Bear Grylls

But first a little information on the two names that sparked my interest. Bear Grylls is the host and star of the popular Man vs. Wild and Worst Case Scenario programs on the Discovery Channel. He has become known around the world as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure.

Gerber is a company dedicated to making knives and tools for over seventy years. They combine high quality materials and innovative designs that will stand up to a lifetime of use. Bear Grylls and Gerber teamed up together to develop the Bear Grylls Survival Series of knives, tools and survival kits.

The Bear Grylls Series Ultimate Survival Kit comes packaged in a waterproof black nylon bag that measures 5” x 4.5” with a waterproof zipper. Alpine rescue and ground to air distress symbols are conveniently sewn into the back of the bag.

Ultimate Survival Kit

The Ultimate Survival Kit has fifteen survival items:

• Gerber® Clutch™ Miniature Multi-tool
• Waterproof Bag
• Miniature LED Flashlight
• Hand Saw
• Signaling Mirror (2″ x 1.5″)
• Survival Blanket
• Fire Starter
• Waterproof matches
• Cotton Ball – Fire Tinder
• 2′ – Snare Wire
• 10′ – Emergency Nylon Cord
• 15′ – Waxed Thread
• Fishing Kit
• Sewing Kit
• Lightweight, ripstop nylon bag with waterproof zipper
• Plus Land to air rescue instructions and the Priorities of Survival pocket guide contains Bear’s survival essentials

Clutch Multi-Tool

The Clutch™ multi-tool has a nice set-up that includes a 1.75” knife blade, two screwdrivers, awl, tweezers, nail file, bottle opener and spring loaded pliers w/wire cutter. The Gerber® Clutch™ multi-tool is a great little multi-function tool that you are going to have a hard time keeping in the kit.

The hand saw is a wire saw that is only good for small branches no larger than a couple of inches in diameter. The signaling mirror is small but with the included instructions serves its purpose well. The fishing kit is adequate for catching small fish due to the two pound fishing line.

The snare wire was a very fine gauge copper wire adequate of a decent snare. The magnesium fire starter and cotton fire tinder worked fine. With a couple strikes on the rod the tinder ignited easily. The rest of the items looked like they would serve their purpose in a survival situation.

I found the land to air rescue instructions and Bear’s Priorities of Survival Pocket guide to be very informative and an invaluable part of the Ultimate Survival Kit especially for the novice back country camper or hiker.

My kit was missing a sewing needle for the sewing kit and there was a very small striker included with the matches. I was surprised that a small compass was not included with the kit but the Priorities of Survival pocket guide has information on navigation.

Though the Ultimate Survival Kit is not as complete as I would like, it is a great starter kit and is reasonably priced. Heck, the multi-tool, the land to air rescue instructions and the Priorities of Survival Pocket guide alone are worth more than the purchase price.

If you don’t have a survival kit yet, the Bear Grylls Series Ultimate Survival Kit is a great start and it fits easily into your backpack, ATV and/or glovebox. For this and the rest of your ATV Camping Accessories visit CampingATV.com

About ATVCamper

Since I do most of the repairs, maintenance and modifications on my ATV I need to know how stuff works before I can believe in it. With everyone saying that Electric Power Steering (EPS) adds comfort, control and reduces fatigue I needed to know more about this 10 – 15 pound component.

The EPS system uses an electric motor attached to the steering stem. A special sensor monitors and detects the torque and position of the steering stem and provides this information to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) via electric signals. The ECU utilizes this information along with the speed of the vehicle to determine how much power assist is needed from the electric motor.

The ECU has a preprogrammed force map and based on the inputs (torque, position and speed) the ECU utilizes the map to output the appropriate power and directional signal to the electric motor. These force maps are fine tuned by the manufacturer to improve road feel, comfort and dampen kickback.

The electric motor turns the steering stem to the right or the left depending on the electric signals it receives from the ECU, the more powerful the signal the more power assist is provided. The faster the speed the less power assist is provided and the slower the speed the more power assist is provided.

The electric motor, torque and position sensors are all housed in a waterproof housing to protect it from the elements. For me the dampening of wheel-grabbing obstacles would be a big plus as I have taken a handlebar to the ribs on more than one occasion. Reduced fatigue would also be a plus for those that are lacking proper ATV fitness.

Just like the auto industry I am sure that EPS will become standard on all 4×4 utility ATVs and UTVs. All of the big name manufacturers offer EPS on some of their 4×4 utility ATVs and UTVs and there are some after market EPS kits available.

The extra 10 – 15 pounds does not seem to be too much and I can see a big benefit with EPS when running bigger tires. I am concerned about the reliability of these units especially with the way I ride. Now that ATV electric power steering has been explained a little better hopefully you can develop your own opinion on whether to add it to your next ATV or UTV.

About ATVCamper

Using a hiking stick has saved my butt on several occasions and I believe that by using one I am helping my back, legs, feet and knees in the long run. Whether I am trail running or hiking in the back country I always carry my hiking stick.

I have used several sticks over the years, most were found on the trail and discarded after the hike. There are several fancy “Trekking Poles” you can buy that are very lightweight and available in several price ranges. For me I prefer a good stout wooden stick.

My current hiking stick I have had for several years now. I found it on the trails close to the area where I live. It was a piece of scrub oak about six foot long and still very green with a lot of character. It was crooked and wavy, not the kind of straight stick most prefer but perfect for me.

I took it home and cut it down to 50”, stripped it of its bark and sanded it smooth. I then stained it and wrapped the handle with some old tent cord I had. It has been a great hiking stick and I am very comfortable with it.

It helps me keep my balance especially in the winter on the snow covered trails. I am much more maneuverable as my hiking stick helps prevent me from falling when traversing uneven terrain. When I am carrying a backpack it helps take some of the load off of my back and knees.

I feel sorry for any Sasquatch that I might encounter on the trail because it will get a good taste of my hiking stick before it gets a taste of me. Even when I go ATV camping my hiking stick is strapped to my ATV with the rest of my camping gear.

When I am trail running I don’t use my hiking stick, I just carry it. When I stop for a rest I use it to lean on. I have been using this stick for so long it is like a part of me and I feel uncomfortable if I am in the back country without it. Some prefer two hiking sticks but one works just fine for me.

Why use a hiking stick? Because it helps support me, protect me and comfort me while in the back country. So the next time you are out hiking the back country trails and you find a stick that is unique and stout, take it home and make it your own hiking stick.

About ATVCamper

The correct tire pressure is kind of a personal preference depending on the type of terrain you ride and the load you are carrying but should never exceed the ATV manufacturers recommendation. Most ATV manufacturers recommend a tire pressures range as low as 2.5 PSI and as high as 10 PSI.

For hard packed high speed trail riding 7 – 8 PSI is commonly recommended. For an ATV loaded down with camping gear or an extra rider 8 – 9 PSI is typical but no more than 10 PSI. For slow technical riding on rocks, sand or snow 3 – 4 PSI is typical. For a good balance of high speed and ATV technical riding 5 – 6 PSI works for most.

Understanding tire pressure and how it affects your ATV is important to determine the pressure that is right for your style of riding. By lowering the tire pressure allows the tire to conform more to the shape of the terrain and provide more tire tread contact for more grip.

The lower the tire pressure the slower the speed should be otherwise you will risk rolling the tire off of the bead or loose of control due to the tire side walls flexing as you go into a high speed turn. Also by lower the tire pressure you will lose some ground clearance but the increased traction far outweighs the missing of a quarter to one half of an inch in clearance.

Driving too fast on tires with low pressure will overheat the tires resulting in premature tire damage. Low tire pressure also results in more tire drag at high speeds resulting in poor fuel economy and handling.

Increasing ATV tire pressure is usually to compensate for higher loads on the ATV or high speed trail riding on hard packed trails. Running too much tire pressure and the tire will crown causing increased wear on the center of the tire and a rougher ride.

If your riding style and terrain are fairly consistent, start with a tire pressure around 5 – 6 PSI and experiment raising and lowering the pressure a PSI or two until you find the pressure that is right for you and your style of riding.

If your riding style and/or terrain changes and you make the appropriate tire pressure adjustments for a specific ride make sure you readjust the pressure after the ride back to your normal pressure. Remember to check your tire pressure before each ride using a special low pressure tire gauge (0 – 15 PSI) which will give you a more accurate pressure reading.

About ATVCamper

The most important factor that changes with altitude is oxygen, the higher the altitude the less oxygen available. This lack of oxygen at higher altitudes along with the lower air pressure has an effect on several things mainly our health.

Because of the low oxygen levels at high altitudes you may find breathing to be difficult. With the heavy breathing from physical activity at higher altitudes our bodies expel more moisture and thus it is very important to stay hydrated. Extra water needs to planned for before your trip.

Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness occurs most often in people who go from low to high altitudes (>8,000 feet) very quickly. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath and nausea. For most the symptoms usually go away after a day or two at the high altitude. If symptoms persist the individual should go to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

Above the timberline there is little fuel for a campfire. Also some camping stoves don’t preform well at high altitudes due to the lower oxygen levels and low atmospheric conditions. Therefore food takes longer to cook. Expedition stoves preform best at these altitudes.

Expedition stoves are designed to be ultra-lightweight and operate in very cold and low atmospheric conditions. The fuel is primarily liquid (white gas) because of its superior performance in extreme conditions. Expedition stoves are more complicated to use than the other camping stoves. At these altitudes stoves are usually used for heating water for freeze dried meals and drinks, although they can heat soups and other very basic meals.

With the lack of trees at these altitudes high winds are not uncommon. On summer nights the winds can help drop the temperature to sub-freezing levels at times, so your selection of sleeping bag and clothing should take this into account. During the day the sun is much more intense at high altitudes so don’t forget the sunblock and sunglasses.

If you are ATV camping keep in mind that most older carburetted ATVs are not tuned for high altitudes, therefore Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) ATVs are highly recommended. Tread Lightly and remember to pack out what you pack in. Through proper planning and preparation high altitude camping is a very rewarding experience.

About ATVCamper

PLY RATING

Years ago, a tire’s construction was rated by the number of plies (or layers) within the carcass. This rating system was used when less durable material, (such as traditional rubber) was used to create the tire carcass. Because the material was less durable, it took more layers of bonded, fused material to increase the tire’s strength and longevity.

However, with the advent of new technologies and materials, a tire can be constructed with only a few (2 or 3) plies of material, yet have the same strength and longevity of a 6- or 7-ply tire. Hence, a new tire may have a 6-ply rating (based on the old standards), yet be constructed with only a couple of layers.

RADIAL vs. BIAS PLY

Bias ply tires are constructed utilizing plies or belts (typically rubber-coated plies composed of textile cords, usually nylon) that run diagonally (usually 30 degrees) from one bead to the other. One ply is set on a bias in one direction, and succeeding plies are set alternately in opposing directions crossing each other

Radial tires are constructed in two parts. First, a single layer of rubber-coated steel cables arch from one bead to the other to form the tire casing. Second, numerous rubber-coated steel belts are placed in the crown, under the tread, to form a strong stabilizing unit. Radial construction makes the tire more flexible, which reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy.

Which tire construction is best for you?

Strike a good balance of ply ratings for your tire. Too large of a rating can mean a stiffer, less pliable carcass. Too weak of a rating can mean too soft of a carcass, a weaker tire, one more susceptible to punctures.

Good information from the Carlisle Tires website.

I mainly ride the back country trails of Colorado and from my experience for ATV technical riding on rocks and hills I require a tire with good side wall protection and flexibility but I also want a tire that preforms well on the trails. In my opinion a radial tire, 6 ply or more is the best for my type of riding.

For you, the best type of tire may be different. Talk with others that ride the same terrain and style as you. Make your own educated decision on the type of tire that is best for you..

• Biodegradable Wet Wipes (unscented)
• Biodegradable Toilet Paper
• Biodegradable Soap (unscented)
• Hand Sanitizer (pocket-sized & unscented)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste (optional)
• Ziplock Bags
• Camping Shovel
• Heavy Duty Trash Bags

Personal hygiene in the back country is not about being properly groomed and sweet smelling, it is about cleanliness. It is important for campers to clean their hands often with hand sanitizer, especially after bathroom breaks and before handling food. This helps prevent the ingestion of harmful bacteria that can make you sick.

In the back country nobody cares how you smell just as long as you don’t smell. Avoid the use of deodorants, perfumes and colognes as they attract the local wildlife and insects. Each night clean yourself with some wet wipes under the arms, neck, feet and groin areas.

As for brushing your teeth, I don’t prefer to use toothpaste in the back country because when you rinse and spit the scent of the toothpaste can attract wildlife and insects. I used to use just water and a toothbrush until I found the disposable Colgate Wisp travel toothbrushes.

Colgate Wisp

The Colgate Wisp single use toothbrushes are great for camping because they require no water or rinsing and have a freshening bead in the brush that helps freshen your breath and clean your teeth. At about 3-1/2 inches long with the brush on one end and a soft pick on the other makes it easy and convenient to pack several for your trip.

Done properly, going to the bathroom in the back country does not have to be an uncomfortable experience. Just do it away from the campsite and at least 200 feet from any water source, pond, stream etc. I will cover some back country bathroom tips to help maintain the principles of “Leave No Trace”:

• Whether it’s #1 or #2 always preform the task away from the campsite and at least 200 feet from any water source.
• #1 for men is pretty much self explanatory, for women the toilet paper, wet wipes and/or feminine hygiene products must be carried out, buried (minimum of 6” deep) or disposed of in a ziplock bag.
• #2 requires digging a hole (cathole) a minimum of 6 inches deep and squatting over the hole to make your deposit. I prefer cleaning myself with wet wipes as it help me prevent chaffing later on my ATV rides.
• Dispose of the wet wipes and/or toilet paper in the hole and then fill the hole back in with the soil you removed to dig it. Re-scatter the surrounding ground cover (leaves, rocks, pine needles, etc.) to revert the site back to its original condition.
• Always wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer after each bathroom break.

Careful planning ahead of time can help reduce the amount of trash the develops on your camping trip. As trash develops on your trip dispose of it immediately, don’t leave trash laying around your campsite.

If fires are permitted burn your trash, even metal cans as the fire will burn any of the remaining contents removing the odor that may attach the local wildlife and insects.

When it is time to break camp drowned out the campfire and sift through the ashes to remove any metal cans and unburnt trash. Place all of the remaining trash into heavy duty trash bags and haul it out with you on your ATV.

If your campsite was an undeveloped site the dig a pit to bury the ashes from the campfire. Re-scatter the surrounding ground cover (leaves, rocks, pine needles, etc.) to revert the site back to its original condition. Make every effort to leave no trace that you were there or others that were there before you.

On your way back out of the back country always pick up any trash you may come across. Proper camping sanitation is critical to maintaining our health and our public lands while ATV camping in the back country. Do your part so we all can continue to enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.

About ATVCamper

If you are looking at modifying your ATV, there is a couple of questions you need to ask yourself.

• Is your ATV brand new?

• Are you going to do the work or is someone else?

• Are you modifying your ATV for looks, usability or performance?

If your ATV is brand new keep in mind that you may void any warranty you have on the machine by modifying it. If you are going to have someone else modify your ATV make sure you have researched this individual or companies reputation.

If you are mechanically inclined you will find many modifications very simple to implement. Most modifications for looks and usability are bolt-on modifications or simple installations. Performance modifications require a little better understanding of the engine and mechanics of the ATV.

The type of riding you do will help in determining what modifications, if any, you may want to preform on your ATV. If you like cursing the back country trails maybe some ATV luggage for your gear or a more comfortable seat. If you are into ATV technical riding maybe a combination of usability, looks and performance modifications.

Modifying Your ATV For Looks

Modifying your ATV for looks can be anything from adding new front and rear ATV bumpers and a lift kit for a bold new look to a new set of tires and flashy wheels. Some hunters may want to add some camouflage for a more stealthy look. Modifying for looks are cosmetic changes usually requiring replacing existing parts or adding ATV accessories.

Modifying Your ATV For Usability

Modifying your ATV for usability can be anything from adding an ATV winch, some ATV luggage, an ATV plow to anything that makes your ATV more usable for the type of riding you do. For example a farmer might add some larger racks and a trailer for hauling things around the farm. A hunter might add some gun racks or a plot feeder.

Modifying Your ATV For Performance

Modifying your ATV for performance can be anything from suspension modifications for better handling or ground clearance to engine modifications base on your type of riding. For example a mudder will usually preform major modification to the suspension, engine, tires and drive train.

Typical external engine modifications are are preformed on the clutch, intake and exhaust. Typical internal engine mods are a performance camshaft to the complete blueprinting and balancing of the engine.

For me I have modifications all over my ATV for looks, usability and performance because I use it for plowing snow, trail riding, technical riding and ATV camping. Modifications enhance the way you use your ATV. If you are looking to enhance your ATV for your type of riding visit CampingATV.com for a broad selection of ATV accessories for all types of riding.

About ATVCamper

The thing about back country camping is that there are several variables you do not have control of, for instance the weather, back country wildlife, back country insects, accidents, minor injuries, other campers and nature in general. All of these elements can interfere with your camping adventure let alone the possibility of you getting lost in the back country.

Always prepare for the worse before embarking on a back country camping adventure and keep a positive attitude when unplanned situations arise. Research the area you will be camping at and don’t select just one camping site, look for several alternatives in case your first choice does not work out.

Camping is about experiencing what the back country and nature has to offer. There is an old saying “When life offers lemons, make lemonade” and the same goes for camping, “Shit Happens”, so learn to deal with it, make the necessary adjustments and enjoy your camping adventure.

Just like life, camping is a challenge and you need to embrace that challenge by being prepared for the variables you don’t have control of. Be prepared for camping in the rain, have a good understanding of the wildlife in the area and camping food storage and preparation.

The main idea here is not to let the unplanned events get you down. Maintain a positive attitude and work through it. Strive to maintain the moral of your camping party and engage others to help make the best of it with some fun activities. It only takes one or two negative individuals to ruin an otherwise rewarding experience.

Everyone needs to understand that by venturing into the back country on a camping expedition you are excepting the challenge of what nature has to offer. Proper camping preparedness is necessary to meeting this challenge and helping to experience an enjoyable and trouble-free adventure.

At CampingATV.com we help people properly prepare for ATV camping in the back country. We carry a broad selection of ATV accessories, lightweight camping gear and hunting gear to help you meet the challenge of the back country and have a comfortable camping experience.

About ATVCamper

I think I counted fifteen ATVs and two Polaris RZRs at the staging area just west of Lyons, Colorado. Everyone was ready to ride by 10:00am. There was more snow this year and starting off it was very crusty, with frozen ruts from previous vehicle making travel a little a bit of a challenge.

We had to stop a couple of times to pick up after some irresponsible idiots that threw their trash and beer cans along the trail. It is these kind of self-centered jerks that are ruining areas like this for everyone else.

Most of the trails were already broken until we got to the Iron Clads which had some crusty snow covering ice. Breaking this trail was fun but still required a winch for the last section to the top. Then after the next couple of ATVs the trail was broke but left several spots with no snow, just a sheet of ice.

It took almost an hour to get the rest of the ATVs up the hill with winches and a lot of pushing & grunting. Once everyone was at the top we broke for a well deserved break, had some lunch and enjoyed the sunshine and company.

After lunch we broke some short trails in the area and found some deep snow as the trail took us through a dense patch of trees. Again it took some winching to get the first couple of ATVs through and break the trail. Everyone else made it though fine except for RZRs which both had to be winched.

We did not see any other ATVers but came across some Jeeps and 4x4s trying to get up one of the snow covered hills as we were coming down from the Iron Clads. Once off of the Iron Clads one of the ATVs had a flat tire so we stopped at some snow covered rock formations to fix it and play on the rocks.

It was 2:30pm and I had a long drive home so some of us called it a day and headed back to the staging area while the few remaining made one more ride down another trail. Good times, good people, good weather and a good ride even though we did not log very many miles an ATV snow ride is still a great way to start the new year.

The annual New Years Day ride at Bunce School Road is an ATV trail ride I look forward to. Happy New Year to everyone and may 2012 be a prosperous year for us all. Don’t forget to visit CampingATV.com in 2012 for all of your ATV accessories and lightweight camping gear.

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