Alright, so the Kampkeeper tent arrived and I finally had the chance to get it out of the bag and set it up. I figured I’d share a quick rundown of what stood out—not a sponsored review or anything like that, just some honest impressions from someone who’s been messing around with SUV tent setups …
Read more “Kampkeeper SUV Tent – Hands-On First Setup & Impressions”
Lately, I’ve been getting asked a lot:“Are you going to throw a rooftop tent on the Volvo?” Short answer? No.Long answer? Let’s talk about it. I Had a Rooftop Tent Before — And Loved It Back when I had the old Ford Explorer, I did run a rooftop tent, and honestly — it was great. …
Read more “Why Weight Balance Matters in Your Adventure Rig”
I’ve been poking around the world of SUV and liftgate tents since 2024, just casually keeping an eye out for something that might fit into my setup. Last year, I picked up one of those small awning-style tents that basically turns the open back of your car into a screened-in shelter. Honestly, it was a …
Read more “Trying Out the Kampkeeper SUV Tent – First Impressions”
This past weekend I made a couple of solid upgrades that push my build closer to where I want it: lightweight, durable, and versatile enough for longer trips without giving up comfort. Out went the Koolatron 12V cooler/warmer and the original liftgate tent. In their place: a 20L Alpicool compressor fridge and a larger car/SUV …
Read more “Revamping the Rig: Trading Up for Smarter Adventure”
Some of you know my story. Others are just stumbling in now—welcome to the mess. I live with degenerative discs, neuropathy, and now, for bonus points, confirmed plantar fasciitis in my right heel and Achilles tendonitis in my left. That’s right—my body’s basically staging a protest every time I lace up my boots. Chronic pain …
After eight unforgettable years of overland adventures in my 2000 Ford Explorer—fondly known as Nessie—I’ve made a significant transition to a more manageable ride: the 2005 Volvo XC70, affectionately nicknamed the Moosewagen. This post takes you behind the scenes of my rig’s evolution, explains why I decided to downsize, and shares how the new setup …
Read more “Downsizing from Nessie to the Moosewagen: My Overland Journey”
When the city feels too loud and the apartment walls start closing in, sometimes all you need is a quick escape. That’s exactly what this solo microadventure was about. The forecast looked rough—one weather app claimed a 100% chance of rain, while another offered slim hope with just 64%. By noon, I rolled the dice, …
Read more “Rainy Day Car Camping: Hammock, Bug Net, and XC70 Liftgate Tent Setup”
Ever wonder why we can’t help but stare at the stars? Why, on a clear night, we pause mid-step just to take in that glowing canvas overhead? We’ve been doing it forever—long before GPS, Netflix, and city lights. And there’s something about it that still hits different. The Oldest Curiosity Since the dawn of time, …
Read more “Why We Look Up: The Stars, The Wonder, and What They Teach Us About Adventure.”
The crackle of burning wood. The warm glow on our faces. A campfire is more than just light and heat — it’s a timeless ritual that connects us across generations. Long before skyscrapers lit the night, humans gathered around flickering flames under a blanket of stars. It was never just about survival. The campfire became …
Read more “The Campfire Connection: Why We Still Gather Around the Flame”
As I mentioned in the last post, a package arrived from Europe: a 30 mm lift kit for the MooseWagen. The kit included front strut spacers and rear spring top spacers, which together provide 60 mm (about 2 inches) of lift. Add in taller tires, and you can push it closer to 75 mm (3 …