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Road Gear

The following Gear Lists are not definitive, nor exhaustive; but rather, suggestions.  What you ultimately choose for your inventory is entirely at your discretion, pertinent to your personal needs and desires.  You are also responsible for exercising your own due diligence on any gear of concern.  If you are unsure how to properly operate and safely utilize gear, consult a professional. 

You are most certainly encouraged to omit any and all gear from the following lists which you are uncomfortable equipping.

If you are unsure about the legality of non-lethal self-defense weapons, such as pepper spray, check with the law enforcement along your route, or call ahead, and make adjustments to your weaponry.  I have provided resources to streamline this daunting task, but it is up to you to ensure that you stay safe, and stay legal.

Definitions:
  • Universal Gear: Gear that is equipped in addition to Specialty Gear and Roadside Gear; essentials.
  • Specialty Gear: Gear that is optional in addition to Universal Gear; may be used in whole, part, or conjunction.
  • Roadside Gear: Gear that aids and assists in roadside emergencies, breakdowns, accidents and survival.



Universal Gear:



If your proclivities include spotting UFO activity, strange lights, and alien sighting supposition, then you’ll find yourself wandering into remote areas. Some areas will be in desert regions, while others may not. Be that as it may, you want to make sure you know the dangers of wandering into the desert, and indeed, any unknown region. Look up insect and wildlife dangers for the areas you intend to scout. Having lived in both Texas and Arizona myself, I don’t advise you sit on the ground to conduct your investigation. Scorpions, snakes, black widows and fire ants are just a few of the things you need to watch out for.

Additionally, bring plenty of water, and don’t wander far from your vehicle. Ensure you park in a secure location—relatively speaking. If you can safely take your vehicle off-road, park it close to the site you want to explore/explore from. Don’t attempt if you have anything smaller than a truck. You can get stuck at the very least, at the worst, you can damage your undercarriage on a bush-covered rock; puncturing fuel lines, oil pan, transmission pan, rear differential, drive shaft, and tires. If you lose any of those components, you’ll need a tow truck and a budget for the nearest mechanic. Even if you have a truck, tire punctures are still a reality, so tread carefully. Use a GPS navigation device, compass, or run a line of para-cord from your vehicle to the road to find your way back to the road, especially if you’re planning to be out at night. Keep extra batteries with you for your flashlight. Don’t rely on your headlights, as this will consume either your battery or fuel resources, depending on which power source you use.

Don’t camp overnight. Do your business, clean up, check your inventory, and go somewhere safe to park for the night, or get a hotel. If you must return to that location, drop a waypoint marker on it in your GPS device, and save it to your favorites. You’ll be able to find it again that way. There’s a more comprehensive read about the risks on the Disclaimer’s Page.

Any serious Alien Tracker will keep the MUFON Website bookmarked, and may find value in joining its membership, starting as low as $60/year.  This is not a paid advertisement, or partner affiliation, nor do I receive any commission giving you this information.  In the meantime, you can utilize this free resource, compliments of MUFON for plotting your UFO Expeditions; it's an up-to-date database of the most recent 20 UFO/Alien Sightings.  Refresh the page periodically for new updates.





Specialty Gear Type: Time Traveler

Wouldn’t time travel be a marvel? Alas, we don’t and hopefully won’t acquire such technology. While this is a subject on which I can endlessly expound, I will resign myself to the object at hand; such being the meaning behind my verbiage.

I consider travelers with a historical interest Time Traveler’s. It’s really the closest thing we have to time travel, if you think about it. As a Time Traveler, within the terms I’ve assigned, you’ll be visiting places of historic report, such as historic land marks, and even places of equally historic, but lesser known repute, such as ghost towns.

A ghost town is literally an abandoned town, or the ghost or shell of a town that once-was. Some of them are far off the beaten path, and for this reason, I have assembled only the very basic of inventory you, the Time Traveler, will need, to help you safely and adventurously on your way. There’s a more comprehensive read about the risks on the Disclaimer’s Page, particularly on Ghost Town Visitations.  I've included an Altimeter in your inventory, because some locations might be at much higher elevations, and you should know where you are in your altitude.  I have also included some information from the CDC regarding risks at higher altitudes. 

Additionally, I have added a Wireless CB Radio to your inventory, because some of these locations may be so remote there won't be any cellphone reception.  Should you need to communicate an emergency, this will be an effective means.  Channel 9 is the Emergency Channel.  If for some reason that channel fails to work, Channels 17 and 19 are Trucker channels, and contact East/Westbound and North/Southbound traffic respectively; Channel 13 is used by Marine traffic and RVs.  Here is a resource with a list of the CB Channels and their customary uses.





Specialty Gear Type: Ghost Hunter

If you’re of steely nerve and a heart full of adventure, you’ve probably already asked me about my Exclusive Map to access a plethora of haunted locations, and want to hit the road!

Pump the brakes for just a moment and make sure to read the Disclaimer’s Page about haunted locations. While the finer points of the risks are highlighted there, I will point out that this particular traveling itinerary will lead you into more populated areas, even cities. I’ve maintained a standard on the Exclusive Map whereby I exclude large cities; if you want to visit them, you’re welcome to design your own trip.

But know this, for every large city you stop in, you increase your risk of danger while simultaneously reducing your margin of safety by avoiding them. Never forget, while Ghosts may be scary, humans are the most dangerous thing you will encounter on your journey. Be cautious to protect your digital identity with an RFID blocker. Even literally walking past the wrong person can do you a world of harm, without them ever laying a finger on you, or uttering a word. Secure your devices when in populated areas. You may think you’ll never use it, but keep your pepper spray always at the ready when you’re on foot exploring between locations.

Tourist’s always give themselves away; taking pictures, a swiveling head, backpacks, etc. While I want you to still have a good time, and capture memories with your camera, maintain the lowest possible profile within reason. I’ve been to many cities, and lived in places like downtown Seattle, WA and downtown San Antonio, TX and I encountered some unsavory characters during my times there. I don’t underscore the need for precautions for no reason—I am passing the lessons of my experiences on to you. It is my greatest wish that you come away from here as a better knowledgeable traveler, enhancing your ability to experience the road and its many gifts without falling prey to its many barbs.



Specialty Gear Type: Desert
If you're planning on doing a lot of travel in the Southwestern US, then you might want to consider packing Desert Gear.  It is important to keep and replenish larger than usual quantities of water and sunblock.  Contrary to Western beliefs about keeping cool, take a page from those who live in the Middle East, who live in desert conditions; they cover up their skin, rather than expose it.  They often wear white to reflect the radiant heat of the sunlight, and the layers provide 'wearable shade' while preventing their sweat from evaporating, which continues cooling their body.  Covering up also provides the most obvious benefit of protection against sunburn.
 
I recommend getting a white, light, breathable hooded poncho to wear over your t-shirt or tank top to allow for any breeze to help cool you.  Ordinary sunglasses may not be enough, so I recommend getting a pair that envelops the eyes, blocking out light from all sides, and darker lenses. 

A neckerchief is important to wear during windy conditions, dust will fly into your face and mouth; a neckerchief will protect against inhaling anything unwanted.  Simply pull it over your mouth and nose when the wind picks up.  Sunglasses that envelope the eyes will also help prevent dust from entering them in a wind event, as well. 

Whether you choose to wear a hood or a shade hat, make sure you put sunblock on your face, especially your nose, as this is the portion of your face that protrudes the most into sunlight.  While you may not find yourself walking with a shade umbrella, it is good to carry during times of fatigue, when you need to rest for a moment, and have no shade in sight.  Pop open your umbrella, have a seat, and enjoy your instant shade.

Make certain to have your vehicle's engine cooling and AC systems serviced before venturing out into the desert.  Consult your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations for engine oil weight in hot conditions.  The hotter the climate, the thinner the oil, the less effective it becomes; you may need a thicker weight oil.

Specialty Gear Type: Arctic
  • Universal Gear +
  • heavy winter coat,
  • insulated overalls,
  • wool socks,
  • waterproof snow boots,
  • insulated winter hat,
  • ear muffs,
  • gloves
  • snow goggles,
  • scarf
Optional:
Heated clothing such as gloves and socks are effective in arctic conditions, however, rapid battery depletion will be an issue.


Standard Traveler’s Attire
Moderate Weather:

States with Specific Pepper Spray Restrictions:
New York: Sold in pharmacies and by licensed firearms dealers. Animal sprays ordered online are legal.
Massachusetts: Sold by licensed firearms dealers. Animal sprays ordered online are legal.
Michigan: The laws here have changed recently.
Wisconsin: Pepper spray only, no stronger than 10%. Safety features required. Weight allowed 15-60 grams.
California: Weight restricted to 2.5 ounces (about 70 grams).
Washington D.C.(not a state): You must register with the police for possession of pepper spray.

Note:
The Pepper Spray Gun cartridges are 28 grams, just under an ounce; in case you're from a state that has a 2 ounce restriction, or the like.  In most states it is entirely legal to buy, carry, and use pepper spray-- but, for the states that micromanage your method of non-lethal self defense... check this list.

I know, I know-- but I thought I'd spare you the added trouble of carrying a firearm. 
It's almost like it's a crime to protect yourself...

I suggest punching a few holes into your holster to allow the ORANGE barrel to show through, to avoid confusion about what it is you're actually carrying.  I might even go a step further and spray paint the handle with 'High-Viz' orange.


Peripheral Attire:
Light jacket, rain jacket, hat, sunglasses.

Optional:
decoy wallet in usual pocket, actual wallet hidden on body.



Roadside Gear: Universal Emergency Kit
Tools:
Ratchet and socket set, vise grips, adjustable crescent wrenches, varying screw drivers, flat pry bar, hammer, breaker bar (basically a pipe to create leverage on stuck bolts, I use an old bicycle seat post), floor jack, jack stands, something protective to lay on when underneath vehicle (I use an old roll of roofing rubber).

Fluids:
Spare fuel in lawfully approved container, 1 gallon coolant + Funnel, 2 quarts engine oil + Funnel, 1 gallon washer fluid Bug Removal formula, Power Steering, Brake Fluid, Transmission fluid + Funnel.

Pro Tip:
Label the Funnels for their respective use. Don’t use them interchangeably, as it will contaminate the system that you’re filling. Always use a funnel, to avoid spilling toxic fluids onto the ground, and reduce cost-waste.


Cockpit Tech

Creates more ports to charge or power your AC devices; i.e.: Lighting, Cell phone, GPS

Allows power for certain AC powered devices. i.e.: Laptop, battery charger

  • “Big 3” Upgrade
Adds an additional car battery connected in parallel, in addition to upgrading the alternator to something much stronger, and replacing all the wires connecting the batteries together and to the alternator with 00 Gauge wire, to handle the hotter amperage. Very commonly performed on vehicles enhancing their sound system amplification. A Pro-Audio Vehicle Technician can safely perform this modification. This Upgrade reduces the strain on your vehicles battery from the extra electronic burden. The alternator can wear out, fail and eventually fail to recharge the battery if the system is over-taxed.

Garmin or Tomtom will help you find your way.

Keeps your hands on the wheel.

Records your journey; also monitors activity outside vehicle when windows are covered for rest.

Watches vehicle while you’re away, sends feed and alerts to your phone.

  • Driver/Passenger facing Cams
Optional: If you’re documenting your trip

Recharge AA, AAA, and other batteries and auxiliary power supplies while driving or idling.



Cockpit Illumination
Dash, door, and console illumination.

Floor illumination.

Illuminates dash features with glow-paint at night.

Mood lighting for relaxation and rest.

Alternative to map light; ease of reading in various locations in vehicle.


Cockpit Peripherals
  • Tension rod and Curtain
Separation between cockpit and rear of vehicle, for privacy; keep cargo covered when parked, or close for rest if the cargo area has been converted into a sleeper berth. Keeps high-beam mirror reflection out of eyes during night driving in event of discourteous following driver.

Privacy and security when resting or parked, additional insulation and climate control.