not only really heavy, can be messy if knocked over giving off toxic fumes and after a few years or a few hundred charging cycles lose their ability to hold charge and then need to be replaced.

Fortunately newer technology, (although actually around in their first incarnation since the 1980’s) there are more Lithium batteries coming on to the market, or to be more precise Lithium Phosphate batteries or LiFePO4 as they’re commonly known. And it’s not difficult to see why these would be a much more popular choice when you look more closely at the comparisons between the two technologies.

With the LiFePO4 batteries:You get thousands of charging cycles compared to a few hundred with the lead-acid variety.Their rate of self-discharge is very low meaning they can be left unattended for several months. There’s no

THE CTEK DC-DC NEW CHARGING SOLUTION NOW WORKS WITH LITHIUM BATTERIES

CTEK dual r e v e l c w e The n ow also n m e t s y s y batter Lithium works with

Image Aleksandar Veljkovic

maintenance required.They are on average 50% lighter than their old equivalents and their shape and size means they can often be fitted into small spaces where the lead-acid battery would not fit.

Have a much higher charging rate so are faster charging and can be charged quickly from the vehicle’s engine (see below).

Voltage remains constant for much longer during discharge (eg. no chance of the TV picture suddenly disappearing on you whilst frustratingly still being able to hear the sound)Can be discharged approximately 95% without damaging the battery AND can be discharged quickly without

damaging the cells and so are ideal for use with inverters Also, one common myth worth dispelling at this point is around the tales of ‘Lithium batteries’ having a tendency to catch fire without warning. Perhaps true for some early incarnations of this technology however the LiFePO4 batteries that we’re talking about here are completely safe in normal use.

The only possible downside to this Lithium technology is the initial cost outlay which is considerably more expensive than their old tech lead-acid cousins, however with Lithium technoloSMARTPASS 120S

120A DC/DC POWER MANAGEMENT SOLUTION

are now s e i r e tt a b Lithium ar option l u p o p a g becomin

Lithium batteries are expensive b ut do pack a se rious pun ch

THE CTEK DC-DC

POWER ANYWHERE

gy never needing to use mains hook up and with the capability of thousands of charge and discharge cycles over the long term for many the cost will be more than recovered over the lifetime of the unit. So if, like a growing number of us, you decide to take the plunge and invest in a LiFePO4 battery enabling you to do away with the need for hook-up and stay off-grid for longer whilst still being able to enjoy home comforts such as a fridge/freezer, lighting etc. then the other key thing to consider is which dual battery charging system to fit. And when it comes to battery charging and management systems then you need look no further than CTEK. Their brand new D250SE 20 Amp Battery Charger is an exceptional piece of kit that is optimized for AGM and Lithium batteries and delivers a 5 step charge that will condition and maintain your battery.

This market leading system can also be connected directly to solar panels and has a built in regulator and Maximum Power Point Tracker to ensure that maximum power is generated from the solar panel. For the ultimate set up combine this with the CTEK Smartpass 120S. This on-board power management system distributes, controls and maximises available energy from your alternator to power service batteries and consumers and has the ability to distribute up to 350A cranking power from the service battery if the starter battery alone can’t start the engine, so you can head off to those magical off the beaten track places we love to get to without any worries.

O E D I V W E N

2 N E G E S P I L C E 0 8 1 E RCH

DA

G N I N W A ick here cl

2 1 3

1. The high quality velcro straps release the awning quickly 2. The NEW Aluminum hinge system. 3.

Designed as a freestanding unit for easy setup and pack down only.

(The Darche Eclipse awning canvas is rated UPF 50+, the highest achievable rating possible).

LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS .. e g d e l w o n k l u f gain use

The team at Euro4x4parts have put all of their knowledge and energy into the company. They love to share this knowledge with the world, and the team there is constantly striving to improve its staff’s skills, the scope of the range of the company’s products and product availability. The team gets great satisfaction in searching for hard-to-find parts and creating kits to make the lives of its clients easier. Part of this commitment also includes constantly working to improve the quality of information on the company’s website. One such excellent source of both product and mechanical information, but also of

news and events is the Euro4x4parts webzine. Packed with very useful mechanical related information that makes complex issues easily understood .

One of their recent articles included an article about brakes.

You’ve probably heard or or read about drilled and slotted brake discs, or “performance” pads or reinforced brake hoses. You’ve seen these terms so many times, you probably don’t pay much attention to them. But do you know exactly what these mean in terms of brake performance? Well wait no longer to find out and check out the Euro4x4parts Webzine.

Similarly if you start to have some issues with your vehicle, and need some help diagnosing the problem, these articles can be very helpful. It is not just knowledge that Euro4x4parts are providing online of course, and if you are a little bit mechanically minded you can purchase high quality parts and kits via the same Euro4x4parts website. This could potentially save you hundreds of euro over the cost of sourcing parts through main dealers. Euro4x4parts is a one stop shop where you can purchase all your 4WD mechanical parts,be it gearbox mounting kits, overhaul kits, filters, bearings or shafts the list is endless and the team there pride themselves on continually

finding and adding new quality products to the product catalogue. In addition to articles about parts, and guides to vehicle maintenance , there are also many detailed articles about the amazing travels and adventures of various Euro4x4parts customers. The webzine also provides information about upcoming 4x4 events and 4x4 races. The website contains information on over 80,000 products, which can be shipped internationally, you can also order a variety of well thought out kits and the company can also search out hard to find parts for your vehicle and give you mechanical advice on your vehicle and parts

supplying

80,000 PARTS, SPARES & ACCESSORIES

FOR 99% OF 4WD VEHICLES IN EUROPE

image : Euro4x4parts/Geko Expeditions

n o i t a n i t s e D

NORD

NORGE rway No

L

iving in the British Isles, Ireland and mainland Europe we often take for granted the variety of countries that we can reach in our 4WDs in a matter of days. With the appeal of overlanding throughout Europe getting more and more popular, we love hearing about individuals and groups who embark on adventures that are often just a ferry ride away. One of these adventures includes a trip with Compass Adventures in search of the Northern Lights in the spectacular north of Norway.

As a country, Norway has so much to offer when it comes to diverse landscapes. Located between latitudes 57° and 81° N, and longitudes 4° and 32° E. Much of the country is dominated by mountainous terrain, with a great variety of natural features caused by glaciers during the last ice age. The most noticeable of these are the fjords; deep grooves cut into the land flooded by the sea following the end of the Ice Age. The west coast of southern Norway and the coast of northern Norway present some of the most visually impressive coastal sceneries in the world with National Geographic naming the Norwegian fjords as the world’s top tourist attraction. With the Northern Lights visible in the North of the country there is plenty to see here.

You must fo llow the sn ow plough by l aw

IN SEARCH OF THE

NORTHERNs light

more Ice d n a e Ic e Ic

Sucessfully rea ching the North of Norw ay

It can get dow n to a cool -3 0

ns on the w o d k a e r b two One of the es please k jo r e v o R nd trip, no La

Resting after another long days driv ing

Climate:

The southern and western parts of Norway are fully exposed to the Atlantic and as a result experience more precipitation but have milder winters in comparison to the eastern and far northern parts of the country. Because of Norway’s high latitude, you will experience long days. From late May to late July, the sun never completely descends beneath the horizon in areas north of the Arctic Circle (hence Norway’s description as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”).

Animals:

The largest predator in Norwegian waters is the sperm whale and the largest fish is the basking shark. The largest predator further north, on land is the polar bear but also brown bears live on the Norwegian mainland. The largest land animal on the mainland is the elk, similar to the Moose found in North America.

Wild Camping in Norway

Norway has excellent laws when it comes to wild camping, having one of the most liberal public-access laws in Europe, allowing you to wild camp without any worries for a couple of days on uncultivated land. Wild camping in Norway is enshrined in the Allemannsretten which is basically every man or woman’s right of public access.

rth Heading No

The ax e facto ry in S wede

n

CULTURE

With all of these positive things going for it, what is it really like to tour, camp and explore in your 4WD in Norway during the winter months?

Exploring with Compass Adventures

We recently caught up with Rob Seaborn from Compass Adventures who had just returned from a trip to Nordkapp in a convoy of eight vehicles, all in search of a glimpse of the Northern lights. Compass Adventures are based in South Yorkshire in the UK and have gained a very positive reputation as a touring company which takes clients to iconic places in Europe and around the UK. But it’s their annual trip to the Nordkapp in the North of Norway to chase down the spectacular Aurora Borealis “ Northern Lights” that’s definitely one of their highlights.

Rob, a seasoned tourer who has tackled some of the world’s most challenging tracks in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere told us that he ran his first Arctic Norway trip back in 2008 and has returned every year since, leading enthusiastic groups who are willing to take on this challenge

From the UK it ’s a

7,200 KM ROUND TRIP hts are an g i L n r e h rt The No ectacle p s g n i z a m a

A trip of a life tim e

of a lifetime. After tackling this trip over ten times, Compass Adventures have gained expert knowledge on cold weather exploration and Arctic camping which helps when exploring this part of the world in extreme conditions. The journey from the UK covers approximately 4,500 miles or 7,200 km which takes in some spectacular scenery along the way. The route to Norway incorporates travelling to Denmark, Holland, Germany, Sweden and then on to Norway.

On this recent trip, Rob once again would be taking the lead in his reliable 2005 Land Cruiser, Troopy. A total of eight vehicles would be making this annual journey and that included two Puma Defenders, a Hylux, a couple of Land Rover Discos and a 4x4 Mercedes Military converted ambulance.

This trip takes seventeen days in total with some long days of driving. Prior to departure Rob insists that all the vehicles are well equipped for the journey. For a start good winter tyres are required and a recommended modification prior to departure is the installation of an engine preheater such as Webatso. It’s important to note that the temperatures can drop to -30, so all vehicles should also carry snow chains amongst other things. Rob said ‘’that due to the nature of the environment and the extreme cold, your winter driving skills will be put to the test on this adventure, for sure’’. So, if you do not like winter driving this expedition is not for you. The accommodation en route is a mixture of motels, log cabins

s a mixture i n o i t a d o Accomm amping c d n a s n i b of hotels, ca

Another d ay done

The world famous Ic e Hotel

and well d e v o l h c u Robs m roopy travelled T

and camping for those hardcore adventurers. It’s also important to note that when you get to Nordkapp in December and January you will pretty much have twenty four hours of darkness, on the plus side the experience of seeing the Northern Lights is well worth the lack of sunshine.

Rob told us that all of the vehicles on this recent trip made it there and back safely in what was another epic journey - despite two of the Land Rovers breaking down along the way.

One of the breakdowns was sorted by a very helpful Finnish mechanic who pretty much opened up his workshop in the middle of the night to accommodate the guys and thankfully diagnosed it was nothing too serious.

Rob told us that this trip incorporates visiting and experiencing different cultures along the way. Other sample activities include staying at the world

famous Ice Hotel, visiting an amazing hand made axe factory in Sweden, crossing the Øresund Bridge which is the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe, experiencing some incredible winter scenery and to top it off a glimpse of the Northern Lights which has to be one of the highlights of the trip.

The Aurora Zone The Aurora (Northern Lights) are most frequently visible in Northern Scandinavia in a band that stretches between 66°N and 69°N, which is simply called the Aurora Zone. The Aurora is a fascinating natural lightshow that originates some 150,000.000 kms away or (93,000,000 miles) on the surface of the sun. This phenomenon that begins on the sun is caused by an explosion of electromagnetic matter called a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME).

This Coronal Mass Ejection sends a stream of electronically charged solar particles known

as Solar Wind into space and these particles when they comclose to Earth create the mesmerizing Northern Lights. It is interesting to note that you can also see the Northern Lights in Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

Summary Having spoken to Rob a couple of times, you can quickly sense his passion for ensuring that his clients experience a trip of a lifetime, and that coupled with his 4WD winter touring experience, Compass Adventures certainly tick all the boxes when it comes to leading a 4WD adventure. So, if one of the things on your bucket list is to explore Norway in your 4WD and see the Northern Lights in their full glory you can contact Rob and his team for more details on this epic adventure. For more information click here

Convoy Driving

The road to Nordkapp is open to traffic throughout the year, but in winter it is operated by convoy driving. Basically, what this means is that all vehicles have to join a convoy to reach Nordkapp. Meeting point for the convoy is by the SkarsvĂĽg junction, 13 km from Nordkapp.

In a convoy normally the snow plough drives in front of a convoy of cars. The Driver of the plough is in charge of the convoy and may refuse vehicles to follow if they are not properly equipped for the tour. The general rule is that there should be no more people in the convoy than what the rescuers can save.

EXPLORE

improve y l e t a n fi e d You will g skills on n i v i r d r e t your win this trip.

despite a couple of breakdow ns all veh icles returned safely

WINTER CLOTHING

It is important to dress properly in winter in Norway. To make your stay at Nordkapp as comfortable as possible, it is recommend that you dress for the conditions. Bring warm and comfortable clothing.

The use of wool or similar quality is recommended. Wear several layers of clothing to easily regulate the temperature by removing or adding layers. It is recommended that outerwear is lined and windproof. If you intend to stay outside for extended periods of time, the following are also recommended: Winter shoes, gloves or mittens, hats, winter jacket and trousers that are windproof, woollen socks, long underwear and a thick sweater, preferably of wool or similar quality

e r o m r o f e r e h click n o i t a m r info

SHOW

11th-14th

JUNE 2020

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

2020

TICKETS

The Abenteuer & Allrad show might still be a couple of months away but, the team in Germany are busy working on putting together what will no doubt be another amazing show.

So, if you have not yet attended one of the world’s best Camping and 4WD shows, be sure to put the event which runs from 11th to the 14th of June 2020, into your diary.

For many people this is an annual event with many travellers visiting this show ever since it started over twenty one years ago. Many return visitors choose to stay in the designated shows now famous campground that is located just outside Bad Kissingen and is a show all in itself. You can now get your tickets in advance on the Abenteuer & Allrad website

e r o m r o f e r e h click n o i t a m r info

D

rybags are a great solution for protecting your gear from getting wet and dirty on camping trips. Traditionally most dry bags manufactured were small in size and not really suitable for throwing on your roof rack or big enough to carry larger camping related items .

Most dry bags on the market cater for kayakers canoeists, rafting and other water related activities where they use the smaller drybags to store clothes, food, equipment etc and with the sealed designs and materials used they prevent your

gear from getting wet when out in the water. Drybags are also great for keeping out moisture and dust and are now being looked at more closely by campers and tourers as an option to carry gear on your roof rack and not worry about it getting wet.

DARCHE have clearly seen a need in the market to cater for campers and tourers and have once again come up with some high quality and very practical solutions with the Nero range of dry bags.

These eye catching dry bags are large enough to even put a swag, camping chairs and larger camping items into.

KEEP YOUR gear clean & dry

gear dry with r u o y ll a p e e K ry bags the DARCHE d

The Nero bags are all-weather, water resistant roll top gear bags with hook and loop closure and available in 3 models.

They include the Nero 60, Nero 190 and the super big Nero 240.

The smaller Nero 60 is suitable for your personal gear while the Nero 190 are big enough to carry much larger items in-

cluding the DARCHE 1100mm and the double 1400mm wide swags. These bags will protect your gear from water, dust and mud.They are made from waterproof 500D PVC with a fully HF welded waterproof seams, they also have multiple padded side and carry handles. They also have compression straps with D Rings to allow for easy transport.

the range of NERO bags include the 60L,190L & the 240L

Plenty of space to fit your swag

Watertight velcro seams

e r o m r o f e r e h k c cli n o i t a inform High quality compression straps with D rings

E H C R DA -180

Gen 2ing & Awn ls Wal

E H C R A D s g a Sw

E H C R DA its Firep

VIDEOS e r u t n e v d A r o Built f

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Panorop Tent Rooft Set Up

CUSTOMISE your

ALUBOX

A

lubox continues to innovate when it comes to designing, building and now customising some of the best adventure and touring boxes on the market. In a previous issue of the magazine, we mentioned a new service on offer where you can now create your own custom made Alubox. So how does it all work? Alubox has partnered with Vorova whose software allows you to create your custom made Alubox online. With the software you can choose from a variety of colours and add your company colours and logo giving you a unique Alubox with your branding and will be guaranteed to be one of a kind. We loved the idea and have recently received our custom designed Aubox and we love it.

The process is fairly straightforward, you just need to visit www.alubox.com

Follow the online design features on the Alubox website

After you submit your design online it will arrive in one week approximately

Clean your Alubox well before applying your transfer/decal

Line up your transfer with obvious guiding points on your Alubox

Remove your transfer from the package and stick to your Alubox

Use a cloth to run in the transfer/decal , take your time with this process

and follow the instructions, after you use the software and are happy with your designed box all you then need to do is submit your order, the decals/ transfers will be delivered by post anywhere in the world and that’s it. After we designed one of our boxes we received our customised decal/transfer within seven days. Ours arrived in a large cardboard envelope which prevents the transfer from bending. Before you apply the decal/transfer to your Alubox, make sure it is clean and that no dust or dirt is on your box as this could affect how well it transfers/sticks to your Alubox.

we recommended to get some help when doing this. When you peel off the neatly cut to size decals, just align with the obvious features on your Alubox. Then slowly stick it down and make sure you use a cloth to rub it in as you go, this makes sure that you get rid of any air bubbles and that you achieve a clean finish. It will not be long before you see your custom made Alubox come

You need to take your time when adding the decal,in fact

NEWeo

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3 GENERATIONS

alive. You can always peel off the transfers a a later stage should you want your old Alubox back the way it was.

Alu-box now offer a huge variety of storage boxes that cater for the expedition, military, industrial, emergency services, transportation and now also widely used amongst the Camping and 4WD touring communities all over the world. Alu-Box Pro Aluminum Storage Cases have:

• Spring loaded insulated handles.

• High quality piano hinges • Quality fasteners ready for locks and security seals • Easy to grip handles • All internal seams are sealed with silicone and rubber gasket giving them an IP54 rating (dust and water resistant).

• The stacking devices are of a very high quality

PROTECT YOUR 4WD

S

adly the trend in vehicle theft in many countries doesn’t look to be decreasing anytime soon, and worse still, high amongst the most desirable vehicles for the highly organised gangs that steal many of these vehicles to order and then ship them abroad, are Land Rover Defenders and other kitted out 4x4 vehicles that we use and love.

The Defender is particularly vulnerable ironically due to the very reason most of us love it. With its major appeal being its iconic looks that date back several decades means that unfortunately the basic security on the vehicle is equally dated, and unless you take extra measures to protect your vehicle it’ll be a sitting duck

for any ‘stinkin’ car thief’ (nice 80’s lyric reference there – can you name the tune?).

So what can you do to stop your vehicle being the next one to be taking an unwanted trip abroad without you at the wheel?

At the most extreme, but one that seems to becoming increasingly popular in areas with ongoing theft problems is driveway security, where a post is fitted into your driveway that’s simply pulled up out of the ground and locked in place blocking the pathway of the vehicle to ground. Although effective and a great visual deterrent when your vehicle’s at home, it’s of no use when away from your property.

Other in-vehicle visual deterrents that are worth looking into are a decent steering wheel lock and a pedal lock system. Simple and fairly quick to apply these are a decent visual deterrent and an added inconvenience to the thief which if determined may not stop them but will slow them down.

However the one tool that almost guarantees you keeping hold of your vehicle, or at least getting it back should it be taken is a tracker/immobiliser unit. And studies back this up with a recent study done by the UK Government into car theft showing that the addi-

e h t n o e r k e c i cl ideo h v

EXCLUSIVE 10% DISCOUNT.

DEFENDER DEFEND

DER

tion of an electronic immobiliser is the greatest influencer in reducing the chances of theft by anything between 25% - 50%.

Not only does fitting a tracker to your vehicle greatly increase your chances of getting it back should you be unlucky for it to be taken in the first place, there’s the added benefit that many insurance companies will lower your premium if fitted with a tracker, and lower it even further if fitted in combination with an immobiliser too.

One such product that not only provides both features as well as several other really useful features is the competitively priced product from DefenderDefender. Based in Gloucester in the UK but shipping to countries across Europe and beyond, this great piece of kit is easy and inexpensive to fit (taking around 30 mins for anyone proficient in vehicle electrics or your by local friendly mechanic).

We fitted the unit to one of our Turas vehicles several months ago to test it out and have been really impressed with the results. As with many other products on the market it enables you to Geo Fence your vehicle once it’s parked. Should the vehicle move outside of this area, either under its own power or being towed or trailered away you’ll be alerting via both the mobile App as well as with a phone call to your chosen number if set up to do so. If it is moving the real time tracking feed enables you to track the vehicle with incredible accuracy with its position updated every 10 seconds. However this is just the start of the DefenderDefender’s weaponry.

The simple to use App on your phone controls the device and shows you exactly where the vehicle is positioned as well as whether it is switched off, idling or actually running.

Another feature we really like is the vibration alert. Set up to a sensitivity level of your choice you’re again alerted if the vehicle is being tampered with. With many of us having extra kit attached to our vehicles such as roof top tents this is a great security feature to help protect these elements over and above the vehicle itself.

nies owner, Dan Knight, who explained that to date, 1% of all fitted units have been triggered by an attempted theft, however not one of these has been lost and every vehicle recovered – comfort indeed.

The peace of mind afforded us since fitting this great system has been worth the investment alone, with further comfort given to me after speaking to the compa-

Away from the fear of theft the system also lets you track every journey you’ve made that can be recalled through the App’s history to give you a mapped version of

We use ours combined with a high quality steering wheel lock to visually deter any would be thief from choosing to have a go at our vehicle, safe in the knowledge In the unlikely event thieves do that should they get in, by the manage to gain entry and start time they’ve got past the steering to drive your vehicle away the lock the vibration alert will have engine kill feature gives you ultimate piece of mind enabling you already triggered and called our to simply press a single button on phone and we’ll have activated your phone App that instantly cuts the ignition kill to stop it going anywhere and stop our vehicle the electrics in the vehicle and becoming the next statistic. brings it to a halt.

EXCLUSIVE 10% DISCOUNT. Simply Quote

TURAS20

when you place an order to take advantage of this great offer r o f e r e click h n o i t a m or f n i e r o m

PROTECT YOUR

PRIDE & JOY

% 10 t n u o c s di

exactly where your vehicle has been – a lovely little feature to play back your more adventurous off-road adventures to see exactly where you went and the terrain covered.And don’t let the brand name make you non Land Rover Defender owners feel left out because this product can just as easily be fitted to any number of other vehicles enabling you too to enjoy the ultimate level of protection.

Don’t just take our word for it, go take a look yourself at www.defenderdefender.co.uk today and order yourself one before you regret not having done so. And there’s never been a better time to do so because until 30.4.20 we’re delighted to say as a reader of TURAS magazine you can benefit from an EXCLUSIVE 10% DISCOUNT. Simply quote ‘TURAS20’ when you place an order to take advantage of this great offer – you can thank us later!

‘‘a good storage solution is one of the most important things to consider before setting out on an extended journey ’’.

P

hillip Bond, Managing Director of APB Trading Ltd. a renowned UK vehicle outfitting , service and repair company and supplier of expedition equipment is an avowed fan of South African made expedition equipment. One such brand is Bushtech, whose Aluminium canopies are known for their ruggedness and strength. Designed and manufactured in South Africa , the canopies are built to take on Africa’s harsh and rugged landscape which is some of the world’s toughest terrain. Canopies are a great option for keeping all your gear organised and protected when on the road. And can really make the experience of setting up and taking down your campsite every day a lot more pleasant and much faster. The Bushtech canopies come with door sealing rubbers placed on doors to reduce damage when loading and offloading through the doors. The attractive canopies have a distinctive design and finish that looks great with no exposed welding on the frame, complementing your vehicle’s own finish. The canopies are tough, and are load tested up to 2500KG. The well thought out design for the canopies includes 2 roof rails on the top , allowing you to mount roof racks, cross bars or roof tents. The reinforced frame profile comes with a standard 10-year warranty.Custom internal reinforced slotted roof bars come standard with all aluminium canopies allowing the user to easily attach standard M8 bolts and eye hooks.

An unique subframe profile also allows the mounting of false

BUSHTECH

AN EXTREMELY MODULAR SYSTEM

floors and sliders.The canopies have custom suspension base rubber to accommodate chassis flex and heavy roof loads and also have pre laser cut holes to run wiring for lights or accessories meaning that no drilling or gluing necessary to add these accessories. Specialised door bracings are mounted to the locks and shocks reducing door flex, dust ingress and providing added security. The canopies also have an pressure equaliser vent to neutralise pressure in the load box. The continuous hinges are dustproof and waterproof. The canopies have front and rear windows, And have two high quality gas struts per door. The canopies can be ordered according to your personal preference and are available in a tread plate or smooth plate finish. All Bushtech aluminium canopies come standard with a 10-year frame warranty that is upheld for the full 10 years of the canopy and is not void if the canopy changes hands. Phillip says that the demand for Bushtech Canopies

in 2019 and new orders for 2020 has never been higher. Bushtech Aluminium Canopies fit all major pickups including: Toyota Hilux, Toyota Landcruiser, Ford Ranger, Mazda, VW Amarok, , Nissan Navara ,Nissan Hardbody , Isuzu , Landrover , Mitsubishi Triton and

Fiat fullback. To learn more about these rugged canopies or to see one fitted to a vehicle you can pop over to the APB Trading Ltd. depot and shop at Hartlebury and meet Phill and his team, or else or visit the APB Trading Ltd. online webstore where you can find

more information and pricing on Bushtech Aluminium Canopies in addition to a wide range of expedition and camping equipment and vehicle accessories, and can also have your vehicle serviced or repaired if required.

RUGGED & SPACIOUS

Why choose an aluminium canopy over a stainless steel or mild steel canopy?

Aluminium is around 30% lighter than stainless steel or mild steel and much more flexible, allowing us to manufacture a canopy that is lighter and stronger. Aluminium is also more resistant to corrosion compared to other materials. Bushtech canopies have been tested to carry over 2500kg. This is critical as weight on the roof is aggravated over bad road conditions. The specially designed frame has been developed to carry load such as roof top tents and fully loaded roof racks.

r o f e r e on i t a click h m r fo n i e r mo

A VIBRANT AND QUALITY BRAND

O

ffroad Monkeys is a young business based in Bavaria, Germany.

The company has stated that its mission is to make an already great vehicle, the Land Rover Defender, even greater.

ALL OFFROA MONKEYS PRO This is through the manufacturing of a range of extremely high quality AND COMPON parts and accessories for these venerable vehicles. The Offroad MonARE MADE keys products are manufactured using high quality milled aircraft GERMANY grade aluminium. And, as a small an agile business, the company can also produce custom parts for its customers. Current products from the company include Door Hinges, Window Blocks, Rear Door Hinges, Window Blocks with LEDs, Bonnet Hinges, Sliding Window covers, Adjustable Mirror , Fuel Caps, Spacers for raising Chassis, Hardened brake pistons and more. Having very quickly built a strong reputation for reliable high quality products, the Offroad Monkeys brand has become synonymous with quality to the extent that the company now also has

AD ODUCTS NENTS IN Y

nkeys o M d a o The Offr encom o t n w o r has g style p e f i l of e a rang

www.offroad-monkeys.de

s brand mpass s product

a range of branded accessories available including a very cool branded Petroleum lamp and a range of T-Shirts. Take a look at the Offroad Monkeys website to find out more details on quality products such as the Door Hinges which replace the original Defender hinges which have quite a few problems. Rust tends to build up and leaks down on the door in a rather ugly manner. Humidity can get into the car. Experienced Landy drivers know that problem well. Offroad Monkeys has a solution for that problem. Its door hinges made from high strength aluminum are built for eternity. Or check out the Window Blocks with LED lights- seeing and being seen is a must for all off-roaders.

With Offroad Monkey’s new window blocks, 2 powerful low beam headlights with 2 power LEDs (each 8 watts) can be mounted. The cables are laid invisibly into the interior without having to drill additional holes. Upgrade your mirror arms with optimally tuned, adjustable mirror arms made of high-strength aluminum, which are available in 2 lengths. A clever folding mechanism with hardened grid holds the mirror firmly in the direction

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of travel, even at high speeds without wobbling or folding. For narrow passages the mirror can be folded close to the vehicle and you still have good visibility in the rearview mirror. The arms are available in original length and in 100mm longer version. The long version is ideal for driving with a trailer or box body. The Offroad Monkeys bonnet hinges look great and are the perfect match to their door hinges. Precisely manufactured, stable and long-lasting. They also provide theft protection for the hood. It is not possible to unhook the hood anymore. Made from high strength aluminium they will give yor Defender a bit of a facelift producing a distinctive and original look. The sliding window covers aperture for opening the side windows is relentlessly exposed to all weather conditions. This quickly ages the original part. Unsightly corrosion spreads and the paint may peel off.

With Offroad Monkey’s covers made of high-strength aluminium for sliding windows, this is a thing of the past.

The parts are black anodized and can also be painted in your body color.

The full range of Offroad Monkeys Products is available online.

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D ligh E L y t i l a High Qu fixtures and

click here for more information

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S P I T

LOOKING AFTER YOUR

CANVAS

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ooftop tents continue to grow in popularity all over the world as more adventurers get into the touring and camping lifestyle. There are a number of reasons why people choose roof top tents over traditional ground tents. Some of these include; set up takes about 5 minutes, they keep you off the ground, sleeping gear can be kept inside when folding. Also, it can be secured to your vehicle throughout the year and this can be the difference between going away for an adventurous weekend at the drop of a hat and no more searching for tents in the garage.

If you have recently purchased a rooftop tent you need to ensure you look after it so you get many years of enjoyment from it. Today, the vast majority of

rooftop tents are made from canvas and it is very important to look after the canvas to ensure it lasts the test of time. It’s basically made from a different weave than other heavy cotton fabrics, using plain weave instead of twill weave, canvas traditionally comes in two basic types: plain and ‘duck’ with some new more resilient types now entering the market.

Canvas

quality is often measured using a graded number system. The numbers run in reverse of the weight so a number 10 canvas is lighter than number 4. Once canvas has been exposed to water and moisture a few times it will naturally become waterproof, the cotton threads expand and swell up filling all of the gaps in the fabric. In modern canvas fabrics, chemicals are also added which further reduce

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ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR TENT IS DRY WHEN STORED AWAY

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‘‘

LOOKING AFTER YOUR CANVAS IS VITAL TO ENURE THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR TENT

water absorption and allow the fabric to dry out faster.In order to enjoy your tent for years, there are a few instructions that you should follow to ensure a long life for your tents canvas.We have a DARCHE Panorama 2 rooftop tent on one of the TURAS Defenders, the canvas on the Panorama 2 is a 340 GSM proofed Poly Cotton Ripstop canvas that is hard wearing and is guaranteed to keep you dry in wet conditions. DARCHE recommends that their canvas products, including their range of swags, are thoroughly wet down before first use. This will ensure that your swag or tent performs well in wet weather by allowing the poly/cotton corespun thread and canvas to swell, ensuring the take up of any potential leaks in the stitching.

Looking after your canvas is vital to ensure the longevity of your tent. It is always a good habit to air your tent when you get home from a camping trip to ensure that there is no moisture left on your canvas, it is also a good habit to clean out your tent after use. In fact, you should try to air your tent reg-

CANVAS

ularly when it is not in use just to be on the safe side. We have all heard of too many horror stories of tents being put away when wet and the canvas being damaged as a result. By treating your tent with TLC it will last much longer.

OTHER TIPS

- Do not use soap or detergents when cleaning your canvas.

- Do not store your tent away if it is wet, always allow your tent to dry first.

- If you do get mould on your canvas always allow it to dry before cleaning it off with a brush.

Mould - allow mould to dry - You should try and get into the habit iof using the provided bungee cords that come with most tents, they will assist in tucking in your canvas when you are closing it and help keep it dry.

- Do not get into the habit of bringing your wet boots and clothes into your tent -Use spreader bars if you have them for example in wintery conditions where you have heavy snow don’t allow it to accumulate on your tent as this can put pressure on your tents frame.

e sure that k a m s y a lw a Try and ventilated ll e w s i t n te your

Condensation

Condensation is a natural occurrence in cold weather. In confined areas like swags and tents the body releases more moisture than the canvas can dispose of. To minimise the chance of condensation, DARCHE recommend slightly opening the window of your swag or tent to enable airflow on cold nights.

To prevent the build up of mould which can be also be detrimental to your tents, make sure your tent is well ventilated and dried out before you pack your tent away. It is also advisable to avoid cooking and eating in your tent if at all possible - condensation from cooking in your tent is not good. By taking some simple precautions and care, you will get years and years of fun from your canvas camping gear.

Happy Camping..............

r canvas is u o y r e ft a Looking e longevity h t e r u s n e vital to t of your ten

STEPS TO SETTING UP THE

DARCHE PANORAMA 2

NAVIGTATTOR

NO FEAR

OF GETTING LOST

U

nlike normal on road navigation where you are constrained to travelling on marked roads, in offroad travel you may be moving across areas where there are no paved roads or marked routes. You cannot therefore rely on the normal navigation tools that are used for on-road travel. In offroad driving, you, not your GPS system, decides where you go. An off road GPS system shows your location on a topographic map, and you can plan your own path

over the terrain that you will encounter. An off road GPS System like the Fox 7 from Navigattor will also register and track your journey over this terrain as you travel across it, ensuring that you will always know where you are and should also be able to retrace your route if required.

Naturally however it is usually better to plan your route before you set our on a trip, and to use your offroad GPS system to find the most interesting and most scenic routes that are also likely to be possible to traverse in a 4WD vehicle. The aim of off road

route planning is to create a journey route across places where there may be no roads, no tracks and no signposts. With an off road GPS you can safely plan your route across open spaces where there are no references at all , like a desert for example. To plot a route using an off road GPS you first open the topographic map on the system (The Fox7 is provided with a wide variety of worldwide maps and it is also possible to add your own maps to the system including scanned paper maps) on the map you zoom in and register individual points of interest on the map, these are called ‘waypoints’ and may mark interesting places that you would like to see, to visit or perhaps to camp for the evening, or perhaps they mark an important location like a crossroads or an intersection in the route, where it is important to change direction. The collection of waypoints that you create, together represent a very specific ‘track’ and it is this track that you mainly follow when using an off road GPS system. On Road GPS Systems calculate ‘routes’ based on a variety of algorithms but the specific road taken is not so important, unlike the very specific ‘tracks’ used for off road driving.

The FOX 7 is the latest off-road GPS Navigation device from Spanish company Navigattor. The The FOX 7 is a GPS built as a rugged and waterproof tablet PC. Its rugged and waterproof construction allows it to be used in 4x4, buggys, maxi trail bikes and quads. Check out the videos on the following pages to learn more about the Fox 7. and to see it in action. You can also listen to our Podcast interview with Ferran Revoltos of Navigattor where he explains the principles of offroad navigation.

Available online at

NAVIGATTOR.COM

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The

AUSPIT

e i r e ss i Rot

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amp cooking is not just frying up a couple of sausages on the pan and warming a tin of beans on the side, hell no! With so many great camp cooking accessories on the market you can now easily cook a cracking meal that is convenient, quick and tastes awesome, so no excuses.

One of our ALL-TIME favourite pieces of cooking equipment is a battery-operated rotisserie, more often than not it’s in the back of one of the TURAS 4WD vehicles.

e h t n o e r k e c i cl ideo h v Over the years we have been using an Auspit Rotisserie product, and we recently received from DRIFTA an upgraded, stainless steel version of the original product.

It’s interesting to note that this method of cooking has been around for a long time, in fact it has been used for centuries with the name first emerging in France where it first appeared in Paris shops around 1450. In the first kitchens going back hundreds of years a non-motorised spit was the preferred way of cooking meat, where

chat with your friends and family. someone was given the job to manually turn the meat over the There’s something very therapeufire/heat source. As time moved tic about watching and smelling your food cook over an open fire. on, new methods of turning the meat were invented including the Sure it takes a while for the meat to be cooked evenly but that’s mechanical turnspits (“roasting jacks”), this contraption was, be- all part of the fun of it, who’s rushing mealtimes whild they are lieve it or not, powered by dogs camping anyhow? on treadmills and then later by steam power before mechanical mechaTHERE IS SOMETHING VERY When using a nisms were THERAPEUTIC ABOUT rotisserie you introduced.

And with the WATCHING YOUR FOOD should always invention of COOK OVER AN OPEN FIRE place the meat In the middle batteries the of the rotisserie whole proskewer and fasten as firmly as cess just became a lot simpler you can. If you are cooking chickand now very popular amongst en or some type of bird rememus campers. One of the great ber to secure the wings and legs things about using a Rotisserie in as tightly as possible. If parts when camping is, first of all you of the meat are loose to flop can cook your favourite roast around as it turns this can affect outdoors but also, it’s great to the speed of the rotisserie, you sit around the fire at the same can also burn the meat if it is not time, chug a beer to two and

ALWAYS PLACE YOUR MEAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROTISSERIE SKEWER

WWW.DRIFTA.EU balanced correctly on the rod.

Keeping your meat balanced on the skewer will provide perfect results, always try to make sure you don’t cook your meat on flames of fire as this can burn your meat, using charcoal is a great way to ensure that your meat is evenly cooked.

Marinating the meat as it cooks slowly over the fire is a great way to bring flavour to your favourite meat.

Auspit

The stainless steel Auspit is basically a portable cordless rotisserie system that can be easily transported in the back of your 4WD, camper trailer, boat or caravan. One of the great things about this product is that it pretty much flat packs and fits neatly into the supplied bag. Having used the older Auspit rotisserie for

over ten years this stainless steel version definitely looks the part and it’s also very durable and strong. In fact, the rotisserie can hold an impressive 18lbs worth of food, now that’s a big lump of meat. It is also very simple to assemble and use, simply hammer the main rod into the ground, then place the spit bar into the motor, the weight of the motor will hold it in place, add your food and away you go. The clamp easily lets you adjust the height of the Auspit over your heat source, also the single post design allows for a swingaway action should you wish to move your food from your heat source without adjusting the clamp.

The All-Stainless Auspit Kit comes with one Long Squeezeloc Spike.

e r o m r o f e r e h k c n o cli i t a m r o f in

The Motor

The improved motor also seems to be quite efficient allowing you to run for between 90 hours depending on the quality of your batteries, it’s also pretty quiet. (Note the motor takes 2 D batteries.

Accessories

You can also get optional accessories for your Stainless Steel Auspit, some of these include the Auspit Fire Tray. This simple solution allows you to have your fire raised above the ground, which is a great option for places where you cannot have an open fire on the ground. For those of you who like to have vegetables with your camp meals, the Spitmate accessory is a unique Auspit cooking tool that will allow you to roast your favourite vegetables, nuts, chicken wings, drumsticks and even heat up your bread rolls. It weighs just 0.85Kg and sits securely beside your favourite roast turning a great camp feast into a super one. For more information on other accessories for the Stainless Steel Auspit click here.

General Features All parts are made from stainless steel. Easy to assemble.

Weight: 5.6kg Size packed: 105 x 14 x 5cm Storage case included What’s included: Stainless steel Spitbar 1000mm Stainless steel Support post 1000mm 2x 130mm Squeezloc spike Post Clamp Stainless steel Drive Motor Comes packed in a bag.

WWW.DRIFTA.EU

r o f e r e h click n o i t a m r o more inf

CHUCK BOX

D

are To Be Different Outdoor is a company that sells a range of outdoor products. Its range is not large because it wants to specialize in producing a small number of very high quality products. When designing a new product the team at Dare To Be Different aim to find and answer specific needs of overland travellers and one such question that the team has answered is

“Where do I cook when I am travelling with my roof tent?” And to this end they came up with their range of Chuckboxes. A chuckbox is the perfect addition to your roof tent and an ideal travel companion during a picnic, on the boat or in the car. An essential part of any overland journey or 4WD Touring and camping trip is the food. As the team at Dare To Be Different Outdoor say “good food comes with a good adventure”. The Chuckbox is an ideal companion for adventure. These chuckboxes are

work surface area. The small portable kitchen units which unpack to provide an outdoor version of the chuckbox has two built in gas burners which kitchen for four people in no are very stable and can be time. From cutlery to frying pan and from spice jars to gas used with heavier pans (unlike the removable burners in the burner, everything you need larger chuckboxes). The comto cook and to serve a meal for four people is in the chuck- pact kitchen measures 44cm x 30cm x 33cm (lxwxh) with a box.These quality products handle on top, and weighs in come in 3 sizes, large, meat only 12KG and we found it dium and small, and it is the small version THE ENTIRE KITCHEN AND ALL very easy to that is picOF ITS EQUIPMENT CAN BE carry around. tured in the PACKED NEATLY AWAY INTO A The build quality of photos acCOMPACT AND EASY the kitchen companying TO CARRY CASE is very high this article. as is the quality of all of the The small chuckbox unpacks included equipment. We found from a frame that contains the pots and pans to be very the compact case, the case is easy to cook with, non stick placed upon the frame to elevate the kitchen. Three work- and very capacious. The windscreen made cooking a breeze top table flaps are extended (even in a breeze). All of the out to create a useful table/

PORTABLE KITCHEN

CONTAINS HIGH QUALITY IMPLEMENTS

implements are light in weight but very high quality. And the list of items included has obviously been very well throught out , and contains everything that you should need to prepare and serve a meal for four people. It takes us only a minute or two to setup the chuck box and

get started cooking. We have brought it out a few times now and found it to be the perfect size for use on our trips, under an awning, in a rooftop tent annex or out in the open air. Overall, we love the chuckbox and find it a pleasure to cook with.

The kit packs away neatly and contains the following items: 2 Burners 1 windscreen 2 pans (19.3cm and 15.2cm) Frying pan 19,7cm Kettle 800 ml Kitchen knife Fruit knife Pealer Cutting board Meat clamp Wooden spade Seasoning pots liquid x 2

Seasoning pots powder x 2 Multifunctional scissor 4 plates 4 cups 4 sets Silverware Storage container Workspace The Small medium and large chuckboxes come with a 1 year warranty and can be ordered from a range of dealers across Europe and delivered within 5 business days.

click here for more information

Images by Toby Roney

S

ometimes its nice to just get off the beaten track a little bit. While we all enjoy taking a break from the hustle bustle of daily life, sometimes our holidays experiences can also feel a little bit busy, maybe a little bit....crowded?

You often hear people say that camping is good for you, good for your health and good for your mind, and science supports this. But perhaps the idea of camping in a busy campsite or of hiking with a tent and with all of your necessities on your back to an idyllic remote location both sound quite like hard work.

Well 4WD touring and camping might be for you. 4WD Touring and camping can combine the ability to reach remote, uncrowded and hard to reach locations with the ability to carry lots of equipment which will make your camping experience that bit more comfortable. Perhaps you have never experienced camping in a roof tent, but it sounds interesting to you and you would like to learn more, and maybe see what it is like.

Alternatively maybe you don’t need to be convinced of the appeal and the pleasures of 4WD touring but you don’t have the time or the space to acquire and to store lots of bulky

camping gear, and perhaps a 4WD does not make sense for you as a daily car. Well with Higher Adventure UK, both of these needs are addressed. Whether you want to dip your toe in the waters of 4WD touring before you commit to getting your own gear, or whether for a few days or weeks a year you would like to go touring using top quality camping equipment, Higher Adventure has got you covered.

You can hire out a fully overland equipped Land Rover Defender from the company. Chris at Higher Adventure can suggest some itineraries in the UK for you, or you can plan your own routes. Its vehicles are the three door Defender 90 Station Wagon (for two people) and the five door Defender 110 Utility (for up to five). They are high-spec XS models with rugged 2.2 Turbo Diesel engines, heated front seats, air-con and heated windscreen. The Defenders

Higher Adventure can provide you with a true 4WD touring experience using top quality gear

a n provide enture ca v d A in s er n h o Hig ddptional a t range of o equipmen re co e th to n additio

Nothing bea part of th ts finding your own qui e world et as you e a Landr x plore in over De fender.

are comprehensively equipped, including top of the range Stealth roof tents from South African company Eezi Awn, Big Country drawer units, National Luna fridges, and Partner Steel stoves from the USA. And pretty much everything else – apart from bedding and food – that you need to go on your own adventure. You can hire the Defenders for periods from 3 days up to several weeks.

If you have never driven a Defender before, you are in for a treat!

There is nothing like sitting high in the cabin, overlooking all the hedgerows, as you drive along seeing a lot more of your surroundings than are visible from most vehicles, taking your time and driving these wonderful , iconic vehicles over some rugged terrain.

Enjoying both the journey and the destination. Adventure awaits...

r o f e r e n o i t a click h m for n i e r mo

Ready for the Rotisserie

Rack of Lamb cooked on the Auspit Rotisserie Recently we used the Auspit Rotisserie to cook a delicious rack of lamb. As it’s an expensive cut we were a little nervous about cooking time.

Most of us here like our lamb a little rare so we watched it like a hawk. The amount of time you leave the lamb cooking on the rotisserie really depends on your heat source as there can be a big difference in the heat that comes from hot coals as opposed to heat coming from wood etc.

Its not the che apest piece of meat but tast es delicious

To add a bit of flavour to the dish mix olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, mint and rosemary together in a bowl. Rub the mixture all over your racks of lamb. Place the racks on the rotisserie skewer and using the claws, firm the racks in place.

Cook for approximately forty five minutes when using coals or a bit longer if you prefer your meat well done. Ours turned out perfectly, perfectly brown on the outside and pink in the middle. Serve with new potatoes and tomatoes on the vine.

that ’s it

Rack of Lamb Rack of Lamb (or 2 in our case) Olive Oil Salt & Pepper Rosemary Mint Garlic

Make sure your meat is not too close to your fire

This is a real treat when campin g

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DRIFTA

TOOL

ROLL

DRIFTA tool roll

The Drifta tool roll is a great way to keep all of your camp cooking utensils together when camping and on the road. Nothing worse than pulling into camp and wasting time searching for your knives and forks, fire tongs, Dutch Oven lid lifter and so on.

This very well made roll is made from high quality Australian canvas with nine generous internal pockets that will keep all of your bits and bobs neatly in one place. The two eyelets are a simple but a great idea, allowing you to hang the tool roll on the side of your vehicle, our camp kitchen always focuses on the side of the vehicle, so this is a great addition. When not in use simply roll it up and store it neatly in your vehicle, camper trailer, drawer system boat etc.One of the great things about this roll is that when rolled out you can quickly find the utensil that you are looking for without searching in a box or in your vehicle drawers.

When the toll roll is hanging up on the side of your vehicle at camp you also have easy access to all of your utensils, so after your dinner or evening camp barbecue simply put your utensils back in their designated pocket and all is neatly stored and ready for use when making breakfast the following morning.

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